Indianapolis Motor Speedway Historian Donald Davidson has been the expert on the history of the Racing Capital of the World since he arrived in Central Indiana in the mid-1960s. Now 2010 Auto Racing Hall of Fame inductee Davidson will answer your questions periodically in this blog!
Click here to send your questions about the people and races that have formed a century of rich history at IMS, including your complete name and city and state/country of residence. Keep your eyes on this blog for answers to selected questions from Donald!
I heard a story that when Jules Goux won the 1913 Indy 500, he drank 3 bottles of wine DURING the race. Do you know if there is any truth to this? If so, how would he be able to operate a race car under the influence, and win the race??? Also, how would he be able to pour the wine in his mouth while driving over all those bumpy bricks??? Thanks, -Aaron
hey mr davidson was it true that in the day that you guys found mr france sooping round the brickyard once and i love your commentary on race day too thanks
I have been trying to find someone who could tell the value of the 2nd place award given to William Cantlon @ the Indy 500 in 1930. I own this piece. Thanks in advance for you help.
Tim
What can you tell us about car owner Usona Purcell?
Recently my husband and I, both Hoosier natives, attended
the 2010 Indy 500 with our family. Californians, this was on the occasion of our 50th wedding anniversary. I submitted a
story to the Indianapolis Star editors about our relationship
to the Race and the IMS which goes back to the thirties when my ancestors all worked at the track.
You might be interested….if so, please so say. The Star
didn’t p/u on the story, but perhaps I sent it too close
to race time.
Beverly Fauvre,
author of “Justly Proud: A German American Family in Indiana,” which includes stories of my family’s associating
and experiences of the IMS.
HI: I HAVE SOME PHOTOS OF A WRECK AT INDY THEIR STAMPED ON THE BACK AND SIGNED BY A MERLE GEORGE THEY LOOK LIKE FROM THE SAME MISHAP 5 IN ALL. WHO WAS MERLE GEORGE ? THESE PHOTOS LOOK LIKE SOMTHING FROM 50’s OR 60’s . ANY INFO WOULD BE NICE THANKS QUINN
Hello: I was wondering if there were multiple brands of brick used to pave the track surface? I know of the Culver Blocks that were used however I have 12 or 13 different large paving bricks that I have been told were from the track. I would love to find out what bricks were used if there were ones other than the Culver. Any info would be helpful. Thank you
Is there a list of riding mechanics who participated in the Indianapolis 500? I am particularly interested to know if a man named John Hoine ever participated and, if so, what else is known about the results.
Donald – I’ve been coming to the Speedway for over 30 years and I don’t ever recall a driver going out to qualify after the 6:00 pm gun. Didn’t Alex Tagliani go out after 6:00 pm to qualify yesterday (Saturday 21st)? Has this ever happended before?
Hello Donald. I have attend 57 races including this year. There use to be cannon sounds explode on each turn on the pace lap as the field circled the track. When and why did they stop this? Also was it 1963 when Parnelli Jones won the last time #98 won a race? One of most dramatic races this year that I have ever experienced. Thanks
I watched both the race and the ABC coverage that night and have not been able to figure out when Wheldon passed Rahal and Kanaan. ABC had Wheldon listed as being in 5th at the start of the last lap – behind Hildebrand, Rahal, Kanaan and Dixon. I know how he got around Dixon (pitted) and Hildebrand (obvious) but not the other two.
I have a picture of my Grandfather taken Sept. 14, 1915 with approx. 46 “Officials & Drivers”. Some of their overalls say: Pure Oil Co., Energy Gas, others say Stutz. Written in the corner is: 1st Annual 500 Mile World’s Motor Derby. Twin City Speedway with a grand stand in the background. The picture is about 19″ by 6″. My Grandfather was very good friends with Eddie Rickenbacker who was also my Mother’s Godfather. Is there any interest in this picture for someone who, like yourself is a historian? I read an article about Ray Harroun and you are mentioned. Thank you, Rose Barker Derr. 810 240-1308
Regarding my previous question on a picture I have of Official and Drivers, dated Sept. 4, 1915, Twin City Speedway, I omitted my city and state. Rose Barker Derr, Grand Blanc, MI 48439, Genesee county. Thank you again!!