The IndyCar Series management announced plans to modify the IndyCars for better driver protection. One proposal is three inches of foam around the driver in the cockpit with one inch of foam underneath the seat. A metal plate would be installed to the right of the cockpit. All these features are aimed at reducing the force of impact on the driver when sudden impact occurs between the car and the outside wall or another car. One driver suggested better head protection by covering the open cockpit with a clear dome similar to a fighter jet’s cockpit.

Another area of improvement is communications between the drivers and the managers. The recent death of Dan Wheldon at the season’s last race in Las Vegas prompted management to listen to driver’s safety concerns and complaints about safety.

Pete DePaolo, in winning the 1925 race, became the first driver to average more than 100MPH (101.1) over 500 miles. One of Indy’s unique traditions began in 1936 when Louis Meyer, after winning his third 500, requested milk in the wiiner’s circle, a practice that continues to this day.

Racing resumed in 1946, and under new owner Tony Hulman, major renovation took place at the Speedway, and the famous “Gentlemen, start your engines!” call began.

The 1964 500 is notable for a second lap, seven-car crash that claimed the lives of two drivers, prompting a switch from gasoline to methanol the following year. The ’64 race, won by A.J. Foyt, was the last 500 to be won by a car with the engine located in the front of the vehicle.

Janet Guthrie, in 1977, became the first female driver to qualify for the 500, although she completed just 27 laps. 1992 saw Indy’s closest-ever finish, with Al Unser, Jr. edging out Scott Goodyear by 0.043 seconds.

Three drivers, Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Unser, Sr. are tied with the most Indy 500 wins with 4 apiece, while the Penske Racing Team holds the most victories overall with 15.

The biggest motorsport races in the world are the Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans, NASCAR Sprint All Star Race, and The Daytona 500.

The Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and 24 Hours of Le Mans are considered to be the triple crown of professional motorsports. These 3 races are considered to be the most prestigious racing events in the world and only one person has one all three. The Indianapolis 500 is typically in May and is referred to as “the greatest spectacle in racing”. The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One race that occurs in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an annual endurance race in Le Mans, France.

The NASCAR Sprint All Star Race features the biggest stars in NASCAR racing at prime time for a million dollar payout to the winner. The Daytona 500 is referred to as the “Super Bowl of NASCAR” and is their biggest racing event.

One of the major changes is how racing stewards approach their analysis of race incidents. Race stewards now use a video analysis system, where incidents are shown online, along with any explanation and evidence of why a ruling was made. Beginning in 2010, former Formula One drivers began assisting race stewards in making decisions about incidents. Permanent panels of three FIA (The Fdration Internationale de l’Automobile) stewards are also joined by one local steward at each race to assist in assessing incidents.

The safety of Formula one cars and equipment has also improved greatly. Minimum dimensions are now required for roll bars on cars. This is to maintain the safety of the roll bar structure and avoid designs that would compromise this. There were also new helmets introduced recently that feature a strip across the top of the visor. The goal behind this design is to reinforce the weakest part of the helmet.