Billed as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, the Indy 500 takes place in Indianapolis this weekend with the action live on SuperSport 2 (SA only) from 5.30pm on Sunday.
Around 300 000 people are expected to crowd the famous raceway with millions more watching the 101st running of the event.
Top heavy with stars – the race will be started by Hollywood actor Jake Gyllenhaal – the participants include former F1 world champion Fernando Alonso, Juan Pablo Montoya and Marco Andretti, the third-generation member of the famous racing family.
“I have always been intrigued by this place and this race,” Alonso explained. “I said this before, I want to be remembered as the best racer in the world. That is why I am here. Indianapolis is a place that can prove that.”
Scott Dixon, who is on pole by his 373km/h speed in the time trials, is favourite for the 500-mile (805km) race that takes in 200 laps on an asphalt surface.