America is proud of its big sporting events.

In traditional sports like US Opens in golf and tennis

Their unique approach to football in the Super bowl

And in motor racing the Indianapolis 500 on a banked circuit a style of competition that is at the heart of their racing.

But it is not just American good old boys who have been inspired by this event.

John Smailes, journalist and author on motor racing in Australia, has written a book on the Indy 500 from the perspective of the Australian and New Zealanders who have ventured there.

And Antipodeans have made an impact including at the very beginning.

John’s book is titled “Speed kings: Australia and New Zealand's quest to win the world's greatest motor race”