The Indy 500 by the eBay Stats

By Matthew Shepatin
May 27, 2011

Indy 500

The 2010 Indianapolis 500 (photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

It’s a birthday party with a guest list of 300,000.

That’s the number of fans, give or take, who will pack into the Mecca of motor sports, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to celebrate the 100th running of the Indy 500 on Sunday. They will watch 33 of the world’s top race car drivers battle each other at speeds of over 200 mph to snag the coveted title of champion at the Indy 500’s centennial anniversary.

No wonder everybody is so revved up for the Indianapolis 500. (And if you don't believe us, consider that for items on eBay with the term "Indy 500": online sales are up 68 percent; eBay listings are up 27 percent; average price is up 34 percent; and total auction bids are up 42 percent in the last month compared to the prior period.)

Indy 500

The 2010 Indianapolis 500 (photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

At that first official "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in 1911, race car driver Ray Harroun beat out 46 drivers to claim victory in his bright yellow Marmon Wasp. His first place finish earned him $10,000. By comparison, lthe winner of the 2010 Indy 500, Dario Franchitti, earned $2.75 million.

The slightly increased prize money is a reflection of how the Indy 500 has grown into the world’s largest single-day sporting event. More than just a race, it's an American ritual, a celebration of speed, a show of vehicular might, and unequivocally, the universe’s largest tailgate party.

Indy 500

The 2010 Indy 500 (photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The Indianapolis 500 is also the test for anybody who’s ever dared to get behind the wheel of a beastly Formula One machine pumping over 700 horsepower. This year’s top challengers are well known. Defending champion Franchitti, racing for Target Chip Ganassi, is the man to beat. The Scottish “Highlander” will look to kiss the bricks for a third time (lucky Scottie gets to kiss wife Ashley Judd all he wants).

By taking the checkered flag, Dario Franchitti would equal the motor sport’s other giant, Team Penske’s Hélio Castronoves. Castronoves, who took home the Indy 500 crown in 2001, 2002 and 2009, has the chance to grab a record fourth victory, matching Rick Mears, Al Unser and ultimate Indy 500 legend A.J. Foyt, who took home his first Borg-Warner trophy in 1961.

Indy 500

Helio Castroneves, Dario Franchitti and Danica Patrick, frontrunners for the 2011 Indy 500, light The Empire State Building. (photo by T Roth/WireImage)

Other serious Indianapolis 500 challengers include Danica Patrick, who could be the first female winner of the historic race. Also, keep an eye on Castronoves’ Penske racing mates, Ryan Briscoe and Will Power. Both men have found great success on the IndyCars series, but winning this race would land them in victory lane witha bottle of milk and their face on a Wheaties box, especially with this year’s raised stakes.

"At the 100-year anniversary, I do think the winner goes in that same book as Ray Harroun, and it's a great pressure to have. I wouldn't want it any other way," Ryan Hunter-Reay, the sole U.S. racer to win an IndyCar event since April 2008, told Sports Illustrated. "It's part of history, part of American history."

1911 Ray Harroun "Marmon Wasp" Decanter

(buy it now price, $125)

Harroun’s historic victory at the first Indy 500 is commemorated here. Did you know the actual model featured the first-ever rear-view mirror?
100th Anniversary Indy 500 Programs

(buy it now price, $60)

Who knows what this set of three 2011 Indy 500 programs might be worth a hundred years from now?
2010 Dario Franchitti Indy 500 Silver Pit Badge

(buy it now price, $60)

This pit badge probably won’t get you into Franchitti’s garage. But imagine the story you can spin to that guy or girl at the bar.
Lost Al Unser Documentary

(buy it now price, $10,000)

The never-released 40-year old documentary features lost film footage of quadruple Indy 500 winner Al Unser.
100th Anniversary Indy 500 Serving Tray

A must-have accessory for an Indy 500 viewing party.
A.J. Foyt Race Helmet

(buy it now price, $10,000)

Four-time Indy 500 winner Foyt apparently raced in this helmet. It can be yours for a more $10,000.
vSega "Indy 500" Arcade Game

(buy it now price, $1,500)

This old-school arcade game has two seats so you can trade paint with a friend.
Bobby Rahal's 1992 Indy 500 Uniform

(buy it now price, $2,800)

This uniform was worn by 1986 Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal in 1992.
1959 Indy 500 Race Ticket

(buy it now price, $49.99)

This ticket would have got you into the 47th Indianapolis 500 in 1959.
Danica Patrick Signed Sports Illustrated

(buy it now price, $100)

Yes, she can. But will she? Tune in May 29th to find out!
Vintage Miller High Life Sign Indy 500

(buy it now price, $149.99)

Cars and beer: Can you think of a better gift for a "man cave"?
Ralph Mulford Indy 500 Race Photo

(buy it now price, $125)

Ralph Mulford was originally declared winner of the first Indy 500 in 1911. He was given the flag before Ray Harroun, then went on to take a few extra safety laps as a precaution. When he returned, Harroun was already in the winner's circle and Mulford's protests fell on deaf ears.