The Indianapolis 500 is among the most popular sporting events in the Midwest, not to mention one of the most popular races worldwide; and for every good race there come lots of parties, and even more fun, hard driving movies.

What better time for ‘Indy movies’ than an Indianapolis 500 party? Only these movies will concern the fine art of car racing, as opposed to angst-ridden teen-agers in surreal settings.:)

Days of Thunder—directed by Tony Scott, starring Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby—directed by Adam McKay, starring Will Farrell

Speedway—directed by Harry Beaumont, starring William Haines, Anita Page

Heart Like a Wheel—directed by Jonathan Kaplan, starring Bonnie Bedelia, Beau Bridges

The Dale Earnhardt Story—directed by Russell Mulcahy, starring Barry Pepper, Elizabeth Mitchell

Winning— directed by James Goldstone, starring Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Robert Wagner

Indianapolis Speedway—directed by Lloyd Bacon, starring Ann Sheridan, Pat O’Brien and James Payne

Rebel Without a Cause—directed by Nicholas Ray, starring James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo (the film features a signature racing scene; in addition, James Dean is an Indiana native)

Aside from a full roster of hard driving “Indy” movies, any solid Indianapolis 500 party will come complete with a full supply of party supplies. These could include Indianapolis 500 pennants, signs and checkered flags; a checkered table covering would make another nice touch, as would checkered napkins and miniature flags that guests could take home as party favors. Other ‘high gauge’ Indianapolis 500 party favors could include glossy photos, posters and cardboard cutouts that feature images of legendary drivers (such as Dale Earnhardt and Jimmy Johnson), as well as tableware (including dishes, plates, napkins and bowls) that feature the ‘checkered flag’ motif.

Launch a standard Indianapolis 500 party into full throttle with the addition of some primo party favors and some hard driving racing movies.