Indy 500 still aims to be 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing'

FILE PHOTO: An aerial view of Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 3, 2008. The famous racetrack, known as the "Brickyard", is home to the annual Indy 500 car race. REUTERS/Jason Reed/

(Reuters) - In May or August, 300,000 spectators or none, the Indianapolis 500 continues to promote itself as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" - not even a global pandemic proving capable of applying brakes to the shameless boast.

As sporting extravaganzas go, the Indy 500 has rarely disappointed and Sunday's race offers no reason to reign in the hype with an Andretti sitting on pole.