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{{short description|Fifth running of the Indianapolis 500}}
{{Infobox Indy500 1911to1941
{{Infobox Indy500 1911to1941
| race_name = 5th Indianapolis 500
| race_name = 5th Indianapolis 500
| race_logo = Indy500winningcar1915.jpg
| race_logo = 1915 Indianapolis 500 program cover.jpg
| sanction = [[AAA Contest Board|AAA]]
| sanction = [[AAA Contest Board|AAA]]
| date = May 31, 1915
| date = May 31, 1915
| winner = [[Ralph DePalma]]
| winner = [[Ralph DePalma]]
| team = E.C. Patterson
| team = E. C. Patterson
| mph = {{convert|89.840|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}
| mph = {{convert|89.840|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}
| pole = [[Howdy Wilcox]]
| pole = [[Howdy Wilcox]]
| pole_speed = {{convert|98.90|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}
| pole_speed = {{convert|98.90|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}
| leader = [[Ralph DePalma]] (132)
| leader = Ralph DePalma (132)
| pace_car = [[Packard]] 6 (Model 5-48)
| pace_car = [[Packard]] 6 (Model 5-48)
| pace_driver = [[Carl G. Fisher]]
| pace_driver = [[Carl G. Fisher]]
| starter = Thomas J. Hay<ref name="Illustrated">{{cite book|last=Fox|first=Jack C.|title =The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994|publisher =Carl Hungness Publishing|edition=4th|date=1994|pages=22|language=English|isbn=0-915088-05-3}}</ref>
| starter = Thomas J. Hay<ref name="Illustrated">{{cite book|last=Fox|first=Jack C.|title =The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994|publisher =Carl Hungness Publishing|edition=4th|date=1994|pages=22|language=en|isbn=0-915088-05-3}}</ref>
| honorary = [[A.R. Pardington]]<ref name="Illustrated"/>
| honorary = [[A. R. Pardington]]<ref name="Illustrated"/>
| attendance = 60,000<ref>{{cite news|title=Race Best Ever Says W.H. Rankin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11446132/|first=William H.|last=Rankin|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|page=5|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=June 1, 1915|accessdate=June 3, 2017}}{{Open access}}</ref>
| attendance = 60,000<ref>{{cite news|title=Race Best Ever Says W.H. Rankin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11446132/|first=William H.|last=Rankin|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|page=5|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=June 1, 1915|access-date=June 3, 2017}}{{Open access}}</ref>
| previous = [[1914 Indianapolis 500|1914]]
| previous = [[1914 Indianapolis 500|1914]]
| next = [[1916 Indianapolis 500|1916]]
| next = [[1916 Indianapolis 500|1916]]
}}
}}
[[File:Ralph DePalma (1882-1956) at the 1915 Indianapolis 500.jpg|thumb|[[Ralph DePalma]] at the 1915 Indianapolis 500]]
The '''5th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race''' was held at the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] on Monday, May 31, 1915. The traditional race date of May 30 fell on a Sunday, but race organizers declined to schedule the race for Sunday. The race was set for Saturday May 29, but heavy rains in the days leading up to the race flooded the grounds and made some roads leading to the track impassible. Officials decided to postpone the race until Monday May 31 in order to allow the grounds to dry out. Speedway management would maintain their policy to not race on Sundays until [[1974 Indianapolis 500|1974]].
The '''5th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race''' was held at the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] on Monday, May 31, 1915. The traditional race date of May 30 fell on a Sunday, but race organizers declined to schedule the race for Sunday. The race was set for Saturday May 29, but heavy rains in the days leading up to the race flooded the grounds and made some roads leading to the track impassible. Officials decided to postpone the race until Monday May 31 in order to allow the grounds to dry out. Speedway management would maintain their policy to not race on Sundays until [[1974 Indianapolis 500|1974]].


After a loss in [[1912 Indianapolis 500|1912]], [[Ralph DePalma]] succeeded in victory for 1915. DePalma was accompanied by riding mechanic [[Louis Fontaine]].
After a loss in [[1912 Indianapolis 500|1912]], [[Ralph DePalma]] succeeded in victory for 1915. DePalma was accompanied by riding mechanic [[Louis Fountaine]].


