IMS was originally test ground for auto industry

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) – The first Indianapolis 500 was held in 1911. However, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was open before the first race.

IMS was constructed in 1909 and served as a testing ground for the automobile industry.

Indiana roads were not yet developed. IMS was a location where those in the industry could find out what automobile could do. Manufactures would test privately and occasionally held races where the public could attend.

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