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1953 Indianapolis 500

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37th Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500
Sanctioning bodyAAA
DateMay 30, 1953
WinnerBill Vukovich
Winning EntrantHoward B. Keck
Average speed128.740 mph (207.187 km/h)
Pole positionBill Vukovich
Pole speed138.392 mph (222.720 km/h)
Most laps ledBill Vukovich (195)
Pre-race
Pace carFord Crestline Sunliner
Pace car driverWilliam Clay Ford
StarterSeth Klein[1]
Honorary refereeHenry Ford II[1]
Estimated attendance190,000[2]
Chronology
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1952 1954

The 37th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 30, 1953. The event was part of the 1953 AAA National Championship, and was race 2 of 9 in the 1953 World Championship of Drivers. Bill Vukovich, after falling just short a year before, dominated the race, leading 195 of the 200 laps. Vukovich won the first of two consecutive "500" victories, finishing more than three minutes ahead of second place Art Cross.

With the temperature in the high 90s (°F), and the track temperature exceeding 130 °F (54 °C), this race is often known as the "Hottest 500". Only twelve cars were running at the finish. Many starters needed relief drivers, and some relief drivers required their own relief drivers. Vukovich and Cross, however, both ran the full 500 miles solo. Owing to the excruciating conditions, driver Carl Scarborough dropped out of the race, and later died at the infield hospital due to heat prostration.[3][4] Not only were drivers and crew members suffering from the intense heat, but spectators as well. According to one of the doctors at the infield hospital, the number of persons requiring treatment at the hospital was "beyond comprehension". This included at least eleven members of the Purdue Band, who marched and performed during pre-race ceremonies.[5]

Time trials

[edit]

On Friday May 15, one day prior to the opening of time trials, sixteen-year race veteran Chet Miller died in a crash in turn one.[6] Going into the race, Miller was the 1-lap (139.600 mph) and 4-lap (139.034 mph) track record holder (139.600 mph), a mark that he set in 1952. After completing a fast lap of over 138 mph, Miller went low going into turn one. The back end got loose, then the car turned to the right and drove head-on into the outside retaining wall. The car slid along the outside wall for about 100 yards, and came to rest in the south short chute. Miller, was found dead of a basal skull fracture and brain hemorrhage and likely was killed instantly.[7]

Saturday May 16

[edit]

The first day of time trials was scheduled for Saturday May 15, but was rained out. Pole qualifying was rescheduled for Sunday at 12 p.m.[8]

Sunday May 17

[edit]

Morning rain delayed the start of time trials until about 2:20 p.m. Only twelve drivers managed to take to the track, and seven completed a qualifying attempt. Manny Ayulo was the first driver in the field, completing his run at a speed of 136.384 mph. Bill Vukovich won the pole position with a four-lap average speed of 138.392 mph, which was not a new track record. Vukovich famously completed his qualifying run in the rain. On his third lap, his car slid sideways going into turn one due to increasing dampness, but he stayed with it. On his fourth and final lap, as Vukovich was coming out of turn four, the skies opened up and a downpour ensued. The speed on his last lap slipped to 137 mph, but he nevertheless took the checkered flag. The track was closed and Vukovich secured the pole position.[9][10][11]

Pos No. Name Lap 1
(mph)
Lap 2
(mph)
Lap 3
(mph)
Lap 4
(mph)
Average Speed
(mph)
1 14 Bill Vukovich 139.147 138.568 138.739 137.132 138.392
2 59 Fred Agabashian 137.405 138.376 137.279 137.132 137.546
3 59 Jack McGrath 136.674 137.153 136.405 136.178 136.602
4 88 Manny Ayulo 136.240 136.075 136.6956 136.529 136.384
5 32 Andy Linden 135.196 135.726 136.446 136.882 136.060
6 32 Tony Bettenhausen 135.583 136.529 135.952 136.033 136.024
7 55 Jerry Hoyt 135.952 135.399 135.890 135.685 135.731
76 George Fonder wave off (twice)
16 Art Cross wave off
3 Sam Hanks wave off
62 Spider Webb wave off
4 Duane Carter did not take green flag
  • Source: The Indianapolis Star[11]

Saturday May 23

[edit]

The third day of time trials opened with 26 spots still open in the starting grid. With as many as 66 cars in the paddock looking for a chance to qualify, the schedule for time trials was extended to 10 a.m. to 7 p.m..[12] A very busy day saw 45 total qualifying attempts; 27 cars completed an attempt. The field was filled to 33 cars, and one car (Joe Barzda) was bumped.