==Results==
==Starting grid==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;"
[[File:1915Indianapolis500StartNewYorkTimes.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Composite image showing the front row at the start of the 1915 Indianapolis 500.]]
!Row
!colspan=2 width="195"|Inside
!colspan=2 width="195"|Inside Center
!colspan=2 width="195"|Outside Center
!colspan=2 width="195"|Outside
|-
! 1
| align="center" width="20"|1
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Howdy Wilcox]]
| align="center" width="20"|2
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Ralph DePalma]]
| align="center" width="20"|3
| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Dario Resta]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|4
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Earl Cooper]]
|-
! 2
| align="center" width="20"|5
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Gil Andersen]]
| align="center" width="20"|6
| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean Porporato]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|8
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Bob Burman]]
| align="center" width="20"|9
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Art Klein]]
|-
! 3
| align="center" width="20"|10
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Tom Alley]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|14
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Harry Grant (racing driver)|Harry Grant]]
| align="center" width="20"|15
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Eddie O'Donnell]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|12
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[George C. Babcock]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
|-
! 4
| align="center" width="20"|17
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[John DePalma]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|7
| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Noel van Raalte]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|18
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Joe Cooper (racing driver)|Joe Cooper]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|19
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Billy Carlson]]
|-
! 5
| align="center" width="20"|21
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Tom Orr]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|22
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Ralph Mulford]]
| align="center" width="20"|24
| {{flagicon|GER|empire}} [[John A. Mais]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|23
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Eddie Rickenbacker]]
|-
! 6
| align="center" width="20"|25
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[C. C. Cox]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|26
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[George Hill (racing driver)|George Hill]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|27
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Louis Chevrolet]] {{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}
| align="center" width="20"|28
| {{flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Willie Haupt]]
|-
|}
{{legend|orange|text=R|Indianapolis 500 rookie|border=solid 1px darkgray}}

