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1946 Indianapolis 500

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30th Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500
Sanctioning bodyAAA
DateMay 30, 1946
WinnerGeorge Robson
Winning EntrantThorne Engineering
Average speed114.820 mph (184.785 km/h)
Pole positionCliff Bergere
Pole speed126.471 mph (203.535 km/h)
Most laps ledGeorge Robson (138)
Pre-race
Pace carLincoln Continental
Pace car driverHenry Ford II
StarterSeth Klein[1]
Honorary refereeJack Dempsey[1]
Estimated attendance165,000[2]
Chronology
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1942-45 (canceled-WWII) 1947

The 30th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, May 30, 1946. This was the first Indianapolis 500 presided over by new track owner Tony Hulman. The track had closed in late 1941 due to World War II, and over the next four years, the facility fell into a terrible state of disrepair. Hulman purchased the Speedway in November 1945, and quickly went to work cleaning up the grounds, which had become overwhelmed by overgrowth and weeds. The Speedway re-opened, and the 1946 race was considered a rousing success.

Race winner George Robson would be killed in a racing crash just months after the victory.

The 1946 running of the 500 was the first of sixty-one consecutive years (1946-2006) that featured popular fixture Tom Carnegie on the Speedway public address system.[3]

During the pre-race ceremonies, James Melton performed the song "Back Home Again in Indiana." It was the first time the traditional song had been performed before the start of the race.[4]

Sale of the Speedway

[edit]

On December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor launched the United States into World War II. On December 29, 1941, then-president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Eddie Rickenbacker announced that the 1942 Indianapolis 500 was cancelled,[5] and the race would remain suspended throughout the duration of the war.[5] The Speedway gates were locked, and the facility was abandoned. The race would not be held from 1942 to 1945. During the period in which the track was closed, it fell into a terrible state of disrepair. Grass and weeds overwhelmed the brick racing surface,[6] and the old wooden grandstands became frail and unsuitable and inhospitable.

Tony Hulman announced the Indianapolis 500 would resume on its traditional date of Memorial Day for 1946.[7] The AAA Contest Board subsequently announced that the specifications and rules would remain largely unchanged from 1941.[8]

In mid-December, Indiana Lieutenant Governor Richard T. James, while on an official trip to Europe, formally extended invitations to European racing teams to enter for the 500.[9][10]

Race schedule

[edit]

The deadline for entries to be received was midnight on May 1, along with a $125 entry fee.[11] As had been customary, the track was made available for practice beginning May 1. Some teams, however, began arriving and setting up at the track as early as mid-March. Due to the ongoing renovations and construction, spectators were not allowed through the gates until May 11; only participants and press were allowed to enter the gates before then. In addition, practice over the first ten days of May was limited to 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. On May 11, the track was opened to spectators for the first time during the month for a charge of 50¢ per person. Also on May 11, practice time was extended from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Time trials was tentatively scheduled for five days - the two weekends leading up to race day, along with the Tuesday two days before the race.[12] However, rain and the lingering shortage of necessary parts kept many of the cars off the track. Eventually, eight total days were made available for qualifying in order to fill the field to the traditional 33 cars.

Race schedule — May 1929
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
      1
  		2
  		3
  		4
 
5
  		6
  		7
  		8
  		9
  		10
  		11
Spectator Opening Day
12
  		13
  		14
  		15
  		16
  		17
  		18
Time Trials
19
Time Trials 		20
Time Trials 		21
  		22
Time Trials 		23
  		24
  		25
Time Trials
26
Time Trials 		27
Time Trials 		28
Time Trials 		29
  		30
Indy 500 		31
  		 
Color Notes
Green Track Available for Practice
Dark Blue Time trials
Silver Race day
Red Rained out*
Blank No track activity

* Includes days where track activity
was significantly limited due to rain

Race preparations

[edit]

January

[edit]

The rules announced were largely carried over from 1941, with few changes. Prize money was set at $20,000 for first place, and the traditional 33 cars would make up the starting grid.[13]

February

[edit]

Tickets for the 1946 Indianapolis 500 officially went on sale on February 1.[7][14] Mail orders had been pouring steadily in since the track was sold in November. Some eager fans sent requests for tickets as early as August (shortly after V-J Day) anticipating the track would reopen.[15] Even though at the time there were no plans yet in place to reopen the track, much less hold the race.

Numerous announcements were made with regard to officials and personnel. Seth Klein returned as the chief starter,[16] Chester Ricker returned as the director of timing and scoring,[17] and Henry Ford II was named the driver of the Lincoln Continental pace car.[18][19] Kirkpatrick studio was signed on as the official photographers of the 500-mile race.[20] The Indiana State Police was assigned to crowd control duties.[21]

Entries slowly began to arrive, bringing the total to six by the end of the month. Cliff Bergere and Joie Chitwood were the first two drivers to be entered. Cars were entered for Russ Snowberger,[22] Ted Horn and George Connor.[23] On February 7, Harry McQuinn flew into the Speedway, landing his Aeronca Champion airplane on the backstretch, arriving to personally deliver his entry for the race. Construction workers at the track briefly halted work to watch the plane land.[24] Though not yet entered, driver Al Putnam was preparing for the race.[25]

March

[edit]

Speedway officials continued to rebuild staff for the race. Clifford M. Rigsbee was appointed head of a new technical group at the Speedway.[26] A welcoming committee with the local chamber of commerce was formed, in order to re-acclimate spectators to the event after the hiatus during the war. In addition, the Speedway announced Dr. E. Rogers Smith as the chief of the track medical staff.[27]

The $300,000 renovation project at the track was reported to be on-schedule. The grounds were now mostly cleaned up, and the biggest item of work was the pouring of concrete for the new Paddock grandstand across from the Pagoda. Excavation for the new G grandstand was underway, and many new parquet seats were already in place behind the pit area. The old diner adjacent to Gasoline Alley had been razed and a new restaurant was to be built in its place.[28] With less than two months until race day, advanced reserved tickets sales were reported as brisk.[29]

By the end of the month, the entry list was up to 15 cars. Cars were entered for Al Putnam, Steve Truchan, and Arthur M. Sims entered the machine that Wilbur Shaw drove to victory in the 1937 race, but a driver was not yet named. One other car was entered by Ed Walsh without a driver named.[30] Three-time pole position holder and 1941 National Champion Rex Mays was slated to drive the Bowes Seal Fast Special, the same car he drove to second place in 1941.[31][32] Despite facing financial and transportation difficulties, at least five European drivers were inquiring about submitting entries.[33]

Early in the month, a minor controversy loomed. It was reported some drivers, particularly those from the U.S. West Coast, were expressing concern about the perceived low purse announced for the race.[34]

April

[edit]

With less than a month to go before the track officially opened for practice, entries continued to pour in. Cars were entered for Harry Schell, Raphaël Bethenod,[35] Emil Andres,[11] George Barringer,[11] Joel Thorne,[36] Cliff Bergere,[37] Rudolf Caracciola,[38] Tazio Nuvolari,[39] Chet Miller,[39] and several others.[40] By the end of the month, the entry list was up to 44 cars.[39]

Refurbishment of the facility continued, including the near-completion of new grandstands.[41] On April 6, the Speedway Golf Course opened for business.[42] Officials announced that a small number of tickets were still available.[43]

George Barringer arrived with his car on April 22,[44][45] and two days later on April 24, Barringer became the first driver to take to the track for the year. Barringer's supercharged rear-engined machine completed laps over 115 mph.[38] Track president Wilbur Shaw, George Connor, Chet Miller, and others were on hand to watch. The following day, April 25, Tony Bettenhausen became the second driver to take laps.[40]

Off the track, Roy E. Cole, vice-president in charge of engineering at Studebaker, was named the chairman of the technical committee for the race.[46] Also, the Lap Prize Fund was accumulating,[47] and the prize fund was announced at $60,000, quelling some of the concern about a low purse.

Practice

[edit]

The track officially opened for practice on Wednesday May 1. However, practice time was limited to 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm for the first ten days in order to allow construction crews extra time to finish refurbishing the facility. In addition, spectators were not allowed inside the gates until May 11. The deadline for entries to be received was midnight on May 1, and any entries postmarked on or before May 1 were accepted. Numerous entries came in just before the deadline,[48] bringing the total to 56 cars.[49][50]

During the first week, many drivers and mechanics had arrived at the track,[51] often seen hanging out at the restaurant in Gasoline Alley,[48] and working on cars.[52][53] However, few cars took to the track yet. At least ten cars were already in the garage area by Saturday May 4, with more arriving each day.[12] At the end of the first week, Tazio Nuvolari announced he was withdrawing from the race, due to the death of his son. Achille Varzi was named his replacement, but the car would ultimately fail to qualify.[54][55]

Practice started in earnest beginning on May 11. The track was now open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and spectators were allowed to attended.

Time trials

[edit]

Time trials was originally scheduled for five days (May 18–19, 25–26, and 28), but rain delays took away available track time. In addition, post-war shortages of certain replacement parts delayed some cars from being able to participate in practice sessions. Officials eventually would make the track available for qualifying on three additional days in order to fill the field to the traditional 33 cars. The minimum speed to qualify was set at 115 mph. Approximately 56 entries were expected to make attempts to qualify.

Officials retained the four lap (10-mile) qualifying runs that were traditional from 1920–1933 and from 1939–1941. The fastest qualifier on the first day of time trials ("pole day") would win the pole position. Cars that qualified on the second day would line up behind the first qualifiers, and so on. Prior to World War II, on time trials days the track would typically be open until "sundown." But for 1946, the times were standardized such that the track would close each day at 5:30 p.m., except for the final day[52][53] - unless weather interfered.

