1954 Indianapolis 500

Last updated
38th Indianapolis 500
Indy500winningcar1953-1954.JPG
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500
Sanctioning body AAA
DateMay 31, 1954
Winner Bill Vukovich
Winning Entrant Howard B. Keck
Average speed130.840 mph (210.567 km/h)
Pole position Jack McGrath
Pole speed141.033 mph (226.971 km/h)
Most laps led Bill Vukovich (90)
Pre-race
Pace car Dodge Royal 500
Pace car driver W. C. Newberg
Starter Bill Vanderwater [1]
Honorary referee Ralph DePalma [1]
Estimated attendance175,000 [2]
Chronology
PreviousNext
1953 1955

The 38th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 31, 1954. The event was part of the 1954 AAA National Championship Trail, and was also race 2 of 9 in the 1954 World Championship of Drivers.

Contents

Time trials

Time trials was scheduled for four days.

Starting grid

 R  = Indianapolis 500 rookie;  W  = Former Indianapolis 500 winner

RowInsideMiddleOutside
12 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jack McGrath 19 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Daywalt 9 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Bryan
243 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnny Thomson 98 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chuck Stevenson 7 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Don Freeland
325 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Reece 16 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Duane Carter 17 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bob Sweikert
41 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Sam Hanks 34 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Troy Ruttman  W 35 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Pat O'Connor  R 
524 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Cal Niday 73 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Mike Nazaruk 15 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnnie Parsons  W 
612 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rodger Ward 31 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Gene Hartley 51 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Homeier  R 
714 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Vukovich  W 32 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Ernie McCoy 10 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Tony Bettenhausen
888 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Manny Ayulo 74 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Andy Linden 77 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Fred Agabashian
928 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Larry Crockett  R 33 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Len Duncan  R 45 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Art Cross
1038 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jim Rathmann 65 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Spider Webb 99 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jerry Hoyt
1127 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Ed Elisian  R 5 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Paul Russo 71 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Frank Armi  R 

Alternates

Failed to qualify

Race summary

Bill Vukovich had to work much harder in this race due to his car was now 2 years old and the team had trouble getting it up to speed leading to a 19th place starting spot inside of row 7 for the race. Vukovich did not see the lead until lap 61 when he led 1 lap. He then after losing positions during pitstops worked his way forward, seeing the lead again on lap 92 leading for the next 38 laps until falling back due to another round of pitstops. Then Vukovich took the lead for good on 150 to win his second consecutive 500, setting a record (at the time) 130.840 mph average race speed. The record would stand until the 1957 Indianapolis 500. Vukovich died the following year attempting to win his third consecutive Indy 500.

Box score

FinishGridNo.DriverConstructorQualRankLapsTime/RetiredPointsWDC Points
11914 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Vukovich  W  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.47142003:49:17.271,0008
239 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Bryan Kuzma-Offenhauser 139.665200+ 1:09.958006
312 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jack McGrath Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 141.031200+ 1:19.737005 1
41134 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Troy Ruttman  W 
(Duane Carter Laps 101-170)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.7331200+ 2:52.68387
213		1.5
1.5
51473 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Mike Nazaruk Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 139.586200+ 3:24.555002
62477 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Fred Agabashian Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.7430200+ 3:47.55400 
767 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Don Freeland Phillips-Offenhauser 138.3316200+ 4:13.35300 
8325 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Paul Russo
(Jerry Hoyt Laps 151-200)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.6732200+ 5:01.17187.5
62.5		 
92528 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Larry Crockett  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 139.558200+ 7:07.24200 
101324 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Cal Niday Stevens-Offenhauser 139.823200+ 7:07.69150 
112745 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Art Cross
(Johnnie Parsons Laps 121-142)
(Sam Hanks Laps 143-153)
(Andy Linden Laps 154-170)
(Jimmy Davies Laps 171-200)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.6713200+ 8:22.1959.5
12.5
5.5
8
14.5		 
12598 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chuck Stevenson
(Walt Faulkner Laps 56-94
(Walt Faulkner Laps 122-199)		 Kuzma-Offenhauser 138.7712199-1 Lap21.5
28.5		 
132288 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Manny Ayulo Kuzma-Offenhauser 138.1622197-3 Laps  
14917 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bob Sweikert Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.2021197-3 Laps  
15816 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Duane Carter
(Marshall Teague Laps 77-105)
(Jimmy Jackson Laps 106-120)
(Tony Bettenhausen Laps 121-154)
(Jimmy Jackson Laps 155-196)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.2319196-4 Laps  
162032 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Ernie McCoy Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.4115194-6 Laps  
17725 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Reece Pankratz-Offenhauser 138.3117194-6 Laps  
183127 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Ed Elisian  R 
(Bob Scott Laps 149-193)		 Stevens-Offenhauser 137.7929193-7 Laps  
193371 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Frank Armi  R 
(George Fonder Laps 141-164)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.6733193-7 Laps  
20101 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Sam Hanks
(Jimmy Davies Laps 113-148)
(Jim Rathmann Laps 149-191)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.9925191Spun Off  
211235 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Pat O'Connor  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.0823181Spun Off  
221612 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rodger Ward
(Eddie Johnson Laps 94-160)		 Pawl-Offenhauser 139.922172Retirement  
231731 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Gene Hartley
(Marshall Teague Laps 152-168)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 139.0610168Clutch  
24443 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnny Thomson
(Andy Linden Laps 114-140)
(Bill Homeier Laps 141-165)		 Nichels-Offenhauser 138.7811165Retirement  
252374 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Andy Linden
(Bob Scott Laps 87-138)		 Schroeder-Offenhauser 137.8227165Suspension  
263099 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jerry Hoyt Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.8228130Engine  
27219 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Daywalt Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 139.784111Accident  
282838 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jim Rathmann
(Pat Flaherty Laps 96-110)		 Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.2220110Accident  
292110 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Tony Bettenhausen Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.2718105Wheel Bearing  
302965 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Spider Webb
(Danny Kladis Laps 55-104)		 Bromme-Offenhauser 137.9726104Fuel pump  
312633 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Len Duncan  R 
(George Fonder Laps 44-101)		 Schroeder-Offenhauser 139.219101Brakes  
321515 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnnie Parsons  W  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 139.57779Engine  
331851 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Homeier  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.002474Accident  

Note: Relief drivers in parentheses [5]

 W  Former Indianapolis 500 winner

 R  Indianapolis 500 Rookie

All entrants utilized Firestone tires.

