WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Back to the Brickyard: 1947

Episode Date: October 8, 2024

The story of the controversial finish between Bill Holland and Mauri Rose.

Welcome to Back to the Brickyard, your spot for Indianapolis 500 history here at Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Papillon. The 1947 Indy 500 had one of the most controversial finishes to date in the history of the race between teammates Bill Holland and Murray Rose. In qualifying, Ted Horn won the pole with the speed of 126.584 miles per hour, being joined on the front row by Cliff Berger and Rose. Berger led the first 23 laps before being passed by Holland. Holland was racing as an indie rookie at 39 years old and dominated the race leading 143 laps. With about 10 laps left, Holland and Rose were running 1-2,

far ahead of third place Horn. Seeing a big lead for both of his drivers, car owner Lou Moore told them to take it easy for the closing stages of the race. Holland, thinking he was over a lap ahead, slowed down. Rose did not. On lap 193, Rose passed Holland and the two drivers waved in what Holland thought was a congratulatory gesture as Rose unlapped himself.

Rose ended up leading to the finish, winning by about half a lap. Holland was extremely disappointed after the race and called the whole thing a lousy deal. Holland would go on to finish second again to Rose in 1948, first in 1949, and second again in 1950, completing one of the best first. four-year stretches for any driver at Indianapolis. You have been listening to Radio Free Hillsdale 101.1.7 FM. I'm Christian Papmu, and I'll catch you the next time we go back to the brickyard.