Johnnie Parsons, the 1950 winner, was the fastest driver of the day. His speed of 137.667 mph wound up being the third-fastest overall in the field, but as a third day qualifier, he was forced to line up in 8th starting spot (middle of row 3). The threat of rain added to the urgency of the day. However, the rain held off throughout most of the afternoon. Two drivers (Marshall Teague and Eddie Johnson) exhausted all three of their allotted attempts. Teague slid sideways in turn two during his attempt, but would hold on to make the field. Johnson would later be bumped.

No incidents were reported during the day. Art Cross threw a rod during his first attempt. He took over the car of Jimmy Reece, and qualified 12th. Among those not yet in the field was Henry Banks.[13][14]

Pos No. Name Lap 1
(mph)
Lap 2
(mph)
Lap 3
(mph)
Lap 4
(mph)
Average Speed
(mph)
Notes
8 21 Johnnie Parsons 137.447 138.079 138.079 137.070 137.667
9 3 Sam Hanks 137.573 137.510 137.783 137.259 137.531
10 92 Rodger Ward 137.636 137.678 137.342 137.216 137.468
11 29 Bob Scott 136.633 138.525 138.058 136.529 137.431
12 16 Art Cross 136.157 137.552 137.994 137.552 137.310
13 41 Gene Hartley 137.741 137.489 136.882 136.945 137.263
14 23 Walt Faulkner 137.258 137.342 137.195 136.674 137.117
15 38 Don Freeland 136.934 136.426 137.531 136.591 136.867
16 97 Chuck Stevenson 135.767 136.674 136.861 136.945 136.560
17 7 Paul Russo 136.219 136.116 136.737 135.808 136.219
18 62 Spider Webb 135.501 136.550 136.157 136.467 136.168
19 73 Carl Scarborough 135.014 135.952 136.116 136.674 135.936
20 12 Ernie McCoy 135.583 135.767 136.654 135.706 135.926
21 48 Jimmy Daywalt 135.747 135.767 135.522 135.952 135.747
22 22 Marshall Teague 135.379 135.281 135.911 135.318 135.721
23 83 Mike Nazaruk 135.095 135.583 135.706 136.446 135.706
24 77 Pat Flaherty 136.612 136.137 135.014 134.912 135.668
25 2 Jim Rathmann 136.116 135.767 135.237 135.542 135.666
26 9 Duke Nalon 135.338 135.788 135.277 135.440 135.461
27 4 Duane Carter 135.440 134.912 135.665 135.054 135.267
Failed to Qualify
26 Eddie Johnson 134.811 135.318 135.706 135.115 135.237 Bumped on 5/24
78 Cal Niday 134.852 135.420 134.389 135.054 134.827 Bumped on 5/24
36 Potsy Goacher 134.409 134.368 134.933 134.771 134.620 Bumped on 5/24
61 Bill Holland 134.329 134.934 134.088 134.409 134.439 Bumped on 5/24
74 Pat O'Connor 133.929 134.933 134.751 133.849 134.363 Bumped on 5/24
31 Len Duncan 133.909 133.018 133.591 133.432 133.487 Bumped on 5/24
69 Joe Barzda 121.918 Bumped by Holland
  • Source: The Indianapolis Star[15]

Sunday May 24

[edit]

Bump Day, the fourth and final day of time trials, was held on Sunday May 24. With the field already filled to 33 cars, the bumping process began right away. A total of six cars were bumped. Len Duncan was the first driver bumped for the day, after the successful run of Jimmy Bryan. Duncan later got in a backup car, but wrecked it in a practice run. Frank Armi spun out in turn two and also failed to make the race. Both Duncan and Armi would return to the make the race in 1954.