Saturday May 18

[edit]

The first day of time trials was scheduled for Saturday May 18. The track would be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The favorites for the front row included Harry McQuinn, Cliff Bergere, Rex Mays, and Ted Horn. Since many teams were lacking practice time, and some lacking parts, less than a dozen cars were expected to take to the track on Saturday.[56][57]

Over 20,000 spectators arrived for the first significant track action in nearly five years. However, rain threatened most of the afternoon, and allowed only six cars to complete runs. During a practice run, Frank McGurk in the Shoof Special spun coming out of turn four and hit the outside wall. The car hit the outside rail a second time, then slid across the track hitting the inside guardrail. McGurk was not seriously injured. The car was not seriously damaged, and was expected to be repaired. Pole favorites Rex Mays and Ted Horn suffered engine problems, preventing them from going out Saturday. Horn broke a water pump, while Mays suffered broken connecting rods and bearings.[58]

Indy veteran Cliff Bergere won the pole position with a speed of 126.471 mph. At age 49, Bergere became the oldest pole winner in Indy history up to that point. Paul Russo, driving a unique twin-four-cylinder engine machine, qualified second to sit in the middle of the front row. On Russo's car, one engine drove the front axle, and the second engine drove the rear axle. Russo was on pace to take the pole through three laps, but on his fourth and final lap, one of his superchargers got too hot, and dropped the speed down.[58] Sam Hanks rounded out the front row, despite leaking oil which obscured his goggles.[58] Rear-wheel drive cars swept two spots on the front row, with Jimmy Jackson (5th) the highest front-wheel-drive-only machine.

Rain closed the track for nearly two hours, prompting officials to extend qualifying until 7:30 p.m. Still, only seven cars made runs, and only six were completed. Mauri Rose had a fast first lap that could have put him on the front row, but the engine threw a rod on lap two.

Pos No. Name Lap 1
(mph)		 Lap 2
(mph)		 Lap 3
(mph)		 Lap 4
(mph)		 Average Speed
(mph)		 Notes
1 3 United States Cliff Bergere 126.743 126.511 125.436 127.208 126.471
2 10 United States Paul Russo 127.350 126.814 127.371 123.288 126.183
3 32 United States Sam Hanks 126.098 124.706 123.694 124.189 124.762
4 47 United States Hal Cole  R  120.514 120.773 120.096 121.540 120.728
5 61 United States Jimmy Jackson  R  120.643 119.592 120.563 119.872 120.257
6 33 United States Louis Durant  R  119.111 119.348 119.205 118.234 118.973
— 8 United States Mauri Rose 125.980 Incomplete Engine threw a rod

Sunday May 19

[edit]

Time trials was scheduled for 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A crowd of 40,000-60,000 spectators[58] arrived but not a single car made a qualifying attempt. High winds kept most cars off the track early on, and later rain washed out most of remainder of the afternoon. Some cars did practice, but when the rains came, most spectators departed. Officials announced that Monday May 20 would be designated for qualifying, in order to make up for lost track time over the weekend.[61][62]

Monday May 20

[edit]

After weather interfered on Sunday, officials made Monday May 20 available for qualifications. Three cars completed runs in front of a small crowd of only 3,000 spectators. Ted Horn (driving Wilbur Shaw's 1940 winning car) was the fastest of the day. Horn's car, prepared by "Cotton" Henning, ran two identical laps, and put him on the inside of row three.

Officials announced that Tuesday May 21 would not be available for qualifications.

Pos No. Name Lap 1
(mph)		 Lap 2
(mph)		 Lap 3
(mph)		 Lap 4
(mph)		 Average Speed
(mph)		 Notes
7 29 United States Ted Horn 124.206 123.745 124.206 123.762 123.980
8 45 United States Duke Dinsmore  R  122.666 123.321 123.660 123.474 123.279
— 42 United States Tony Bettenhausen  R  122.084 122.017 122.117 122.228 121.860 Withdrawn 5/28

Tuesday May 21

[edit]

Charles Van Acker crashed. Duke Nalon made an exhibition run.

Wednesday May 22

[edit]

Qualifying resumed on Wednesday May 22. Approximately 20,000 spectators saw five cars complete runs, and the field was filled to 14 cars. Mauri Rose, who threw a rod on his first attempts, returned Wednesday with a different engine, was the fastest car of the day.

During a practice run for his driver's test, Hal Robson broke an axle in turn two, lost a wheel, and spun out. Robson was not injured, and completed the test later on in a different car.

