Tradition, technology, and personal bravery have made the Indianapolis 500 a premier sporting event. However, political infighting, particularly the 12-year "Split" from 1996 to 2007 between rival Indy car racing factions, hindered the sport's potential and tarnished its reputation, allowing NASCAR to rise as America's top motorsport. The dysfunction in Indy car racing traces back to 1945 when Tony Hulman saved the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from redevelopment. Over the next 75 years, the Hulman-George family leveraged the Speedway's prestige to gain influence in American auto racing, often clashing with competitors. A tumultuous period in the late 1970s led to the creation of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART), and tensions escalated further when Tony Hulman's grandson, Tony George, took control in 1990. The Split forced fans, sponsors, and participants to choose sides, creating confusion and animosity that severely damaged the sport. Legendary racer Mario Andretti and actor/racer Paul Newman played key roles in negotiations that finally resolved the Split in 2008, although George left his coveted position less than three years later. Stability and leadership were ultimately restored in 2020 when Roger Penske acquired IMS and the IndyCar Series.
