The first payout in 1911 was about $27,550, and since the race has become more popular than ever, these days, the total payout stands at more than $13.

Indianapolis 500 winners used to receive 50% of the total purse, but recently winners only take about 20% of the purse. Despite the differences in percentages, it’s quite a large amount as the total purse has gradually increased over the years.

Last year, 2019, the total payout was $13.09 million, and the winner, Simon Pagenaud, took home the prize money close to $2.67 million. The last place driver took home about $200k.

Indy 500 payout 2020

We will know the exact and official payout totals for the 2020 Indy 500 after the race. However, with the recent payouts, we can come up with an approximated figure for the race.

The last five years have seen the total purse decrease where we saw Simon Pagenaud take home roughly $2.67 million from the $13.09 million of the purse in 2019. The previous year in 2018, Will power earned about $2.52 million from $13/07 million purse

So, we expect the amount to differ slightly and close to the $13 million payouts.

The highest Indy 500 Payout history

In 2008, the total payout peaked to more than $14.4 million, and it became the highest ever payout in Indy 500 history.

In 2009, Helio Castroneves, a third-time winner, took home the largest amount paid to a winner amounting to about $3.04 million. He actually holds the record for earnings by an individual driver at more than $12. 65 million.

List of last 10 years winners and Prize money:

Here is the list of Indy 500 winner’s names and Payout of Prize Money for the Last 10 Years. Stay with the following…

What determines the amount?

The total purse amount still remains undisclosed, but the prize money comes from sponsors, organizers, the IndyCar Series, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

That’s why you can find a driver despite the position he finished on earning more than another driver high on the ranking card. For instance, in 2008, Carlos Munoz finished 7th and earned about $254,000 while other drivers who finished 8th, 9th, and 10th took more money over $400k.

Lastly, what determines what each driver gets is the fastest laps, the number of laps led, and so on.

Conclusion

Simon Pagenaud will be defending his champion and will be looking to get his hands on another title win. But it’s an achievement that’s not easy to achieve. 

The only drivers to win back-to-back races are five, and they include Helio Castroneves (2001-02), Al Unser (1970-71), Bill Vukovich (1953-54), Mauri Rose (1947-48), and Wilbur Shaw (1939-40).

Who do you think will be the winner of next year, 2020 Indy 500?

There is no such thing as a bad seat at the Indy 500, but you need to choose one that provides the ultimate view to watch the race. And that’s why no matter where you’re seated, you can always have a great time.

For sure, we can say that some seats are better positioned than others, and to get them; you’ll need to cough up some more dollars than the usual rate.

However, we think some of these seats give good value to your money since you can enjoy the racing with all your viewing wishes at heart.

Here, we will look at some of the general tips for Indy 500 seating chart of choosing Indianapolis 500 seats, and the type of seats to expect.

10 Tips for choosing Indy 500 seats

1. Choose a set with a backrest– This ensures you remain comfortable at all times as the racing goes on. You can even rent seat cushions.
2. Go for a set with a good view of the TV monitor – It’s an excellent idea for the few that want to follow a race by seeing the scoring tower.
3. Go for sits in the corners– You can expect to have the widest views for all the racing actions taking place. Sitting at a corner ensures that you see down the whole straightaway as the cars go by.
4. Sit at the highest place as possible to see all the action – Sitting high is another great option if you want to have the widest views of the racing event.
5. Sit low-Sitting very near the racing track makes the event more exciting as cars go by, and fans cheer their racers.
6. Sit under a roof – This is to protect yourself from hot sun rays as well as rain. You can go for penthouses seats that have roofs.
7. Seating Suites with added benefits – You can also choose suites that come with benefits such as elevator access, garage and pit passes, food and beverages, and air condition.
8. Sit on the deck – They provide an unobstructed view but be sure to note that they don’t have any protection from elements such as sun or rain.
9. Stay away from the sun –To avoid the sun shining on your face, which can hinder how you see the track well, its recommended to sit while facing east or north.
10. Park near your seats – It’s for those who want to walk out fast after the race.

The types of seats to expect at the Indy 500

• Paddock section
• Paddock penthouse seats.
• Paddock grandstand.
• A, B & E stands
• Penthouse (A, B, C, D, E)
• Southeast vista seats
• Northwest vista seats.
• Pit road terrace seats.

Conclusion

Gets your tickets early by purchasing them on the official Indianapolis 500 websites or the other valid means and go for a seat that is more to your liking. Select your best seats from the Indy 500 seating chart. The seats differ in prices, and at most times, the penthouse ones are more expensive than the others but are worthy with a great view of the track.

Before we dive in, we sincerely offer our condolences to the families of all the affected victims.
Here, we will look at the ten most recent fatalities and the taken lives of people at the Indy 500.

