I believe that 1954 was the third time the Indianapolis "500" was broadcast on national radio in it's entirety. In the early years after the race resumed in 1946, Mutual carried the race, carrying the start, a couple of 15-minute "progress reports" during the race, then the finish. But in 1959, a sudden thunderstorm ended the race early, while Mutual was carrying "Queen For A Day", forcing the network to interrupt the program to carry the end of the rain shortened race. The Indianapolis Speedway decided after that to insist that once the Mutual contract ended (after the 1951 race) that they produce the broadcast themselves and that the race be broadcast in it's entirety. Ever since, the speedway itself has produced the radio broadcast.
Thanksso much!
I remember this race like it was just yesterday.
I believe that 1954 was the third time the Indianapolis "500" was broadcast on national radio in it's entirety.
In the early years after the race resumed in 1946, Mutual carried the race, carrying the start, a couple of 15-minute "progress reports" during the race, then the finish.
But in 1959, a sudden thunderstorm ended the race early, while Mutual was carrying "Queen For A Day", forcing the network to interrupt the program to carry the end of the rain shortened race.
The Indianapolis Speedway decided after that to insist that once the Mutual contract ended (after the 1951 race) that they produce the broadcast themselves and that the race be broadcast in it's entirety.
Ever since, the speedway itself has produced the radio broadcast.
Would you happen to also have the complete 500 radio broadcasts for 1956, 1957, 1965, & 1969?