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As many people know, this year marks the first year of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Centennial era. Back in 1909 plans were laid down to build what would later become the world’s greatest race course as well as home to the Indy 500, the world’s greatest spectacle in racing.  The early work on the first track surface laid down consisted of 3.2 million paving bricks laid down in just about 2 months time. The first 500 mile automobile race, then called the “International Sweepstakes” was held on May 30, 1911, and started what will be 100 years of tradition in 2011.

What most don’t know was that the first race ever held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a gas balloon race.  To commemorate this, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is holding a 3 day Centennial era balloon festival that is presented by AT&T Real Yellow Pages.  This will jump start the month of May and be the first of many activities to come before this year’s 93rd running of the Indy 500.  The festival will consist of 33 balloons that will pay honor to the 33 starters of the annual Indianapolis 500 mile race. Scott McClinton, event ballonmeister said,

Just as the Indy 500 showcases the best in motor racing, we have selected a strong lineup of colorful balloons and professional and personable pilots for the Centennial era Balloon Festival.  The pilots are ready to put on a show, both at the evening glows and morning races from the IMS infield, that the public will soon not forget.”

Energizer is also celebrating the Energizer bunny’s 20th anniversary this year.  To commemorate this, Energizer has entered it’s Energizer Bunny “Hot Hare” Balloon, which is the tallest ballon in the world standing at a staggering 166 feet tall.  This ballon is taller than the Statue of Liberty by 15 feet. 

The public is invited to come to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield and attend the Friday and Saturday night balloon “glows” as well as the launch of the 100 years race on Sunday morning.  Admission is free and parking is in the IMS infield.  You can visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s site here for more info, a schedule, and list of the Centennial Era Ballon festival activities that are presented by AT&T Real yellow Pages.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has definitely survived the test of time. In it’s history it has survived through two world wars along with the great depression. It has undergone numerous face lifts and renovations since 1909. It is still host of the largest single day sporting event in the world with over 400,000 people in attendance and millions of others watching in hundreds of countries. It is also the largest sporting facility in the world, able to fit Vatican City, the Rose Bowl, Roman Coliseum, Wimbledon Campus, Kentucky Derby, and Yankee Stadium. The Speedway will mark it’s 100th anniversary in 2009 and it’s 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a remarkable place and truly is home of the greatest spectacle in racing.