1953 Indianapolis 500

Last updated
37th Indianapolis 500
Indy500winningcar1953-1954.JPG
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500
Sanctioning body AAA
DateMay 30, 1953
Winner Bill Vukovich
Winning Entrant Howard B. Keck
Average speed128.740 mph (207.187 km/h)
Pole position Bill Vukovich
Pole speed138.392 mph (222.720 km/h)
Most laps led Bill Vukovich (195)
Pre-race
Pace car Ford Crestline Sunliner
Pace car driver William Clay Ford
Starter Seth Klein [1]
Honorary referee Henry Ford II [1]
Estimated attendance190,000 [2]
Chronology
PreviousNext
1952 1954

The 37th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 30, 1953. The event was part of the 1953 AAA National Championship, and was race 2 of 9 in the 1953 World Championship of Drivers. Bill Vukovich, after falling just short a year before, dominated the race, leading 195 of the 200 laps. Vukovich won the first of two consecutive "500" victories, finishing more than three minutes ahead of second place Art Cross.

Contents

With the temperature in the high 90s (°F), and the track temperature exceeding 130 °F (54 °C), this race is often known as the "Hottest 500". Only twelve cars were running at the finish. Many starters needed relief drivers, and some relief drivers required their own relief drivers. Vukovich and Cross, however, both ran the full 500 miles solo. Owing to the excruciating conditions, driver Carl Scarborough dropped out of the race, and later died at the infield hospital due to heat prostration. [3] [4] Not only were drivers and crew members suffering from the intense heat, but spectators as well. According to one of the doctors at the infield hospital, the number of persons requiring treatment at the hospital was "beyond comprehension". This included at least eleven members of the Purdue Band, who marched and preformed during pre-race ceremonies. [5]

Time trials

On Friday May 15, one day prior to the opening of time trials, sixteen-year race veteran Chet Miller died in a crash in turn one. [6] Going into the race, Miller was the 1-lap (139.600 mph) and 4-lap (139.034 mph) track record holder (139.600 mph), a mark that he set in 1952. After completing a fast lap of over 138 mph, Miller went low going into turn one. The back end got loose, then the car turned to the right and drove head-on into the outside retaining wall. The car slid along the outside wall for about 100 yards, and came to rest in the south short chute. Miller, was found dead of a basal skull fracture and brain hemorrhage and likely was killed instantly. [7]

Saturday May 16

The first day of time trials was scheduled for Saturday May 15, but was rained out. Pole qualifying was rescheduled for Sunday at 12 p.m. [8]

Sunday May 17

Morning rain delayed the start of time trials until about 2:20 p.m. Only twelve drivers managed to take to the track, and seven completed a qualifying attempt. Manny Ayulo was the first driver in the field, completing his run at a speed of 136.384 mph. Bill Vukovich won the pole position with a four-lap average speed of 138.392 mph, which was not a new track record. Vukovich famously completed his qualifying run in the rain. On his third lap, his car slid sideways going into turn one due to increasing dampness, but he stayed with it. On his fourth and final lap, as Vukovich was coming out of turn four, the skies opened up and a downpour ensued. The speed on his last lap slipped to 137 mph, but he nevertheless took the checkered flag. The track was closed and Vukovich secured the pole position. [9] [10] [11]

PosNo.NameLap 1
(mph)		Lap 2
(mph)		Lap 3
(mph)		Lap 4
(mph)		Average Speed
(mph)
114 Bill Vukovich 139.147138.568138.739137.132138.392
259 Fred Agabashian 137.405138.376137.279137.132137.546
359 Jack McGrath 136.674137.153136.405136.178136.602
488 Manny Ayulo 136.240136.075136.6956136.529136.384
532 Andy Linden 135.196135.726136.446136.882136.060
632 Tony Bettenhausen 135.583136.529135.952136.033136.024
755 Jerry Hoyt 135.952135.399135.890135.685135.731
—76 George Fonder wave off (twice)—
—16 Art Cross wave off—
—3 Sam Hanks wave off—
—62 Spider Webb wave off—
—4 Duane Carter did not take green flag—

Saturday May 23

The third day of time trials opened with 26 spots still open in the starting grid. With as many as 66 cars in the paddock looking for a chance to qualify, the schedule for time trials was extended to 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. [12] A very busy day saw 45 total qualifying attempts; 27 cars completed an attempt. The field was filled to 33 cars, and one car (Joe Barzda) was bumped.

Johnnie Parsons, the 1950 winner, was the fastest driver of the day. His speed of 137.667 mph wound up being the third-fastest overall in the field, but as a third day qualifier, he was forced to line up in 8th starting spot (middle of row 3). The threat of rain added to the urgency of the day. However, the rain held off throughout most of the afternoon. Two drivers (Marshall Teague and Eddie Johnson) exhausted all three of their allotted attempts. Teague slid sideways in turn two during his attempt, but would hold on to make the field. Johnson would later be bumped.

No incidents were reported during the day. Art Cross threw a rod during his first attempt. He took over the car of Jimmy Reece, and qualified 12th. Among those not yet in the field was Henry Banks. [13] [14]

PosNo.NameLap 1
(mph)		Lap 2
(mph)		Lap 3
(mph)		Lap 4
(mph)		Average Speed
(mph)		Notes
821 Johnnie Parsons 137.447138.079138.079137.070137.667
93 Sam Hanks 137.573137.510137.783137.259137.531
1092 Rodger Ward 137.636137.678137.342137.216137.468
1129 Bob Scott 136.633138.525138.058136.529137.431
1216 Art Cross 136.157137.552137.994137.552137.310
1341 Gene Hartley 137.741137.489136.882136.945137.263
1423 Walt Faulkner 137.258137.342137.195136.674137.117
1538 Don Freeland 136.934136.426137.531136.591136.867
1697 Chuck Stevenson 135.767136.674136.861136.945136.560
177 Paul Russo 136.219136.116136.737135.808136.219
1862 Spider Webb 135.501136.550136.157136.467136.168
1973 Carl Scarborough 135.014135.952136.116136.674135.936
2012 Ernie McCoy 135.583135.767136.654135.706135.926
2148 Jimmy Daywalt 135.747135.767135.522135.952135.747
2222 Marshall Teague 135.379135.281135.911135.318135.721
2383 Mike Nazaruk 135.095135.583135.706136.446135.706
2477 Pat Flaherty 136.612136.137135.014134.912135.668
252 Jim Rathmann 136.116135.767135.237135.542135.666
269 Duke Nalon 135.338135.788135.277135.440135.461
274 Duane Carter 135.440134.912135.665135.054135.267
Failed to Qualify
—26 Eddie Johnson 134.811135.318135.706135.115135.237Bumped on 5/24
—78 Cal Niday 134.852135.420134.389135.054134.827Bumped on 5/24
—36 Potsy Goacher 134.409134.368134.933134.771134.620Bumped on 5/24
—61 Bill Holland 134.329134.934134.088134.409134.439Bumped on 5/24
—74 Pat O'Connor 133.929134.933134.751133.849134.363Bumped on 5/24
—31 Len Duncan 133.909133.018133.591133.432133.487Bumped on 5/24
—69 Joe Barzda 121.918Bumped by Holland

Sunday May 24

Bump Day, the fourth and final day of time trials, was held on Sunday May 24. With the field already filled to 33 cars, the bumping process began right away. A total of six cars were bumped. Len Duncan was the first driver bumped for the day, after the successful run of Jimmy Bryan. Duncan later got in a backup car, but wrecked it in a practice run. Frank Armi spun out in turn two and also failed to make the race. Both Duncan and Armi would return to the make the race in 1954.

Bill Holland, the 1949 winner, returned to Indianapolis after being suspended by AAA for competing in "outlaw" races. Holland's car from the previous Sunday was bumped, but he took over the John Finch machine. He put in a speed of 137.868 mph, and became the second-fastest car overall in the field. Johnnie Tolan got out on the track with five seconds left before the 7 o'clock gun. His speed of 134.852 mph, however, was too slow to make the field. [16] [17]

PosNo.NameLap 1
(mph)		Lap 2
(mph)		Lap 3
(mph)		Lap 4
(mph)		Average Speed
(mph)		Notes
2869 Bill Holland 138.291138.782138.122136.302137.868Bumps Goacher
2951 Bob Sweikert 136.945136.778136.924136.841136.872Bumps Holland
3099 Cal Niday 135.624136.075136.405136.405136.096Bumps Johnson
318 Jimmy Bryan 133.665135.870135.257135.237135.506Bumps Duncan
3253 Jimmy Davies 135.014134.610135.583136.013135.303Bumps Niday
3356 Johnny Thomson 136.116136.100134.791134.068135.262Bumps O'Connor
Failed to Qualify
—85 Johnnie Tolan 134.852
—63 Danny Oakes
—10 Henry Banks
—74 Pat O'Connor
—76 George Fonder
—65 George Tichenor

