A Brief History of the Indianapolis 500

Victorious
A modern tradition for Indy winners— kissing the bricks at the Speedway's finish line. Above, winning driver Dan Wheldon (L) and racing team co-owner Michael Andretti (R) after the race in 2005. The first to cross the checkered flag also wins the 5-foot-high, 150-pound Borg-Warner Trophy. In 2008, the winning driver's purse totaled $3 million.

• Photos: Formula 1
• Photos: The Kentucky Derby