WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Back to the Brickyard: Episode 4

Episode Date: February 28, 2024

In this episode, we go back to 1939 and look at another thrilling Wilbur Shaw victory.

Welcome to Back to the Brickyard, your spot for Indianapolis 500 history here at Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Papi. In 1939, starting position was back to being determined by a four-lap qualification average speed, which was down for the 10-lap average used since 1932. In qualifying, Jimmy Snyder won the pole with a new record speed of 130.13-13 miles per hour. He became the first driver to exceed 130 miles per hour on a four-lap run after becoming the first to break the north for a one-lap run just two years earlier. The front row consisted of Snyder, three-time winner Louis Meyer, and Wilbur Shaw.

Snyder led from the start until lap 36 when he made his first pit stop. He would lead a total of 65 laps that day. The second half of the race was a battle between Meyer and Shaw. Meyer led from lap 135 to lap 182 when he blew a tire. He was able to continue but fell far behind Shaw. Meyer closed in and came within 10 feet of the lead before spinning and crashing on lap 198. Meyer was not injured, but he desired to retire from racing. Shaw led to the finish for his second of three Indianapolis 500 victories, while Jimmy Snyder held on to second.

The 1939 500 also featured. the first appearance of a rear-engine car, driven by George Bailey. He put up a strong run in qualifying, starting 6th, but dropped out after only 47 laughs with mechanical failure and would finish 26th. You have been listening to Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Papillon, and I'll catch you the next time we go back to the brickyard.