Carburetion Day - Tuesday May 26

The final practice was held on Tuesday May 26 in hot conditions. The ambient temperature topped out at 89° F, with a track temperature of 113° F. It would be a precursor for the hot weather in the forecast for race day. [19]

Starting grid

RowInsideMiddleOutside
114 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Vukovich 59 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Fred Agabashian 5 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jack McGrath
288 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Manny Ayulo 32 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Andy Linden 98 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Tony Bettenhausen
355 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jerry Hoyt 21 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnnie Parsons  W 3 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Sam Hanks
492 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rodger Ward 29 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bob Scott 16 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Art Cross
541 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Gene Hartley 23 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Walt Faulkner 38 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Don Freeland  R 
697 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chuck Stevenson 7 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Paul Russo 62 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Spider Webb
773 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Carl Scarborough 12 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Ernie McCoy  R 48 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Daywalt  R 
822 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Marshall Teague  R 83 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Mike Nazaruk 77 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Pat Flaherty
92 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jim Rathmann 9 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Duke Nalon 4 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Duane Carter
1049 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Holland  W 51 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bob Sweikert 99 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Cal Niday  R 
118 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Bryan 53 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Davies 56 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnny Thomson  R 
R Indianapolis 500 rookie
W Indianapolis 500 winner

Alternates

Failed to qualify

Race summary

First half

Race day dawned hot, with temperatures climbing into the 90s. The command to start engines was given at 10:54 a.m., and the field pulled away for the pace lap. At start, Bill Vukovich took the lead from the pole position, and led the field into turn one. Manny Ayulo and Tony Bettenhausen battled for second as Vukovich pulled out to a comfortable lead. On lap 4, Andy Linden crashed in turn three. Jerry Hoyt spun to the infield grass to avoid the wreck. Linden was out, but Hoyt was able to continue in the race. The yellow light stayed on for about one lap, and Linden was not injured.

Vukovich surrendered the lead during his first pit stop on lap 48. That put Fred Agabashian in the lead for one lap, followed by Jim Rathmann, then Sam Hanks for two laps. After the leaders cycled through their stops, Vukovich was back in the lead on lap 54. At the same time, Gene Hartley spun out in turn four bringing out the second yellow of the day. Hartley was taken to the infield hospital, but was released and would be able to serve as a relief driver later in the day.

The grueling conditions were starting to take a toll on the field. Several cars dropped out with mechanical problems before the halfway point. Jimmy Davies came into the pits without brakes, and brushed the inside wall to slow the car down. He would stay in the race to finish 10th, but several laps down. When Duke Nalon came in for his pit stop, his crew dumped a bucket of water over his head. On lap 70, Carl Scarborough came into the pits, feeling sick from the heat and fumes. Due to a fuel spill, a small fire broke out on the side of the car. The fire was quickly extinguished, and Scarborough climbed over the pit wall where he collapsed onto a chair. [22] Bob Scott, who had already dropped out with an oil leak, took over behind the wheel. Scarborough was taken to the infield hospital where his temperature was recorded as 104 °F (40 °C). Physicians unsuccessfully performed open-heart massage, but he died of what was reported as heat prostration. [23] [24] According to speedway historian Donald Davidson, Scarborough may have inhaled CO2 from the fire extinguishers, which may have contributed to, or been the actual cause of death.

With 80 laps completed, Bill Vukovich was still leading, with Art Cross second and Fred Agabashian third. Don Freeland lost a wheel in turn one on the leader's lap 81, and he spun down to the infield grass. He was unhurt, but the car was finished. Johnnie Parsons dropped out with a blown engine on lap 86, and Duane Carter was out with ignition problems.

Second half

At the halfway point, Bill Vukovich led with Fred Agabashian in second and Sam Hanks in third. Agabashian came in for a pit stop on lap 104. Agabashian was overcome by the heat and the engine fumes, and had to be replaced in the cockpit by relief driver Paul Russo. Jim Rathmann did the same, handing his car over to Eddie Johnson on lap 113. Vukovich came in for his second pit stop on lap 112, followed by Hanks four laps later. Back out on the track, Vukovich had a 50-second lead over Hanks.

