This is a large collection of articles concerning the 1911 Indianapolis 500. This content covers practice and preparation for the event, many featuring the star drivers such as eventual winner Ray Harroun, Ralph Mulford, Bob Burman and Ralph DePlama. Barney Oldfield, who was banned by the AAA during this period and missed the first Indianapolis 500, wrote a racing column and several of his contributions are contained in this folder. Complete race day coverage is yet to be added, but will be included them in the future.

Driver's Meeting and Counterfeit Tickets

This article contains a lot of great information. It lists all the qualifiers from the first day of time trials and shares that ten cars remained unqualified as of that time. It also discusses a "final instruction" meeting that Fisher and other officials were to host downtown in Tomlinson Hall. Drivers and mechanics were required to attend, much like today's drivers meetings. The article also warns against counterfeit programs and tickets. The article was published in the Indianapolis Star on May 27, 1911.
Bob Burman's Astrological Signs

This 10-page PDF package contains some interesting, even amusing information. There is a lengthy article about how the initial wave of visitors from outside Indianapolis had arrived and were filling up hotels. Undeniably the most interesting article discusses how 27-year-old Bob Burman's astrological stars were in alignment for him to win the first Indianapolis 500. This is supported by an interesting image which is in decent shape for a photocopy scan from an old newspaper.
Harroun Predicts His Own Victory

This package includes two interesting articles leading up to the first Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911. The longer of the two discusses the various teams and their preparations. It is supported by some decent images of drivers - some that are tough to find anywhere else.
 
Disbrow's Strategy for First Indy 500

This brief article describes the race strategy developed by Pope-Hartford driver Louis Disbrow for the first Indianapolis 500. Chief among his considerations were track temperature and tire wear. This is an interesting read when compared with current strategies developed to win races like the Indianapolis 500. This article was published May 28, 1911 in the Indianapolis Star.
Drivers Predict Winning Speed for First Indy 500

This article offers great perspective as drivers in the first Indianapolis 500 predicted the winning speed average. More great insight to the personalities of these special men. The article was published in the May 28, 1911 Indianapolis 500.
Heroic Riding Mechanic

This article is one of those rare and interesting pieces that focuses on the role of the riding mechanic. The byline reads "A Novice," and the scribe was an Indianapolis Star report that did four laps with Harry Endicott on May 26, 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Not only does he describe the sensations, but also recounts a couple stories about the role of professional riding mechanics. Well worth the read, the article was published in the Indianapolis Star on May 27, 1911.
Oldfield's Column Captures the Atmosphere

The Indianapolis Star recruited Barney Oldfield to write columns about all the happenings leading up to the first Indianapolis 500. Oldfield, who was serving a suspension for competing in events unsactioned by the AAA, would have been an ESPN analyst if there was cable TV in 1911. Instead, he pontificated on developments at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and filed his prognostications. Among them was his prediction that the winning speed average would be 73.5 mph. Not far off the mark, as Ray Harroun's winning average was 74.59 mph.
Manufacturers Answer, "Why Race?"

Just days before the first Indianapolis 500 representatives of numerous automobile companies answered the question, "Why race?" This article presents their rationale and makes for fascinating reading. Without exception, all the maunfacturers questions stress the tremendous value they derived from sustatined, high speed racing. Among those interviewed: Marmon, Fiat, Cole, Cutting, Stutz, Case, Jackson and Knox.
 
De Palma Stresses "Headwork"

In an article published in the May 28, 1911 Indianapolis Star by Ralph De Palma the racing great discusses what it takes to win a special race like the first Indianapolis 500. Above all else, De Palma stressed "headwork," or setting a strategy and thinking throughout the race to adjust to developments. He goes so far as to say that he studies most of his competitors and found them lacking.
 
Burman Goes for Speedway Records

This brief item on Bob Burman's record-breaking attempt at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 29, 1911 ran in the May 28, 1911 Indianapolis Star. This attempt was originally planned for the morning of the first Indianapolis 500, which ran the following day, Tuesday, May 30, 1911. Manufacturers thought this run by Burman in the German "Blitzen" Benz might overshadow any success they might have in the 500-mile race. Very brief item, but a good data point for historical researchers.