Historic Indy 500 radio broadcasts

[tmorris]

I heard the 1957 race might be available soon. Anyone hear? Also --- listening to the 1955, 58,59,60 to around 1968 or so....WIBC seems to have had a top of the hour tone that could be heard on the broadcast. The race was scheduled to begin at 10a or 11a in those days....and they meant it. You can hear the tone almost as the green flag is waved...I've heard it as the field is about halfway to the start-finish line...and as late as going into the 2nd turn...but not much later than that. Just an observation...and an example of how well timed out and on schedule all of the pre-race activities took place....leading up to that top of the hour tone as the green flag was waved.

[indyrjc]

I...... The race was scheduled to begin at 10a or 11a in those days....and they meant it. You can hear the tone almost as the green flag is waved........

You are correct. For decades the "tongue in cheek" joke among racers was that the 500 was the only race that USAC ever started on time.

[Bruce Spencer]

Not to pile on... but... along with a punctual start there were eleven rows of three... wait for it... perfectly lined up as well...

[tmorris]

Oh of course...1973 Jim McKay describing the first start 1973 (Walther) ..."here they come, it doe'snt look like the start of last year...it's a good one!" I also love watching the 1958 debacle. All 3 front row cars speed around the inside or outside of the 10 rows of 3 in the 4th turn and just make it to the front of the field as the green flag is thrown. Amazing.