Harroun After 1911 Indy 500

This is another popular image of Ray Harroun. I like it because it was snapped almost immediately after he parked his Marmon Wasp after winning the first Indianapolis 500. This photo was published in the May 31, 1911 Indianapolis Star.
 
Ray Harroun, first winner of the Indianapolis 500 and his Marmon Wasp have become iconic figures in auto racing, especially at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, because he was declared the winner of the first Indianapolis 500. The story of his triumph is legendary and part of the tale is his work to design the winning the car, the Marmon Wasp and how he is credited with introducing the first rearview mirror. For some great photos and information on the Marmon Wasp, check out Conceptcarz.com.
 
Harroun was no stranger to success in driving cars. He won a variety of races, including seven other contests at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including the Wheeler-Schebler Trophy, the biggest of the pre-Indy 500 contests at the Speedway. Harroun also won races at Atlanta and, of all places, Churchill Downs. In addition to auto racing, Harroun also worked in early aviation and even served as a flight instructor at one point in his career. Retiring at age 79, Harroun's working life was focused on mechanical engineering. Born in 1879, Harroun died in January 1968 just days after his 89th birthday.