1930 Indianapolis 500

Last updated
18th Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500
Sanctioning body AAA
DateMay 30, 1930
Winner Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Billy Arnold
Winning Entrant Harry Hartz
Average speed100.448 mph (161.655 km/h)
Pole position Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Billy Arnold
Pole speed113.268 mph (182.287 km/h)
Most laps led Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Billy Arnold (198*)
*All time race record
Pre-race
Pace car Cord L-29
Pace car driver Wade Morton
Starter Grantland Rice [1]
Honorary referee Vincent Hugo Bendix [1]
Estimated attendance165,000-170,000 [2]
Chronology
PreviousNext
1929 1931

The 18th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 30, 1930. The race was part of the 1930 AAA Championship Car season.

Contents

Pole position winner Billy Arnold took the lead on lap 3, and led the entire rest of the race. He led a total of 198 laps (all consecutive), which stands as an all-time Indianapolis 500 race record. Arnold was accompanied by riding mechanic Spider Matlock.

Arnold was the first driver to complete the entire 500 miles in under five hours (over 100 mph average speed) without relief help. Pete DePaolo finished the 1925 race in under five hours, but used a relief driver for 21 laps. Arnold would eventually be named the first member of the prestigious 100 mph Club.

The race was marred by the death of Paul Marshall. He was acting as riding mechanic for his brother Cy when their car hit and flipped over the wall. His brother survived with serious injuries.

Rules changes and the "Junk" formula

The 1930 race ushered in a series of substantially new engine rules and specifications. The allotted displacement was increased from 9112 cu. in. (1.5 L) to 366 cu. in. (6.0 L). Superchargers were banned with the exception of two-cycle engines, and riding mechanics were made mandatory once again. In addition, the traditional mandate of a maximum 33-car field was lifted. This rules package would be in place through 1937.

Contrary to popular belief, the rule changes were not made in response to the stock market crash of 1929. The rules package is sometimes referred to disparagingly as the "Junk Formula" or the "Junkyard," and a common misconception is that it was implemented in order to dumb down the cars and maintain full fields during the Great Depression.

Speedway president Eddie Rickenbacker had decided to make the changes in order to lure back the passenger car manufacturers, and make the cars on the track more resemble those sold to the motoring public. Rickenbacker's desire was to move away from the supercharged, specialized racing machines that had taken over the Speedway through the 1920s. It was his vision at the time to bring the Speedway back to its origins and roots as a "proving ground" for the passenger car industry. Upon announcing the rule changes, he was quoted as saying, "Even a Model T can win." The rule changes were in fact being laid out as early as 1928, and were approved by the AAA Contest Board in early January 1929. [3]

Race schedule

Race schedule – May 1930
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
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Time Trials
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Time Trials
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Indy 500
31
 
ColorNotes
GreenTrack Available for Practice
Dark BlueTime trials
SilverRace day
BlankNo track activity

Practice

The deadline for entries to be submitted was midnight on May 1. The track was made available for practice a couple days later, with the first car taking to the track on or around Tuesday May 6. [4] Most cars did not arrive at the Speedway until the second full week, with activity picking up mid-month.

By Monday May 19, a total of ten cars had taken to the track, with Louis Schneider (105 mph) posting the fastest lap thus far. [5] On Tuesday May 20, the focus of attention was on the 201-c.i.d, 16-cylinder, Sampson Special of Louis Meyer. The car was now completed and wheeled out of its garage at the Steinhart Brake Services building. It was cranked up for the first time, and ready to deliver to the Speedway. Back at the track, Shorty Cantlon turned a lap of 109 mph. [6]

Maserati Tipo V4 driven by Baconin Borzacchini 1930-05-25 Indy 500 Maserati V4 Borzacchini Rossi.jpg
Maserati Tipo V4 driven by Baconin Borzacchini

On Wednesday May 21, Louis Meyer took to the track for the first time, blistering the bricks with a lap of 110.56 mph in the 16-cylinder machine. Meyer immediately established himself as a favorite for the front row. [7] Meanwhile, Harry Hartz, who had not yet taken any laps in his front wheel drive Miller Special, was still expected to qualify come Saturday.

