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The 1933 Indianapolis 500
The 1933 Indianapolis 500

Enjoy a complete gallery of images from the 1933 Indianapolis 500 below. These were recently digitized from our photography collection and is the first time they’ve appeared on the IMS site.

 

About The Race:

In spite of the vice-like grip of the Great Depression on the country, the “500” went on regardless, with a surprisingly large and high-spirited number of people taking advantage of a reduction in the race-day general admission charge. Not so happy were the participants, who were asked to accept a considerable reduction in prize money. Whereas Billy Arnold had earned a record $50,300 for winning in 1930, the total take by 1933 victor Louis Meyer, including lap prizes and accessory money, was only $18,000. Better days were ahead.

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