==Box score==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Finish
!Finish
Line 30: Line 100:
!No
!No
!Name
!Name
!Entrant
!Chassis
!Engine
!Qual
!Qual
!Rank
!Rank
!Laps
!Laps
!Led
!Status
!Status
|-
|-
Line 39: Line 111:
|2
|2
|2
|2
|{{flagicon|ITA|1861}} [[Ralph DePalma]] <ref>{{cite news |author=[[Associated Press]] |title=Ralph De Palma, Noted Racer, Dies. Driver Triumphed in 1915 at Indianapolis. Elected to Sport's Hall of Fame |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/04/01/archives/ralph-de-palma-noted-racer-dies-driver-triumphed-in-1915-at.html |quote=Ralph De Palma, pioneer auto racer who probably won more races than any other driver in history, died today of cancer. His age was 72. ... De Palma, winner of the Indianapolis classic in 1915 and twice national champion in the era of Barney Oldfield and Eddie Rickenbacker, had been ailing for ... |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=April 1, 1956 |accessdate=2012-10-02 }}</ref>
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Ralph DePalma]]<ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Ralph De Palma, Noted Racer, Dies. Driver Triumphed in 1915 at Indianapolis. Elected to Sport's Hall of Fame |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/04/01/archives/ralph-de-palma-noted-racer-dies-driver-triumphed-in-1915-at.html |quote=Ralph De Palma, pioneer auto racer who probably won more races than any other driver in history, died today of cancer. His age was 72. ... De Palma, winner of the Indianapolis classic in 1915 and twice national champion in the era of Barney Oldfield and Eddie Rickenbacker, had been ailing for ... |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=April 1, 1956 |access-date=2012-10-02 }}</ref>
|E. C. Patterson
|[[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]]
|[[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]]
|98.580
|98.580
|2
|2
|200
|200
|132
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 49: Line 123:
|3
|3
|3
|3
|{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Dario Resta]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|GBR}} [[Dario Resta]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|[[Peugeot|Peugeot Auto Import Company]]
|[[Peugeot]]
|[[Peugeot]]
|98.470
|98.470
|3
|3
|200
|200
|37
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 59: Line 135:
|5
|5
|5
|5
|{{flagicon|NOR}} [[Gil Andersen]]
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Gil Andersen]]<br/><small>([[Johnny Aitken]])</small>
|[[Stutz Motor Company|Stutz Motor Car Company]]
|[[Stutz Motor Company|Stutz]]
|[[Stutz Motor Company|Stutz]]
|95.140
|95.140
|5
|5
|200
|200
|26
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 69: Line 147:
|4
|4
|4
|4
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Earl Cooper]]
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Earl Cooper]]<br/><small>([[Johnny Aitken]])</small>
|[[Stutz Motor Company|Stutz Motor Car Company]]
|[[Stutz Motor Company|Stutz]]
|[[Stutz Motor Company|Stutz]]
|96.770
|96.770
|4
|4
|200
|200
|0
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 79: Line 159:
|11
|11
|15
|15
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Eddie O'Donnell]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Eddie O'Donnell]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|[[Duesenberg|Duesenberg Brothers]]
|[[Duesenberg]]
|[[Duesenberg]]
|88.93
|88.93
|11
|11
|200
|200
|0
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 90: Line 172:
|8
|8
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Bob Burman]]
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Bob Burman]]
|[[Bob Burman]]
|[[Peugeot]]
|[[Peugeot]]
|92.400
|92.400
|7
|7
|200
|200
|0
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 100: Line 184:
|1
|1
||{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Howdy Wilcox]]
||{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Howdy Wilcox]]
|[[Stutz Motor Company|Stutz Motor Car Company]]
|[[Stutz Motor Company|Stutz]]
|[[Stutz Motor Company|Stutz]]
|98.900
|98.900
|1
|1
|200
|200
|5
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 109: Line 195:
|9
|9
|10
|10
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Tom Alley]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Tom Alley]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|[[Duesenberg|Duesenberg Brothers]]
|[[Duesenberg]]
|[[Duesenberg]]
|90.000
|90.000
|9
|9
|200
|200
|0
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 119: Line 207:
|16
|16
|19
|19
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Billy Carlson]]
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Billy Carlson]]<br/><small>([[Hughie Hughes]])</small>
|[[United States Motor Company]]
|[[Maxwell automobile|Maxwell]]
|[[Maxwell automobile|Maxwell]]
|84.110
|84.110
|16
|16
|200
|200
|0
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 129: Line 219:
|14
|14
|7
|7
|{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Noel Van Raalte]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|GBR}} [[Noel van Raalte]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|[[Sunbeam Motor Car Company]]
|[[Sunbeam Motor Car Company|Sunbeam]]
|[[Sunbeam Motor Car Company|Sunbeam]]
|86.870
|86.870
|14
|14
|200
|200
|0
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 140: Line 232:
|28
|28
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Willie Haupt]]
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Willie Haupt]]
|R. E. Donaldson
|Emden
|Emden
|80.360
|80.360
|24
|24
|200
|200
|0
|Running
|Running
|-
|-
Line 149: Line 243:
|10
