The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-05-30

at least one hour would not c,
. If the track is not ready for
the start at l p. m. the race
will be run Monday, speed
way officials said.
Ignoring the rain, the 1,000-piece
band paraded down the front
stretch at 9:15. while through the
stands the crowd shifted into seats
in an incessant wave of motion.
When the drizzle diminished to q
mist at 9:45, the big motor water
sweeper went out on the track and
scores of workmen made an assault
on the puddles with broonls
The cars must go $50 miles be-
fore the race can be termed Off
cially run.
While the huge crowd waited
action, more than a dozen planes
held their interest. One, an auto
gyro, amused every one.
The Times Waco, piloted by
Dick Young, which was to speed
Times extras to Dayton readers late
today, banked. ak rolled, dived and
zoomed for several minutes.
Crowd Scans Skies
Drivers and mechanics were put
ting last touches on their mounts,
but not without frequent and in
quiSitiYe glances into the west and
north, from which slow winds were
propelling more rain clouds above
the track.
The speedway management said
the race could start within twenty
minutes after the rain stopped, and
officials were determined to run the
big grind today if possible.
With cessation of the drizzle. the
track would be brushed dry in a
few minutes, and the starting bombs
would signal to the giant crowd the
beginning of another thrilling sprint
over the historic bricks.
No Records Likely
1t was certain, however, that the
record breaking time predicted by
race followers and speed experts for
this. race would not be made, because
Of the slippery course.
Speedway gates were unlocked at
8 this morning to admit the long
line of cars that already awaited en-
trance to the plant. Some Of the
machines had been parked in the
line for days.
Thousands of persons rushed into
the grounds, optimistic that the
light rain falling then would be
dissipated before starting time.
Almost at once the inf1eld was
spotted with cars scooting for choice
positions as near the rail as possible.
Many Garry Baskets
AS in previous years, families car
ried picnic baskets and refresh
ments. The hot-dog stands and
other concessions unfurled their
awnings and the raucous cry of
bankers gave to the event the local
color of a combined midwestern
street carnival and a mammoth
fiesta.
The temperature, unseaSonably
warm for several days, had receded,
due to the rains of Friday night and
today.
Interest in the cars at the track
was not leSsened by the rain.
Russell Snowberger's home made
Russell Eight, an automobile
| nOIlaofod frono en.~a ,@ortz a~l ~.
remains of stock car after an ac-
cident, held the attention of many.
1 The young Philadelphia driver
stepped out on the first qualifying
day to win the pole position.
Cummings Gets Attention
Bill Cummings Of indianapolis.
nation-famed as wild Bill" an
other front-liner, also attracted
many with his low, front-drive EN-
pire State Special, racing auto
that contrasts sharply with Snow
berger's big, heavy seni-stock car.
Paul Bost. North Carolina speed
merchant, also was in the first row,
with rear-drive Empire State.
A big white car was due to In
terest many racing fans. It is a
Hoosier product, the Cummins-
DIESEL car built in Columbus, In.d.,
and waitingsDave Evans foot on the
accellerator to start its grind around
the track.
Billy Arnold, winner Of the 1880
race, was a candidate for many
plaudits. especially from those who
believe the youngster could whip his
trim Hartz-Miller special around
the curves again this year ahead Of
his competitors.
i The sixteen-cylinder creations Of