1953 Indianapolis 500

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.{{cite book |first=Brock |last=Yates |title=The Indianapolis 500: The Story of the Motor Speedway |publisher=Harper |year=1961 |page=67}} 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.{{cite news|title=16-Year Veteran's Novi Smacks Wall; Trials Open Today|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5672582/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|first=Bob|last=Stranahan|page=1|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 16, 1953|accessdate=April 30, 2024}}{{Open access}}

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.{{cite news|title=Pole Position Attack Rest For Noon Today|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5672723/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|first=Bob|last=Stranahan|page=53|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 17, 1953|accessdate=April 28, 2024}}{{Open access}}

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.{{cite news|title=Does 138 To Win 500 Pole Post (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5676180/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|first=Bob|last=Stranahan|page=1|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 18, 1953|accessdate=April 28, 2024}}{{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Does 138 To Win 500 Pole Post (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5676264/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|first=Bob|last=Stranahan|page=22|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 18, 1953|accessdate=April 28, 2024}}{{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Yesterday's Qualifiers|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5676364/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|page=22|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 18, 1953|accessdate=April 28, 2024}}{{Open access}}

• Source: The Indianapolis Star

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.{{cite news|title=Time Lengthened for Trial Runs|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5677070/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|first=Corky|last=Lamm|page=19|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 23, 1953|accessdate=April 28, 2024}}{{Open access}} 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.{{cite news|title=Full Field Assured in '500' Race (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5677132/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|first=Corky|last=Lamm|page=1|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 24, 1953|accessdate=April 28, 2024}}{{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Full Field Assured in '500' Race (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5677264/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|first=Corky|last=Lamm|page=53|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 24, 1953|accessdate=April 28, 2024}}{{Open access}}

• Source: The Indianapolis Star{{cite news|title=How They'll Line Up|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-0524-indy500-kval/97525211/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|page=53|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 24, 1953|accessdate=April 30, 2024}}{{Open access}}

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.{{cite news|title=Fastest 33 In History Await '500' (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5677415/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|first=Corky|last=Lamm|page=1|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 25, 1953|accessdate=April 28, 2024}}{{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Fastest 33 In History Await '500' (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5677489/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|first=Corky|last=Lamm|page=21|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 25, 1953|accessdate=April 28, 2024}}{{Open access}}

• Source: The Indianapolis Star{{cite news|title=Official 500 Line-Up|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-0525-indy500-race/97525404/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|page=22|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 25, 1953|accessdate=April 30, 2024}}{{Open access}}

The final practice was held on Tuesday May 26 in hot conditions. The ambient temperature topped out at {{cvt|89|F}}, with a track temperature of {{cvt|113|F}}. It would be a precursor for the hot weather in the forecast for race day.{{cite news|title=Heat May Test Tires And Men|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/5700320/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|page=29|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 27, 1953|accessdate=April 30, 2024}}{{Open access}}

{{legend|orange|text=R|Indianapolis 500 rookie|border=solid 1px darkgray}}

{{legend|gold|text=W|Indianapolis 500 winner|border=solid 1px darkgray}}

• First alternate: Eddie Johnson (#26)The Talk of Gasoline Alley – 1070-AM WIBC, May 14, 2004 – Bumped
• Second alternate: Johnnie Tolan {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#66, #85) – Too slow

All drivers from the United States unless stated.

{{div col|colwidth=28em}}

• Joe Barzda {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#69) – Bumped
• Potsy Goacher {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#36) – Bumped
• Pat O'Connor {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#28, #64, #74) – Bumped
• Len Duncan {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#31, #81) – Bumped
• George Fonder (#76) – Wave off
• Danny Oakes {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#63) – Too slow
• Henry Banks (#10) – Unsuccessful attempt
• George Tichenor {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#65) – Unsuccessful attempt
• Frank Armi {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#79)
• Alberto Ascari {{flagicon|ITA}} (#97) – Did not appear
• Buzz Barton {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#35)
• Bill Boyd {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#86)
• Billy Cantrell {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#42)
• Neal Carter {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#23)
• George Connor (#25)
• Ray Crawford {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#49)
• Jorge Daponte {{flagicon|ARG}} {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#95)
• Billy Devore (#28)
• Duke Dinsmore (#52)
• Bill Doster {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
• Edgar Elder {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#49)
• Johnny Fedricks {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#46)
• John Fitch {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#49, #74)
• Gene Force (#48)
• Cliff Griffith (#24)
• Red Hamilton {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#91)
• Allen Heath {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#65)
• Al Herman {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#93)
• Jackie Holmes (#71)
• Bill Homeier {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#84, #87)
• Johnny Kay {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#67)
• Jud Larson {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#96)
• Jim Mayes {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#34)
• Johnny Mauro (#47) – Did not appear
• Chet Miller (#15) – Fatal accident
• Roy Newman {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#43)
• Jimmy Reece (#16)
• Johnny Roberts {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#82)
• Hal Robson (#57)
• Troy Ruttman {{Color box|gold|W|border=silver}} (#2)
• Eddie Sachs {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#34)
• Wayne Selser {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#75)
• Joe Sostilio {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#17)
• Harry Stockman {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#84)
• Bill Taylor {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#39)
• Leroy Warriner {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} (#44)
• Ebe Yoder {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}{{cite web|title=1953 International 500 Mile Sweepstakes|url=http://www.champcarstats.com/races/195301.htm|website=ChampCarStats.com|access-date=28 June 2015}}

