1938 Indianapolis 500

Time trials

Ten-lap (25 mile) qualifying runs were utilized. This would be the final time this distance was used. Floyd Roberts won the pole position.

Starting grid

Alternates

• First alternate: Charlie Crawford

Failed to Qualify

• Frankie Beeder **** (#45)
• Floyd Davis (#59)
• Fred Frame **** (#32)
• Ralph Hepburn (#4)
• Deacon Litz (#52)
• Tazio Nuvolari **** (#48, #54)
• Jack Petticord (#57)
• Johnny Sawyer (#53)
• Johnny Seymour (#56)
• Doc Williams (#46)
• Billy Winn (#18, #24)

Race Recap

Floyd Roberts started in the pole position.

By 200 miles completed, Jimmy Snyder led a trio of alcohol-powered cars, followed by Roberts and Wilbur Shaw in cars running gasoline. When the alcohol cars pitted to re-fuel, Roberts took the lead for the first time. At 300 miles, Roberts made his one and only pit stop for fuel and a single tire change, and gave up the lead to Snyder. At 375 miles, Snyder made his 3rd stop for more methanol, and Roberts re-took a lead he would not relinquish to the checkered.

Roberts led 92 laps, posted an average speed of 117.200 miles per hour, and won $32,075. Roberts' car was owned by Lou Moore, who was also the chief mechanic.

For this race, only the front and back straightaways were still surfaced with the original bricks installed in 1909. All 4 turns were paved with asphalt prior to this race.

The race was run under heavily overcast skies, with rain threatening the entire day. But it did not rain until the race was completed.

The race was marred by the death of 33-year-old spectator Everett Spence. On lap 45 the number 42 car driven by Emil Andres hit the wall in turn two, then flipped over several times, causing its right front wheel to fly off. The wheel traveled 100 ft through the air and hit Spence, who was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital. Andres suffered a concussion, broken nose, and chest injuries.

Box score

Note: Relief drivers in parentheses

**** Former Indianapolis 500 winner

**** Indianapolis 500 Rookie

Race statistics

• After the 5th-place car finished 200 laps, rain brought out the yellow flag. Moments later, rain started to fall harder, and the red flag was put out ending the race. All cars still on the track were flagged off.

References

(1937 Indianapolis 500) (1948 Indianapolis 500)

References

1. Fox, Jack C.. (1994). "The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994". Carl Hungness Publishing.
2. (May 31, 1938). "Roberts Is Winner; Sets Track Record; Spectator Is Killed". The Cincinnati Enquirer.
3. Blazier, John E.. (1994). "Forgotten Heroes of the Speedways: The Riding Mechanics".
4. ''[[Donald Davidson (historian). The Talk of Gasoline Alley]]'' - [[WIBC (FM). 1070-AM WIBC]], May 14, 2004
5. "1938 International 500 Mile Sweepstakes".
6. Book "The Indianapolis 500: A Complete Pictorial History" by John & Barbara Devaney p. 120
7. "1938 Indianapolis 500 Official Box Score :: Indianapolis 500".
8. New York Times, "Roberts Sets Record to Win Indianapolis Auto Classic; Spectator Is Killed", May 31, 1938, page 24.
9. "Indianapolis 500 1938". Ultimate Racing History.
10. (1998). "The Indianapolis 500 Chronicle". Publications International, Ltd..
11. "International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 30, 1938". ChampCarStats.com.
12. Patton, W. Blaine. (May 31, 1938). "Shaw second, Miller Third, also smash former record; Victor in pits only once". [[The Indianapolis Star]].
13. (May 31, 1938). "The Last of a Long Line of Gasoline Sallies". [[Indianapolis News]].