Pos No. Name Lap 1
(mph)		 Lap 2
(mph)		 Lap 3
(mph)		 Lap 4
(mph)		 Average Speed
(mph)		 Notes
9 8 United States Mauri Rose 125.125 123.457 123.609 124.052 124.065
10 25 United States Russ Snowberger 122.349 121.852 120.935 121.245 121.593
11 18 United States Emil Andres 121.163 121.589 120.968 120.838 121.139
12 24 United States Joie Chitwood 120.144 120.224 119.570 119.332 119.816
13 12 United States Al Putnam 117.325 115.370 115.518 116.944 116.283

Saturday May 25

[edit]

After two days of practice only, time trials resumed on Saturday May 25. With a speed of 128.861 mph, Rex Mays tentatively became the fastest qualifier in the field. As a qualifier on the fourth day, however, Mays would line up in 14th starting position. Mays was followed by George Robson and Jimmy Wilburn, both over 125 mph. Wilburn had passed his rookie driver's test just two hours prior to making his attempt. A crowd of about 12,500 witnessed the afternoon.

Pos No. Name Lap 1
(mph)		 Lap 2
(mph)		 Lap 3
(mph)		 Lap 4
(mph)		 Average Speed
(mph)		 Notes
14 1 United States Rex Mays 129.608 128.737 128.133 128.977 128.861
15 16 United States George Robson 127.262 125.611 125.401 123.938 125.541
16 63 United States Jimmy Wilburn  R  124.757 125.035 125.174 125.488 125.113
17 5 United States Chet Miller 124.481 124.585 124.292 125.244 124.649
18 14 United States Harry McQuinn 125.927 124.688 124.395 123.018 124.499
— 2 United States Ralph Hepburn 125.927 Incomplete Car quit

Sunday May 26

[edit]

Ralph Hepburn shattered the one-lap and four-lap track records and became the fastest qualifier in the field. Hepburn returned to the track a day after his car quit during his first attempt. Under cold weather and threatening skies, about 22,500[citation needed] spectators saw fours drivers complete runs, and the field was filled to 22 cars.

Hepburn's fourth lap was the fastest, a track record 134.449 mph (216.375 km/h), and his four-lap average was a record 133.944 mph (215.562 km/h). Hepburn drove the 8-cylinder front-wheel drive Novi Governor Special, entered by W.S. Winfield.

Pos No. Name Lap 1
(mph)		 Lap 2
(mph)		 Lap 3
(mph)		 Lap 4
(mph)		 Average Speed
(mph)		 Notes
19 2 United States Ralph Hepburn 134.288 133.136 133.990 134.449 133.944 New 1-lap and 4-lap track records; fastest qualifier
20 64 United States Shorty Cantlon 122.900 122.183 122.666 121.984 122.432
21 31 United States Henry Banks 121.687 120.434 119.729 119.063 120.220
22 15 United States Louis Tomei 117.955 118.483 119.872 120.498 119.193

Monday May 27

[edit]

At the request of many teams, time trials was extended into yet another day, with the track open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Four cars completed runs, tentatively filling the field to 27 cars. Hal Robson joined his brother George in the field, but the speeds were noticeably down from Sunday's record-breaking efforts.

With only one day remaining to qualify, six positions were tentatively left to be filled.

Pos No. Name Lap 1
(mph)		 Lap 2
(mph)		 Lap 3
(mph)		 Lap 4
(mph)		 Average Speed
(mph)		 Notes
23 48 United States Hal Robson  R  121.392 120.724 121.951 121.803 121.466
24 26 United States George Barringer 122.001 120.546 120.032 119.936 120.623
25 39 United States Bill Sheffler  R  121.049 120.838 120.417 120.144 120.611
— 37 United States Buddy Rusch  R  116.339 116.732 116.475 115.533 116.268 Bumped on 5/28

Tuesday May 28

[edit]

The deadline for qualifications was set at sundown (8:08 p.m.) on Tuesday May 28. When the day opened, six spots were left open in the field. Tony Bettenhausen withdrew his previously-qualified car due to a broken crankshaft. He would re-qualify a new car to be the fastest driver of the day.

During a practice run, Caracciola, in one of the Thorne Engineering Specials, lost control and crashed in turn two. He was thrown from the machine, which was badly damaged. Caracciola was seriously injured, and rushed to the hospital. After his release from the hospital, track owner Tony Hulman invited Caracciola to recuperate at his home in Terre Haute.[63]

Danny Kladis was the first driver to complete a run during the afternoon, at a relatively slow pace of 118.890 mph (191.335 km/h). He slipped down the standings as the day progressed, but his speed would hold up and he barely held on to qualify 33rd. Late in the afternoon, Charles Van Acker completed his required four laps at an average of 115.666 mph to fill the field at 33 cars. Buddy Rusch was now "on the bubble", the slowest car in the field. Steve Truchan was the next car out, but he pulled into the pits after only three laps.