Recent Indy 500 deaths

1. Peter Lenz, Rider, 2010

On August 29, 2010, Peter was run over by another motorcycle during the warm-up from race two of the USGPRU event. The paramedics responded quickly and placed him into a cervical collar, where he was intubated. They performed CPR on him, but he would later pass on due to the injuries sustained at the Methodist Hospital.

2. Art Morris, Safety Crew Member, 2004

Coincidentally, the previous accident to take a life at the Indy 500 happened in August, but different date and year. On August 6, 2004, Morris met his unfortunate death during a practice day when he suffered a heart attack. Which made him crash his motor scooter on the concrete walls, and after a few hours, he was pronounced dead at the Methodist Hospital.

3. Tony Renna, Driver, 2003

This was one of the fatal deaths at the Indy 500 that occurred on October 22, 2003, when Renna was supposed to conduct a tire test after signing a new deal with Chip Ganassi Racing (2004 season). On the fourth lap, he was driving at 215 mph when his car caught air underneath and was lifted into the air. Renna died instantly, and up-to-date, the exact cause of the spin is still unknown.

4. Scott Brayton, Driver, 1996

Scott Brayton had just won the pole position on May 11, and after six days, On May 17, 1994, he met his death while testing a back-up car. He was driving at a speed of over 200 mph when the car spun and hit the wall. Paramedics found him unconscious, and he was rushed to the Methodist hospital, where he was later pronounced dead as a result of a basilar skull fracture.

5. Jovy Marcello, Driver, 1992

This was another case of basilar skull fracture taking a life consecutively at the Indy 500 on May 15, 1992. It was after the car Jovy was practicing with impacted the entering of turn one at 172 mph, killing him instantly.

6. Stephen White, Trespasser, 1991

One of the bizarre deaths at the Indy 500 that occurred on May 29, 1991. After the 1991 race, Stephen decided to spin with his GMC pick-up at the most prestigious motor speedway, and I bet he didn’t know that was the end of his life. Just after a few laps, a foreman by the name of Luther Wray tried to block him by parking a Dodge Caravan. And Stephen, who was driving at 100 mph, didn’t stop and struck the van making his truck go airborne and landed heavily. He was pronounced dead before even reaching the hospital.

7. Lyle Kurtenbach, Spectator, 1987

Lyle was the first spectator death to be recorded at the Indy 500 on May 24, 1997, after a tire was launched in the air by a speeding car and stroke Lyle while on the K grandstand. He died on the same day.

8. Gordon Smiley, Driver, 1982

Smiley died from massive trauma after he lost control of the car due to oversteering during the qualifying round on May 15, 1982.

9. Tim Vail, spectator, 1980

On May 22, 1980, Tim met his death when his jeep overturned while driving in the snake pit. He died as a result of a fractured skull.

10. Swede Savage (Driver) & Armando Teran (Team Member), 1997

The first incident to take two lives at the Indy 500 on May 30, 1973. Swede lost control of the car; as a result, it hit the inside of the track wall busting into flames. He would later be taken to the hospital in critical injuries and died after a month. Meanwhile, during the accident that later on took the life of Swede, there was a fire truck that stroked Teran as he was heading towards the pit lane. He was pronounced dead on the same day due to ribs and a broken skull.

Conclusion

According to Wikipedia, there are about 73 reports of Indy 500 deaths at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race has taken the lives of 42 drivers, 13 riding mechanics, and one motorcyclist. The remaining 17 lives consist of other personnel that includes spectators, track staff, and pit crew members.

104th Indy 500 is knocking at the door. Thrilling 104th Indianapolis 500 is a 500 miles of rampant speed and super fast-paced action. Thirty-three driver will combat for 200 laps and 500 miles oval around the IMS circuit.

The premier event of the Verizon IndyCar Series will happen over Memorial Day weekend on May 26. Three million people will attend at the spot. However, the month of May activities traditionally began with IndyCar Grand Prix on May 12. Indy 500 practice is set on Crab Day 15th May and the qualifying will be held on 19 & 20 May 2020. Learn more about the 2020 Indianapolis 500 right here.

Everything about 2020 Indy 500 at a glance

This is the most prestigious auto racing sport in America. Indianapolis 500 held annually at the IMS, Indiana and the 104th Greatest Spectacle in Racing is scheduled on 26th May 2020. This year, Indy 500 will be the most dramatic auto racing with a lot of exciting drivers including Alexander Rossi, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Takuma Sato and more. It’s difficult to say who will win the Borg-Warner Trophy, who can drench with milk as well as dreaming cash prize. But before starting the race we should know everything about the 104th Indy 500. Let’s see all about the race below.

What time does the Indianapolis 500 start?

The 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is set for 26th May Memorial Day weekend. In the Race Day, engines will start at 12:15 PM ET. The traditional green flag will drop at 12:19 PM ET and the 500 miles race will begin at 12:20 PM ET.

What channel is the Indianapolis 500 on?

NBC will air the Iconic Race from Speedway. NBC is the only broadcaster of the race. Thereafter, none of any other channel can air the event. One can watch the pinnacle of the race on fuboTV, Sling TV or WatchESPN.

