"Pop" Myers Announces De Palma Entry

This article reports that Ralph De Palma would be one of the drivers in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's September 9, 1916 Harvest Classic race meet. The announcement was made by T.E. "Pop" Meyers, the Speedway's general manager for many years after the departure of Ernie Moross in 1910.
 
De Palma had been at the center of controversy at the Speedway when, as defending champion of the Indianapolis 500, he negotiated for an appearance money bonus for entering the 1916 Memorial Day Classic. The Speedway held out, and when De Palma begged forgiveness he was denied. Many believe the entry was not allowed because De Palma's long time nemesis, Barney Oldfield protested any decision to allow the Italian-American champion special treatment.
 
DePalma was a huge name in the sport, and the Speedway was doing everything it could to find him a competitive ride to boost interest in the event as ticket sales were lagging. This article was published September 6, 1916.