Bill Holland, the 1949 winner, returned to Indianapolis after being suspended by AAA for competing in "outlaw" races. Holland's car from the previous Sunday was bumped, but he took over the John Finch machine. He put in a speed of 137.868 mph, and became the second-fastest car overall in the field. Johnnie Tolan got out on the track with five seconds left before the 7 o'clock gun. His speed of 134.852 mph, however, was too slow to make the field.[16][17]

Pos No. Name Lap 1
(mph)
Lap 2
(mph)
Lap 3
(mph)
Lap 4
(mph)
Average Speed
(mph)
Notes
28 69 Bill Holland 138.291 138.782 138.122 136.302 137.868 Bumps Goacher
29 51 Bob Sweikert 136.945 136.778 136.924 136.841 136.872 Bumps Holland
30 99 Cal Niday 135.624 136.075 136.405 136.405 136.096 Bumps Johnson
31 8 Jimmy Bryan 133.665 135.870 135.257 135.237 135.506 Bumps Duncan
32 53 Jimmy Davies 135.014 134.610 135.583 136.013 135.303 Bumps Niday
33 56 Johnny Thomson 136.116 136.100 134.791 134.068 135.262 Bumps O'Connor
Failed to Qualify
85 Johnnie Tolan 134.852
63 Danny Oakes
10 Henry Banks
74 Pat O'Connor
76 George Fonder
65 George Tichenor
  • Source: The Indianapolis Star[18]

Carburetion Day - Tuesday May 26

[edit]

The final practice was held on Tuesday May 26 in hot conditions. The ambient temperature topped out at 89 °F (32 °C), with a track temperature of 113 °F (45 °C). It would be a precursor for the hot weather in the forecast for race day.[19]

Starting grid

[edit]
Row Inside Middle Outside
1 14 United States Bill Vukovich 59 United States Fred Agabashian 5 United States Jack McGrath
2 88 United States Manny Ayulo 32 United States Andy Linden 98 United States Tony Bettenhausen
3 55 United States Jerry Hoyt 21 United States Johnnie Parsons  W  3 United States Sam Hanks
4 92 United States Rodger Ward 29 United States Bob Scott 16 United States Art Cross
5 41 United States Gene Hartley 23 United States Walt Faulkner 38 United States Don Freeland  R 
6 97 United States Chuck Stevenson 7 United States Paul Russo 62 United States Spider Webb
7 73 United States Carl Scarborough 12 United States Ernie McCoy  R  48 United States Jimmy Daywalt  R 
8 22 United States Marshall Teague  R  83 United States Mike Nazaruk 77 United States Pat Flaherty
9 2 United States Jim Rathmann 9 United States Duke Nalon 4 United States Duane Carter
10 49 United States Bill Holland  W  51 United States Bob Sweikert 99 United States Cal Niday  R 
11 8 United States Jimmy Bryan 53 United States Jimmy Davies 56 United States Johnny Thomson  R 
R Indianapolis 500 rookie
W Indianapolis 500 winner

Alternates

[edit]

Failed to qualify

[edit]

Race summary

[edit]

First half

[edit]

Race day dawned hot, with temperatures climbing into the 90s. The command to start engines was given at 10:54 a.m., and the field pulled away for the pace lap. At start, Bill Vukovich took the lead from the pole position, and led the field into turn one. Manny Ayulo and Tony Bettenhausen battled for second as Vukovich pulled out to a comfortable lead. On lap 4, Andy Linden crashed in turn three. Jerry Hoyt spun to the infield grass to avoid the wreck. Linden was out, but Hoyt was able to continue in the race. The yellow light stayed on for about one lap, and Linden was not injured.