^1 – Includes 1 point for fastest lead lap

Race statistics

Additional stats

Broadcasting

Radio

The race was carried live flag-to-flag on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. It was the second time the race was carried in its entirety. The broadcast was anchored by Sid Collins, his third as chief announcer, and seventh year overall with the crew. Charlie Brockman served as booth analyst and statistician, and also reported from victory lane. [8] For the first time ever, a female reporter was part of the radio crew. Paula Carr of WIRE served as a roving reporter, interviewing celebrities and other special guests. [9]

Of note, the network expanded its coverage to include four qualifying wrap-up shows during time trials weekends.

The network expanded to include four qualifying wrap-up shows, and the number of affiliate stations increased to 210. All five major radio stations in Indianapolis carried the broadcast. The 1954 broadcast is notable in that it featured for the first time the famous phrase "Stay tuned for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Due to the increased number of affiliates at the time, the network needed a scripted "out-cue" to alert producers when to manually insert local commercials. A young WIBC marketing staff member named Alice Greene (née Bunger) is credited with inventing the phrase, and chief announcer Sid Collins coined it on-air. It has been used ever since, with all of the chief announcers proudly reciting it during their respective tenures.

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

Chief Announcer: Sid Collins
Color: Charlie Brockman

South Turns: Bill Frosch
Backstretch: Jack Shapiro
North Turns: Easy Gwynn

Luke Walton (north pits)
Greg Smith (south pits)
Dick Lingle
Paula Carr

World Drivers' Championship

1954 Indianapolis 500
Race 2 of 9 in the 1954 Formula One season
←  Previous race Next race  →
Indianapolis Motor Speedway 1909-1956.svg
Race details
Date May 31, 1954 (1954-05-31)
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. [10] [11]

Drivers competing at the Indianapolis 500 in 1950 through 1960 were credited with participation in and earned points towards the World Championship of Drivers. [12] However, the machines competing at Indianapolis were not necessarily run to Formula One specifications and regulations. [13] 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 1954 Indianapolis 500 was round 2 of 9 on the 1954 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 8 points towards the World Championship. Despite not competing in any of the other World Championship events, he finished sixth in the final season standings.

World Drivers' Championship standings after the race

PosDriverPoints
1rightarrow blue.svg 1 Flag of Argentina.svg Juan Manuel Fangio 8
1uparrow green.svg 162 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Vukovich 8
1downarrow red.svg 13 Flag of Italy.svg Nino Farina 6
1uparrow green.svg 144 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Bryan 6
1downarrow red.svg 25 Flag of Argentina.svg José Froilán González 5
Source: [14]
  • Note: Only the top five positions are included.

AAA Championship car standings after the race

PosDriverPoints
1rightarrow blue.svg 1 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Vukovich 1,000
1rightarrow blue.svg 2 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Bryan 800
1rightarrow blue.svg 3 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jack McGrath 700
1rightarrow blue.svg 4 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Mike Nazaruk 500
1rightarrow blue.svg 5 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Fred Agabashian 400
Source: [4]
  • Note: Only the top five positions are included.

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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. ↑ Campbell, Don G. (June 1, 1954). "Even Weather Co-Operates At Speedway". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved June 2, 2017– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  3. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley – 1070-AM WIBC, May 14, 2004
  4. 1 2 "1954 International 500 Mile Sweepstakes". ChampCarStats.com. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  5. ↑ "International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 31, 1954". ChampCarStats.com.
  6. ↑ Barnet, Bob (June 1, 1954). "Chronological Story of '500' Race (Part 1)". Indianapolis News . p. 10. Retrieved April 22, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  7. ↑ Barnet, Bob (June 1, 1954). "Chronological Story of '500' Race (Part 2)". Indianapolis News . p. 11. Retrieved April 22, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  8. ↑ "Heroes of the 500: The 1954 Indianapolis 500 Radio Broadcast" – WIBC, May 2014
  9. ↑ "Air Network To Catch Speedway Action, Color". The Indianapolis Star. May 30, 1954. p. 9. Retrieved May 30, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  10. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley . May 23, 2007. 1070 WIBC-AM.
  11. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley . May 19, 2016. WFNI.
  12. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley . May 5, 2012. WFNI.
  13. ↑ 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.
  14. ↑ "Indianapolis 1954 - Championship • STATS F1". www.statsf1.com. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
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1954 Argentine Grand Prix 		FIA Formula One World Championship
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1954 Belgian Grand Prix
Previous race:
1953 Indianapolis 500
Bill Vukovich 		1954 Indianapolis 500
Bill Vukovich 		Next race:
1955 Indianapolis 500
Bob Sweikert
Preceded by
128.922 mph
(1952 Indianapolis 500)
 Record for the Indianapolis 500 fastest average speed
130.840 mph		Succeeded by
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