---
title: "Report: Indianapolis 500 Voted the Greatest Auto Race in the World"
description: "The Indy 500 edged out the Daytona 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and other iconic races.Indy 500 edged out the Daytona 500, the 24 of Le Mans, and other iconic races."
date: "2018-08-06"
modified: "2018-08-06"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/22658/report-the-indianapolis-500-voted-the-greatest-auto-race-in-the-world"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "Racing"
tags:
  - "24 Hours of Le Mans"
  - "daytona 500"
  - "Indianapolis"
  - "Indianapolis Motor Speedway"
  - "Indy 500"
  - "indycar"
  - "Indycar Series"
  - "racing"
  - "Racing News"
---

# Report: Indianapolis 500 Voted the Greatest Auto Race in the World

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/08/ripshaub_2018_indycar_indy500_wickens-3_preview.jpeg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The Indianapolis 500, which began back in 1911, was voted the best motorsports race in the world by an expert panel of racing and travel journalists in addition to the general public, further solidifying its position as the "greatest spectacle in racing."

The prestigious title was issued by readers of [*USA Today*](<https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-motorsports-race/>), who earlier this year participated in the 10Best Reader's Choice travel award contest, which aimed to uncover some of the "best" experiences or venues around the world ranging from the best wineries to the best car shows and even rodeos. The contest, which was first open to motorsports experts Michelle R. Martinelli and Bridget Schuil before going public, pitted the legendary race held every year at the [Indianapolis Motor Speedway](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20854/the-drive-at-indy-reporting-directly-from-the-indianapolis-motor-speedway>) against other world-class motorsports events held around the globe.

![message-editor%2F1533571191586-ripshaub\_2018\_indycar\_indy500-5.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1533571191586-ripshaub_2018_indycar_indy500-5.jpg>)
*Fans flock at the annual Indy 500., *© 2018 RIP SHAUB. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED**

Although the final tally for the general public votes wasn't released, *USA Today* did disclose that it has a daily newspaper circulation of three million and 24 million active app users in the United States.

This is how the rest of the contenders ranked in the best motorsports race category:

1. Indianapolis 500 - Indianapolis, Indiana
2. Daytona 500 - Daytona Beach, Florida
3. Monaco Grand Prix - Monte Carlo, Monaco
4. 24 Hours of Le Mans - Le Mans, France
5. Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix - Salinas, California
6. United States Grand Prix - Austin, Texas
7. 24 Hours Nürburgring - Nürburg, Germany
8. Canadian Grand Prix - Montreal, Canada
9. Bathurst 12 Hour - Bathurst, Australia
10. Italian Grand Prix - Monza, Italy

![message-editor%2F1533571264965-ripshaub\_2018\_indycar\_indy500-26.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1533571264965-ripshaub_2018_indycar_indy500-26.jpg>)
*Team Penske's Will Power, winner of the 2018 Indianapolis 500., *© 2018 RIP SHAUB. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED**

"We're happy to agree with the readers of *USA TODAY* and 10Best.com - there's nothing on Earth quite like the prestige, tradition, power, and excitement of the [Indianapolis 500](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/21131/will-power-and-team-penske-win-the-scorching-hot-2018-indy-500>)," Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said. "The race continues to enjoy positive momentum and growth since the landmark 100th Running in 2016. Thanks to everyone who voted for the '500,' and we will continue to work every day to ensure fans enjoy a fun, memorable experience every May at IMS."

According to the *USA Today*, "No business \[or venue\] [pays to be listed](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/22168/behind-the-shadowy-billion-dollar-payouts-of-f1-nascar-and-indycar>) or considered for the annual contest. 10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world."

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)