Howard Marmon Bundled Up

This image of Howard Marmon bundled up against the cold was first published in the December 18, 1909, Indianapolis Star. The photo was part of that day's coverage of the first time trials at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after the 2.5 mile oval was paved with 3.2 million bricks. Marmon, like all the drivers and everyone else at the track, battled against the cold of a day that saw the temperature top out at 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The event was one of the rare instances where Marmon, the chief engineer and part of the ownership family at the Nordyke & Mamon Company, the manufacturer of Marmon automobiles, drove a car in competition. He also drove in the 1909 Glidden Tour. Marmon is credited with helpng Ray Harroun design the Marmon Wasp, the car that won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911.