Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Bill Vukovich Art Cross Jack Mcgrath 64694 (1954)

Synopsis

This film — presented by Dodge, the official pace car of the 1954 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race — gives viewers a chance a to experience the sights and sounds of the 1954 race featuring the country’s top drivers, which was won by Bill Vukovich. The event was part of the 1954 AAA National Championship Trail, and was also race 2 of 9 in the 1954 World Championship of Drivers. The film opens with footage of the 1954 Dodge pace car as it drives by the grandstands, and various other cars speeding around the track. Jack McGrath positions his no. 2 car for qualifiers ( 01:21 ); he races on the track and smashes the qualifications record ( 02:00 ). Other drivers then qualify for the Indianapolis 500, including Jimmy Daywalt ( 02:35 ) and Duane Carter ( 02:52 ). Mechanics review the engines of their cars ( 03:57 ). The film then takes viewers on a tour of a roadster that is taken apart to show the various components of the car ( 04:30 ), before cutting back to footage of drivers trying to qualify for the race. Bill Vukovich, winner of last year’s Indy 500, sits in his red no. 51 ( 05:48 ) while other drivers relax, waiting for their turn ( 06:41 ). Frank Armi drives around a corner and spins out ( 06:58 ). The red Dodge emergency fire truck goes out to make sure a driver and car that spun out are ok ( 08:05 ). No. 45 with Art Cross at the wheel takes off ( 09:05 ) as his mechanic nervously paces. The qualifying drivers celebrate with their teams. Crowds leave the stands after the…

Uploader's description on archive.org

Details

Running time

29 minutes

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage