With appreciation to http://www.chiff.com/recreation/sports/indy-500.htm

It's the annual speedfest featuring top drivers in high gear for one of the most popular American car racing events.
This year, the Indy 500 takes place on Sunday, May 29, 2011 during a festive Memorial Day weekend. In keeping with the summer party atmosphere, the race is traditionally preceded by the Indy 500 Festival, a month-long celebration in Indianapolis leading up to the race.

On race day, admission starts at only $20 for general entry into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with tickets having already gone on sale in late summer 2010.

On May 29, watch for full TV coverage of the Indy 500 when it airs on ABC Sports starting at 1 PM ET — as top drivers line up to vie for one of racing's highest honors... the title of winner of the historic 95th running of the Indianapolis 500.

With all the hoopla surrounding the race, the day doesn't end when the last car crosses the finish line in Indy. The Indy 500 is traditionally followed by even more fast-paced racing action at the Coca Cola 600on FOX.

Indy 500 2010 Recap

The winner? Dario Franchitti, who drove almost 200 near-perfect laps before ultimate victory — made possible by a crash that sent Mike Conway airborne on the final spin around the Brickyard. Franchitti's second Brickyard victory in four years helped his boss, Chip Ganassi, become the first owner to win Indy and NASCAR's Daytona 500 in the same year.

Complete 2011 IndyCar Series schedule

March 27 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Streets of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL
April 10 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL
April 17 37th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Streets of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
May 1 São Paulo Indy 300 Streets of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
May 29 95th Indy 500 Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana
June 11 Firestone Twin 275s, Texas Motor Speedway Fort Worth, TX
June 19 Milwaukee 225, Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, WI
June 25 Iowa Corn Indy 250, Iowa Speedway, Newton, IA
July 10 Honda Indy Toronto, Streets of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
August 7 Honda 200, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OH
August 14 Race Name TBA, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH
August 28 Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA
September 4, Baltimore Grand Prix, Streets of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
September 18 Indy Japan 300, Twin Ring Motegi, Motegi, Japan
October 2 Kentucky Indy 300, Kentucky Speedway, Sparta, KY
October 16 TBA
More about the Indy 500 around the Web:

Indianapolis 500 - The official site with all the latest action, driver profiles, photo gallery, trivia, stats, schedule, track map, online shop and ticket information, plus screensavers and wallpaper, and a virtual lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, select video clips and audio interviews.

The 500 Festival - The month-long celebration culminating in the big parade and mini-marathon Labor Day weekend. Includes ticket info, event calendar, details on volunteering for events, news on street closings, FAQ, and related travel links and resources.

IndyStar.com - The online edition of the Indianapolis Star with feature stories, special coverage of the Indy 500 with a row by row lineup, track overview, an Indy wrap up, year by year history recaps, and lots more.

Indy Racing League - Close up look at the top drivers with photos, stats and standings, plus Indy wallpaper, online games, feature stories plus video and audio clips.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Where it all takes place, and offering the latest photos, feature stories, rookie quotes, event happenings, online ticket purchase and more on the Grand Prix and the Brickyard 400 races, the Hall of Fame Museum and tour information.

also see in Entertaining -> Race Day Party Ideas