|10
|14
|14
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Harry Grant]]
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Harry Grant (racing driver)|Harry Grant]]
|Fortuna Racing Team, Inc.
|[[Sunbeam Motor Car Company|Sunbeam]]
|[[Sunbeam Motor Car Company|Sunbeam]]
|89.29
|89.29
|10
|10
|184
|184
|0
|Loose mud apron
|Loose mud apron
|-
|-
Line 159: Line 255:
|17
|17
|21
|21
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Tom Orr]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Tom Orr]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''<br/><small>([[Billy Carlson]])</small>
|[[United States Motor Company]]
|[[Maxwell automobile|Maxwell]]
|[[Maxwell automobile|Maxwell]]
|83.550
|83.550
|17
|17
|168
|168
|0
|Axle bearing
|Axle bearing
|-
|-
Line 169: Line 267:
|6
|6
|6
|6
|{{flagicon|ITA|1861}} [[Jean Porporato]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean Porporato]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|[[Sunbeam Motor Car Company]]
|[[Sunbeam Motor Car Company|Sunbeam]]
|[[Sunbeam Motor Car Company|Sunbeam]]
|94.740
|94.740
|6
|6
|164
|164
|0
|Piston
|Piston
|-
|-
Line 179: Line 279:
|15
|15
|18
|18
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Joe Cooper (racing driver)|Joe Cooper]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Joe Cooper (racing driver)|Joe Cooper]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|E. E. Miles & J. W. Gwin
|[[Duesenberg]]
|[[Duesenberg]]
|85.550
|85.550
|15
|15
|154
|154
|0
|Crash SC
|Crash SC
|-
|-
Line 189: Line 291:
|18
|18
|22
|22
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Ralph Mulford]]
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Ralph Mulford]]<br/><small>([[Billy Chandler]])</small>
|[[Duesenberg|Duesenberg Brothers]]
|[[Duesenberg]]
|[[Duesenberg]]
|82.720
|82.720
|18
|18
|124
|124
|0
|Rod
|Rod
|-
|-
Line 199: Line 303:
|12
|12
|12
|12
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[George C. Babcock]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[George C. Babcock]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|[[Peugeot|Peugeot Auto Import Company]]
|[[Peugeot]]
|[[Peugeot]]
|89.46
|89.46
|12
|12
|117
|117
|0
|Cylinder
|Cylinder
|-
|-
Line 209: Line 315:
|8
|8
|9
|9
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Art Klein]]
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Art Klein]]<br/><small>([[Billy Chandler]])</small>
|[[Art Klein]]
|[[Duesenberg]]
|[[Duesenberg]]
|90.450
|90.450
|8
|8
|0
|111
|0
|Smoking
|Smoking
|-
|-
Line 220: Line 328:
|23
|23
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Eddie Rickenbacker]]
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Eddie Rickenbacker]]
|[[United States Motor Company]]
|[[Maxwell automobile|Maxwell]]
|[[Maxwell automobile|Maxwell]]
|81.970
|81.970
|20
|20
|103
|103
|0
|Rod
|Rod
|-
|-
Line 229: Line 339:
|23
|23
|27
|27
|{{flagicon|SUI}} [[Louis Chevrolet]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[Louis Chevrolet]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|[[Louis Chevrolet]]
|[[Cornelian automobile|Cornelian]]
|Sterling
|81.010
|81.010
|23
|23
|76
|76
|0
|Valve
|Valve
|-
|-
Line 239: Line 351:
|13
|13
|17
|17
|{{flagicon|ITA|1861}} [[John DePalma]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[John DePalma]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|James E. Watson
|[[Delage]]
|[[Delage]]
|87.040
|87.040
|13
|13
|41
|41
|0
|Loose flywheel
|Loose flywheel
|-
|-
Line 249: Line 363:
|19
|19
|24
|24
|{{flagicon|Germany|empire}} [[John A. Mais]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|GER|empire}} [[John A. Mais]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|[[John A. Mais]]
|[[John A. Mais|Mais]]
|[[Mercer (automobile)|Mercer]]
|81.970
|81.970
|19
|19
|23
|23
|0
|Left course
|Left course
|-
|-
Line 259: Line 375:
|22
|22
|26
|26
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[George Hill (racing driver)|George Hill]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[George Hill (racing driver)|George Hill]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|C. W. Fuller
|[[Bugatti]]
|[[Bugatti]]
|81.520
|81.520
|22
|22
|20
|20
|0
|Water pump gear
|Water pump gear
|-
|-
Line 269: Line 387:
|21
|21
|25
|25
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[C. C. Cox]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=darkgray}}'''
|{{Flagicon|USA|1912}} [[C. C. Cox]] '''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}'''
|Edward D. McNay
|Cino
|[[Mercer (automobile)|Mercer]]
|81.520
|81.520
|21
|21
|12
|12
|0
|Timing gears
|Timing gears
|-
|-
|colspan=9 style="text-align:center"| <ref>{{cite web|title=Indianapolis 500 1914 |url=http://www.ultimateracinghistory.com/race.php?raceid=19996 |work=Ultimate Racing History |accessdate=15 January 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/64j2ZQzTZ?url=http://www.ultimateracinghistory.com/race.php?raceid=19996 |archivedate=16 January 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|colspan=12 style="text-align:center"| <ref>{{cite web|title=Indianapolis 500 1914 |url=http://www.ultimateracinghistory.com/race.php?raceid=19996 |work=Ultimate Racing History |access-date=15 January 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205172538/http://www.ultimateracinghistory.com/race.php?raceid=19996 |archive-date=5 February 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Indianapolis 500 Chronicle|first1=Rick|last1=Popely|first2=Spencer|last2=Riggs|publisher=Publications International, Ltd.|location=[[Lincolnwood, Illinois]]|date=1998|isbn=0-7853-2798-3}}</ref>
|}
|}

