Indy 500 Bibliography

[rjohnson]

To all Indianapolis 500 scholars out there:

I'm in the process of compiling a comprehensive bibliography of Indianapolis 500-related books (currently in excess of 200 books listed). I'm not aware of such a bibliography, though I wouldn't be surprised that they exist, and I am just not aware of them. If so, I would appreciate if you could direct me to any such existing Indy 500 bibliographies.

I am seeking feedback - additions and corrections - to what I have already compiled. If you would be willing to review my effort and offer any corrections, or bring to my attention books that I have overlooked and should be added - I would be most appreciative. I have intentionally chosen to not include children's books, nor magazines or periodicals. The bibliography does not (yet) include date of publication or publisher, though I might consider adding that information at a later date. If you send me a message with your email address, I will send a pdf copy of the bibliography.

Thanks.

[WatsonOffy]

Does your list just books or does it include the Clymer and Hungness yearbooks?

[rjohnson]

It does include yearbooks, so both the Clymer and Hungness yearbooks are included.

[Don Capps]

"The bibliography does not (yet) include date of publication or publisher, though I might consider adding that information at a later date."

It is already pretty much a waste of time without these important pieces of information.

There have been at several extensive listings of material relating to this single event that I am aware of, all having their pluses and minuses. Those containing articles from various serials (otherwise known as magazines or periodicals or journals) were rather lengthy, of course. I am sure that the IMS Museum probably has a extensive collection of related books as might the IMRRC or other such places (few though they might be...).

Of course, there is also the interesting and related idea that there do not seem to be an historiography or at least an historiographical essay or article related to this race that has been published anywhere that I am aware of, demonstrating the shallowness of both the "auto racing historians" as well the lack of interest among scholarly historians. I could be in error, but I tend to doubt it.

[rjohnson]

Don, I’m sorry you consider this a waste of time. Since I am unaware of other such bibliographies, I sought to compile one, at least for my own use. Perhaps you are correct and it has no value to anyone but me. If that’s the case, so be it.

[Doctorindy]

I believe the 1997 Hungness 500 Yearbook has a lengthy list of recommended books.

[rjohnson]

Doctorindy, I do recall that article, and was meaning to check all the Hungness yearbooks to find it. But you saved me a lot of work by mentioning the specific year. Thanks so much. I'll check it out to see if I have included all of those titles.

[Don Capps]

Don, I’m sorry you consider this a waste of time. Since I am unaware of other such bibliographies, I sought to compile one, at least for my own use. Perhaps you are correct and it has no value to anyone but me. If that’s the case, so be it.

Without the pertinent information regarding the publisher and the date of publication IT IS a waste of time and effort. After all, THAT is what a BIBLIOGRAPHY is supposed to provide. What you are suggesting is simply a listing of stuff. So what use is it if you have no idea where it came from.

That said, there are certainly a few listing of materials out there, with the one from the 1997 Hungness book covering a range of topics beyond the race itself. Which. naturally, raises the question as to the parameters of your bibliography, that is, most importantly exactly what are the criteria that is being used for inclusion on the listing?

If you are going to do something such as this for purposes outside your own personal entertainment, such as being a research guide for others, at least do it right.

As an aside, I could probably sit down and develop at least a reasonable effort for a historiography relating to the International Sweepstakes event, such not much different than the one I threw together for the origins of stock car racing. However, thanks to my current health issues I really don't have the ability to focus like I used to so as actually produce it. It certainly is something that could and should be done.

Pretty sad comment on the state of US racing history when you can't even find a decent bibliography on such an obvious topic as the International Sweepstakes event much less something much more (as in FAR MORE) useful as a historiography.

[rjohnson]

Don, my apologies for referring to my effort as a bibliography. I shall refrain from doing so until I have finished adding publisher and date of publishing.

I suppose this will ultimately just be for my own use, though I’m happy to share it with anyone who wishes to receive it.

In my original post, I indicated I was unaware of other such lists. You mentioned that there are other lists in existence. Other than the 1997 Hungness article of which I’m aware, can you advise where I could find those? Thanks for any help you can provide.

[aracefan]

Don, blunt and snotty does not a friendly post make. I have an in-progress list of racing books in my collection (and similar lists for other topics). It lists the date of issue. It doesn't list the publisher. If it did, I still wouldn't call it a bibliography unless I used those books for reference in a book. It is a list.

Good health to you.

rjohnson, go to it.

[Don Capps]

Hey, you guys toss it out there for apparently comments and if you don't want feedback then feel free to ignore it when you get. And, yes, I am a very blunt and perhaps in your view rather snotty. However, I'm over it...

[aracefan]

Good to know. Please remember that the vast number of people on this forum are enthusiasts, not professional researchers/reporters who have the Chicago Manual of Style and other guides on their desk (or desktop). They are also potential customers!

I hope you've had luck in setting people straight on early AAA records.

[Don Capps]

Good to know. Please remember that the vast number of people on this forum are enthusiasts, not professional researchers/reporters who have the Chicago Manual of Style and other guides on their desk (or desktop). They are also potential customers!

I hope you've had luck in setting people straight on early AAA records.

Well, I guess I will simply have to log off from here permanently and depart since I am a profession researcher who does try to delve into messy things in which nuance and complication and bafflement are commonplace rather than sigh and moan nostalgically about a past that never really was. As for the AAA Contest Board records, I would think that the interest level here these days is probably just a tad above zero... They are something of a interesting challenge and tell something of a story often at odds with the usual mythology of Catlin, etc.

[Don Roberts]

Bye bye. Get over yourself.

[Indyote]

I am sad to see how two approaches that each have their value for us fans can lead to such fierce comments and the loss of people who can be an asset within this forum.

I appreciate efforts of low level quality yet easily accessible for fans of every caliber.
At the same time I applaud efforts like that of Don who try to set things straight which are so difficult to sort out.

Sad to see a thread like this develop into something like what happened in the previous posts.