Discusses the history and development of the race cars that have been used at the Indianapolis World Speedway from the early 1900s to the present.

Describes how Indy cars evolved into the highly advanced cars they are today, as well as how teams prepare their cars for races and how races are run.

Tradition, technology, and personal bravery combined to make the Indianapolis 500 one of the world's most famous sporting events. However, political infighting within the industry--which climaxed with a 12-year "Split" from 1996 to 2007 between competing forms of Indy car racing--prevented the sport from achieving its potential. The Split seriously tarnished the reputation of the Indianapolis 500 and allowed NASCAR to become America's most popular form of motorsport. But Indy car racing's dysfunction didn't originate in 1996. The story begins in 1945, when a businessman from Terre Haute, Indiana named Tony Hulman rescued the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from potential redevelopment. Over the next 75 years, the Hulman-George family used the stature of the Speedway to carve out a powerful position in American auto racing. Stewardship of the IMS often brought the family into conflict with Indy car competitors. A volatile period in the late 1970s resulted in the formation of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART), and tensions ramped up even more when Hulman's grandson, Tony George, assumed power in 1990. The Split forced Indy car fans, sponsors, broadcasters and participants to choose sides. It created confusion and animosity and caused tremendous damage to the sport. With negotiations driven by legendary racer Mario Andretti and actor/racer Paul Newman, The Split was finally resolved in 2008, only for George to walk away less than three years later from the role he so desperately coveted. The long struggle for stability and leadership was finally resolved in 2020 when Roger Penske acquired IMS and the IndyCar Series.

Indy cars are all about speed. From the methanol-powered engine to the wings and pointed nose, each part of an Indy car helps it race faster. Don't let anything slow you down as you read all about the cars of the famous Indy 500 race.

Gearhead Garage: "From screaming fast F1 cars to custom choppers, get to know what's 'under the hood' of your favorite vehicles"--Back cover.

Offers readers a close-up look at Indy cars. With colorful spreads featuring fun facts, sidebars, labeled diagrams, and a "How It Works" feature, the book provides a thrilling overview of this exciting vehicle.