'''Note''': Relief drivers in parentheses<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.champcarstats.com/races/191509.htm|title=International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 31, 1915|publisher=ChampCarStats.com}}</ref>

'''{{Color box|gold|W|border=silver}}''' Former Indianapolis 500 winner

'''{{Color box|orange|R|border=silver}}''' Indianapolis 500 Rookie

===Race statistics===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break|width=30%}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|Lap Leaders
|-
! Laps
! Leader
|-
|1 || Dario Resta
|-
|2–6 || Howdy Wilcox
|-
|7–32 || Gil Andersen
|-
|33–61 || Dario Resta
|-
|62–127 || Ralph DePalma
|-
|128–134 || Dario Resta
|-
|135–200 || Ralph DePalma
|-
|}
{{col-break|width=70%}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|Total laps led
|-
! Laps
! Leader
|-
| Ralph DePalma || 132
|-
| Dario Resta || 37
|-
| Gil Andersen || 26
|-
| Howdy Wilcox || 5
|}
{{col-end}}


==Race details==
==Race details==
Line 284: Line 451:
|title=Forgotten Heroes of the Speedways: The Riding Mechanics
|title=Forgotten Heroes of the Speedways: The Riding Mechanics
|year=1994}}</ref>
|year=1994}}</ref>
*When about 2,000 unsuspecting fans showed up on May 29 for the race (which had already been rescheduled to May 31), [[Ralph DePalma]] entertained the fans with a tire changing exhibition.<ref name="Star05-01-1967pg33">{{cite news|title=No Confusion In '15 Race Daly|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33038873/|first=Lowell|last=Nussbaum|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|page=33|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=June 1, 1967|accessdate=June 19, 2019}}{{Open access}}</ref>
*When about 2,000 unsuspecting fans showed up on May 29 for the race (which had already been rescheduled to May 31), [[Ralph DePalma]] entertained the fans with a tire changing exhibition.<ref name="Star05-01-1967pg33">{{cite news|title=No Confusion In '15 Race Daly|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33038873/|first=Lowell|last=Nussbaum|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|page=33|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=June 1, 1967|access-date=June 19, 2019}}{{Open access}}</ref>

*(Note 1) [[Louis Chevrolet]] is usually shown as American but his application for a US passport (available at [http://www.ancestry.com]) reveals that he did not become a US citizen until June 1915.
==Gallery==
*(Note 2) [[Ralph DePalma]] is usually shown as American but his application for a US passport (available at [http://www.ancestry.com]) reveals that he did not become a US citizen until 1920.
<gallery>
Image:Indy500winningcar1915.jpg|1915 winning car
File:1915Indianapolis500StartNewYorkTimes.jpg|Composite image showing the front row at the start of the 1915 Indianapolis 500
File:Ralph DePalma (1882-1956) at the 1915 Indianapolis 500.jpg|[[Ralph DePalma]] at the 1915 Indianapolis 500
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
{{Commons category|1915 Indianapolis 500}}
{{Commons category}}
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Indy 500 Walker
{{Indy 500 Walker