On Thursday May 22, Ralph Hepburn (112.20 mph) and Billy Arnold (111.83 mph) took laps in Harry Hartz's Miller Special. They were the two fastest laps thus far for the month. Speculation was growing that Hartz was preparing to hand the car over to either Hepburn or Arnold, but no official arrangement had been announced. [8] As late as Friday night, Hartz was still insisting to the press that he was intending to race the car himself. [9]

Time trials

Qualifications was scheduled for five days, spanning from Saturday May 24 through Wednesday May 28. Four-lap qualifying runs were utilized, and cars were allowed up to three attempts. The minimum speed required was 85 mph. Time trials would end each day at sundown. [8]

Saturday May 24

The first day of time trials was held Saturday May 24, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 7:01 p.m. L. L. Corum was the first car to qualify. [10] Car owner Harry Hartz took the #4 Miller Special out for a shake-down qualifying attempt. After one official lap of 110.429 mph, he parked the car and handed it over to Billy Arnold. Arnold proceeded to win the pole position with a four-lap run of 113.268 mph.

One day after smacking the wall, Ernie Triplett qualified sixth. After practicing on Friday at over 111 mph, and being a favorite for the pole position, Louis Meyer fell short of expectations. Meyer qualified second, owing to an ill-conceived gear ratio change the team decided to make on Saturday morning.

No major incidents were reported.

PosNo.NameLap 1
(mph)
Lap 2
(mph)
Lap 3
(mph)
Lap 4
(mph)
Average Speed
(mph)
14 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Billy Arnold 113.208113.364113.279113.222113.268
21 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Louis Meyer  W 111.552111.843111.552110.227111.290
316 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Shorty Cantlon  R 110.281110.146110.200108.630109.810
423 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Louis Schneider 104.883106.282106.534106.749106.107
518 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chet Gardner  R 106.597105.485105.746105.423105.811
617 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Ernie Triplett 105.646105.646105.907105.275105.618
722 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Russ Snowberger 104.191104.275104.749105.018104.577
815 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Phil Shafer 101.237102.576102.904102.412102.279
925 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Leslie Allen  R 101.569102.064101.925102.122101.919
1036 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Cy Marshall  R 100.334100.976100.874101.203100.846
1133 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Frank Farmer 100.111100.402100.581101.374100.615
1214 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Lou Moore 100.30199.91198.87999.86799.867
1335 Canadian Red Ensign (1868-1921).svg J. C. McDonald  R 98.91298.80399.03299.06498.953
1429 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Joe Caccia  R 96.56797.60397.95498.31897.606
1541 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chet Miller  R 96.63997.01497.76298.03997.360
1638 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Claude Burton  R 93.76096.27794.95795.39095.087
172 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg L. L. Corum  W 94.46894.37993.73093.94694.130
1839 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnny Seymour 92.89893.30393.56593.74093.376
1932 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Charles Moran  R 88.75789.98289.14491.08489.733
 4 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Harry Hartz 110.429   Incomplete

Sunday May 25

Only two cars completed qualifying runs on Sunday May 25. Peter DePaolo was forced to change engines after crankshaft damage suffered on Saturday. Tony Gulotta put in the 12th-fastest speed thus far in the field, but as a second day qualifier, lined up in 20th starting position.

Rookie owner/driver Julius C. Slade quit his run after only two laps, then eventually would hand the car over to Roland Free. [12] Rick Decker also pulled in after only two laps.

PosNo.NameLap 1
(mph)
Lap 2
(mph)
Lap 3
(mph)
Lap 4
(mph)
Average Speed
(mph)
209 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Tony Gulotta 100.022100.62699.82399.668100.033
215 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Peter DePaolo  W 99.71299.491100.615100.01199.956
 31 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rick Decker 96.05194.548  Incomplete
 28 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Julius C. Slade  R 84.77885.553  Incomplete

Monday May 26

Three cars completed qualifying runs on Monday May 26, filling the field to 24 cars. Bill Cummings led the speed chart for the day, with a run of 106.173 mph, the fourth-fastest car in the field. Cummings car arrived late in the day, and he completed his run after 6 p.m., shortly before the track closed for the day. Cummings day was not without incident, as he nearly involved in an accident along with Peter DePaolo as they drove the car to the Speedway grounds.

