Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson says he is planning a return trip to Danville next year. Davidson says he hopes that the type of reception held at the Turtle Run Golf Club in Danville Monday evening will help attract more race fans.
As he discussed the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the crowd, Davidson noted most of the bricks for the original track came from western Indiana. The Wabash Clay Company had the contract. ‘’Of course, obviously they couldn’t fill the entire order. They sub-let to a number of the companies from Brazil, and Attica and I think a few from Terre Haute. There was the Post and Block. There was the Marion Paver, which a lot of people thought came from Marion, Indiana. It was actually Montezuma,’’ said Davidson.
Davidson also noted that over the years, some of the drivers in the Indianapolis 500 have come from our area. ‘’Larry ‘Boom-Boom’ Cannon from Oakwood, and then there was Fred Roberts – who drove in the 500 twice, but you won’t find him in the starting line-up. He was a relief driver in 1929 and 1930. And then Bubby Jones, who was from Danville. He was a barber like Steve and Larry Cannon. In fact, he actually cut hair for the Cannons at one time.’’
Driver Fred Roberts was from Westville. It was the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway’s Midwest Engagement Tour which stopped in Danville. During the event Davidson also previewed the 101st running of the race which is May 28th.
[In the photo with the car, Davidson is with Rhonda Walters, a local race fan. In the photo with the crowd, Davidson (on right) talks with Neuhoff Media’s Mike Hulvey. Neuhoff Media sponsored the event.]
