
FILE - In this May 30, 1953, file photo, early arrivals at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track lounge around on the grass in the infield of the oval Brickyard before the start of the 37th Indianapolis 500 auto race in Indianapolis, Ind. (AP Photo/File) (The Associated Press)
RACE: 37th Indianapolis 500
DATE: May 30, 1953
WINNER: Bill Vukovich
AVERAGE SPEED: 128.740 mph
WHAT HAPPENED: Vukovich won the first of two straight Indianapolis 500s. This one was known as "The Hottest 500" because the track temperature reached 130 degrees. At least 16 of the 33 starters needed relief drivers.
NOTABLE: Chet Miller, known as "Dean of the Speedway, was killed in a crash during practice for the race.