History Video of the first Indy 500

The great American race May 30, 1911. HRP

This on has sound.



This one doesn't.

 

Looks great,I think we're going to the Indy 500,on TV at lest;

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2167751273241986

 

Yep!... I'll be watching it.....

 

kind wild to see the guy with the checkered flag STANDING on the track almost touching the winner's car...
........ men of steel !

 

When you think about it we are fortunate to see any video recording of a race that took place 117 years ago.

Ray Harrouns average speed was 74.602 mph in 1911 on the other hand the winner of last years race averaged a speed of 155.395 mph.

HRP

 

Track temps will be hot for tomorrow's race...

 

Ray Harroun, the winner of that first race, did not have a ride along mechanic with him. Anyone know why?

 

No, but that's probably why he won, less weight!

 

Wow! Just think. That was the top end of auto technology of the time.
They sure were smokers. Thanks for posting that piece of history.

 

Actually the ride along mechanics were mainly used as spotters for the driver telling him if someone was passing or gaining on them, etc. Harroun used a rear view mirror instead, supposedly the first on a racecar. You can see it in the picture below. It's that boxy looking thing just forward and above the steering wheel.

 

Actually, the race was most likely actually won by Ralph Mulford in the Lozier. When the Case and Apperson crashed, the crowd, (including most of the timekeepers and lap counters) rushed to the scene of the accident, leaving several laps unaccounted for. Because debacles like this were common in the early days of racing, the Lozier company (ever conservative), had a policy of completing 3 extra laps after the end of the race. The Lozier crew had been keeping their own count and knew they had won and signaled it to Mulford, who dutifully completed the extra three laps, and then came into the pits to find Harroun receiving the laurels. A protest was lodged, with track management stating that all placing EXCEPT FOR THE WINNER, was subject to change. After several days, and over much protest, they declared Harroun the winner. The track management later released a statement that there was no confusion as to the results. This statement is very self-serving. They must have felt a little guilty, because they sent Mulford a token of their appreciation after the races completion every year until his death in 1973.

 

Great stuff!
The smile on his face at the end says it all.

 

His car only had room for one,hence the rear view mirror,it was reported to be the first rear view mirror on a race car HRP

 

First time i have ever heard this story. Thanks!

 

There WAS a "Harroun" car built in Wayne, Michigan for a few years after this and a Harroun street.??