1946 Indianapolis 500

30th running of the Indianapolis 500 February 2025 30th Indianapolis 500 George_Robson_in_Thorne_Engineering_Special.jpg AAA May 30, 1946 George Robson Joel Thorne Eddie Offut2011 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Official Media Guide Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation/IMS Public Relations 2011 Statistics 176 English https://doctorindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2011-Indy-500-Media-Guide.pdf 114.820 mi/h km/h on 4:21:26.70 Cliff Bergere 126.471 mi/h km/h on George Robson (138) Lincoln Continental Henry Ford II Seth KleinFox Jack C. The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994 Carl Hungness Publishing 4th 1994 22 en 0-915088-05-3 Jack Dempsey 165,000Jackson, Horn Take Second, Third Spots In Renewal Of '500' https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11405109/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 1 Newspapers.com May 31, 1946 June 1, 2017 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 Tony Hulman, the third owner of the Speedway. 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.https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/2006-06-14-carnegie-retirement_x.htm Carnegie retiring after 61 years as Voice of the Speedway USA Today 2006-06-14 2012-06-19 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."The Talk of Gasoline Alley" - WIBC-AM, May 20, 2002 Sale of the Speedway 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,https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1499&dat=19411229&id=t8BQAAAAIBAJ&pg=3589,5472637 500 Mile Race Is Off for Duration of War The Milwaukee Journal 1941-12-29 2012-04-24August 2022 InternetArchiveBot yes and the race would remain suspended throughout the duration of the war. 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,https://www.espn.com/racing/racing/indycar/indy500/2011/columns/story?columnist=oreovicz_john&id=6516590 Indy at 100: WWII puts racing on hold ESPN.com Commentary John Oreovicz 2011-05-15 2012-04-24 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.If So - Why? https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4909006/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 18 Newspapers.com December 14, 1945 April 11, 2016 The AAA Contest Board subsequently announced that the specifications and rules would remain largely unchanged from 1941.Championship Prize Fund For Year Is Established https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4855850/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 16 Newspapers.com December 6, 1945 April 6, 2016 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.James Build Up 500-Mile (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4855976/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 1 Newspapers.com December 12, 1945 April 5, 2016James Build Up 500-Mile (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4856003/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 3 Newspapers.com December 12, 1945 April 5, 2016 Race schedule The deadline for entries to be received was midnight on May 1, along with a $125 entry fee.Emil Andres Nominated To Drive Brisko Entry https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5822937/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 22 Newspapers.com April 10, 1946 July 8, 2016 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.Qualifying Trials To Start May 18 For 500-Mile Race https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5855579/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 41 Newspapers.com May 5, 1946 July 11, 2016 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 1929SunMonTueWedThuFriSat       1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11Spectator Opening Day12 13 14 15 16 17 18Time Trials19Time Trials20Time Trials21 22Time Trials23 24 25Time Trials26Time Trials27Time Trials28Time Trials29 30Indy 50031    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 activitywas significantly limited due to rain Race preparations January 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.If So - Why? https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5131250/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 14 Newspapers.com January 22, 1946 May 2, 2016 February Tickets for the 1946 Indianapolis 500 officially went on sale on February 1.Don Burge Will Have Charge of Speedway Ticket Sales https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5131143/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 12 Newspapers.com January 19, 1946 May 2, 2016 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.Old Speedway Office Lively Place Again; Orders Pour In https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4861723/1946_indianapolis_500/ Mary E Bostwick The Indianapolis Star 3 Newspapers.com February 3, 1946 April 6, 2016 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,Shaw Announces Seth Klein Will Handle Flag Again at 500-Mile Race. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4843599/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 16 Newspapers.com February 5, 1946 April 5, 2016 Chester Ricker returned as the director of timing and scoring,Ricker Prepares For Race Duties https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4843801/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 15 Newspapers.com February 16, 1946 April 5, 2016 and Henry Ford II was named the driver of the Lincoln Continental pace car.Henry Ford II To Drive Pace Car For 500-Mile Race Classic (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4844291/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 1 Newspapers.com February 28, 1946 April 5, 2016Henry Ford II To Drive Pace Car For 500-Mile Race Classic (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4844312/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 18 Newspapers.com February 28, 1946 April 5, 2016 Kirkpatrick studio was signed on as the official photographers of the 500-mile race.Speedway Signs Official Photographers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4843704/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 18 Newspapers.com February 13, 1946 April 5, 2016 The Indiana State Police was assigned to crowd control duties.State Police Get Speedway Duties https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4843941/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 17 Newspapers.com February 20, 1946 April 5, 2016 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,If So - Why? https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4844172/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 15 Newspapers.com February 26, 1946 April 5, 2016 Ted Horn and George Connor.If So - Why? https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4844236/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 17 Newspapers.com February 27, 1946 April 5, 2016 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.Harry MacQuinn Delivers Speedway Entry By Plane https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4843642/1946_indianapolis_500/ Gene Pulliam Jr The Indianapolis Star 21 Newspapers.com February 8, 1946 April 5, 2016 Though not yet entered, driver Al Putnam was preparing for the race.If So - Why? https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4843767/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 19 Newspapers.com February 15, 1946 April 5, 2016 March Speedway officials continued to rebuild staff for the race. Clifford M. Rigsbee was appointed head of a new technical group at the Speedway.Rigsbee Receives Speedway Duties https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4796407/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 13 Newspapers.com March 2, 1946 March 31, 2016 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.Speedway Committee Plans To Greet Racing Fans May 30 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4800213/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 17 Newspapers.com March 13, 1946 April 1, 2016 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.Four More Cars Added To May 30 Race Field https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4800424/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 20 Newspapers.com March 22, 1946 April 1, 2016 With less than two months until race day, advanced reserved tickets sales were reported as brisk.If So - Why? https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4796484/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 16 Newspapers.com March 6, 1946 March 31, 2016 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.Shaw's Victory Car Of 1937 Entered Again At Speedway https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4796559/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 17 Newspapers.com March 8, 1946 March 31, 2016 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.Mays Will Enter Race Next Monday https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4800159/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 18 Newspapers.com March 12, 1946 April 1, 2016Mays Entered 500-Mile Race https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4800324/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 19 Newspapers.com March 20, 1946 April 1, 2016 Despite facing financial and transportation difficulties, at least five European drivers were inquiring about submitting entries.European Pilots May Enter Speedway Classic on May 30 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4800119/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 42 Newspapers.com March 10, 1946 April 1, 2016 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.If So - Why? https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4800020/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 15 Newspapers.com March 9, 1946 April 1, 2016 April 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,2-Car French Team Entered At Speedway https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4796352/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 23 Newspapers.com April 4, 1946 March 31, 2016 Emil Andres, George Barringer, Joel Thorne,Thorne Enters 500-Mile Race; 28 Now in Field https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823016/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 42 Newspapers.com April 21, 1946 July 8, 2016 Cliff Bergere,Bergere Confident In 15th Start As 500-Mile Driver https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823030/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 