In the coming weeks I'll try to post a picture of an Indy 500 car from each decade - we'll see how far I get. First up is the Marmon Wasp, winner of the first Indy 500 in 1911. This car is famous for having the first rear-view mirror (visible above the dash). It was controversial at the time because it meant that this car was the only one in the field without a passenger mechanic - a clear advantage. The average speed for the race? About 75 miles per hour, which means the race took more than six and a half hours.
* http://talkpractice.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/indy-500-pole-day-approaches/Another site:
After 6 hours, 42 minutes, 8 seconds and averaging 74.59 miles per hour; Harroun took America's most historic checkered flag. He finished about 5/8 mile ahead of Mulford. The 1911 Indianapolis "500" purse amounted to $27,550, of which Harroun earned $14,000. The Marmon Company let Harroun keep it all, plus a bonus. On the day the award was given, Ray Harroun announced his retirement from driving but not from the automobile business. Harroun was retained as a consulting engineer, for several years. He designed and developed the Harroun carburetor for the 1913 Marmon "48".
* http://www.mshf.com/index.htm?/hof/harroun_ray.htm
Driven by Ray Harroun, the Marmon Wasp (race car) was in the first Indianapolis 500 race in 1911, and won.
1911. Ray Harroun won in the Marmon "Wasp."
Michael Marmon goes by Grand Moff Marmon, and Steve.
Steve Marmon goes by Steve.
Ray Harroun won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 driving a Marmon Wasp.
A car called Marmon Wasp won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911.
Pretty fast
Does mark marmon
Steve Marmon's birth name is Stephen Michael Marmon.
ticker for marmon group holdings
John Marmon died in 1880.
John Marmon was born in 1800.