Retro Indy: iconic images of the Indianapolis 500

Starting lineup of the 1911 Indianapolis 500. Sign-up for IndyStar Motor Sports Newsletter!

Left to right Henry Ford, Arthur Newby, Frank Wheeler, Carl Fisher, James Allison

Century packages Sports Legends Ray Harroun winner of the first Indianapolis 500 on May 30 1911.

Roaring around the first turn at speeds of 75 mph, four racers duel for position in the first running of the Indianaolis 500 on May 30, 1911. The cloth covered pits in the lower right hand side keep the hot Indiana sun from the mechanics.

May 31, 1911 Indianapolis Star front page announcing the winner of the first Indianapolis 500.

After leading the entire 1912 Indianapolis 500 race since the third lap, Ralph DePalma's Mercedes cracked a piston and with only 2 laps remaining, he and his mechanic Rupert Jeffkins had to push the car across the finish line to take twelfth place. Only cars completing the full 200 laps received any prize money.

1913 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

Georges Boillot in the No. 7 Peugeot battles Jules Goux in his No. 6 Peugeot during the 1914 Indianapolis 500.

Ralph DePalma waves as he takes the checkered flag in the 1915 Indianapolis 500. Note the flagman on the overhead foot-bridge.

The 1915 Indianapolis 500 started four abreast down the main straightaway.

This is the starting lineup of the 1916 Indianapolis 500. From far left, No. 17 was driven by Dario Resta who would win the race. No. 28 was Gil Andersen; No. 5 Eddie Rickenbacker; and No. 18 Johnny Aitken.

Louis Chevrolet (left) confers with his mechanic on May 30, 1916 during the 1916 Indianapolis 500 race, in which he finished 12th.

Ralph DePalma with riding mechanic during the 1919 Indianapolis 500.

Howdy Wilcox behind the wheel and riding mechanic Maurice Becker in the #3 Peugeot, winner of the 1919 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

A record-breaking crowd filled the grandstands and swarmed around their automobiles parked trackside along the infield facing the main straightaway as the starting field was moved into position for the 1927 Indianapolis 500-Mile-Race.

Speedway President Eddie Rickenbacker at the wheel of the Rickenbacker Vertical 8 1925 pace car. The car carried the hat-in-ring insignia Rickenbacker made famous as a World War I flying ace.

The Pagoda during the 1929 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

Gaston Chevrolet, 1920 winner of the Indianapolis 500.

Pete DePaolo, 1925 winner of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

Drivers line up for pre-race instructions for the 1925 Indianapolis 500.

Crowds for the 1926 found seating wherever they could in the infield.

Frank Lockhart holds up a soft drink after winning the 1926 Indianapolis 500. Lockhart, a dirt-track racer from California filled in for owner/driver Pete Kreise who was ill with the flu.

Louis Meyer pilots the ring free race car around the Indianapolis 500 mile track in 1935

Spectators in the grandstand seemed to be having a good time, getting into the spirit of the Indianapolis 500-Mile-Race (in more ways than one) in 1932.

Photo from the Star-News book, Hoosier Century In the 1930Õs, and for several years, the infield of the Indianapolis Speedway was the place for fans to see and be seen. And the rooftop of your car was a good vantage point. In 1999 there was a change in some of the infield when a road course was added for the inaugural U.S. Grand Prix Formula One race in 2000. Star staff photo.

Louis Meyer takes the checkered flag in the 1936 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race

Drivers, crews and officials line up for the traditional picture prior to the start of the 1938 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

Marching bands have been a tradition at the Indianapolis 500 since the second race in 1912 when Carl Fisher ordered "tooters and drummers" to add zip to the event. This photo was taken shortly before the 1933 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

Pathe News Inc. records the days events during the 1935 Indianapolis 500. Days later the newsreels would be shown in movie theaters across the country.

The Packard pace car pulls out of the way of the pack for the start of the 1936 Indianapolis 500.

Amelia Earhart and Eddie Rickenbacker at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 30, 1935. Earhart served as the first woman referee for the 500-mile race, and was the first woman to receive an official position in the running of the race.

