Jive-Bomber submitted a new blog post: The Indy 500: Rooted in Hot Rodding Continue reading the Original Blog Post
Went many times in the 70's- Tented in a friends yard- same seats every year- turn 4- great time I think- hard to remember much of it- was the 70's- Bob-
I think this helmet tells the whole story with its direct hits and sliding scars. They were real men (sorry to all the PC). It took strength and determination to go 500 miles with narrow tires, no power steering, no cool air helmets, no cool suits, no fire bottles, no rolls cages, and no direct communication to the crew in the pits.
The Speedway is hallowed ground. So many paid such a high price in the quest for speed and glory. Indy Cars can trace their roots right to Model T's. Guys taking off the fenders and going fast. Ted Halibrand saw a need and made wheels for Midgets, Sprints and Champ Cars. Hot Rod history. Not a prettier race car than an Indy Roadster.
I was reading a book about Indy in the '30s and it told about literally dozens of guys building Indy Cars in their gas stations after hours and in home garages. Try that nowadays! That helmet tells it all.
I love the place, simple as that. My dad took me the first time in 1963 so I got to see the end days of the roadsters and the beginning of the rear engine fords. The museum is fantastic and still gives me a thrill each time I go. Those old roadsters were hot rods, you don't have to look very long to see parts that came straight out of the salvage yard , and brilliantly modified.
Indeed. I have visited there twice over a period of 22 years. The last visit, took the bus tour around the track......WOW! Just love those old Indy racers!
Did you see the “vintage” cars run on Saturday?.....Goose bumps I tell ya! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
No Doubt about it. There's Some Great, even Legendary drivers in that above group! Men of Iron in the early days of racing, thanks for sharing those pics Rootie.
The Jalopy Journal