Four other drivers took to the track, but failed to complete their runs. Bill Denver quit after two laps. Rick Decker, making his second attempt, blew an engine after completing only one lap. Likewise, Julius C. Slade, also making his second attempt in two days, threw a rod on his final lap. Babe Stapp took to the track just before sundown, but pulled off the track apparently before starting the attempt.

PosNo.NameLap 1
(mph)
Lap 2
(mph)
Lap 3
(mph)
Lap 4
(mph)
Average Speed
(mph)
226 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Cummings  R 105.820106.496105.610105.770106.173
2310 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Mel Kenealy  R 102.916103.448103.448103.496103.327
247 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Gleason 93.61393.69193.84893.68293.709
 44 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Denver  R 91.50191.380Incomplete
 31 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rick Decker 92.507engine  Incomplete
 28 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Julius C. Slade  R 87.95188.03788.054engineIncomplete
 8 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Babe Stapp     Incomplete

Tuesday May 27

Six cars made qualifying attempts on Tuesday May 27, with all six running to completion. Wilbur Shaw led the speed chart for the day, with a four-lap average of 106.132 mph. There were no major incidents reported.

A day after practicing over 100 mph, Joe Huff did not disappoint, putting in the second-fastest speed of the afternoon. Rick Decker, who threw a rod and blew the engine in his #31 Decker Special on Monday, spent the day working a new engine. Decker made a deal with Fred Clemmons, owner of the #48 Hoosier Pete entry. Clemmons was unable to secure a chassis for his 4-cylinder Hoosier Pete engine, so he allowed Decker to install it in his car. The team expected to be out on the track for Wednesday.

Juan Gaudino (#52) and Fred Fansin (#53) officially scratched their entries, after they failed to arrive. At the end of the day, the field was filled to 30 cars. About twelve hopefuls remained, looking to qualify on Wednesday.

PosNo.NameLap 1
(mph)
Lap 2
(mph)
Lap 3
(mph)
Lap 4
(mph)
Average Speed
(mph)
253 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Wilbur Shaw 103.986107.565107.862105.214106.132
2634 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Joe Huff  R 100.852101.203100.212102.471101.178
2719 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Speed Gardner 94.54796.28896.12395.29995.585
2826 Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg Baconin Borzacchini  R 96.49496.41194.74793.27495.213
2945 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Marion Trexler  R 92.43192.76493.13993.58492.978
3042 Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg Letterio Cucinotta  R 90.82791.44592.15691.92191.584

Wednesday May 28

The final day of qualifications was held on Wednesday May 28, with time trials officially ending at sundown (7:04 p.m.) A total of eight cars managed to qualify for the race bringing the field to 38 cars. With an entry list featuring as many as 46-47 possible qualifiers, a total of four failed to qualify, and three cars never arrived. No cars were bumped or "crowded out."

Deacon Litz was the fastest qualifier for the day, with a run of 105.755 mph. After two failed attempts, Rick Decker finally made the field, after he finished installation of the Hoosier Pete engine. Fred Roberts and Rollin May failed to complete their attempts. Roberts threw a rod, and May was too slow to meet the 80 mph minimum speed. Doc MacKenzie never made it out to the track, and Sam Greco threw a rod with only thirty minutes left in the day.

PosNo.NameLap 1
(mph)
Lap 2
(mph)
Lap 3
(mph)
Lap 4
(mph)
Average Speed
(mph)
3112 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Deacon Litz 104.676106.070106.132106.157105.755
328 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Babe Stapp 104.834105.895104.118104.969104.950
3324 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Dave Evans 97.17197.43498.99396.68197.342
3421 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Zeke Meyer  R 94.99795.47094.77796.19595.357
3548 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rick Decker 92.14792.05392.14792.83192.293
3644 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Denver  R 90.68091.18590.12690.61690.650
3728 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Roland Free  R 89.41989.55289.68689.90189.639
3846 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Harry Butcher  R 86.60586.94887.13387.32887.003
 37 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Fred Roberts  R 80.928   Incomplete
 51 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rollin May  R 77.640   Incomplete

