Oldfield at Indy 1916

Originally a mystery, I have uncovered new information that indicates that this is the Carl Fisher-commissioned Premier Motor Manufacturing Company racer originally designed for the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup. The driver is Barney Oldfield who retired from racing in 1919. The consensus among First Super Speedway readers is that this photo was taken in 1916 undoubtedly as part of some kind of ceremony as a tribute to the past. This car exceeded maximum weight limitations for the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup and was disqualified before it ever turned a wheel. In a valiant attempt to meet the regulations, Fisher's crew drilled holes in the car (note the holes in this car's frame). The Premier still exists and can be seen in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

For more background check out another photo of the same occasion elsewhere on First Super Speedway.