Vukovich surrendered the lead during his first pit stop on lap 48. That put Fred Agabashian in the lead for one lap, followed by Jim Rathmann, then Sam Hanks for two laps. After the leaders cycled through their stops, Vukovich was back in the lead on lap 54. At the same time, Gene Hartley spun out in turn four bringing out the second yellow of the day. Hartley was taken to the infield hospital, but was released and would be able to serve as a relief driver later in the day.

The grueling conditions were starting to take a toll on the field. Several cars dropped out with mechanical problems before the halfway point. Jimmy Davies came into the pits without brakes, and brushed the inside wall to slow the car down. He would stay in the race to finish 10th, but several laps down. When Duke Nalon came in for his pit stop, his crew dumped a bucket of water over his head. On lap 70, Carl Scarborough came into the pits, feeling sick from the heat and fumes. Due to a fuel spill, a small fire broke out on the side of the car. The fire was quickly extinguished, and Scarborough climbed over the pit wall where he collapsed onto a chair.[22] Bob Scott, who had already dropped out with an oil leak, took over behind the wheel. Scarborough was taken to the infield hospital where his temperature was recorded as 104 °F (40 °C). Physicians unsuccessfully performed open-heart massage, but he died of what was reported as heat prostration.[23][24] According to speedway historian Donald Davidson, Scarborough may have inhaled carbon dioxide from the fire extinguishers, which may have contributed to, or been the actual cause of death.

With 80 laps completed, Bill Vukovich was still leading, with Art Cross second and Fred Agabashian third. Don Freeland lost a wheel in turn one on the leader's lap 81, and he spun down to the infield grass. He was unhurt, but the car was finished. Johnnie Parsons dropped out with a blown engine on lap 86, and Duane Carter was out with ignition problems.

Second half

[edit]

At the halfway point, Bill Vukovich led with Fred Agabashian in second and Sam Hanks in third. Agabashian came in for a pit stop on lap 104. Agabashian was overcome by the heat and the engine fumes, and had to be replaced in the cockpit by relief driver Paul Russo. Jim Rathmann did the same, handing his car over to Eddie Johnson on lap 113. Vukovich came in for his second pit stop on lap 112, followed by Hanks four laps later. Back out on the track, Vukovich had a 50-second lead over Hanks.

Pat Flaherty hit the wall in the northchute on the leaders' lap 118. The yellow light was turned on for 6 minutes and 50 seconds to clean up the oil and fluids that spilled on the track. The next driver to fall by the wayside was Tony Bettenhausen. After completing 115 laps, Bettenhausen came into the pits signaling for a relief driver. Chuck Stevenson took over the car as Bettenhausen passed out and collapsed to the ground from the heat. After a lengthy period of rest, Jim Rathmann got back in the race. Rathmann took over the car of Bill Holland, but it ultimately broke down with a magneto failure.

At the 150-lap mark (375 miles), Bill Vukovich had lapped the field. Manny Ayulo was running second, and Sam Hanks in third. Ayulo's day ended after 184 laps with engine failure. Hanks came in on lap 151, and he was the next to need a relief driver. Duane Carter got behind the wheel, but the team lost considerable time as the crew had to repair a broken exhaust pipe before he could get the car back out. Marshall Teague came in on lap 169 needing assistance climbing out of the car. Cal Niday was preparing to take over behind the wheel, but in the meantime, the crew discovered an irreparable oil leak and the car was done for the day.

Bill Vukovich made his final pit stop on lap 171. Henry Banks was reportedly standing by in Vukovich's pit, with his helmet on ready to drive relief. Vukovich, however, refused the help and insisted on driving the full 500 miles solo. He drank a cup of water, poured some water down the back of his shirt, and went back out on the track. After witnessing this, radio network reporter Luke Walton labeled Vukovich the "ironman" of the race. Walton described the day as the "hottest day we've had in Hoosierland since Willkie accepted the nomination in Elwood back in 1940".[25]

Vukovich cruised over the final 30 laps and won his first "500" by 3 minutes and 30 seconds (about 3 laps) over second place Art Cross. Duane Carter (driving the car of Sam Hanks) came home third, with Paul Russo (driving the car of Fred Agabashian) fourth. As Vukovich was headed to victory lane, the action on the track was still hot. Gene Hartley (driving Tony Bettenhausen's car) crashed, as did Duke Nalon. Officials flagged the race after the first eight cars finished. Only four other cars were still running.

