1939 Indianapolis 500

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The 27th Indianapolis 500 took place May 30th, 1939. The race was won by the number two car of Wilbur Shaw, who started in the third position.[1] The race was notable for a three car accident on lap 109, when Floyd Roberts the reigning champion, was killed when his car went through the wooden outer wall at over 100 miles an hour at the backstretch.

In Louis Meyer's final Indy 500, he too would crash at the backstretch at over 100 miles at hour, but he walked away unharmed.

Of the 33 drivers who started the race, 12 would have their lives ended by vehicle accidents.


[edit] The Crash

With Roberts on lap 109, the car driven by Bob Swanson lost control and went sideways. Roberts' car contacted Swanson's, causing Swanson's car to flip over and catch fire ejecting Swanson, and Roberts' car went through the outer wall. Chet Miller's car went into the debris field, flipped, and went into the inner wall. Two spectators were also injured by flying debris. The three drivers were taken to hospitals, while it took over 30 minutes to clear the burning wreck of Swanson's car from the crack. Roberts death due to brain injuries was announced before the race was completed.[1]

[edit] Results

Results of the 1939 Indianapolis 500 held at Indianapolis on Tuesday, May 30, 1939.

Finish Start No Name Qual Rank Laps Led Status
1 3 2 Flag of the United States Wilbur Shaw 128.977 4 200 51 Running
2 1 10 Flag of the United States Jimmy Snyder 130.138 1 200 65 Running
3 10 54 Flag of the United States Cliff Bergere 123.835 15 200 0 Running
4 4 4 Flag of the United States Ted Horn 127.723 6 200 4 Running
5 16 31 Flag of the United States Babe Stapp 125.000 12 200 0 Running
6 15 41 Flag of the United States George Barringer 120.935 28 200 0 Running
7 20 8 Flag of the United States Joel Thorne 122.177 23 200 0 Running
8 8 16 Flag of the United States Mauri Rose 124.896 13 200 0 Running
9 17 14 Flag of the United States Frank Wearne 125.074 11 200 0 Running
10 33 26 Flag of the United States Billy Devore 116.527 33 200 0 Running
11 27 62 Flag of the United States Tony Gulotta 121.749 24 200 0 Running
12 2 45 Flag of the United States Louis Meyer 130.067 2 197 79 Crash BS
13 12 18 Flag of the United States George Connor 123.208 19 195 0 Stalled
14 26 51 Flag of the United States Tony Willman 122.771 21 188 0 Fuel pump
15 30 58 Flag of the United States Louis Tomei 118.426 30 186 0 Flagged
16 19 15 Flag of the United States Rex Mays 126.413 7 145 1 Rings
17 9 9 Flag of the United States Herb Ardinger 124.125 14 141 0 Clutch
18 24 35 Flag of the United States Kelly Petillo 123.660 16 141 0 Pistons
19 14 49 Flag of the United States Mel Hansen 121.683 25 113 0 Crash Pits
20 32 38 Flag of the United States Harry McQuinn 117.287 32 110 0 Ignition
21 5 3 Flag of the United States Chet Miller 126.318 8 109 0 Crash BS
22 13 25 Flag of the United States Ralph Hepburn 122.204 22 107 0 Crash BS
23 23 1 Flag of the United States Floyd Roberts 128.968 5 106 0 Crash BS
24 18 37 Flag of the United States Ira Hall 121.188 27 89 0 Head gasket
25 25 21 Flag of the United States Russ Snowberger 123.199 20 50 0 Radiator
26 6 17 Flag of the United States George Bailey 125.821 9 47 0 Valve
27 29 56 Flag of the United States Floyd Davis 119.375 29 43 0 Shock absorber
28 28 42 Flag of the United States Al Miller 123.233 18 41 0 Accelerator
29 11 29 Flag of the United States Frank Brisko 123.351 17 38 0 Air pump
30 21 44 Flag of the United States Emil Andres 121.212 26 22 0 Spark plugs
31 22 32 Flag of the United States Bob Swanson 129.431 3 19 0 Rear axle
32 7 47 Flag of the United States Shorty Cantlon 125.567 10 15 0 Main bearing
33 31 53 Flag of the United States Deacon Litz 117.979 31 7 0 Valve

[edit] References

  1. ^ Roberts, 1938 Victor, Dies in Triple Crash as Shaw Takes Indianapolis Race New York Times, page 32, May 31st 1939, by Reginald Cleveland
1938 Indianapolis 500
Floyd Roberts		 1939 Indianapolis 500
Wilbur Shaw		 1940 Indianapolis 500
Wilbur Shaw