The 1911 Indianapolis 500 was the first-ever long distance international race on the Speedway. Although noted „international“, this year only American drivers contested. But it would not take long, before the starting field became all-international. Ray Harroun in a Marmon was the winner; the only single-seat car with a rearview mirror. In the last lap, several cars crashed and damaged the time-keeper’s house. This caused quite some confusion as to who was the winner of this first 500-mile race. In the end, however, all was settled. Finally, the race was an absolute succes, confirming the ideas of the IMS management.