Starting grid

RowInsideMiddleOutside
1 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Billy Arnold Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Louis Meyer  W  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Shorty Cantlon  R 
2 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Louis Schneider Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chet Gardner  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Ernie Triplett
3 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Russ Snowberger Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Phil Shafer Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Leslie Allen  R 
4 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Cy Marshall  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Frank Farmer Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Lou Moore
5 Canadian Red Ensign (1868-1921).svg J. C. McDonald  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Joe Caccia  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chet Miller  R 
6 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Claude Burton  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg L. L. Corum  W  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnny Seymour
7 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Charles Moran  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Tony Gulotta Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Peter DePaolo  W 
8 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Cummings  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Mel Kenealy  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Gleason
9 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Wilbur Shaw Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Joe Huff  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Speed Gardner
10 Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg Baconin Borzacchini  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Marion Trexler  R  Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg Letterio Cucinotta  R 
11 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Deacon Litz Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Babe Stapp Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Dave Evans
12 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Zeke Meyer  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Denver  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rick Decker
13 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Roland Free  R  Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Harry Butcher  R  

Alternates

Failed to qualify

Sources: [1]

Race recap

First half

Louis Meyer in his 16-cylinder Miller grabbed the lead at the start, out-dueling polesitter Billy Arnold on the first lap. Meyer led laps 1 and 2, then Arnold took the lead on lap 3. Arnold would not relinquish the lead the rest of the afternoon.

On the grid, Rick Decker's engine failed to crank, and he did not start the race. When the crew finally got his car running, it lasted only 8 laps. Chet Gardner was out on the first lap after he spun and brushed the wall on the north end, damaging his left front wheel. Gardner became the first driver in Indy history to drop out of the race without completing a single lap.

A huge crash broke out on the leader's 23rd lap. Fred Roberts (driving relief for Pete DePaolo) lost control and crashed in turn three. He collected the car of Deacon Litz, who suffered a broken arm. Litz's riding mechanic Lloyd Barnes suffered a cut to the head. The cars of Johnny Seymour, Babe Stapp, Lou Moore, and Marion Trexler also got caught up in the incident. [17] Stapp's car rode up the wall, but he was not seriously injured. Jimmy Gleason's car suffered damage driving through the debris, and he drove back to the pits. He dropped out with what was discovered to be broken timing gears.

After leading early, Louis Meyer was forced to make a pit stop on lap 22 to repair a broken throttle connection. He lost over four minutes in the pits, and dropped as far down as 13th place. He returned to the track, and started charging back up the standings.

On the leader's 31st lap, Cy Marshall wrecked in turn three. The driver was pinned under the wreckage, but survived. His brother, riding mechanic Paul Marshall, was thrown from the car, and died of a fractured skull.

Second half

Billy Arnold won over second place Shorty Cantlon by a margin of over seven minutes (about 4 laps). Arnold was not challenged by any of the other competitors in the second half. During a pit stop on lap 111, Arnold did not request relief help, and managed to drive the entire 500 miles without relief.

Arnold led a total of 198 laps (laps 3–200) to set an all-time Indianapolis 500 record for most total laps led (198), and most consecutive laps led (198).

Second place Shorty Cantlon was relieved by Herman Schurch for laps 97 through 151. [18]

Louis Meyer worked his way back into the top five by lap 140, but was unable to close the gap on Arnold. Meyer held fourth place over the final 50 laps, and finished sixteen minutes behind.