Just minutes before sundown, three cars took to the track in an effort to bump their way into the field. Tony Bettenhausen, Billy Devore and George Connor all took to the track at the same time in order to make it in before the deadline. Bettenhausen earned a new spot in the field after withdrawing his previous car. Connor and Devore bumped Buddy Rusch and Charles Van Acker, respectively. One final car, Freddie Winnai made a last-ditch effort to make the field, but the car quit before completing a lap.

Pos No. Name Lap 1
(mph)		 Lap 2
(mph)		 Lap 3
(mph)		 Lap 4
(mph)		 Average Speed
(mph)		 Notes
26 42 United States Tony Bettenhausen  R  123.882 122.018 123.476 122.017 123.094
27 4 United States Mel Hansen 121.098 121.163 121.000 122.482 121.431
28 52 Kingdom of Italy Luigi Villoresi  R  121.441 120.530 121.147 121.885 121.249
29 7 United States Frank Wearne 121.771 120.627 121.179 121.355 121.233
30 38 United States George Connor 120.160 119.713 120.401 119.475 120.004
31 17 United States Billy Devore 120.514 120.064 119.760 119.174 119.876
32 54 United States Duke Nalon 118.202 119.506 120.401 120.838 119.682
33 59 United States Danny Kladis  R  118.825 118.969 119.079 118.687 118.890
— x United States Charles Van Acker  R  114.899 116.445 115.652 115.681 115.666 Bumped
— x United States Steve Truchan  R  Incomplete Pulled in after three laps
— x United States Freddie Winnai Incomplete Car quit

Starting grid

[edit]
Row Inside Middle Outside
1 United States Cliff Bergere
126.471 mph (203.535 km/h) 		United States Paul Russo
126.183 mph (203.072 km/h) 		United States Sam Hanks
124.762 mph (200.785 km/h)
2 United States Hal Cole  R 
120.728 mph (194.293 km/h) 		United States Jimmy Jackson  R 
120.257 mph (193.535 km/h) 		United States Louis Durant  R 
118.973 mph (191.468 km/h)
3 United States Ted Horn
123.980 mph (199.526 km/h) 		United States Duke Dinsmore  R 
123.279 mph (198.398 km/h) 		United States Mauri Rose  W 
124.065 mph (199.663 km/h)
4 United States Russ Snowberger
121.593 mph (195.685 km/h) 		United States Emil Andres
121.139 mph (194.954 km/h) 		United States Joie Chitwood
119.816 mph (192.825 km/h)
5 United States Al Putnam
116.283 mph (187.139 km/h) 		United States Rex Mays
128.861 mph (207.382 km/h) 		United States George Robson
125.54 mph (202.04 km/h)
6 United States Jimmy Wilburn  R 
125.113 mph (201.350 km/h) 		United States Chet Miller
124.649 mph (200.603 km/h) 		United States Harry McQuinn
124.499 mph (200.362 km/h)
7 United States Ralph Hepburn
133.944 mph (215.562 km/h) 		United States Shorty Cantlon
122.432 mph (197.035 km/h) 		United States Henry Banks
120.220 mph (193.475 km/h)
8 United States Louis Tomei
119.193 mph (191.823 km/h) 		United States Hal Robson  R 
121.466 mph (195.481 km/h) 		United States George Barringer
120.628 mph (194.132 km/h)
9 United States Bill Sheffler  R 
120.611 mph (194.105 km/h) 		United States Tony Bettenhausen  R 
123.094 mph (198.101 km/h) 		United States Mel Hansen
121.431 mph (195.424 km/h)
10 Kingdom of Italy Luigi Villoresi  R 
121.249 mph (195.131 km/h) 		United States Frank Wearne
121.233 mph (195.106 km/h) 		United States George Connor
120.006 mph (193.131 km/h)
11 United States Billy Devore
119.876 mph (192.922 km/h) 		United States Duke Nalon
119.682 mph (192.610 km/h) 		United States Danny Kladis  R 
118.890 mph (191.335 km/h)

Alternates

[edit]
  • First alternate: United States Buddy Rusch  R  (#37)[64] – Bumped (116.268 mph (187.115 km/h))

Failed to Qualify

[edit]
 R  = Indianapolis 500 rookie
 W  = Former Indianapolis 500 winner

Race summary

[edit]
Rose's Turn Three accident on lap 40

At the start, Mauri Rose tied an Indy record by leading the first lap from the 9th starting position. Attrition was high in the first race after World War II, as three of the first four cars on the grid were out before the 50 mile mark (20 laps). Paul Russo crashed in turn 3 on lap 16. Debris, oil, and leaking gasoline at the crash scene necessitated a lengthy caution period. Russo suffered a broken leg, and some other minor injuries. Several other drivers dropped out early with a bevy of mechanical problems, including Sam Hanks, Rex Mays, George Barringer, Henry Banks, and George Connor.

On lap 40, Mauri Rose suffered a heavy crash in turn 3. Rose entered the race as the defending co-winner, having won the 1941 race with Floyd Davis. Rose spun and the car reportedly rolled over the retaining wall. Rose suffered burns, but no critical injuries.

