A comprehensive review of the Vukovich family racing legacy
1955 Race Day
Arial view of the speedway in 1955, reported to be day 2 of qualifications.
Fans at the main gate at 16th and Georgetown Road.
The Purdue University Marching Band on the bricks race morning.
The cars being prepared to asume their starting positions on the front straight. The Hopkins Special, number 4, and the Cal Niday number 22 D-A Lubricants Special.
Cars on the pit apron prior to assuming their positions on the track.
The pagoda, a traditional symbol of the speedway and home of race control and media.
One of the Purdue University Golden Girls, a much appreciated tradition of the band. The twirler leading the majorettes is Juanita Carpenter of Lamar, Colorado in her dazzling gold costume.
The Purdue University always thrills the crowd and the “wold’s largest drum” is a traditional part of the show.
Another pre-race tradition with the release of the balloons. Just minutes to go and the anticipation continues to mount.
Many marching bands entertain the race day crowd in the hours leading up to the start.
Get your program! Is it going to rain? Will McGrath last? Can Vuky win number 3? Dad, can I have a hot dog? The crowd assembles for the greatest spectacle in racing.
View looking toward Southwest showing Grandstand B and the infield from the Garage Area. Photo shows the ominous looking clouds that dominated the weather that day. Photo by Ron Austin.
Photo looking North from South end of Pit Road. Vukovich car is up the track below Pagoda. The Austin images were scanned from slides.
Agabasian in the Federal Engineering Special behind the pit wall.
Fred Agabasian exits the car as his mechanics peer at the offy powerplant in his Federal Engineering Special.
Dinah Shore in Victory Lane.
Jack McGrath and the Hinkle Special leaves the pits towards Gasoline Alley.
Dinah Shore, Queen of the 1955 Indy 500.
Dinah Shore and the Purdue University Band to sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” with the croud joining in for a second chorus.
Jack McGrath, Tony Bettenhousen, and Jerry Hoyt with the Borg-Warner trophy.