Box score

FinishStartNoNameEntrantChassisEngineQualRankLapsStatus
114 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Billy Arnold Harry Hartz Summers Miller 113.26812004:58:39.72
2316 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Shorty Cantlon  R 
(Relieved by Herman Schurch Laps 97-151)
William S. White Stevens Miller 109.8103200+7:17.46
3423 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Louis Schneider Louis F. Schneider Stevens Miller 106.1076200+11:25.49
421 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Louis Meyer  W Alden Sampson II Stevens Miller 111.2902200+16:18.35
5226 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Cummings  R 
(Relieved by Freddie Winnai Laps 113-149)
Peter DePaolo Stevens Duesenberg 106.1734200+21:56.39
63324 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Dave Evans David E. Evans Stevens Miller 97.34224200+25:24.78
7815 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Phil Shafer Phil Shafer Coleman Miller 102.27913200+31:17.65
8722 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Russ Snowberger Russell Snowberger Snowberger Studebaker 104.57711200+37:47.24
9925 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Leslie Allen  R 
(Relieved by Fred Lecklider Laps 51-115)
(Relieved by Stubby Stubblefield Laps 116-200)
Leslie Allen Miller Miller 101.91914200+51:11.79
10172 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg L. L. Corum  W  Milton Jones Stutz Stutz 94.13029200+52:52.37
111638 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Claude Burton  R  Ira Vail Oakland Oakland 95.08728196Flagged
123042 Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg Letterio Cucinotta  R  Letterio Piccolo Cucinotta Maserati Maserati 91.58434185Flagged
131541 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chet Miller  R Thomas J. Mulligan Ford T Fronty-Ford 97.36023161Flagged
143846 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Harry Butcher  R  Harry M. Butcher Buick Buick 87.00338127Flagged
152310 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Mel Kenealy  R J. Talbot, Jr. Whippet Miller 103.32712114Valve
163421 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Zeke Meyer  R  Zeke Meyer Miller Miller 95.35726115Rod
17617 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Ernie Triplett Allen Guiberson Whippet Miller 105.6189125Piston
181335 Canadian Red Ensign (1868-1921).svg J. C. McDonald  R 
(Relieved by Johnny Krieger Laps 105-112)
William H. Richards Studebaker Studebaker 98.95321112Fuel tank leak
193728 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Roland Free  R Julius C. Slade Chrysler Chrysler 89.6393769Clutch
20209 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Tony Gulotta J. Talbot, Jr. Whippet Miller 100.0331879Valve
211133 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Frank Farmer M. A. Yagle Miller Miller 100.6151769Crash
223544 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Denver  R Gabriel Nardi Duesenberg Duesenberg 90.6503541Rod
232634 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Joe Huff  R 
(Relieved by Ted Chamberlain Laps 8-27)
(Relieved by Speed Gardner Laps 28-48)
Herman N. GaussCooper Miller 101.1781548Valve
24253 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Wilbur Shaw Empire State MotorsSmith Miller 106.135554Wrist pin
251429 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Joe Caccia  R 
(Relieved by Rick Decker)
William Alberti Duesenberg Duesenberg 97.6062243Crash
261036 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Cy Marshall  R George A. Henry Duesenberg Duesenberg 100.8461629Crash T3
271932 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Charles Moran  R  Du Pont Motors, Inc. Du Pont Du Pont 89.7333622Crash T3
28247 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Gleason Thomas J. Mulligan Miller Miller 93.7093022Timing gears
291214 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Lou Moore Coleman Motors CorporationColeman Miller 99.8672023Crash T3
303112 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Deacon Litz Henry W. Maley Duesenberg Duesenberg 105.755822Crash T3
31328 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Babe Stapp A. S. Duesenberg Duesenberg Duesenberg 104.9501018Crash T3
321839 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnny Seymour Herman N. GaussCooper Miller 93.3763121Crash T3
33215 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Peter DePaolo  W 
(Relieved by Fred Roberts (laps 8-20)
Peter DePaolo Stevens Duesenberg 99.9561920Crash T3
342945 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Marion Trexler  R M. M. Lain, Jr. Auburn Lycoming 92.9783219Crash T3
352719 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Speed Gardner W. H. Gardner Miller Miller 95.5852514Main bearing
362826 Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg Baconin Borzacchini  R 
(Relieved by Jimmy Rossi (laps 4-7)
Alfieri Maserati Maserati Maserati 95.213277Magneto
373648 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rick Decker Clemons Motors, Inc. Mercedes Clemons 92.293338Oil tank
38518 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chet Gardner  R James H. Booth Duesenberg Duesenberg 105.81171Spun T1
[19] [20]

Note: Cars not finishing were awarded positions in the order in which they left the track, regardless of lap count

Statistics

Race details

Chet Miller

One of the most famous nostalgic stories of Indianapolis 500 lore occurred with driver Chet Miller during the 1930 race. Just short of the mid-way point, Miller was in for a pit stop in his Fronty-Ford. The car, which was made up mostly of Model T parts, was discovered to have a broken right front spring. Race officials would not let Miller return to the track until repairs were made, so the crew began a search for suitable replacement parts.