George Robson took the lead for good on lap 93. His six-cylinder Sparks was the first 6-cylinder winning car since Ray Harroun in 1911. Rookie Jimmy Jackson finished second, at the relatively close margin of 44 seconds.

Ted Horn made two lengthy pit stops and fell seven laps behind the last running car. Horn returned to the track, and charged all the way up to third place at the finish. Horn was the fastest car on the track in the second half, and he completed the entire 500 miles, but was 12 minutes behind Robson.

Robson's winning car from the 1946 Indianapolis 500

A mild controversy came about after the race, as race winner Robson was accused of breaking the rules by not exiting the cockpit of the car during pit stops. A protest was filed, but it was later dismissed.[66] Only nine cars were still running at the finish. Rookie Bill Sheffler, running off the pace most of the afternoon, nursed his car to 9th place finish. Under the rules at the time, all cars still running at the finish were placed ahead all cars that had dropped out - regardless of total laps completed. Sheffler, running a pace of about 60 mph, managed to complete 139 laps before he was flagged off as the last car still running.

Box score

[edit]
Finish Grid No Name Chassis Engine Laps Status
1 15 16 United States George Robson Adams Sparks SC 200 114.820 mph
2 5 61 United States Jimmy Jackson  R  Miller FD Offenhauser 200 +34.04
3 7 29 United States Ted Horn Maserati Maserati SC 200 +11:52.90
4 11 18 United States Emil Andres Maserati Maserati SC 200 +14:01.95
5 12 24 United States Joie Chitwood
(Sam Hanks Laps 52–200) 		Wetteroth Offenhauser 200 +15:18.60
6 6 33 United States Louis Durant  R  Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo SC 200 +24:04.18
7 28 52 Kingdom of Italy Luigi Villoresi  R  Maserati Maserati SC 200 +36:13.53
8 29 7 United States Frank Wearne Shaw Offenhauser 197 Flagged
9 25 39 United States Bill Sheffler  R  Bromme Offenhauser 139 Flagged
10 31 17 United States Billy Devore Wetteroth Offenhauser 167 Throttle
11 27 4 United States Mel Hansen Kurtis Novi SC 143 Crankshaft
12 10 25 United States Russ Snowberger
(Duke Nalon Laps 90–134) 		Maserati Maserati SC 134 Differential
13 18 14 United States Harry McQuinn
(Jimmy Wilburn Laps 90–124) 		Adams Sparks SC 124 Out of oil
14 19 2 United States Ralph Hepburn Kurtis Novi SC 121 Stalled
15 13 12 United States Al Putnam
(George Connor Laps 100–120) 		Hartz Offenhauser 120 Magneto
16 1 3 United States Cliff Bergere
(Rex Mays Laps 60–82) 		Wetteroth Offenhauser 82 Out of oil
17 8 45 United States Duke Dinsmore  R  Adams Offenhauser 82 Rod
18 17 5 United States Chet Miller
(Louis Tomei Laps 58–64) 		Williams FD Offenhauser 64 Oil line
19 16 63 United States Jimmy Wilburn  R  Alfa Romeo 8C35 Alfa Romeo 52 Engine
20 26 42 United States Tony Bettenhausen  R  Miller-Hartz Miller SC 47 Rod
21 33 59 United States Danny Kladis  R  Miller FD Ford V8 46 Towed
22 32 54 United States Duke Nalon Maserati 4CL Maserati SC 45 Universal joint
23 9 8 United States Mauri Rose  W  Lencki Offenhauser 40 Crash T3
24 30 38 United States George Connor Kurtis FWD Offenhauser 38 Piston
25 23 48 United States Hal Robson  R  Bugatti Miller 37 Rod
26 22 15 United States Louis Tomei Stevens FD Brisko 34 Oil line
27 21 31 United States Henry Banks Snowberger FD Offenhauser 32 Pinion shaft
28 20 64 United States Shorty Cantlon Miller ED Offenhauser 28 Clutch
29 24 26 United States George Barringer Miller 4DRE Miller SC 27 Gears
30 14 1 United States Rex Mays Stevens Winfield 26 Manifold
31 3 32 United States Sam Hanks Sampson Sampson SC 18 Oil line
32 4 47 United States Hal Cole  R  Alfa Romeo P3 Alfa Romeo SC 16 Fuel leak
33 2 10 United States Paul Russo Fageol 4WD Twin Offenhauser 16 Crash T3
[67]

Note: Relief drivers in parentheses[68]

 W  Former Indianapolis 500 winner

 R  Indianapolis 500 Rookie

All entrants utilized Firestone tires.

Statistics

[edit]

Broadcasting

[edit]

Radio

[edit]

The race was carried live on the Mutual Broadcasting System. The broadcast was sponsored by Perfect Circle Piston Rings and Bill Slater served as the anchor.[70] The broadcast featured live coverage of the start, the finish, and live updates throughout the race.

