Aerial View of First Indy 500

This article was published May 28, 1911 in the Indianapolis Star. Imagine an aerial perspective of the first Indianapolis 500. That's what Captain George Bumbaugh, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Carl Fisher's ballooning mentor enjoyed, if only briefly. This artcile discusses his preparation of the giant balloon, the "Duesseldorfer" for a launch at 4 p.m. during or just after the historic race on Tuesday, May 30, 1911. The balloon was capable of carrying six to eight passengers. Albert Lieber, president of the Indianapolis Brewing Company had a reserved seat. "Just where the winds will take us, I cannot say," Bumbaugh said.