{{div col end}}

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.{{cite book|last=Reed |first=Terry|title=Indy: The Race and Ritual of the Indianapolis 500|year=2005|publisher=Potomac Books|isbn=1574889079|page=[https://archive.org/details/indyraceritualof00reed/page/163 163] |url=https://archive.org/details/indyraceritualof00reed |url-access=registration |quote=carl scarborough indianapolis 500.}} 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 {{Convert|104|F}}. Physicians unsuccessfully performed open-heart massage, but he died of what was reported as heat prostration.{{cite book|last=Yates|first=Brock|author-link=Brock Yates|date=November 8, 2005|title=Against Death and Time: One Fatal Season in Racing's Glory Years|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_Vdkykk0KgEC|publisher=Da Capo Press|page=28|isbn=978-1-56025-770-7|access-date=2011-06-23}}{{cite news|title=Heat, heart disease fatal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/66316539/|newspaper=Decatur Sunday Herald and Review|agency=Associated Press|date=May 31, 1953|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501220438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/66316539/|archive-date=2023-05-01|url-status=live}} 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.

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".Van Camp's Pork & Beans Presents: Great Moments From the Indy 500 - Fleetwood Sounds, 1975

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.

Note: Relief drivers in parentheses{{cite web|publisher=ChampCarStats.com|url=https://www.champcarstats.com/races/195301.htm|title=International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 30, 1953}}

{{Color box|gold|W|border=silver}} Former Indianapolis 500 winner

{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}} Indianapolis 500 Rookie

All entrants utilized Firestone tires.

{{Note|1|1}} – Includes 1 point for fastest lead lap

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{{col-break}}

{{col-break}}

{{col-break}}

{{col-end}}

• Pole position: Bill Vukovich – 4:20.13 (4 laps)
• Fastest lead lap: Bill Vukovich – 1:06.240
• The purse for first place was $89,496{{cite book|first=Brock |last=Yates |title=The Indianapolis 500: The Story of the Motor Speedway |publisher=Harper |year=1961 |page=68}} (US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|89496|1953}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}).
• One of the prizes awarded to the winner was a pet dog and a year's supply of dog food.The Talk of Gasoline Alley – 1070-AM WIBC, May 13, 2004

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.{{cite news|title=5 Stations To Handle 500-Mile|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18077155/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|page=63|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 24, 1953|access-date=March 7, 2018}}{{Open access}}

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.

{{Infobox Grand Prix race report

| Type = F1

| Country = USA

| Grand Prix = Indianapolis 500

| GP_Suffix =

| Fulldate = {{Start date|1953|5|30}}

| Year =1953

| Race_No =2

| Season_No =9

| Previous_round =1953 Argentine Grand Prix

| Next_round =1953 Dutch Grand Prix

| Image =File:Indianapolis Motor Speedway 1909-1956.svg

| Location = Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Speedway, Indiana

| Course_mi = 2.500

| Course_km = 4.023

| Distance_laps = 200

| Distance_mi = 500.000

| Distance_km = 804.672

}}

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.{{cite episode|series=The Talk of Gasoline Alley|station=1070 WIBC-AM|airdate=May 23, 2007}}{{cite episode|series=The Talk of Gasoline Alley|station=WFNI|airdate=May 19, 2016}}

Drivers competing at the Indianapolis 500 in 1950 through 1960 were credited with participation in and earned points towards the World Championship of Drivers.{{cite episode|series=The Talk of Gasoline Alley|station=WFNI|airdate=May 5, 2012}} However, the machines competing at Indianapolis were not necessarily run to Formula One specifications and regulations.{{cite journal|last=Capps|first=Don|author2=Cameron Argetsinger|title=Where Upon Our Scribe, Sherman, & Mr. Peabody Once Again Crank Up The Way-Back Machine for 1961..|journal=AtlasF1|date=October 25, 2000|volume=6|series=Rear View Mirror|issue=43|url=http://atlasf1.autosport.com/2000/mal/mirror.html|access-date=May 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427115856/http://atlasf1.autosport.com/2000/mal/mirror.html|archive-date=April 27, 2012|url-status=dead}} 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.

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.

• Note: Only the top five positions are included. Only the best 4 results counted towards the Championship.

• Note: Only the top five positions are included.

{{Reflist | 30em}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120427163136/https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/indy500/history/stats/ Indianapolis 500 History: Race & All-Time Stats] – Official Site
• Van Camp's Pork & Beans Presents: Great Moments From the Indy 500 – Fleetwood Sounds, 1975
• 1953 Indianapolis 500 Radio Broadcast, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network: Re-broadcast on "The History of the 500" – WFNI (May 12, 2013)

{{F1 race report

| Name_of_race = 1953 Indianapolis 500
Bill Vukovich

| Year_of_race = 1953

| Previous_race_in_season = 1953 Argentine Grand Prix

| Next_race_in_season = 1953 Dutch Grand Prix

| Previous_year's_race = 1952 Indianapolis 500
Troy Ruttman

| Next_year's_race = 1954 Indianapolis 500
Bill Vukovich

}}

{{Indy 500}}

{{F1GP 50-59}}

Category:Indianapolis 500 races

Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis

Category:1953 in American motorsport

Indy