On this day in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana was finally completed.
The iconic oval, conceived by visionary businessman Carl G. Fisher, had initially hosted its first motorsport event on August 19, 1909. But the track's poor surface conditions led to a disastrous first race, resulting in multiple accidents and the tragic loss of five lives .
In response, the owners opted to lay bricks around the circuit, and on December 14, 1909, the extensive work was successfully completed.
This marked the birth of the renowned Indy Brickyard which has since become one of motorsport's most revered venues and the home of the Indy 500 since 1911.
The Speedway - now owned by American motorsport legend Roger Penske - has always stood the test of time and retained its status as a premier racing destination and a symbol of motorsport's heritage.
