THE INSPIRATION The Balance of Speed Sculpture was created to commemorate100th year of the Indianapolis 500. The sculpture evokes the sense of balance achieved during this first century of IndyCar Racing from its modest roots to its present-day popularity. The Balance of Speed sculpture has found its home and is now on permanent display in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. There, visitors can reflect on the history of IndyCar Racing, as well as the IndyCar drivers and the challenges they face. At every stage of IndyCar Racing's first century whether it was the average 74.59 mph of the first winner, Ray Harroun, driver of the Marmon Wasp in 1911, or the apex of more than 230 mph in present day IndyCars speed must be expertly negotiated, balanced and controlled. The motivation for this sculpture is based on the technology and humanity of IndyCar Racing. As technology, intelligence and experience progressed through the years, so did the cars and correspondingly the speed with neither facet overshadowing the history of the great people who made it all happen. These people become family - the IndyCar Racing Family - sharing experiences, the good and the bad. As with many sporting events, both triumph and tragedy are associated in the IndyCar Racing challenge. Much like any family, the IndyCar Racing family celebrates the successes and supports those who experience the heartbreak. After the sudden loss of Indy Car driver Dan Wheldon,only months after winning the 100th Year Anniversary race in 2011, his number 98 car sits atop the Balance of Speed sculpture, the artist was moved to celebrate his life and commemorate his untimely and tragic passing while pushing the limits and testing the balance of the sport he – and the other members of the IndyCar Racing family – love so well. Embraced by all those involved in IndyCar Racing's mission, the Balance of Speed commemorates the first 100 years of IndyCar Racing while honoring its heroes.