20 Newspapers.com April 22, 1946 July 8, 2016 Rudolf Caracciola,Barringer Tries Out Racer; Caracciola Enters Grind https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823104/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 18 Newspapers.com April 18, 1946 July 8, 2016 Tazio Nuvolari,500-Mile Field Boosted To 44 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823252/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 19 Newspapers.com April 30, 1946 July 8, 2016 Chet Miller, and several others.Speedway Chatter https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823069/1946_indianapolis_500/ Ralph G. Hesler The Indianapolis Star 19 Newspapers.com April 26, 1946 July 8, 2016 By the end of the month, the entry list was up to 44 cars. Refurbishment of the facility continued, including the near-completion of new grandstands.Speedway Chatter https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823233/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 16 Newspapers.com April 27, 1946 July 8, 2016 On April 6, the Speedway Golf Course opened for business.Foursome Opens Season At Speedway Course https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823175/1946_indianapolis_500/ Ralph G. Hesler The Indianapolis Star 43 Newspapers.com April 7, 1946 July 8, 2016 Officials announced that a small number of tickets were still available.Reserved Seats For May 30 Still Available, Says Shaw https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823428/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 20 Newspapers.com April 20, 1946 July 8, 2016 George Barringer arrived with his car on April 22,Barringer Unloads Car At Speedway https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823199/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 17 Newspapers.com April 23, 1946 July 8, 2016If So - Why? (Sports In Shorts) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823313/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 18 Newspapers.com April 18, 1946 July 8, 2016 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. 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. 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.Studebaker Official Is Appointed Chairman Of Technical Committee For 500-Mile Race https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823369/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 19 Newspapers.com April 18, 1946 July 8, 2016 Also, the Lap Prize Fund was accumulating,Lap Prize Awards May 30 Expected To Reach $20,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5823351/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 22 Newspapers.com April 12, 1946 July 8, 2016 and the prize fund was announced at $60,000, quelling some of the concern about a low purse. Practice 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,Speedway Scenes https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5855504/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 23 Newspapers.com May 1, 1946 July 11, 2016 bringing the total to 56 cars.Speedway Entry List Boosted To Fifty Cars https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5855522/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 22 Newspapers.com May 2, 1946 July 11, 2016Speedway Scenes https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5855557/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 23 Newspapers.com May 3, 1946 July 11, 2016 During the first week, many drivers and mechanics had arrived at the track,Mays Arrives Here By Plane https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5855652/1946_indianapolis_500/ The Indianapolis Star 22 Newspapers.com May 6, 1946 July 11, 2016 often seen hanging out at the restaurant in Gasoline Alley, and working on cars. 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. 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.If So - Why? (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5855681/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 22 Newspapers.com May 7, 1946 July 11, 2016If So - Why? (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5855691/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 23 Newspapers.com May 7, 1946 July 11, 2016 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 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 to 1933 and from 1939 to 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 dayIf So - Why? (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5855719/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 18 Newspapers.com May 8, 1946 July 11, 2016If So - Why? (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5855722/1946_indianapolis_500/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 19 Newspapers.com May 8, 1946 July 11, 2016 - unless weather interfered. Saturday May 18 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.Trials To Open Today For 500-Mile Classic (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4780335/1946_indianapolis_500_time_trials/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 1 Newspapers.com May 18, 1946 March 30, 2016Trials To Open Today For 500-Mile Classic (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4780346/1946_indianapolis_500_time_trials/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 16 Newspapers.com May 18, 1946 March 30, 2016 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.Behind The Pits https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28090757/ Peter DePaolo Pete DePaolo The Indianapolis News 12 Newspapers.com May 20, 1946 February 6, 2019 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. Sam Hanks rounded out the front row, despite leaking oil which obscured his goggles. 