The Indy 500 is more than a huge financial Memorial Day event. Via trickledown technology it has vastly improved our lives. Turbochargers were 1st used in ’52, rearview mirrors in ’11 and seatbelts after WWII. Wide low-profile tires now used were also perfected there. When Indy cars were 1st outfitted with crash test recorders in ’92 huge advances in cabin safety including side airbags were ushered in.