Cars go into the first turn as seen from the starter's perch above the track during the 1932 Indianapolis 500.

Pit scene during the 1931 Indianapolis 500. All eyes were on the No. 8 Cummins powered Diesel Duesenberg driven by Dave Evans. Not only did was it the first diesel ever in the Indianapolis 500, but he drove the entire 500 miles without stopping for fuel and Evans finished 13th place .

Crews battle flames from the fatal crash that killed Floyd Roberts on lap 107 of the 1939 Indianapolis 500. Sign-up for IndyStar Motor Sports Newsletter!

The front row of the 33-car field for the 1939 Indianapolis 500 jumps past the pace car as the green flag drops to start the race. The front row consisted of Rex Mays on the pole, Wilbur Shaw and Mauri Rose.

Wilbur Shaw receives congratulations after winning the 1939 Indianapolis 500. The race was marred by tragedy as the 1938 winner Floyd Roberts died in a spectacular crash. Said Shaw, "This is a screwy business, but I'll be back again next year."

Wilbur Shaw in the Gilmore Special. 1937

Duke Nalon with his Masarati - date unknown possibly 1938 or 1939.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945 after four years of inactivity with a suspension of the Indianapolis 500 due to World War II. Star file photo

Mary Fendrich Hulman and her husband Tony Hulman, who were married in 1926, purchased the Speedway for $750,000 in 1945, rescuing the crumbling, weed-infested track and turning it into the premier motorsports showcase in the world.

Tony Hulman and Wilbur Shaw in 1946.

Race fans jammed the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1946. Many viewed the race from atop the roof of their cars. May 30, 1946

George Robson and his wife in victory lane after winning the 1946 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Mechanic Chick Hirashima at right shared in the victory.

Wilbur Shaw, 1940 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winner.

Waving his hand in a victory salute, Bill Holland flashes across the finish line in his Blue Crown Special to rack up a new record for the Indianapolis 500. Signaling the victory with the traditional checkered flag is Bill Vanderwater, assistant chief starter. Star file photo May 31, 1949

1949 Indianapolis 500 winner in victory lane is greeted by Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and former driver Wilbur Shaw (left) and actress Linda Darnell.

An early morning fire race day in 1941 in the south section of the garage area destroyed race three race cars including George Barringer's qualified race car.

A stunned Mauri Rose sits on the track (right) following his 41st lap collision with the wall. Paul Russo had crashed his car on the 16th lap. They did not remove crashed cars during the race.

Fans watch the early part of the 1940 Indianapolis 500. Kelly Petillo is crossing the start-finish line.

A few from the stands in the straightaway near the first turn during the 1946 Indianapolis 500.

Cliff Bergere qualifies with a speed fast enough to earn him the pole position for the 1946 Indianapolis 500.

Sam Hanks in the Gordon Schroeder's six-teen-cylinder Sampson sponsored by musical comedian Spike Jones in 1946.

A mud-splattered Cliff Bergere of Toledo, Ohio smiled and waved to anxious onlookers on May 17, 1947 after his Novi Governor Mobil Special went into a spin on the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during his first qualifying lap for the Indianapolis 500.

The pit crew for Mauri Rose flashes their driver the OK sign with five laps to go. The Bill Holland crew waits to give Holland the same message in the 1947 Indianapolis 500.

Aerial view of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway looking south in 1949. Georgetown Road is to the right and the 16th Street Speedway is at the top left of the photo.

While leading the race, Duke Nalon was seriously burned when his car broke an axle in the northeast turn and hit the north short chute wall. May 30, 1949

Clark Gable at the 1950 Indianapolis 500

Bill Vukovich gets dual kisses as winner of the 1953 Indianapolis 500.

Johnnie Parsons didn't let the rain bother him as he indulged in an extended congratulatory kiss from actress Barbara Stanywck after winning the 1950 Indianapolis 500.

Safety crews put out a fire in the car of Duke Dinsmore in the pits. Dinsmore completed 10 laps and finished 33 in the 1950 Indianapolis 500

Mauri Rose (left) and Jim Travers talk racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 11, 1950.