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 Position No. Car Number Name Lap 1(mph) Lap 2(mph) Lap 3(mph) Lap 4(mph) Average Speed(mph) Notes13United States 1912 Cliff Bergere126.743126.511125.436127.208126.471 210United States 1912 Paul Russo127.350126.814127.371123.288126.183 332United States 1912 Sam Hanks126.098124.706123.694124.189124.762 447United States 1912 Hal Cole orange R silver120.514120.773120.096121.540120.728 561United States 1912 Jimmy Jackson orange R silver120.643119.592120.563119.872120.257 633United States 1912 Louis Durant orange R silver119.111119.348119.205118.234118.973 —8United States 1912 Mauri Rose125.980 IncompleteEngine threw a rod Source: The Indianapolis StarThousands See Speedway Preview, Six Racers Qualify In First Tests (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4780466/1946_indianapolis_500_time_trials/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 1 Newspapers.com May 19, 1946 March 30, 2016Thousands See Speedway Preview, Six Racers Qualify In First Tests (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4780493/1946_indianapolis_500_time_trials/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 41 Newspapers.com May 19, 1946 March 30, 2016 Sunday May 19 Time trials was scheduled for 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A crowd of 40,000-60,000 spectators 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.150,000 Jam Roads; 60,000 At Speedway (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4780663/1946_indianapolis_500_time_trials/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 1 Newspapers.com May 20, 1946 March 30, 2016150,000 Jam Roads; 60,000 At Speedway (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4780723/1946_indianapolis_500_time_trials/ W. Blaine Patton The Indianapolis Star 19 Newspapers.com May 20, 1946 March 30, 2016 Monday May 20 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 Position No. Car Number Name Lap 1(mph) Lap 2(mph) Lap 3(mph) Lap 4(mph) Average Speed(mph) Notes729United States 1912 Ted Horn124.206123.745124.206123.762123.980 845United States 1912 Duke Dinsmore orange R silver122.666123.321 123.660123.474123.279 —42United States 1912 Tony Bettenhausen orange R silver122.084122.017122.117122.228121.860 Withdrawn 5/28 Tuesday May 21 Charles Van Acker crashed. Duke Nalon made an exhibition run. Wednesday May 22 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 Position No. Car Number Name Lap 1(mph) Lap 2(mph) Lap 3(mph) Lap 4(mph) Average Speed(mph) Notes98United States 1912 Mauri Rose125.125123.457123.609124.052124.065 1025United States 1912 Russ Snowberger122.349121.852120.935121.245121.593 1118United States 1912 Emil Andres121.163121.589120.968120.838121.139 1224United States 1912 Joie Chitwood120.144120.224119.570119.332119.816 1312United States 1912 Al Putnam117.325115.370115.518116.944116.283 Saturday May 25 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 Position No. Car Number Name Lap 1(mph) Lap 2(mph) Lap 3(mph) Lap 4(mph) Average Speed(mph) Notes141United States 1912 Rex Mays129.608128.737128.133128.977128.861 1516United States 1912 George Robson127.262125.611125.401123.938125.541 1663United States 1912 Jimmy Wilburn orange R silver124.757125.035125.174125.488125.113 175United States 1912 Chet Miller124.481124.585124.292125.244124.649 1814United States 1912 Harry McQuinn125.927124.688124.395123.018124.499 —2United States 1912 Ralph Hepburn125.927 Incomplete Car quit Sunday May 26 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 22,500January 2019 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 km/h on, and his four-lap average was a record 133.944 mph km/h on. Hepburn drove the 8-cylinder front-wheel drive Novi Governor Special, entered by W.S. Winfield. Pos Position No. Car Number Name Lap 1(mph) Lap 2(mph) Lap 3(mph) Lap 4(mph) Average Speed(mph) Notes192United States 1912 Ralph Hepburn134.288133.136133.990134.449133.944 New 1-lap and 4-lap track records; fastest qualifier2064United States 1912 Shorty Cantlon122.900122.183122.666121.984122.432 2131United States 1912 Henry Banks121.687120.434119.729119.063120.220 2215United States 1912 Louis Tomei117.955118.483119.872120.498119.193 Monday May 27 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 Position No. Car Number Name Lap 1(mph) Lap 2(mph) Lap 3(mph) Lap 4(mph) Average Speed(mph) Notes2348United States 1912 Hal Robson orange R silver121.392120.724121.951121.803121.466 2426United States 1912 George Barringer122.001120.546120.032119.936120.623 2539United States 1912 Bill Sheffler orange R silver121.049120.838120.417120.144120.611 —37United States 1912 Buddy Rusch orange R silver116.339116.732116.475115.533116.268 Bumped on 5/28 Tuesday May 28 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.The Talk of Gasoline Alley Donald Davidson (historian) WFNI May 28, 2020 Danny Kladis was the first driver to complete a run during the afternoon, at a relatively slow pace of 118.890 mph on. 