Twelfth 500-Mile Speedway Grind -- May 30, 2024

Indianapolis Times, 31-May-1924

100 years ago today, on 30-May-1924, LL Corum and Joe Boyer both won the twelfth Indianapolis 500 in a Duesenberg racing car. Owner Fred Duesenberg was not happy with the positions of his cars at about 250 miles and he had them both pull in and had Boyer take over Corum's car, with the instruction to win or destroy the car. 

Indianapolis Times, 30-May-1924

Captain Eddie Rickenbacker 50 Years -- July 23, 2023

San Francisco Examiner, 29-March-1923

Captain Eddie Rickenbacker died 50 years ago today, on 23-July-1973. He was America's highest scoring ace during World War One, Commander of the 94th Aero Squadron, drove in the first Indianapolis 500 and performed great services for his country during World War II. I remember when he died.,

World's Greatest Motor Race -- May 31, 2020

Film Daily, 23-May-1920

The Indianapolis 500 is another casualty of the TrumpVirus.  It has been rescheduled to 23-August-2020.

Winner of 500-Mile Automobile Race -- May 30, 2015

On 31-May-1915, Ralph DePalma won the 1915 Indianapolis 500, driving a Mercedes.  The photo is from the 01-June-1915 New York Tribune.  Dario Resta finished second in a Peugeot. 

Marmon Wins -- May 29, 2011

On 30-May-1911, Memorial Day, Ray Harroun won the first Indianapolis 500 in the Marmon Wasp. Today was the race's 100th anniversary. I like the image in this ad from the 31-May-1911 San Francisco Call. Despite what the image shows, Harroun chose not to carry a riding mechanic. To help make up for the loss of another pair of eyes, Harroun used a new invention, the rear-view mirror.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway -- May 30, 2010

This view of the new Indianapolis Motor Speedway appeared in the 02-May-1909 Bisbee (Arizona) Daily Review.

We are watching the Indianapolis 500.