Where is the Indianapolis 500?

The Indianapolis 500 is held annually at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The IMS is the home circuit of the Indy 500.

What TV Channel has the broadcasting right?

NBC channel currently holds the official broadcasting right of the event as well as the whole IndyCar Series. But from the beginning of the year 2020, NBC will be the official broadcast partner of the Verizon IndyCar Series along with Indy 500 game.

Indianapolis 500 attendance

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway racing circuit’s seating capacity is near about 2.5 million. But in the Race Day at most 3 million people will attend at the circuit. This IMS authority declared this year will be the smoking free atmosphere of the race and first time for Indy 500.

How many Laps in Indy 500 2020?

Thirty-three drivers have to race 200 laps over the 500 miles circuit. That means every driver must complete 200 laps in the contest. Fastest lap is very important for the event. However, the fastest lap was considered for championship bonus points in the previous time.

How long Indy 500 track?

Indianapolis 500 is held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the circuit distance is 2.5 miles (4.0 kilometer) oval circuit. Drivers race 200 laps for 500 miles in the prestigious event.

Who won the first Indianapolis 500?

The first Indianapolis 500 was held in 1911 and Ray Harroun is the first Indy 500 winner. His average speed was 74.59 miles per hour and Harroun was driving Marmon engine with team Nordyke & Marmon Company.

Who won the 100th Indy 500?

Alexander Rossi won the 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016. Rossi made the winning with Andretti Autosport when he was only 24-year-old American rookie. Moreover, he always saved fuel in the whole race and his patient has made him the champion.

Who won Indy 500 last year?

Will Power, an Australian champion motorsports driver, is the winner of last year 104th Indianapolis 500.

Can I watch Indy 500 online?

Yes, you can watch the Iconic Race online at home. One will be able to watch 2020 Indy 500 live online with or without cable here. NBC will telecast the entire race from IMS circuit, Indiana. People can watch the event online on the NBC app. Nevertheless, fans also can enjoy the greatest race on WatchESPN. If you do not have any cable operator then the online channel may be your best choice. There have a lot of ways to watch the event online through different internet channels. Choose any one of them and stream Indianapolis 500 directly on your mobile, android phone, PC, Laptop, or tablet. Users may watch the iconic game with the help of Sling TV, Fubo TV, DirecTV NOW, SBS, YouTube TV, or any trusted one. The mobile user will be able to see the event by downloading the NBC app, DirecTV NOW App, or any of the above online tv provider. One can find these apps from Google Play Store, App Store, Apple Store, Amazon App Store. If you are from the outside USA then you may catch up the event by using VPN service as well.

How much Indianapolis 500 tickets?

The 500 miles race tickets will be available on the official IMS website. General admission of the Indy 500 Race Day ticket price is fixed between $35-$55. On the other hand, the reserved seats are fixed at different prices. The most VIP seat “Paddock” ticket price is between $120-$125, “Tower Terrace” is for $117-$120, “Pit Road Terrace” seat price is $95-$98, North Vista is for $95-$98. Check out your seat on the official website on the internet and book your seat. Otherwise, you may collect your seat with various trusted ticket website like StubHub, Ticketmaster etc.

Indianapolis 500 prize money

The greatest automobile race winner gets $2.50 million. Takuma Sato, the winner of the 2017 Indy 500, earned $2,458,129 from a total purse of $13,178,359. In 2016, Alexander Rossi earned $2,548,743 where the total purse was $13,273,253. Brazilian auto racing driver Helio Castroneves won the 2009 running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and earned $3,048,005 from a total purse of $14,315,315.

Why do the indy 500 winners drink milk?

The inaugural race has a lot of traditions but the most watched images every year is the winner drinking liquid milk. In 1933, three-time Indy 500 winner Louis Meyer drank a glass of buttermilk due to refresh himself from hot weather. His mother had told him always to drink it when he got thirsty and Meyer was given a glass of milk when the man won 1936 Running of the Indianapolis 500 for the 3rd time. After this iconic moment winner of the race drink milk as a tradition.

What’s new?

2020 Indianapolis 500 will be the legendary iconic race and there have a few new rules added to it. Let’s see which rules have added for the 500:

• The start time of the Indy 500 practice has been moved from 12:00 PM to 11:00 AM. Track closing time remains the same at 6:00 PM.
• Minimum car weight has been reduced from 1580 to 1590 pounds for speedway due to more safety.
• Championship points from Indianapolis 500 qualifying has been rebuild while all 33 drivers had got points in the previous time. But this year only top 9 drivers will get this point with a new rule like as pole winner will receive 9 points, the second position holder will get 8 points and the rest of the starters will receive points consecutively down as 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.

At last, we try to cover everything of the 104th Indy 500 in this blog. If you want to learn more about the game then please contact us and drop your question. We will create more point for you. Our teams always ready to bring the latest news of the iconic race.