Box score

[edit]
Pos Grid No Driver Constructor Qual Rank Laps Time/retired Points WDC Points
1 1 14 United States Bill Vukovich Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.39 1 200 3:53:01.69 1000 91
2 12 16 United States Art Cross Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.31 8 200 +3:30.87 800 6
3 9 3 United States Sam Hanks
(Duane Carter Laps 152–200)
Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.53 5 200 +4:11.50 532
168
2
2
4 2 59 United States Fred Agabashian
(Paul Russo Laps 105–200)
Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.54 4 200 +4:39.24 315
285
1.5
1.5
5 3 5 United States Jack McGrath Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.60 13 200 +7:49.64 500 2
6 21 48 United States Jimmy Daywalt  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.74 23 200 +8:10.21 400
7 25 2 United States Jim Rathmann
(Eddie Johnson Laps 113–200)
Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.66 27 200 +8:46.02 169.5
130.5
8 20 12 United States Ernie McCoy  R  Stevens-Offenhauser 135.92 22 200 +10:04.55 250
9 6 98 United States Tony Bettenhausen
(Chuck Stevenson Laps 116–159)
(Gene Hartley Laps 160–196)
Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.02 20 196 Accident 116
45
39
10 32 53 United States Jimmy Davies Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.26 31 193 -7 laps 150
11 26 9 United States Duke Nalon Kurtis Kraft-Novi 135.46 30 191 Accident 100
12 19 73 United States Carl Scarborough
(Bob Scott Laps 70–190)
Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.93 21 190 -10 laps 17.5
32.5
13 4 88 United States Manny Ayulo Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.38 15 184 Engine
14 31 8 United States Jimmy Bryan Schroeder-Offenhauser 135.50 29 183 -17 laps
15 28 49 United States Bill Holland  W 
(Jim Rathmann Laps 142–177)
Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.86 2 177 Magneto
16 10 92 United States Rodger Ward
(Andy Linden Laps 116–144)
(Duke Dinsmore Laps 145–154)
Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.46 6 177 Axle
17 14 23 United States Walt Faulkner
(Johnny Mantz Laps 135–)
Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.11 10 176 -24 laps
18 22 22 United States Marshall Teague  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.72 25 169 Oil Leak
19 18 62 United States Spider Webb
(Johnny Thomson Laps 113–157)
(Jackie Holmes Laps 158–166)
Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.16 17 166 Oil Leak
20 29 51 United States Bob Sweikert Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.87 11 151 Suspension
21 23 83 United States Mike Nazaruk Turner-Offenhauser 135.70 26 146 Transmission
22 24 77 United States Pat Flaherty Kuzma-Offenhauser 135.66 28 115 Accident
23 7 55 United States Jerry Hoyt
(Chuck Stevenson Laps 83–95)
(Andy Linden Laps 96–107)
Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.73 24 107 Overheating
24 27 4 United States Duane Carter Lesovsky-Offenhauser 135.26 32 94 Ignition
25 17 7 United States Paul Russo Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.21 16 89 Magneto
26 8 21 United States Johnnie Parsons  W  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.66 3 86 Engine
27 15 38 United States Don Freeland  R  Watson-Offenhauser 136.86 12 76 Accident
28 13 41 United States Gene Hartley Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.26 9 53 Accident
29 16 97 United States Chuck Stevenson Kuzma-Offenhauser 136.56 14 42 Fuel Leak
30 30 99 United States Cal Niday  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.09 18 30 Magneto
31 11 29 United States Bob Scott Bromme-Offenhauser 137.43 7 14 Oil Leak
32 33 56 United States Johnny Thomson  R  Del Roy-Offenhauser 135.26 33 6 Ignition
33 5 32 United States Andy Linden Stevens-Offenhauser 136.06 19 3 Accident

Note: Relief drivers in parentheses[26]

 W  Former Indianapolis 500 winner

 R  Indianapolis 500 Rookie

All entrants utilized Firestone tires.