The old pagoda at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway rumbles to the ground with the aid of a steel cable and a tractor. The pagoda was razed June 21, 1956 to make way for the new judges tand and pit area to be known as the Tower Terrace. Larry George/The News

Tragedy struck during the pace lap of the 1960 Indianapolis 500 when a privately-owned makeshift scaffold collapsed, killing two people and injuring 40.

1958 Indianapolis 500 winner Jimmy Bryan receives his kiss from actress Shirley MacLaine.

Parnelli Jones takes the checkered flag for the 1963 Indianapolis 500.

The field at the start of the 1959 Indianapolis 500.

Track officials look over the wreckage of Jerry Unser's car. During practice in early May 1959 Unser lost control coming out of Turn 4. The car spun and hit the wall, sending it end-over-end down the front straightaway and erupting in flames. Unser died from the burns two weeks later on May 17.

Rodger Ward gets the traditional bottle of milk and the victory kiss from actress Erin O'Brien while his wife looks on. May 30, 1959

Cars can be seen still afire as smoke boils up after a fatal pileup at the north end of the main stretch at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 30, 1964. On Lap 1, Dave MacDonald skidded into the northwest inside retaining wall ans exploded. Eddie Sachs hit MacDonald and exploded. Sachs was killed and MacDonald died of injuries.

Parnelli Jones jumps from his race car after it caught fire during a pit stop at the Indianapolis 500 race in 1964.

Bobby Unser is at the wheel of the No. 6 STP Oil Treatment Special. Owner Andy Granitelli converses with Unser following the a lap during practice May 8, 1965

Mario Andretti races out of the pits in the 1966 Indianapolis 500.

Art Pollard sits on a tire of his disabled STP Lotus wedge car and waves congratulations to Bobby Unser winner of the 1968 Indianapolis 500.

Mario Andretti, 1969 winner of the Indianapolis 500.

Peter Revson No. 85 on the 1st lap of the 1971 Indianapolis 500.

The pace car, driven by car dealer Eldon Palmer, losing control shortly before crashing into the photographers stand at the Indianapolis 500 in May 1971. Star photo by free-lancer

Indiana celebrities or well-known people Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony Hulman, Jr., prepares to say, "Gentlemen, start your engines," from the back of the pace car before the start of the 1973 Indy 500.

Salt Walther in the #77 Dayton-Walther car. May 11, 1976

Rick Mears, 1979 winner of the Indianapolis 500.

Mary Hulman, chairman of the board of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway gives drivers the command to start their engines for the 63rd 500-Mile Race. May 28, 1979

Swede Savage in 1973

Sheldon Kinser's smoking car comes into the pits during the 1977 Indianapolis 500.

A.J. Foyt acknowledges the crowd after winning his fourth Indianapolis 500 in 1977

On lap 126 of the 1975 Indianapolis 500, Tom Sneva made contact with Eldon Rasmussen's car in Turn 2. Sneva flipped over Rasmussen, hit the outside wall and burst into flames. Sneva escaped with only minor burns. I

Janet Guthrie is all smiles after qualifying run. First woman ever in the 500-mile race starting field. May 1977

Tom Binford and Pat Vidan talk shop May 14, 1979. Binford was the chief steward of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1974-1995. Vidan was the official starter from 1962 until 1979.

The crew services Rick Mears car during the 1984 Indianapolis 500.

Mario Andretti sits in his car during qualifications at the Speedway in May 1987.

1985 Indianapolis 500, Danny Sullivan, who passed leader Mario Andretti, spins and then wins the 500 mile race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti chat in the pits during qualifications for the 1988 Indianapolis 500.

Al Unser Sr. 1987 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winner.

Jim Nabors sings "Back Home Again" with the Purdue Marching Band during the opening ceremonies of the 1984 Indianapolis 500.

Rick Mears, 1988 winner of the Indianapolis 500 signals his third win.

James Garner and Paul Newman at the 1985 Indianapolis 500. Sign-up for IndyStar Motor Sports Newsletter!