Mutual Broadcasting System
Booth Announcers Turn Reporters Pit/garage reporters

Booth Announcer: Bill Slater
Analyst: Norman Perry Jr.
Commercials: Rance MacFarland

South turns: Easy Gwynn
Mainstretch: Carl Page
North turns: Jim Shelton

 Gene Kelly

See also

[edit]

Works cited

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Fox, Jack C. (1994). The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994 (4th ed.). Carl Hungness Publishing. p. 22. ISBN 0-915088-05-3.
  2. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (May 31, 1946). "Jackson, Horn Take Second, Third Spots In Renewal Of '500'". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved June 1, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  3. ^ "Carnegie retiring after 61 years as Voice of the Speedway". USA Today. 2006-06-14. Retrieved 2012-06-19.
  4. ^ "The Talk of Gasoline Alley" - WIBC-AM, May 20, 2002
  5. ^ a b "500 Mile Race Is Off for Duration of War". The Milwaukee Journal. 1941-12-29. Retrieved 2012-04-24.[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ Oreovicz, John (2011-05-15). "Indy at 100: WWII puts racing on hold". Commentary. ESPN.com. Retrieved 2012-04-24.
  7. ^ a b Patton, W. Blaine (December 14, 1945). "If So - Why?". The Indianapolis Star. p. 18. Retrieved April 11, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  8. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (December 6, 1945). "Championship Prize Fund For Year Is Established". The Indianapolis Star. p. 16. Retrieved April 6, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  9. ^ "James Build Up 500-Mile (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. December 12, 1945. p. 1. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  10. ^ "James Build Up 500-Mile (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. December 12, 1945. p. 3. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  11. ^ a b c "Emil Andres Nominated To Drive Brisko Entry". The Indianapolis Star. April 10, 1946. p. 22. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  12. ^ a b "Qualifying Trials To Start May 18 For 500-Mile Race". The Indianapolis Star. May 5, 1946. p. 41. Retrieved July 11, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  13. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (January 22, 1946). "If So - Why?". The Indianapolis Star. p. 14. Retrieved May 2, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  14. ^ "Don Burge Will Have Charge of Speedway Ticket Sales". The Indianapolis Star. January 19, 1946. p. 12. Retrieved May 2, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  15. ^ Bostwick, Mary E (February 3, 1946). "Old Speedway Office Lively Place Again; Orders Pour In". The Indianapolis Star. p. 3. Retrieved April 6, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  16. ^ "Shaw Announces Seth Klein Will Handle Flag Again at 500-Mile Race". The Indianapolis Star. February 5, 1946. p. 16. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  17. ^ "Ricker Prepares For Race Duties". The Indianapolis Star. February 16, 1946. p. 15. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  18. ^ "Henry Ford II To Drive Pace Car For 500-Mile Race Classic (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. February 28, 1946. p. 1. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  19. ^ "Henry Ford II To Drive Pace Car For 500-Mile Race Classic (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. February 28, 1946. p. 18. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  20. ^ "Speedway Signs Official Photographers". The Indianapolis Star. February 13, 1946. p. 18. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  21. ^ "State Police Get Speedway Duties". The Indianapolis Star. February 20, 1946. p. 17. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  22. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (February 26, 1946). "If So - Why?". The Indianapolis Star. p. 15. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  23. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (February 27, 1946). "If So - Why?". The Indianapolis Star. p. 17. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  24. ^ Pulliam Jr, Gene (February 8, 1946). "Harry MacQuinn Delivers Speedway Entry By Plane". The Indianapolis Star. p. 21. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  25. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (February 15, 1946). "If So - Why?". The Indianapolis Star. p. 19. Retrieved April 5, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  26. ^ "Rigsbee Receives Speedway Duties". The Indianapolis Star. March 2, 1946. p. 13. Retrieved March 31, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  27. ^ "Speedway Committee Plans To Greet Racing Fans May 30". The Indianapolis Star. March 13, 1946. p. 17. Retrieved April 1, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  28. ^ "Four More Cars Added To May 30 Race Field". The Indianapolis Star. March 22, 1946. p. 20. Retrieved April 1, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  29. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (March 6, 1946). "If So - Why?". The Indianapolis Star. p. 16. Retrieved March 31, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  30. ^ "Shaw's Victory Car Of 1937 Entered Again At Speedway". The Indianapolis Star. March 8, 1946. p. 17. Retrieved March 31, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  31. ^ "Mays Will Enter Race Next Monday". The Indianapolis Star. March 12, 1946. p. 18. Retrieved April 1, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  32. ^ "Mays Entered 500-Mile Race". The Indianapolis Star. March 20, 1946. p. 19. Retrieved April 1, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  33. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (March 10, 1946). "European Pilots May Enter Speedway Classic on May 30". The Indianapolis Star. p. 42. Retrieved April 1, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  34. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (March 9, 1946). "If So - Why?". The Indianapolis Star. p. 15. Retrieved April 1, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  35. ^ "2-Car French Team Entered At Speedway". The Indianapolis Star. April 4, 1946. p. 23. Retrieved March 31, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  36. ^ "Thorne Enters 500-Mile Race; 28 Now in Field". The Indianapolis Star. April 21, 1946. p. 42. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  37. ^ "Bergere Confident In 15th Start As 500-Mile Driver". The Indianapolis Star. April 22, 1946. p. 20. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  38. ^ a b "Barringer Tries Out Racer; Caracciola Enters Grind". The Indianapolis Star. April 18, 1946. p. 18. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  39. ^ a b c "500-Mile Field Boosted To 44". The Indianapolis Star. April 30, 1946. p. 19. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  40. ^ a b Hesler, Ralph G. (April 26, 1946). "Speedway Chatter". The Indianapolis Star. p. 19. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  41. ^ "Speedway Chatter". The Indianapolis Star. April 27, 1946. p. 16. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  42. ^ Hesler, Ralph G. (April 7, 1946). "Foursome Opens Season At Speedway Course". The Indianapolis Star. p. 43. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  43. ^ "Reserved Seats For May 30 Still Available, Says Shaw". The Indianapolis Star. April 20, 1946. p. 20. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  44. ^ "Barringer Unloads Car At Speedway". The Indianapolis Star. April 23, 1946. p. 17. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  45. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (April 18, 1946). "If So - Why? (Sports In Shorts)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 18. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  46. ^ "Studebaker Official Is Appointed Chairman Of Technical Committee For 500-Mile Race". The Indianapolis Star. April 18, 1946. p. 19. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  47. ^ "Lap Prize Awards May 30 Expected To Reach $20,000". The Indianapolis Star. April 12, 1946. p. 22. Retrieved July 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  48. ^ a b "Speedway Scenes". The Indianapolis Star. May 1, 1946. p. 23. Retrieved July 11, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  49. ^ "Speedway Entry List Boosted To Fifty Cars". The Indianapolis Star. May 2, 1946. p. 22. Retrieved July 11, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  50. ^ "Speedway Scenes". The Indianapolis Star. May 3, 1946. p. 23. Retrieved July 11, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  51. ^ "Mays Arrives Here By Plane". The Indianapolis Star. May 6, 1946. p. 22. Retrieved July 11, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  52. ^ a b Patton, W. Blaine (May 8, 1946). "If So - Why? (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 18. Retrieved July 11, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  53. ^ a b Patton, W. Blaine (May 8, 1946). "If So - Why? (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 19. Retrieved July 11, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  54. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (May 7, 1946). "If So - Why? (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 22. Retrieved July 11, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  55. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (May 7, 1946). "If So - Why? (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 23. Retrieved July 11, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  56. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (May 18, 1946). "Trials To Open Today For 500-Mile Classic (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved March 30, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  57. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (May 18, 1946). "Trials To Open Today For 500-Mile Classic (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 16. Retrieved March 30, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  58. ^ a b c d DePaolo, Peter (May 20, 1946). "Behind The Pits". The Indianapolis News. p. 12. Retrieved February 6, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  59. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (May 19, 1946). "Thousands See Speedway Preview, Six Racers Qualify In First Tests (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved March 30, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  60. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (May 19, 1946). "Thousands See Speedway Preview, Six Racers Qualify In First Tests (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 41. Retrieved March 30, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  61. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (May 20, 1946). "150,000 Jam Roads; 60,000 At Speedway (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved March 30, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  62. ^ Patton, W. Blaine (May 20, 1946). "150,000 Jam Roads; 60,000 At Speedway (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 19. Retrieved March 30, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  63. ^ The Talk of Gasoline Alley. May 28, 2020. WFNI.
  64. ^ The Talk of Gasoline Alley - 1070-AM WIBC, May 14, 2004
  65. ^ "1946 International 500 Mile Sweepstakes". ChampCarStats.com.
  66. ^ The Talk of Gasoline Alley. May 22, 2013. WFNI.
  67. ^ "Indianapolis 500 1946". Ultimate Racing History. Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
  68. ^ "International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 30, 1946". ChampCarStats.com.
  69. ^ PattonMiller, W. Blaine (May 31, 1946). "Jackson, Horn, Take Second, Third Spots In Renewal of '500'". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved April 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  70. ^ Star, Molly (May 30, 1946). "Mike-Row-Scopes". The Indianapolis Star. p. 11. Retrieved August 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon


1941 Indianapolis 500
Mauri Rose
Floyd Davis 		1946 Indianapolis 500
George Robson 		1947 Indianapolis 500
Mauri Rose
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