As of 2017, how many drivers have died while racing or testing/practicing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

The Indianapolis 500 is held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a 2.5-mile oval circuit in Speedway, Indiana. Drivers race 200 laps, counter-clockwise around the circuit, for a distance of 500 miles. Since its inception, the race has always been scheduled on or around Memorial Day.

Since 1909 there have been 42 drivers killed while racing or in testing/practice runs at this speedway. Besides the drivers, 13 riding mechanics and 17 other individuals such as pit crew members, track personnel, and spectators have died. Total fatalities at this track are 73.

The first driver killed was Wilfred Bourque in 1909 and the latest driver was Tony Renna in 2003.

Thanks to Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s unforgiving corners and average speeds in excess of 180 miles per hour, the 500-mile race has earned a reputation as one of the deadliest events in motorsports.