Gordon Johncock (left) finishes ahead of Rick Mears by 16/100ths of a second to win the 1982 Indianapolis 500.

Bobby Unser shouts for joy in Victory Lane with the wreath of orchids around his shoulders and the Borg-Warner trophy behind him. May 24, 1981

Michael Andretti and his father Mario have a discussion during a break during practice in late April 1984.

Emerson Fittipaldi acknowledges the crowd after winning the 1989 Indianapolis 500.

A sea of spectators with the Speedway water tower looming in the background. 1987 file photo

Rick Mears celebrates in Victory Circle after his fourth Indy 500 win at the Speedway in 1991.

Emerson Fittipaldi won the 1993 Indianapolis 500.

Race driver Tony Stewart of Indianapolis, waits for his car in the pit area of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Thursday, May 27, 1999, during the final practice session prior to Sunday's 83rd Indy 500.

The car driven by Billy Boat bounces off wall after he lost control of his car in the first turn at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during practice for the 83rd running the of Indy 500 Sunday, May 16, 1999. Boat was not injuried.

May 30, 1999 -- Mark Dismore, left, and Greg Ray collide in the pits during the second half of the Indy 500 Sunday afternoon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The collision knocked Ray, who was leading at the time, of the race.

1999 Indy 500 front row includes pole-sitter Arie Luyendyk, right, of Scottsdale, Ariz., Greg Ray, center, of Plano, Texas, and Billy Boat of Phoenix. x

The 1992 Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway became famous for the closest finish ever. Al Unser Jr.'s margin of victory over Scott Goodyear was 43 thousandths of a second.

5.15.98 SPT INDY PRACTICE Two time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr., left, talks with his father and four time winner Al Unser Sr., during Indianapolis 500 practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Friday, May 15, 1998.

Danny Ongais of Santa Ana, Calif. slams into the third turn wall at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during practice for the 82nd running of the Indianapolis 500 Monday, May 11, 1998. Ongais was taken to Methodist Hospital for observation. (AP Photo/Tom Walsh)

Track announcer Tom Carnegie calls qualifications from the pit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Saturday, May 16, 1998.

Buddy Lazier 1996 Indianapolis 500 winner.

The start of the 81st running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Monday May 26, 1997.

Steve Kinser walks down pit lane during the rain delay during the 81st running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race May 26, 1997.

Arie Luyendyk, Winner of the 1997 Indy 500 pops the cork on a bottle of champagne in Victory Circle following the 81st running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Tuesday May 27, 1997. Original image is in the RACE3DONE folder in Scans 7

One of the most devastating crashes in Indianapolis 500 history. With less than 10 seconds elapsed in the race, Stan Fox's car is cut in half as it is hit by Eddie Cheever's car during the 1995 Indianapolis 500. Fox would survive this crash, but would be killed in an auto accident in New Zealand in 2000.

Willy T. Ribbs leaves the pits as photographers record his every move, May 19, 1991. Ribbs made Speedway history, this day, by becoming the first black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. Ribbs is leaving the pits at the beginning of his historic qualification run.

Winner Gil de Ferran gives a wink and a thumbs up to his family as he celebrates in victory lane in 2003.

Helio Castroneves climbs the fence by the Indy 500 finish line after he won the 85th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2001.

5/29/2005 Race winner Dan Wheldon celebrates by pouring milk over his head after the race.

Soldiers march up pit lane prior to the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 27, 2007, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti celebrates with his milk after winning the race Sunday, May 27, 2007.

Driver Alex Lloyd slides down the pits after slamming into the pit wall during the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 race Sunday May 25, 2008.

The Pagoda sits high above the track during the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 25, 2008.

Race fans get a close up look at the gridded race cars lined up on the main straightaway before the start of the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 25, 2008.

Car owner and Late Night talk show host David Letterman in the pits during the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500, May 25, 2008.

Mari Hulman George gives the command to start the engines at the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 25, 2008.

Indianapolis 500 driver Ryan Hunter skids into the pits during the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Sunday, May 24, 2009 before the race.

