MOTOR
How many laps are in the Indy 500? What is the distance?
Helio Castroneves became the fourth oldest racer to win the competition this last Sunday as the race took place after it was canceled the previous year
Called the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," the Indy 500 is a mythical race discussed in movies and books and hailed as one of the hardest ever to win. The speedway is the largest venue in the world, where 400,000 people can be in attendance at once.
Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, the Indy 500 only had a 40 percent capacity. However, up to date, the race was the event with the highest attendance of people since the pandemic started, 135,000 fans.
How many laps is the Indy 500?
The race is composed of 200 laps covering 500 miles, and it usually lasts 3 hours. For experts, the Indianapolis race is one of the hardest there is due to the number of laps and the concentration it takes not to make a mistake on repetitive mode. In addition to dry May weather and high temperatures that can affect drivers throughout the race.
Who won the last Indy 500?
This last Sunday, Helio Castroneves became the 4th oldest person to win the race. Dropped from the Penske team last year because of his age, 46, Michael Shank gave Castroneves another opportunity, and the Brazilian driver delivered in a big manner.
Last Sunday's race is Castroneves's fourth Indy win. He was previously victorious in 2001, 2002, and 2009. "I don't know if this is a good comparison, but Tom Brady won the Super Bowl and Phil Mickelson won the golf (PGA tournament), so here you go. The older guys are still kicking the younger guys' butts," said the Brazilian after the race.