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 Position No. Car Number Name Lap 1(mph) Lap 2(mph) Lap 3(mph) Lap 4(mph) Average Speed(mph) Notes2642United States 1912 Tony Bettenhausen orange R silver123.882122.018123.476122.017123.094 274United States 1912 Mel Hansen121.098121.163121.000122.482121.431 2852Kingdom of Italy Luigi Villoresi orange R silver121.441120.530121.147121.885121.249 297United States 1912 Frank Wearne121.771120.627121.179121.355121.233 3038United States 1912 George Connor120.160119.713120.401119.475120.004 3117United States 1912 Billy Devore120.514120.064119.760119.174119.876 3254United States 1912 Duke Nalon118.202119.506120.401120.838119.682 3359United States 1912 Danny Kladis orange R silver118.825118.969119.079118.687118.890 —xUnited States 1912 Charles Van Acker orange R silver114.899116.445115.652115.681115.666 Bumped—xUnited States 1912 Steve Truchan orange R silver IncompletePulled in after three laps—xUnited States 1912 Freddie Winnai IncompleteCar quit Starting grid RowInsideMiddleOutside1United States 1912 Cliff Bergere126.471 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Paul Russo126.183 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Sam Hanks124.762 mph km/h on2United States 1912 Hal Cole orange R silver120.728 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Jimmy Jackson orange R silver120.257 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Louis Durant orange R silver118.973 mph km/h on3United States 1912 Ted Horn123.980 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Duke Dinsmore orange R silver123.279 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Mauri Rose gold W silver124.065 mph km/h on4United States 1912 Russ Snowberger121.593 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Emil Andres121.139 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Joie Chitwood119.816 mph km/h on5United States 1912 Al Putnam116.283 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Rex Mays128.861 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 George Robson125.54 mph km/h on6United States 1912 Jimmy Wilburn orange R silver125.113 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Chet Miller124.649 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Harry McQuinn124.499 mph km/h on7United States 1912 Ralph Hepburn133.944 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Shorty Cantlon122.432 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Henry Banks120.220 mph km/h on8United States 1912 Louis Tomei119.193 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Hal Robson orange R silver121.466 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 George Barringer120.628 mph km/h on9United States 1912 Bill Sheffler orange R silver120.611 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Tony Bettenhausen orange R silver123.094 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Mel Hansen121.431 mph km/h on10Kingdom of Italy Luigi Villoresi orange R silver121.249 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Frank Wearne121.233 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 George Connor120.006 mph km/h on11United States 1912 Billy Devore119.876 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Duke Nalon119.682 mph km/h onUnited States 1912 Danny Kladis orange R silver118.890 mph km/h on Alternates First alternate: United States 1912 Buddy Rusch orange R silver (#37)The Talk of Gasoline Alley - 1070-AM WIBC, May 14, 2004 – Bumped (116.268 mph km/h on) Failed to Qualify 28em United States 1912 Charles Van Acker orange R silver (#62) – Bumped (115.666 mph km/h on) United States 1912 Steve Truchan orange R silver (#28) – Incomplete run United States 1912 Freddie Winnai (#71)1946 International 500 Mile Sweepstakes http://www.champcarstats.com/races/194608.htm ChampCarStats.com – Incomplete run United Kingdom Robert Arbuthnot orange R silver (#57) Belgium Zora Arkus-Duntov orange R silver (#49) United States 1912 Harold Bailey orange R silver (#58) United States 1912 Bud Bardowski orange R silver (#37) United States 1912 Gerald Brisko orange R silver (#18) United States 1912 Jim Brubaker orange R silver (#68) United States 1912 Arvol Brunmeier orange R silver (#67) Germany Rudolf Caracciola orange R silver (#44, #72) United States 1912 Bruce Denslow orange R silver (#56) France Louis Gérard orange R silver (#36) United States 1912 Tommy Hinnershitz (#34) United States 1912 Joe Langley orange R silver (#55) United States 1912 Frank McGurk (#17) United States 1912 Al Miller (#9) United States 1912 Wally Mitchell orange R silver (#43) United States 1912 Ray Richards orange R silver (#27) United States 1912 Bud Rose orange R silver (#69) United States 1912 Harry Schell orange R silver (#46) United States 1912 Joel Thorne (#44) Kingdom of Italy Achille Varzi orange R silver (#53) United States 1912 Bus Wilbert orange R silver United States 1912 Doc Williams Kingdom of Italy Dioscoride Lanza orange R silver (#74) - Did not appear France Raphaël Bethenod orange R silver (#35) - Did not arrive United States 1912 Joe Silvia orange R silver - Did not appear orange R silver = Indianapolis 500 rookiegold W silver = Former Indianapolis 500 winner Race summary thumb|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 34 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. thumb|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.The Talk of Gasoline Alley Donald Davidson (historian) WFNI May 22, 2013 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 FinishGridNoNameChassisEngineLapsStatus11516United States 1912 George RobsonAdamsSparks SC200 114.820 mph2561United States 1912 Jimmy Jackson orange R silverMiller FDOffenhauser200 +34.043729United States 1912 Ted HornMaseratiMaserati SC200 +11:52.9041118United States 1912 Emil AndresMaseratiMaserati SC200 +14:01.9551224United States 1912 Joie Chitwood(Sam Hanks Laps 52–200)WetterothOffenhauser200 +15:18.606633United States 1912 Louis Durant orange R silverAlfa RomeoAlfa Romeo SC200 +24:04.1872852Kingdom of Italy Luigi Villoresi orange R silverMaseratiMaserati SC200 +36:13.538297United States 1912 Frank WearneShawOffenhauser197Flagged92539United States 1912 Bill Sheffler orange R silverBrommeOffenhauser139Flagged103117United States 1912 Billy DevoreWetterothOffenhauser167Throttle11274United States 1912 Mel HansenKurtisNovi SC143Crankshaft121025United States 1912 Russ Snowberger(Duke Nalon Laps 90–134)MaseratiMaserati SC134Differential131814United States 1912 Harry McQuinn(Jimmy Wilburn Laps 90–124)AdamsSparks SC124Out of oil14192United States 1912 Ralph HepburnKurtisNovi SC121Stalled151312United States 1912 Al Putnam(George Connor Laps 100–120)HartzOffenhauser120Magneto1613United States 1912 Cliff Bergere(Rex Mays Laps 60–82)WetterothOffenhauser82Out of oil17845United States 1912 Duke Dinsmore orange R silverAdamsOffenhauser82Rod18175United States 1912 Chet Miller(Louis Tomei Laps 58–64)Williams FDOffenhauser64Oil line191663United States 1912 Jimmy Wilburn orange R silverAlfa Romeo 8C35Alfa Romeo52Engine202642United States 1912 Tony Bettenhausen orange R silverMiller-HartzMiller SC47Rod213359United States 1912 Danny Kladis orange R silverMiller FDFord V846Towed223254United States 1912 Duke NalonMaserati 4CLMaserati SC45Universal joint2398United States 1912 Mauri Rose gold W silverLenckiOffenhauser40Crash T3243038United States 1912 George ConnorKurtis FWDOffenhauser38Piston252348United States 1912 Hal Robson orange R silverBugattiMiller37Rod262215United States 1912 Louis TomeiStevens FDBrisko34Oil line272131United States 1912 Henry BanksSnowberger FDOffenhauser32Pinion shaft282064United States 1912 Shorty CantlonMiller EDOffenhauser28Clutch292426United States 1912 George BarringerMiller 4DREMiller SC27Gears30141United States 1912 Rex MaysStevensWinfield26Manifold31332United States 1912 Sam HanksSampsonSampson SC18Oil line32447United States 1912 Hal Cole orange R silverAlfa Romeo P3Alfa Romeo SC16Fuel leak33210United States 1912 Paul RussoFageol 4WDTwin Offenhauser16Crash T3Indianapolis 500 1946 http://www.ultimateracinghistory.com/race.php?raceid=779 Ultimate Racing History 16 January 2012 https://archive.today/20120914040854/http://www.ultimateracinghistory.com/race.php?raceid=779 14 September 2012 live Note: Relief drivers in parenthesesChampCarStats.com https://www.champcarstats.com/races/194608.htm International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 30, 1946 gold W silver Former Indianapolis 500 winner orange R silver Indianapolis 500 Rookie All entrants utilized Firestone tires. Statistics Lap Leaders Leader Laps Mauri Rose 1–8 Rex Mays 9–11 Ralph Hepburn 12–55 George Robson 56–68 Cliff Bergere 69–70 George Robson 71–87 Jimmy Jackson 88–92 George Robson 93–200 Total laps led Leader LapsGeorge Robson 138Ralph Hepburn 44Mauri Rose 8Jimmy Jackson 5Rex Mays3Cliff Bergere2 Yellow Lights: 34 minutes, 1 second Laps* Reason16–36 Paul Russo crash in turn 340 Mauri Rose crash in turn 3* – Approximate lap countsJackson, Horn, Take Second, Third Spots In Renewal of '500' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/84278604/ The Indianapolis Star W. Blaine PattonMiller Robin Miller (journalist) 1 Newspapers.com May 31, 1946 April 23, 2024 Broadcasting Radio 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.Mike-Row-Scopes https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107456875/1946-indy-500-mutual-radio/ Molly Star The Indianapolis Star 11 Newspapers.com May 30, 1946 August 12, 2022 The broadcast featured live coverage of the start, the finish, and live updates throughout the race. Mutual Broadcasting SystemBooth AnnouncersTurn ReportersPit/garage reportersBooth Announcer: Bill Slater Analyst: Norman Perry Jr. Commercials: Rance MacFarlandSouth turns: Easy Gwynn Mainstretch: Carl Page North turns: Jim SheltonGene Kelly See also 1946 AAA Championship Car season Works cited Indianapolis 500 History: Race & All-Time Stats – Official Site 1946 Indianapolis 500 Radio Broadcast, Mutual: Re-broadcast on "The All-Night Race Party" - WFNI (May 28, 2011) References 2 1941 Mauri RoseFloyd Davis 1946 George Robson 1947 Mauri Rose The Indianapolis 500 was not run from 1942 to 1945 due to World War II. Category:Indianapolis 500 races Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis 500 Category:1946 in American motorsport Category:May 1946 sports events in the United States