Pole sitter Helio Castroneves is in the lead on the actual start of the 2009 Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24, 2009, after only the second time a start has been waved off. (This is not the first start). Sunday's race, the 93rd running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, started under hazy skies at 1:12 p.m. (Charlie Nye / The Star).

The Purdue University Marching Band performs before the start of the Indianapolis 500 race Sunday, May 24, 2009. (Mike Fender / The Star)

Dario Franchitti, No. 10, right, pulls out of his pit ahead of teammate Scott Dixon, No. 9, left, to take the lead from him on a pit stop on Lap 86 at the 2009 Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24, 2006, the 93rd running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Charlie Nye / The Star).

Driver Helio Castroneves (3) protects his lead with a quick pit stop and gets in front of Ryan Briscoe (6) late in the race. Indianapolis 500, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, May 24, 2009. (MATT DIAL / The Indianapolis Star)

Driver Danica Patrick leads drivers through turn one at around lap 142. Indianapolis 500, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, May 24, 2009.

93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 mile race winner Penske Racing driver Helio Castroneves poses with the Borg-Warner Trophy during post win photo session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Monday, May 25, 2009. Castroneves is a three time winner of the race. (Heather Charles/The Star)

Mike Conway's car goes airborne and crashes into a wall in the last lap of the Indianapolis 500 at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday May 30, 2010.

Casey Mears get some last minute instructions from Sarah Fisher as he tries to make the field for the Indianapolis 500 in a Walker racing back up car. Mears failed to make the race. Staff Photo Greg Griffo

Ashley Judd, and her race-winning husband Dario Franchitti at the traditional yard of bricks kiss, Sunday, May 30, 2010, at the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 mile race, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Actor Jack Nicholson waves the green flag to start The 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 30, 2010. (Mike Fender / The Star)

Danica Patrick,left, passes Helio Castroneves as he sits in his pit box during the 95th running of the Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 29, 2011, morning at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger / The Star

Sarah Fisher reacts as she comes out of the race due to car trouble during the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 Sunday afternoon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Matt Kryger / The Indianapolis Star)

Dan Wheldon raises his arm to celebrate a surprising win as he approaches the finish line at the 95th running of the Indianapolis 500 race Sunday, May 29 2011.

Andretti Autosports James Hinchcliffe,#27, front, and Ryan Hunt-Reay lead the group of driver out of the pits during Carb Day Friday, May 25, 2012, afternoon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger / The Star

Michael Andretti and Danica Patrick watch the action on pit lane, Friday May 8, 2009 at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Greg Griffo/The Star

Race fans wore their white makeshift glasses on the parade lap in honor of the late Dan Wheldon during the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 27, 2012. (Matt Detrich / The Star)

Driver J.R. Hildebrand backs his way into the wall in turn one just after the start of the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 26 2013.

Race winner Dario Franchitti holds up three fingers in Victory Lane after winning the Indy 500. The 96th Indianapolis 500 race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 27, 2011. (Mike Fender / The Star)

Team members run off the track after starting the engines for the field of 33 race cars for the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26, 2013. Charlie Nye / The Star

Marco Andretti pulls out of pit lane next to Ed Carpenter during a mid race pit Sunday, May 26, 2013.

Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan pours milk over his head in victory circle after winning the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 26, 2013.

The cars of Ed Carpenter, left, and James Hinchcliffe tangle in Turn One on the second green flag restart late in the race at the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 25, 2014.

Ryan Hunter-Reay wins the Indianapolis 500 .Sunday, May 25, 2014.at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Ed Carpenter and James Hinchcliffe get into the wall during the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Sunday, May 25, 2014

Scott Dixon carses in turn four during Indianapolis 500 .Sunday, May 25, 2014.at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay chugs his bottle of milk in Victory Circle after winning the 98th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday May 25, 2014.

Driver Will power peels out ahead of driver Scott Dixon on lap 170 after coming into the pits in second place during the 2015 Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24. Power finished the day in second place to winner Juan Pablo Montoya.

Juan Pablo Montoya poses for photos with the Borg-Warner Trophy the day after winning the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500 Monday, May 25, 2015, morning at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.