^1 – Includes 1 point for fastest lead lap

Race statistics

[edit]

Race notes

[edit]
  • Pole position: Bill Vukovich – 4:20.13 (4 laps)
  • Fastest lead lap: Bill Vukovich – 1:06.240
  • The purse for first place was $89,496[29] (US$1,019,186 in 2023 dollars[30]).
  • One of the prizes awarded to the winner was a pet dog and a year's supply of dog food.[31]

Broadcasting

[edit]

Radio

[edit]

The race was carried live flag-to-flag on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. Instead of being produced by 1070 WIBC-AM, the network pooled together talent and technical staff from all five of the major radio stations in Indianapolis. The broadcast was anchored by Sid Collins, and featured on-air talent from WIBC, WFBM, WISH, WIRE, and WXLW.[32]

The broadcast signed on at 10:45 a.m. local time, and carried live through the conclusion, until 3:45 p.m. local time. The broadcast was carried on 135 stations in at least 35 states across the country, and on Armed Forced Network to Europe and Asia. Towards the end of the race, chief announcer Sid Collins departed the booth in order to report from victory lane. Charlie Brockman, the color commentator and co-announcer, called the last few laps including the finish.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network
Booth Announcers Turn Reporters Pit/garage reporters

Chief Announcer: Sid Collins
Color: Charlie Brockman
Analyst: Chuck Breece

South Turns: Bill Frosch
North Turns: Jim Shelton
Trackside location: Dick Pittenger
Trackside location: Robin Bright

Luke Walton (north pits)
Al Vare (south pits)
Sid Collins (victory lane)

World Drivers' Championship

[edit]
1953 Indianapolis 500
Race 2 of 9 in the 1953 Formula One season
← Previous raceNext race →
Race details
Date May 30, 1953 (1953-05-30)
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

[edit]

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.[33][34]

Drivers competing at the Indianapolis 500 in 1950 through 1960 were credited with participation in and earned points towards the World Championship of Drivers.[35] However, the machines competing at Indianapolis were not necessarily run to Formula One specifications and regulations.[36] 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

[edit]

The 1953 Indianapolis 500 was round 2 of 9 on the 1953 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 9 points towards the World Championship (8 points for first place, and 1 point for the fastest lap). Despite not competing in any of the other World Championship events, he finished seventh in the final season standings.

World Drivers' Championship standings after the race

[edit]
Pos Driver Points
1 Italy Alberto Ascari 9
16 2 United States Bill Vukovich 9
1 3 Italy Luigi Villoresi 6
14 4 United States Art Cross 6
2 5 Argentina José Froilán González 4
Source:[37]
  • Note: Only the top five positions are included. Only the best 4 results counted towards the Championship.

