First Indianapolis 500 - 1911

This is a large collection of articles concerning the 1911 Indianapolis 500. This content covers practice and preparation for the event, many featuring the star drivers such as eventual winner Ray Harroun, Ralph Mulford, Bob Burman and Ralph DePlama. Barney Oldfield, who was banned by the AAA during this period and missed the first Indianapolis 500, wrote a racing column and several of his contributions are contained in this folder. Complete race day coverage is yet to be added, but will be included them in the future.

Dusseldorfer and Pickpockets

The attached articles were printed May 31, 1911 in the Indianapolis Star. The larger article describes the menace of pickpockets who were prolific and preying on visitors to Union Station, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and downtown Indianapolis.
Injured Competitors Speak from Hospital

These articles were published June 1, 1911 in the Indianapolis Star. The most important of three articles you will want to review is titled, "Battered Racers are Still Game." The reporter who developed this article about drivers and riding mechanics injured in the first running of the Indianapolis 500 visited the men in the citry's Methodist Episcopal Hospital. Among those interviewed were Lozier mechanic Dave Lewis, Jackson mechanic Robert Evans, Case mechanic Leo Anderson and Westcott mechanic John Glover.
 
Scoring Controversy - First Indy 500

This is a very interesting article published June 1, 1911 in the Indianapolis Star. The report describes how AAA and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials reviewed records until 3 a.m. following the first running of the Indianapolis 500 to sort out the final finishing order. This was particularly significant for the first 10 finishers because these were the only paying positions.
 
Road Markers Lead to Indianapolis

This article was published in the May 23, 1911 Indianapolis Sun. This is a one-page, one-column article that focuses on preparations for the first Indianapolis 500. The lead focuses on the fact that there was grandstand seating still available even at this late date. More interesting in my judgment is the revelation that members of the automobile industry marked country roads between Chicago and Indianapolis as well as Louisville and Indianapolis to help people find their way.
Practice Spins for First Indy 500

This article was published in the May 24, 1911 Indianapolis Sun. It focuses on practice for the first Indianapolis 500 and drivers David Bruce-Brown, Caleb Bragg and Ralph Mulford in particular. The article mentions that Bob Burman's speed record runs originally planned for the morning of the race were pulled forward to the day before the race - May 30, 1911.
Greiner Named to Drive Amplex

This article was published in the May 25, 1911 Indianapolis Sun.
Time Trials for First Indy 500

This article was originally published in the May 26, 1911 Indianapolis Sun. It discusses the preparations for the first time trials ever conducted for the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. An interesting point is the use for C.H. Warner's Warner Chronograph, the electric timing device used at major speed events of the era.
"500" Center of Summertime Fun

This article was published in the May 27, 1911 Indianapolis Sun. This article is a great context-setting reference for all the happenings in Indianapolis during the Memorial Day weekend leading up to the Tuesday, May 30, 1911 running of the first Indianapolis 500. Events included the arrival of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, boxing prize fights, summer stock plays at the Murat Theatre, Indianapolis Indians baseball games and special church services. Soda fountains stocked up for thirsty throngs. It was a grand kickoff to summertime in Indianapolis.
First Day Qualifiers - 1911

This article was originally published in the May 27 Indianapolis Sun. It discusses a driver's meeting to be conducted by Starter Fred Wagner that evening and lists the drivers who qualified for the first Indianapolis 500 the day prior. This is the only list I have of these "first day" qualifiers. The requirement was to hit 75 mph in a quarter mile on the home stretch. Note that Ralph De Palma's Simplex blew a cylinder gasket and failed to get the job done.
Bob Burman's Driving Mask

This item was originally published May 27, 1911 in the Indianapolis Sun. An image with a cutline, the item promoted Bob Burman's upcoming May 29, 1911 record runs at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The image focuses on a unique leather mask that Burman fashioned to protect his face from grime and debris.