Pat Flaherty hit the wall in the northchute on the leaders' lap 118. The yellow light was turned on for 6 minutes and 50 seconds to clean up the oil and fluids that spilled on the track. The next driver to fall by the wayside was Tony Bettenhausen. After completing 115 laps, Bettenhausen came into the pits signaling for a relief driver. Chuck Stevenson took over the car as Bettenhausen passed out and collapsed to the ground from the heat. After a lengthy period of rest, Jim Rathmann got back in the race. Rathmann took over the car of Bill Holland, but it ultimately broke down with a magneto failure.

At the 150-lap mark (375 miles), Bill Vukovich had lapped the field. Manny Ayulo was running second, and Sam Hanks in third. Ayulo's day ended after 184 laps with engine failure. Hanks came in on lap 151, and he was the next to need a relief driver. Duane Carter got behind the wheel, but the team lost considerable time as the crew had to repair a broken exhaust pipe. Marshall Teague came in on lap 169 needing assistance climbing out of the car. Cal Niday was preparing to take over behind the wheel, but the car had an oil leak and was done for the day.

Bill Vukovich made his final pit stop on lap 171. Henry Banks was reportedly standing by in Vukovich's pit, with his helmet on ready to drive relief. Vukovich, however, refused the help and insisted on driving the full 500 miles solo. He drank a cup of water, poured some water down the back of his shirt, and went back out on the track. Radio network reporter Luke Walton labeled Vukovich the "ironman" of the race. Walton described the day as the "hottest day we've had in Hoosierland since Willkie accepted the nomination in Elwood back in 1940". [25]

Vukovich cruised over the final 30 laps and won his first "500" by 3 minutes and 30 seconds (about 3 laps) over second place Art Cross. Duane Carter (driving the car of Sam Hanks) came home third, with Paul Russo (driving the car of Fred Agabashian) fourth. As Vukovich was headed to victory lane, the action on the track was still hot. Gene Hartley (driving Tony Bettenhausen's car) crashed, as did Duke Nalon. Officials flagged the race after the first eight cars finished. Only four other cars were still running.

Box score

PosGridNoDriverConstructorQualRankLapsTime/retiredPointsWDC Points
1114 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Vukovich Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.3912003:53:01.6910009 1
21216 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Art Cross Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.318200+3:30.878006
393 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Sam Hanks
(Duane Carter Laps 152–200)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.535200+4:11.50532
168		2
2
4259 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Fred Agabashian
(Paul Russo Laps 105–200)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.544200+4:39.24315
285		1.5
1.5
535 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jack McGrath Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.6013200+7:49.645002
62148 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Daywalt  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.7423200+8:10.21400
7252 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jim Rathmann
(Eddie Johnson Laps 113–200)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.6627200+8:46.02169.5
130.5
82012 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Ernie McCoy  R  Stevens-Offenhauser 135.9222200+10:04.55250
9698 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Tony Bettenhausen
(Chuck Stevenson Laps 116–159)
(Gene Hartley Laps 160–196)		 Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.0220196Accident116
45
39
103253 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Davies Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.2631193-7 laps150
11269 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Duke Nalon Kurtis Kraft-Novi 135.4630191Accident100
121973 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Carl Scarborough ✝
(Bob Scott Laps 70–190)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.9321190-10 laps17.5
32.5
13488 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Manny Ayulo Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.3815184Engine
14318 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Bryan Schroeder-Offenhauser 135.5029183-17 laps
152849 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Holland  W 
(Jim Rathmann Laps 142–177)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.862177Magneto
161092 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rodger Ward
(Andy Linden Laps 116–144)
(Duke Dinsmore Laps 145–154)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.466177Axle
171423 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Walt Faulkner
(Johnny Mantz Laps 135–)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.1110176-24 laps
182222 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Marshall Teague  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.7225169Oil Leak
191862 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Spider Webb
(Johnny Thomson Laps 113–157)
(Jackie Holmes Laps 158–166)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.1617166Oil Leak
202951 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bob Sweikert Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.8711151Suspension
212383 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Mike Nazaruk Turner-Offenhauser 135.7026146Transmission
222477 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Pat Flaherty Kuzma-Offenhauser 135.6628115Accident
23755 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jerry Hoyt
(Chuck Stevenson Laps 83–95)
(Andy Linden Laps 96–107)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.7324107Overheating
24274 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Duane Carter Lesovsky-Offenhauser 135.263294Ignition
25177 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Paul Russo Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.211689Magneto
26821 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnnie Parsons  W  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.66386Engine
271538 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Don Freeland  R  Watson-Offenhauser 136.861276Accident
281341 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Gene Hartley Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.26953Accident
291697 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chuck Stevenson Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.561442Fuel Leak
303099 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Cal Niday  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.091830Magneto
311129 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bob Scott Bromme-Offenhauser 137.43714Oil Leak
323356 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnny Thomson  R  Del Roy-Offenhauser 135.26336Ignition
33532 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Andy Linden Stevens-Offenhauser 136.06193Accident

