Ray Harroun cemented his reputation as a top American race driver in 1909. He scored important victories in the Wheatley Hills Sweepstakes (support race for the Vanderbilt Cup), a sprint race at the new Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the New Orleans 100, and the Atlanta 125 miler.
 

First Super Speedway welcomes James Fuller as our guest blogger today!
 
CHASING THE CHECKERED IN CHEYENNE
By James Fuller
Photography provided by Wyoming State Archives, Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources
 

Auto Racing 100 Years Ago During World War 1 — Prepared by Ken Parrottee
The “war to end all wars” ended November 11, 1918. The December 12, 1918, issue of Motor Age magazine reported “Race Set for Indianapolis May 30”. But did racing end August 1, 1914, when Germany declared war on Europe or when the United States declared war on Germany April 6, 1917?

Constructed in 1898, the Newby Oval was the first board track built in Indianapolis. Not for cars or motorcycles, this structure served the burgeoning bicycling community of the age. Bicycle racing was a major sport of the era with stars like Marshall "Major" Taylor and Tom Cooper.