May 1910 Hazard Race

This image of a Hazard Race at the Brickyard originally appeared as a photo in the May 30, 1910 Indianapolis Sun. The photo supported articles reporting on the race results for the final day of racing (May 28) for the May 1910 race meet at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Hazard Races took place the second day of the meet, May 28. These races were part of the Memorial Day Weekend that included "national championships," a newly-announced distinction by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for select race meets. Car manufacturers were keen to make a great showing. 
 
One of the brainstorms of Ernie Moross, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's director of contests (1909-1910), was an obstacle course sponsored by the Overland Auto Company for the May 1910 race meet at the track. Overland's unconventional course included portions of the Speedway, the infield and specially constructed wood plank ramps (pictured here). Included in the layout was the creek than ran on the inside of the track at the Southwest turn.  Amazingly, the drivers (known as "motor cowboys" and "rough riders") drove through the ditch and then scaled its banks. Imagine the wet, muddy tracks they made on the brick running surface when they returned to the oval. The creek was covered in 2007 as part of the development work to create the new MotoGP road course.
 
Check out other articles that provide additional summaries on the results of the races staged the previous day (May 27). You can also find an article published May 28 that set the stage for the day's program elsewhere on First Super Speedway.
 
The Indianapolis Star ran several articles on racing at the new Brickyard the previous day. I suggest you reference them to attain a more complete picture of this incredible day of racing.
 

• C.E. Shuart's report focusing on the Wheeler-Schebler Trophy.
• H.G. Deupree's report on record-breaking speed.
• May 28 Weather Report.
• Event card for May 28.