Color Film: The Indy 500 in 1954

Color Film: The Indy 500 in 1954

We just had the 104th running of the Indy 500 take place in August, rather than May, to a nearly empty stadium. These are unusual times, folks. Today I thought I’d take you back 66 years to better times, and a race that was filmed in color, sponsored by Dodge. These were great years for the 500, when Indy cars had a direct relationship to hot rods, often built by the same guys that crafted Bonneville land speed racers and sprint cars. The footage here is excellent, and if you’ve never been, this gives a clear understanding of the large scale and scope of Indy. Mechanic and driver Jack McGrath took the pole, but Bill Vukovich (despite starting 19th on grid in an older car), would win Indy for his second year in a row. Watch the magic as he moves up through the pack. Tragically, Bill died the next year at the same race going for his third Indianapolis 500 win in a row.

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