250 to 250:112. Indianapolis 500, Narrated by Lexy White

Happy Constitution and Citizenship Week! 

(updated in process)

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Indianapolis 500, Narrated by Lexy White

Lexy White is a social media producer, journalist and founder of Paddock Party LA, a social club dedicated to creating an inclusive community for female and queer Motorsport fans. White celebrates the Indianapolis 500, the storied race that fueled America's car culture and became one of the nation's greatest sporting traditions. 

The first Indianapolis 500 race was held in 1911.

• About 85,000 people came to watch the race.
• Drivers raced 200 laps around a 2.5-mile track.
• The race is often called the Indy 500.
• The Indy 500 became more popular as more Americans began driving cars.
• The race also helped encourage new car technology.
• The Indianapolis Motor Speedway became a famous place for auto racing.
• The Indy 500 has many special traditions.
• The winner celebrates by drinking milk.
• Before the race, people sing “Back Home Again in Indiana.”
• For many years, the race began with the words “Gentlemen, start your engines.”
• In 1977, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to race in the Indy 500.
• The starting announcement changed to include women drivers.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• I-9 Documents that Establish Identity: Do you have Driver's License or ID card issued by a State? 
• USCIS 100:42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states.  What is one power of the states? 
• USCIS 128:118.   Name one example of an American innovation.
• Read: What state do you live in?
• Write: I live in California (I live in . . . Alaska, Delaware, New Mexico, New York, Washington).  

Family Fun:

• Christopher DeHarde: A Complete First-Timer's Guide to Attending the Indianapolis 500
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Janet Gutherie | Centennial Moments playlist
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: Current Exhibit
• Josh Revell: Why the Indy 500 MATTERS
• Morphart: Indy 500 Evolution (1911–2025) | The Greatest IndyCar Race in History
• Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: Janet Guthrie
• The Henry Ford: History of Early Automobile Racing in America | The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation | Driven to Win exhibit
• USA Today Sports: Here's everything that happens during an Indy 500 pit stop
• uscitizenpod: Janet Guthrie - Indy 500 coloring page
• WVUT:  How the Indy 500 Changed Cars Forever