Welcome to the website for Fastest of the First, a research project of the Belcher Foundation. 

On May 30, 1911 at Indianapolis, Indiana, the Indianapolis 500, the greatest automobile race in the world and the event that would set the mark for all future auto racing, had its first running.  During this important and historic event, Fred W. Belcher in the No. 15 Knox drove the fastest laps of the race and finished ninth overall.

On this website, you will find a summary of the 1911 Indy 500, a summary of statistics from that race, interesting trivia concerning the race, and a brief biography of Fred W. Belcher. 

Pictured at the top of this web page is Fred W. Belcher behind the wheel of the No. 15 Knox, the driver and car that made the fastest laps at the first Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911.