Latest revision as of 01:11, 14 May 2024

5th Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500
Sanctioning bodyAAA
DateMay 31, 1915
WinnerRalph DePalma
Winning EntrantE. C. Patterson
Average speed89.840 mph (144.583 km/h)
Pole positionHowdy Wilcox
Pole speed98.90 mph (159.16 km/h)
Most laps ledRalph DePalma (132)
Pre-race
Pace carPackard 6 (Model 5-48)
Pace car driverCarl G. Fisher
StarterThomas J. Hay[1]
Honorary refereeA. R. Pardington[1]
Estimated attendance60,000[2]
Chronology
Previous Next
1914 1916

The 5th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 31, 1915. The traditional race date of May 30 fell on a Sunday, but race organizers declined to schedule the race for Sunday. The race was set for Saturday May 29, but heavy rains in the days leading up to the race flooded the grounds and made some roads leading to the track impassible. Officials decided to postpone the race until Monday May 31 in order to allow the grounds to dry out. Speedway management would maintain their policy to not race on Sundays until 1974.

After a loss in 1912, Ralph DePalma succeeded in victory for 1915. DePalma was accompanied by riding mechanic Louis Fountaine.

Starting grid

[edit]
Row Inside Inside Center Outside Center Outside
1 1 United States Howdy Wilcox 2 United States Ralph DePalma 3 United Kingdom Dario Resta  R  4 United States Earl Cooper
2 5 United States Gil Andersen 6 France Jean Porporato  R  8 United States Bob Burman 9 United States Art Klein
3 10 United States Tom Alley  R  14 United States Harry Grant 15 United States Eddie O'Donnell  R  12 United States George C. Babcock  R 
4 17 United States John DePalma  R  7 United Kingdom Noel van Raalte  R  18 United States Joe Cooper  R  19 United States Billy Carlson
5 21 United States Tom Orr  R  22 United States Ralph Mulford 24 Germany John A. Mais  R  23 United States Eddie Rickenbacker
6 25 United States C. C. Cox  R  26 United States George Hill  R  27 United States Louis Chevrolet  R  28 United States Willie Haupt
R Indianapolis 500 rookie

Box score

[edit]
Finish Start No Name Entrant Chassis Engine Qual Rank Laps Status
1 2 2 United States Ralph DePalma[3] E. C. Patterson Mercedes Mercedes 98.580 2 200 Running
2 3 3 United Kingdom Dario Resta  R  Peugeot Auto Import Company Peugeot Peugeot 98.470 3 200 Running
3 5 5 United States Gil Andersen
(Johnny Aitken) 		Stutz Motor Car Company Stutz Stutz 95.140 5 200 Running
4 4 4 United States Earl Cooper
(Johnny Aitken) 		Stutz Motor Car Company Stutz Stutz 96.770 4 200 Running
5 11 15 United States Eddie O'Donnell  R  Duesenberg Brothers Duesenberg Duesenberg 88.93 11 200 Running
6 7 8 United States Bob Burman Bob Burman Peugeot Peugeot 92.400 7 200 Running
7 1 1 United States Howdy Wilcox Stutz Motor Car Company Stutz Stutz 98.900 1 200 Running
8 9 10 United States Tom Alley  R  Duesenberg Brothers Duesenberg Duesenberg 90.000 9 200 Running
9 16 19 United States Billy Carlson
(Hughie Hughes) 		United States Motor Company Maxwell Maxwell 84.110 16 200 Running
10 14 7 United Kingdom Noel van Raalte  R  Sunbeam Motor Car Company Sunbeam Sunbeam 86.870 14 200 Running
11 24 28 United States Willie Haupt R. E. Donaldson Emden Emden 80.360 24 200 Running
12 10 14 United States Harry Grant Fortuna Racing Team, Inc. Sunbeam Sunbeam 89.29 10 184 Loose mud apron
13 17 21 United States Tom Orr  R 
(Billy Carlson) 		United States Motor Company Maxwell Maxwell 83.550 17 168 Axle bearing
14 6 6 France Jean Porporato  R  Sunbeam Motor Car Company Sunbeam Sunbeam 94.740 6 164 Piston
15 15 18 United States Joe Cooper  R  E. E. Miles & J. W. Gwin Duesenberg Duesenberg 85.550 15 154 Crash SC
16 18 22 United States Ralph Mulford
(Billy Chandler) 		Duesenberg Brothers Duesenberg Duesenberg 82.720 18 124 Rod
17 12 12 United States George C. Babcock  R  Peugeot Auto Import Company Peugeot Peugeot 89.46 12 117 Cylinder
18 8 9 United States Art Klein
(Billy Chandler) 		Art Klein Duesenberg Duesenberg 90.450 8 111 Smoking
19 20 23 United States Eddie Rickenbacker United States Motor Company Maxwell Maxwell 81.970 20 103 Rod
20 23 27 United States Louis Chevrolet  R  Louis Chevrolet Cornelian Sterling 81.010 23 76 Valve
21 13 17 United States John DePalma  R  James E. Watson Delage Delage 87.040 13 41 Loose flywheel
22 19 24 Germany John A. Mais  R  John A. Mais Mais Mercer 81.970 19 23 Left course
23 22 26 United States George Hill  R  C. W. Fuller Bugatti Bugatti 81.520 22 20 Water pump gear
24 21 25 United States C. C. Cox  R  Edward D. McNay Cino Mercer 81.520 21 12 Timing gears
[4][5]

