Is Indy 500 the biggest motorsports event in the world? All you need to know about ‘the greatest spectacle in racing’

The Indy 500 is known as “the greatest spectacle in racing.” Speeds of over 220 miles per hour, drivers enduring four G’s of force through the corner for 200 laps, the tradition, and the event's history all make it a sight to behold. But is it the biggest motorsports event of the year?

When considering the biggest motorsports events, perhaps only a few come to mind: the Indianapolis 500, the Monaco GP, the 24 Hours of Lens, the Daytona 500, and the Isle of Man TT. Out of these five, the first three make the Triple Crown, believed to be the biggest achievement in motorsport. So the real competition is between the Indy 500, Monaco GP, and Le Mans.

AUTO: DEC 04 INDIANAPOLIS 500 winner Josef Newgarden at the Borg-Warner Trophy Ceremony - Source: Getty

The Isle of Man TT is also unique in the motorsports book. None of the above-mentioned motorsports events come even close to the risk endured by the Isle of Man TT riders who drive superbikes around the countryside of the Isle of Man island at 200 miles per hour with hardly any safety barriers. On the other hand, the Daytona 500 began at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which already had the Indianapolis 500.

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The Monaco GP, Indy 500, and 24 Hours of Le Mans: Which is the biggest motorsports event?

The Indianapolis 500 is the oldest motorsports event in the world and has been consistently since its inception. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, known as the Brickyard since the track was brick-laden as opposed to the dirt tracks of the time, was built in 1909. The first race took place in 1911 and was called the International 500-mile Sweepstakes race. However, the name didn't prove that attractive. It was later changed to the current one.

In comparison, the first race in Monaco around the iconic street circuit took place in 1929. The track layout between the Mediterranean Sea and the French Alps was the key attraction for the race. The 24 Hours of LeMans also arrived later than the Indy 500 on the racing scene as the first race Circuit de la Sarthe was held in 1923.

The F1 Grand Prix Of Monaco - Source: Getty

Along with being the oldest race, the Indy 500 is steeped in traditions: the Rings are given to the participants, including in the qualification where the fastest 33 are eligible for the race; the Grand Marshall announcement before the start of the race, the winner chugging a milk bottle, and many more.

The Indy 500 is also attended by the most spectators. The Monaco GP hosts an average of 200,000 people during the race weekend. The number averages 250,000-300,000 for the 24 Hours of LeMans. The 2024 Le Mans race set a new record as 329,000 people attended the race. However, the Indy 500 averages between 300,000-350,000 spectators for a weekend. 345,000 fans reportedly were in attendance at the 2024 race.

All these factors suggest that the Indy 500, the event with the oldest history and the most attendance, is arguably the biggest motorsports event of the year.