The Roadster Era (and before) at Indianapolis (2001)

Rare Sportsfilms, Inc., 2 hours 3 minutes.

The month of May is finally here, and the Indianapolis 500 is slated to take place this weekend (Sunday, May 24^th). 2026 marks the 110^th running of the greatest automobile race in the world. Year after year the winner of the 500-mile classic will have their face immortalized on the famous Borg-Warner Trophy. 33 drivers from around the world will take the green flag, charging into turn one, beginning their quest for auto racing’s biggest prize. Who will it be?!

But first, let’s a look back and relive a bit of history to honor those who have paved the way and built this event into the pinnacle of racing achievement. The film I’ve chosen for this month focuses on the early years. The Roadster Era (and before) at Indianapolis takes us back to the roots of automotive competition at The Brickyard in Speedway, Indiana.  

The film is a collection of black-and-white newsreels from pre-1938 and on through the years culminating with a preview of the 1965 race. The period graphics that accompany the reels, along with the writing and announcing style of the reporters, are all part of the nostalgic charm of this film. It’s a trip into the past, capturing the look and feel of a bygone era of racing. These were the days of the big and powerful front-engine roadsters, when drivers preferred to drive without seatbelts, for fear of being trapped in a raging inferno in the event of an accident.

Year after year the grandstands were packed with fans from around the country, cheering on their racing heroes. The list of winners covered in this snapshot of Indianapolis 500 history reads like a who’s who: Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, George Robson, Bill Holland, Johnnie Parsons, Lee Willard, Troy Ruttman, Bill Vukovich, Bob Sweikert, Pat Flaherty, Sam Hanks, Jimmy Bryan, Rodger Ward, Jim Rathman, A. J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, and Jim Clark (the first driver to win the Indy 500 in a rear-engine car).

The film also captures scenes in the pits and paddock, showing mechanics working hard to prepare the cars for competition. There were also glimpses of glamorous Hollywood stars in attendance, like Loretta Young, Cyd Charisse, Shirley MacLaine, and Jane Mansfield, there to offer a kiss to the victorious driver in the winner’s circle.

And finally, the film captures the harsh reality of racing during that period. There were many horrendous, fiery accidents, and sadly, fatalities as well. The bravery of these drivers cannot be overstated. The cars may have become faster and more sophisticated these days, but the skill and passion of the drivers depicted in The Roadster Era (and before) at Indianapolis are well presented in this fabulous film. Enjoy!

TJ…..2026

PS: The B&W photo positioned next to the DVD cover shows the 1927 Indianapolis 500 winner, George Souders. That was the year my dad was born. I bought that photo for him many years ago, and he had it framed in his study. Now it’s proudly displayed in mine. 😉