Note: Relief drivers in parentheses [26]

 W  Former Indianapolis 500 winner

 R  Indianapolis 500 Rookie

All entrants utilized Firestone tires.

^1 – Includes 1 point for fastest lead lap

Race statistics

Race notes

Broadcasting

Radio

The race was carried live flag-to-flag on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. Instead of being produced by 1070 WIBC-AM, the network pooled together talent and technical staff from all five of the major radio stations in Indianapolis. The broadcast was anchored by Sid Collins, and featured on-air talent from WIBC, WFBM, WISH, WIRE, and WXLW. [32]

The broadcast signed on at 10:45 a.m. local time, and carried live through the conclusion, until 3:45 p.m. local time. The broadcast was carried on 135 stations in at least 35 states across the country, and on Armed Forced Network to Europe and Asia. Towards the end of the race, chief announcer Sid Collins departed the booth in order to report from victory lane. Charlie Brockman, the color commentator and co-announcer, called the last few laps including the finish.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network
Booth AnnouncersTurn Reporters Pit/garage reporters

Chief Announcer: Sid Collins
Color: Charlie Brockman
Analyst: Chuck Breece

South Turns: Bill Frosch
North Turns: Jim Shelton
Trackside location: Dick Pittenger
Trackside location: Robin Bright

Luke Walton (north pits)
Al Vare (south pits)
Sid Collins (victory lane)

World Drivers' Championship

1953 Indianapolis 500
Race 2 of 9 in the 1953 Formula One season
←  Previous race Next race  →
Indianapolis Motor Speedway 1909-1956.svg
Race details
Date May 30, 1953 (1953-05-30)
Location Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Speedway, Indiana
Course Permanent racing facility
Course length 4.023 km (2.500 miles)
Distance 200 laps, 804.672 km (500.000 miles)

Background

The Indianapolis 500 was included in the FIA World Championship of Drivers from 1950 through 1960. The race was sanctioned by AAA through 1955, and then by USAC beginning in 1956. At the time the new world championship was announced and first organized by the CSI, the United States did not yet have a Grand Prix. Indianapolis Motor Speedway vice president and general manager Theodore E. "Pop" Meyers lobbied that the Indianapolis 500 be selected as the race to represent the country and to pay points towards the world championship. [33] [34]

Drivers competing at the Indianapolis 500 in 1950 through 1960 were credited with participation in and earned points towards the World Championship of Drivers. [35] However, the machines competing at Indianapolis were not necessarily run to Formula One specifications and regulations. [36] The drivers also earned separate points (on a different scale) towards the respective AAA or USAC national championships. No points, however, were awarded by the FIA towards the World Constructors' Championship.

Summary

The 1953 Indianapolis 500 was round 2 of 9 on the 1953 World Championship. The event, however, failed to attract interest from any of the regular competitors on the Grand Prix circuit. Race winner Bill Vukovich earned 9 points towards the World Championship (8 points for first place, and 1 point for the fastest lap). Despite not competing in any of the other World Championship events, he finished seventh in the final season standings.

World Drivers' Championship standings after the race

PosDriverPoints
1rightarrow blue.svg 1 Flag of Italy.svg Alberto Ascari 9
1uparrow green.svg 162 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Vukovich 9
1downarrow red.svg 13 Flag of Italy.svg Luigi Villoresi 6
1uparrow green.svg 144 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Art Cross 6
1downarrow red.svg 25 Flag of Argentina.svg José Froilán González 4
Source: [37]
  • Note: Only the top five positions are included. Only the best 4 results counted towards the Championship.

