Mark Dill Articles Part 2

This category contains feature stories on auto racing history that have been published in Indianapolis Motor Speedway Programs and historical publications. Most of the articles pertain to per-WWI auto racing, but others cover more recent history. Among the subjects covered are: Barney Oldfield, the 1914 Cactus Derby; Jim Clark racing in NASCAR; Jim Hurtubise racing in NASCAR; an interview with John Surtees; the 1909 Motorcycle meet at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; the first French Grand Prix; the Vanderbilt Cup; the 1937 Indianapolis 500; Wilbur Shaw; Cannon Ball Baker; Holmon and Moody; Indianapolis 500 relief drivers; Ralph De Palma; Smokey Yunick; the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Harvest Classic; Rudolf Carraciola; Dan Gurney and Johnny Aitken. The articles are a mix of biographical pieces and stories of milestone events in auto racing history.

Smokey Yunick

This is a bio piece on Smokey Yunick, the man behind the "Best Damn Garage in Town." Known for his creative interpretation of the rules, the article not only covers his NASCAR career, but his numerous attempts to build the winning entry of the Indianapolis 500. Yunick was a contemporary of men like Bill France Sr., Marshall Teague, Mauri Rose, Lee Moody and John Holman. Among his drivers were Jim Rathmann, Denis Hulme, Bobby Johns and Curtis Turner.
Joe Dawson - The Indiana Whirlwind

This is this best and most comprehensive profile of 1912 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winner Joe Dawson in existence. I'd be delighted to read something better if someone out there can deliver it.
Primer on Early Road Racing

I am very proud to have my feature article, "The Birth of Road Racing," published in the April 2018 issue of Vintage Racing Quarterly (VRQ). I believe you will find in this attachment an excellent primer on the earliest days of auto racing.
First IMS Races - 1909

This article I wrote for the 2009 Indianapolis 500 program is about the inaugural auto races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These races occurred only days after the Speedway hosted the Federation of American Motorcycles (FAM) race meet. The auto races were a blend of success and tragedy.