Burman Wins Speedway Helmet

This image of Bob Burman  orginally appeared in the May 27, 1910 Indianapolis Star. It supported articles covering the first day of racing at the May 1910 race meet at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These were part of the May 1910 weekend that included "national championships," a newly-announced distinction by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for select race meets. Car manufacturers were keen to make a great showing.
 
Johnny Aitken got to model it weeks earlier, but it was Burman who earned the right to wear it - the Speedway Helmet  - a unique trophy for the penultimate race of nine contests during the first day of racing at the Speedway after it was paved with 3.2 million bricks. Burman won the one-of-a-kind trophy and the $50 weekly salary that came with it when he ushered his white Buick past Caleb Bragg's red Fiat in the final turn. Reports indicate that the Fiat suffered some kind mechanical failure entering the front stretch but it is unclear exactly what that was.