AAA Championship car standings after the race

PosDriverPoints
1rightarrow blue.svg 1 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Vukovich 1000
1rightarrow blue.svg 2 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Art Cross 800
1rightarrow blue.svg 3 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Sam Hanks 532
1rightarrow blue.svg 4 Flag of the United States.svg Jack McGrath 500
1rightarrow blue.svg 5 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Daywalt 400
Source: [21]
  • Note: Only the top five positions are included.

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The 54th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Saturday, May 30, 1970.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1971 Indianapolis 500</span> 55th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 55th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was a motor race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Saturday, May 29, 1971. Al Unser Sr. won for the second consecutive year, dominating most of the race. Unser became the fourth driver to win the Indy 500 in back-to-back years, and it was his second of a record-tying four Indy victories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1972 Indianapolis 500</span> 56th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 56th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Saturday, May 27, 1972. The race is notable in that for the first time, the cars were permitted bolt-on wings, and speeds climbed dramatically. Bobby Unser won the pole position at a then-remarkable speed of 195.940 mph (315.3 km/h) for four laps, breaking Peter Revson's track record of 178.696 mph (287.6 km/h) from 1971 by 17.244 mph (27.8 km/h) – the largest one-year track record increase in Indy history. The race average speed of 162.962 mph (262.3 km/h) was also a new record, which stood until 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1973 Indianapolis 500</span> 57th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 57th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Wednesday, May 30, 1973. The race was held over three days due to rain and suffered two major accidents. Three competitors - two drivers and one pit crew member - died from injuries suffered as a result of accidents that occurred during the month, another driver was critically injured, and over a dozen spectators suffered injuries and/or burns. After 133 laps, rain halted the race, and Gordon Johncock was declared the winner, the first of his two Indy triumphs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1975 Indianapolis 500</span> 59th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 59th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 25, 1975. A. J. Foyt started on the pole position and Bobby Unser won his second Indianapolis 500. Dan Gurney, one of the founders of All American Racers, who finished second as a driver himself in 1968–1969, won his first and only Indy 500 as a car owner. Gurney's Eagle chassis itself scored its third "500" win. The race was part of the 1975 USAC National Championship Trail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1966 Indianapolis 500</span> 50th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 50th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Monday, May 30, 1966. The official program cover for the race celebrated both the 50th running of the race, and 150th anniversary of Indiana statehood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1961 Indianapolis 500</span> 45th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 45th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Tuesday, May 30, 1961. For the first time since 1949, the Indianapolis 500 was not recognized on the World Championship calendar. The race celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first Indy 500 in 1911.

<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.

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.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1990 Indianapolis 500</span> 74th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 74th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 27, 1990. Dutchman Arie Luyendyk took the lead with 32 laps to go, and earned his first-ever victory in championship-level competition. It was the second consecutive year the Indy 500 was won by a foreign-born competitor, the first time that had occurred since 1965–1966. Luyendyk completed the 500 miles at an average speed of 185.981 mph (299.307 km/h), a record that stood for 23 years until 2013. In reference to the long-standing speed record, the 1990 race had often been referred to as "The Fastest 500."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1988 Indianapolis 500</span> 72nd running of the Indianapolis 500

The 72nd Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Sunday May 29, 1988. Team Penske dominated the month, sweeping the top three starting positions with Rick Mears winning the pole position, Danny Sullivan at the center of the front row, and Al Unser, Sr. on the outside. Mears set a new track record, becoming the first driver to break the 220 mph barrier in time trials. On race day, the Penske teammates proceeded to lead 192 of the 200 laps, with Rick Mears taking the checkered flag, his third-career Indy 500 victory. The race represented the milestone 50th victory in Championship car racing for owner Roger Penske and Penske Racing.