Note: Relief drivers in parentheses[6]

 W  Former Indianapolis 500 winner

 R  Indianapolis 500 Rookie

Race statistics

[edit]

Race details

[edit]
  • For 1915, riding mechanics were required.[7]
  • When about 2,000 unsuspecting fans showed up on May 29 for the race (which had already been rescheduled to May 31), Ralph DePalma entertained the fans with a tire changing exhibition.[8]
[edit]
  • 1915 winning car
    1915 winning car
  • Composite image showing the front row at the start of the 1915 Indianapolis 500
    Composite image showing the front row at the start of the 1915 Indianapolis 500
  • Ralph DePalma at the 1915 Indianapolis 500
    Ralph DePalma at the 1915 Indianapolis 500

References

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to 1915 Indianapolis 500.
  1. ^ a b Fox, Jack C. (1994). The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994 (4th ed.). Carl Hungness Publishing. p. 22. ISBN 0-915088-05-3.
  2. ^ Rankin, William H. (June 1, 1915). "Race Best Ever Says W.H. Rankin". The Indianapolis Star. p. 5. Retrieved June 3, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  3. ^ "Ralph De Palma, Noted Racer, Dies. Driver Triumphed in 1915 at Indianapolis. Elected to Sport's Hall of Fame". The New York Times. Associated Press. April 1, 1956. Retrieved 2012-10-02. Ralph De Palma, pioneer auto racer who probably won more races than any other driver in history, died today of cancer. His age was 72. ... De Palma, winner of the Indianapolis classic in 1915 and twice national champion in the era of Barney Oldfield and Eddie Rickenbacker, had been ailing for ...
  4. ^ "Indianapolis 500 1914". Ultimate Racing History. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
  5. ^ Popely, Rick; Riggs, Spencer (1998). The Indianapolis 500 Chronicle. Lincolnwood, Illinois: Publications International, Ltd. ISBN 0-7853-2798-3.
  6. ^ "International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 31, 1915". ChampCarStats.com.
  7. ^ Blazier, John E.; Rollings, Tom (1994). Forgotten Heroes of the Speedways: The Riding Mechanics.
  8. ^ Nussbaum, Lowell (June 1, 1967). "No Confusion In '15 Race Daly". The Indianapolis Star. p. 33. Retrieved June 19, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon


1914 Indianapolis 500
Rene Thomas 		1915 Indianapolis 500
Ralph DePalma 		1916 Indianapolis 500
Dario Resta
Preceded by
82.474 mph
(1914 Indianapolis 500)
 Record for the fastest average speed
89.840 mph 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=1915_Indianapolis_500&oldid=1223738711"