Within a short time, the crew spotted an unattended Model T, that ostensibly belonged to a spectator, parked nearby in the infield. With the owner nowhere in sight, the crew proceeded to remove the spring they needed, and subsequently installed it on Miller's race car sitting in the pit area. After a stop of over 41 minutes, Miller was back out on the track with the borrowed spring, and drove to a 13th-place finish.

Following the race, with the vehicle's owner still not located, the crew went back to the infield and re-installed the spring on the unknown spectator's Model T. It is believed that the owner of the car was never aware of the entire situation. [23] [24]

Notes

Works cited

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The 60th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 30, 1976. Polesitter Johnny Rutherford took the lead on lap 80, and was leading when rain halted the race on lap 103. Two hours later, the race was about to be resumed, but rain fell again. USAC officials called the race at that point, reverted the scoring back to the completion of lap 102, and Johnny Rutherford was declared the winner. Rutherford famously walked to Victory Lane, his second career Indy 500 triumph, having completed only 255 miles (410 km), the shortest official race on record. Janet Guthrie became the first female driver to enter the Indianapolis 500. However, her team was underfunded, and she experienced numerous mechanical and engine problems during the month. While she managed to pass her rookie test, and ran numerous practice laps in multiple cars, she was unable to make an attempt to qualify. She would return with a successful effort a year later in 1977.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1977 Indianapolis 500</span> 61st running of the Indianapolis 500

The 61st 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 29, 1977. Considered one of the most historically significant editions of the Indianapolis 500, several sidebar stories complemented the unprecedented accomplishment of race winner A. J. Foyt. Foyt became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. As of 2023, Foyt's record has been tied by Al Unser Sr., Rick Mears and Hélio Castroneves, but still stands as an Indy 500 record. Foyt's victory is also the last time the winning car was built entirely within the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1969 Indianapolis 500</span> 53rd running of the Indianapolis 500

The 53rd International 500 Mile Sweepstakes was an auto race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Friday, May 30, 1969. It was the third round of the 1969 USAC Championship Car season. Polesitter A. J. Foyt led the race in the early stages, looking to become the first four-time winner of the 500. Near the halfway point, however, a lengthy pit stop to repair a broken manifold put him many laps down. Despite a hard-charging run towards the end, he wound up managing only an eighth-place finish, 19 laps down. Lloyd Ruby, a driver with a hard-luck reputation at the Speedway, was leading the race just after the midpoint. During a pit stop, he pulled away with the fueling hose still attached, ripped a hole in the fuel tank, and was out of the race. The incident put Mario Andretti in the lead for rest of the way.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1946 Indianapolis 500</span> 30th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 30th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, May 30, 1946. This was the first Indianapolis 500 presided over by new track owner Tony Hulman. The track had closed in late 1941 due to World War II, and over the next four years, the facility fell into a terrible state of disrepair. Hulman purchased the Speedway in November 1945, and quickly went to work cleaning up the grounds, which had become overwhelmed by overgrowth and weeds. The Speedway re-opened, and the 1946 race was considered a rousing success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1919 Indianapolis 500</span> Seventh running of the Indianapolis 500

The 7th Liberty 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 31, 1919.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1947 Indianapolis 500</span> 31st running of the Indianapolis 500

The 31st International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 30, 1947. It was the opening round of the 11 races that comprised the 1947 AAA Championship Car season. The 1946 winner, George Robson, had been killed on September 2, 1946 in a racing incident. Driver Shorty Cantlon would be killed in an accident during the race.

The 25th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 31, 1937. With temperatures topping out at 92 °F (33 °C), it is one of the hottest days on record for the Indy 500.

The 24th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 30, 1936. The race was part of the 1936 AAA Championship Car season. The race is remembered for three noteworthy Indy traditions getting their start.

The 23rd International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, May 30, 1935. Despite attempts to improve participant safety by requiring crash helmets and installing green and yellow lights around the track, the event that year would prove to be one of the worst in terms of fatalities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1932 Indianapolis 500</span> 20th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 20th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 30, 1932. Attrition was the story of the race, with 26 of the 40 cars dropping out due to crashes or mechanical failure. A record eight different drivers led laps during the race, with no driver seemingly able to hold the lead without experiencing some sort of trouble. For the third year in a row, Billy Arnold looked as if he would be the dominant car, but he sailed over the turn three wall on lap 59. Rookie Bob Carey also hit the wall while leading. Fred Frame took the lead for good on lap 152, and won from the 27th starting position - the furthest back of any winner except for Ray Harroun in 1911 and later, Louis Meyer in 1936. Frame was accompanied by riding mechanic Jerry Houck.