References

  1. 1 2 Fox, Jack C. (1994). The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994 (4th ed.). Carl Hungness Publishing. p. 22. ISBN   0-915088-05-3.
  2. ↑ Lamm, Corky (May 31, 1953). "Californian Leads Al But Two Laps; 5 Cars Crack Up". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved June 2, 2017– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  3. ↑ Yates, Brock (2005). Against Death and Time: One Fatal Season in Racing's Glory Years. Da Capo Press. ISBN   978-1-56025-770-7 . Retrieved 2011-06-23.
  4. ↑ "Dramatic Fight Fails to Save Scaborough". The Star Press. May 31, 1953. p. 25. Retrieved April 30, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  5. ↑ "Busiest Day for Hospital at Speedway". The Star Press. May 31, 1953. p. 25. Retrieved April 30, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  6. ↑ Yates, Brock (1961). The Indianapolis 500: The Story of the Motor Speedway. Harper. p. 67.
  7. ↑ Stranahan, Bob (May 16, 1953). "16-Year Veteran's Novi Smacks Wall; Trials Open Today". The Indianapolis Star . p. 1. Retrieved April 30, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  8. ↑ Stranahan, Bob (May 17, 1953). "Pole Position Attack Rest For Noon Today". The Indianapolis Star . p. 53. Retrieved April 28, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  9. ↑ Stranahan, Bob (May 18, 1953). "Does 138 To Win 500 Pole Post (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star . p. 1. Retrieved April 28, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  10. ↑ Stranahan, Bob (May 18, 1953). "Does 138 To Win 500 Pole Post (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star . p. 22. Retrieved April 28, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  11. 1 2 "Yesterday's Qualifiers". The Indianapolis Star . May 18, 1953. p. 22. Retrieved April 28, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  12. ↑ Lamm, Corky (May 23, 1953). "Time Lengthened for Trial Runs". The Indianapolis Star . p. 19. Retrieved April 28, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  13. ↑ Lamm, Corky (May 24, 1953). "Full Field Assured in '500' Race (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star . p. 1. Retrieved April 28, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  14. ↑ Lamm, Corky (May 24, 1953). "Full Field Assured in '500' Race (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star . p. 53. Retrieved April 28, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  15. ↑ "How They'll Line Up". The Indianapolis Star . May 24, 1953. p. 53. Retrieved April 30, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  16. ↑ Lamm, Corky (May 25, 1953). "Fastest 33 In History Await '500' (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star . p. 1. Retrieved April 28, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  17. ↑ Lamm, Corky (May 25, 1953). "Fastest 33 In History Await '500' (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star . p. 21. Retrieved April 28, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  18. ↑ "Official 500 Line-Up". The Indianapolis Star . May 25, 1953. p. 22. Retrieved April 30, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  19. ↑ "Heat May Test Tires And Men". The Indianapolis Star . May 27, 1953. p. 29. Retrieved April 30, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  20. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley – 1070-AM WIBC, May 14, 2004
  21. 1 2 "1953 International 500 Mile Sweepstakes". ChampCarStats.com. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  22. ↑ Reed, Terry (2005). Indy: The Race and Ritual of the Indianapolis 500 . Potomac Books. p.  163. ISBN   1574889079. carl scarborough indianapolis 500.
  23. ↑ Yates, Brock (November 8, 2005). Against Death and Time: One Fatal Season in Racing's Glory Years. Da Capo Press. p. 28. ISBN   978-1-56025-770-7 . Retrieved 2011-06-23.
  24. ↑ "Heat, heart disease fatal". Decatur Sunday Herald and Review . Associated Press. May 31, 1953. Archived from the original on 2023-05-01.
  25. ↑ Van Camp's Pork & Beans Presents: Great Moments From the Indy 500 - Fleetwood Sounds, 1975
  26. ↑ "International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 30, 1953". ChampCarStats.com.
  27. ↑ Barnet, Bob (May 31, 1953). "Notes on the 500-Mile Speedway Classic (Part 1)". The Star Press. p. 25. Retrieved April 21, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  28. ↑ Barnet, Bob (May 31, 1953). "Notes on the 500-Mile Speedway Classic (Part 2)". The Star Press. p. 26. Retrieved April 21, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  29. ↑ Yates, Brock (1961). The Indianapolis 500: The Story of the Motor Speedway. Harper. p. 68.
  30. ↑ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–" . Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  31. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley – 1070-AM WIBC, May 13, 2004
  32. ↑ "5 Stations To Handle 500-Mile". The Indianapolis Star. May 24, 1953. p. 63. Retrieved March 7, 2018– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  33. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley . May 23, 2007. 1070 WIBC-AM.
  34. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley . May 19, 2016. WFNI.
  35. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley . May 5, 2012. WFNI.
  36. ↑ Capps, Don; Cameron Argetsinger (October 25, 2000). "Where Upon Our Scribe, Sherman, & Mr. Peabody Once Again Crank Up The Way-Back Machine for 1961." AtlasF1. Rear View Mirror. 6 (43). Archived from the original on April 27, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
  37. ↑ "Indianapolis 1953 – Championship". StatsF1.com. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
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