AAA Championship car standings after the race

[edit]
Pos Driver Points
1 United States Bill Vukovich 1000
2 United States Art Cross 800
3 United States Sam Hanks 532
4 United States Jack McGrath 500
5 United States Jimmy Daywalt 400
Source:[21]
  • Note: Only the top five positions are included.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b 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. ^ Lamm, Corky (May 31, 1953). "Californian Leads Al But Two Laps; 5 Cars Crack Up". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved June 2, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  3. ^ Yates, Brock (2005). Against Death and Time: One Fatal Season in Racing's Glory Years. Da Capo Press. ISBN 978-1-56025-770-7. Retrieved 2011-06-23.
  4. ^ "Dramatic Fight Fails to Save Scaborough". The Star Press. May 31, 1953. p. 25. Retrieved April 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  5. ^ "Busiest Day for Hospital at Speedway". The Star Press. May 31, 1953. p. 25. Retrieved April 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  6. ^ Yates, Brock (1961). The Indianapolis 500: The Story of the Motor Speedway. Harper. p. 67.
  7. ^ Stranahan, Bob (May 16, 1953). "16-Year Veteran's Novi Smacks Wall; Trials Open Today". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved April 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  8. ^ Stranahan, Bob (May 17, 1953). "Pole Position Attack Rest For Noon Today". The Indianapolis Star. p. 53. Retrieved April 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  9. ^ Stranahan, Bob (May 18, 1953). "Does 138 To Win 500 Pole Post (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved April 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  10. ^ Stranahan, Bob (May 18, 1953). "Does 138 To Win 500 Pole Post (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 22. Retrieved April 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  11. ^ a b "Yesterday's Qualifiers". The Indianapolis Star. May 18, 1953. p. 22. Retrieved April 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  12. ^ Lamm, Corky (May 23, 1953). "Time Lengthened for Trial Runs". The Indianapolis Star. p. 19. Retrieved April 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  13. ^ Lamm, Corky (May 24, 1953). "Full Field Assured in '500' Race (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved April 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  14. ^ Lamm, Corky (May 24, 1953). "Full Field Assured in '500' Race (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 53. Retrieved April 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  15. ^ "How They'll Line Up". The Indianapolis Star. May 24, 1953. p. 53. Retrieved April 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  16. ^ Lamm, Corky (May 25, 1953). "Fastest 33 In History Await '500' (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved April 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  17. ^ Lamm, Corky (May 25, 1953). "Fastest 33 In History Await '500' (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 21. Retrieved April 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  18. ^ "Official 500 Line-Up". The Indianapolis Star. May 25, 1953. p. 22. Retrieved April 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  19. ^ "Heat May Test Tires And Men". The Indianapolis Star. May 27, 1953. p. 29. Retrieved April 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  20. ^ The Talk of Gasoline Alley1070-AM WIBC, May 14, 2004
  21. ^ a b "1953 International 500 Mile Sweepstakes". ChampCarStats.com. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  22. ^ Reed, Terry (2005). Indy: The Race and Ritual of the Indianapolis 500. Potomac Books. p. 163. ISBN 1574889079. carl scarborough indianapolis 500.
  23. ^ Yates, Brock (November 8, 2005). Against Death and Time: One Fatal Season in Racing's Glory Years. Da Capo Press. p. 28. ISBN 978-1-56025-770-7. Retrieved 2011-06-23.
  24. ^ "Heat, heart disease fatal". Decatur Sunday Herald and Review. Associated Press. May 31, 1953. Archived from the original on 2023-05-01.
  25. ^ Van Camp's Pork & Beans Presents: Great Moments From the Indy 500 - Fleetwood Sounds, 1975
  26. ^ "International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 30, 1953". ChampCarStats.com.
  27. ^ Barnet, Bob (May 31, 1953). "Notes on the 500-Mile Speedway Classic (Part 1)". The Star Press. p. 25. Retrieved April 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  28. ^ Barnet, Bob (May 31, 1953). "Notes on the 500-Mile Speedway Classic (Part 2)". The Star Press. p. 26. Retrieved April 21, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  29. ^ Yates, Brock (1961). The Indianapolis 500: The Story of the Motor Speedway. Harper. p. 68.
  30. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  31. ^ The Talk of Gasoline Alley1070-AM WIBC, May 13, 2004
  32. ^ "5 Stations To Handle 500-Mile". The Indianapolis Star. May 24, 1953. p. 63. Retrieved March 7, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  33. ^ The Talk of Gasoline Alley. May 23, 2007. 1070 WIBC-AM.
  34. ^ The Talk of Gasoline Alley. May 19, 2016. WFNI.
  35. ^ The Talk of Gasoline Alley. May 5, 2012. WFNI.
  36. ^ 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.
  37. ^ "Indianapolis 1953 – Championship". StatsF1.com. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
[edit]


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1953 Argentine Grand Prix
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1953 Dutch Grand Prix
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1952 Indianapolis 500
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1954 Indianapolis 500
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