The 19th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 30, 1931. Race winner Louis Schneider, who led the final 34 laps, was accompanied by riding mechanic Jigger Johnson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1929 Indianapolis 500</span> 17th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 17th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, May 30, 1929. Ray Keech, who finished fourth a year earlier, took the lead for the final time on lap 158 and won his first Indianapolis 500. Keech won for car owner Maude A. Yagle, the first and to-date, only female winning owner in Indy history. Only two weeks after winning the race, Ray Keech was fatally injured in a crash at Altoona Speedway on June 15, 1929. The race was part of the 1929 AAA Championship Car season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1928 Indianapolis 500</span> 16th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 16th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Wednesday, May 30, 1928. This was the first Indianapolis 500 presided over by new Speedway president Eddie Rickenbacker. Rain threatened to wash out the day, but the showers stopped and the race started on time. One brief shower slowed the race around the 400-mile mark, bringing out the yellow flag for a few laps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1926 Indianapolis 500</span> 14th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 14th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 31, 1926. Louis Chevrolet drove the Chrysler pace car for the start.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1924 Indianapolis 500</span> 12th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 12th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 30, 1924.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1920 Indianapolis 500</span> Eighth running of the Indianapolis 500

The 8th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 31, 1920.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1980 Indianapolis 500</span> 64th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 64th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 25, 1980. Johnny Rutherford won the pole position, led 118 laps, and won the race by a commanding 29.92 second margin. After failing to finish the race the year before, Jim Hall's radical new Chaparral 2K ground effects chassis was a heavy favorite entering the month, and drove a flawless race. Rutherford, the winner in 1974 and 1976, became the sixth driver to win the Indy 500 three times.

References

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  3. The History of the 500 - WFNI/WIBC: Episode 10, 2013
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  5. "Speedway Appetizers". The Indianapolis News. May 20, 1930. p. 23. Retrieved April 6, 2015 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
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  7. 1 2 "Speedway Appetizers". The Indianapolis News. May 21, 1930. p. 18. Retrieved April 6, 2015 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  8. 1 2 "Speedway Appetizers". The Indianapolis News. May 23, 1930. p. 37. Retrieved April 6, 2015 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  9. "Speedway Appetizers". The Indianapolis News. May 24, 1930. p. 17. Retrieved April 6, 2015 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  10. "Corum, Caccia, and Moran Also Qualify". The Indianapolis News. May 24, 1930. p. 1. Retrieved April 6, 2015 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  11. 1 2 "Battle of Cylinders to Close on Wednesday". The Indianapolis News. May 26, 1930. p. 18. Retrieved April 2, 2015 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
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  14. "Twelve Lines of Cars May Face Race Starter". The Indianapolis News. May 28, 1930. p. 28. Retrieved April 2, 2015 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
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  16. The Talk of Gasoline Alley - 1070-AM WIBC, May 14, 2004
  17. "Record Crowd Gets All Kinds of Thrills". The Indianapolis News. May 30, 1930. p. 1. Retrieved April 6, 2015 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  18. "Cantlon's Good Run". The Indianapolis News. May 31, 1930. p. 14. Retrieved April 6, 2015 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
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  20. Popely, Rick; Riggs, L. Spencer (1998). The Indianapolis 500 Chronicle. Lincolnwood, Illinois: Publications International, Ltd. ISBN   0-7853-2798-3.
  21. Blazier, John E.; Rollings, Tom (1994). Forgotten Heroes of the Speedways: The Riding Mechanics.
  22. "The Talk of Gasoline Alley" - 1070 WIBC: May 6, 2002
  23. Davidson, Donald (2006). Autocourse Official History of the Indianapolis 500. Autocourse. p. 70. ISBN   9781905334209.[ permanent dead link ]
  24. The Talk of Gasoline Alley - 1070-AM WIBC, May 6, 2007
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