Creating Digital Histories: The History of Places in North America
This research guide is for the students in the "Creating Digital Histories: The History of Places in North America" (HIST 506:401:03). Professor Tatiana Seijas.
Books
The Indianapolis Automobile Industry: a history, 1893-1939 by
In 1893, Indianapolis carriage maker Charles Black created a rudimentary car--perhaps the first designed and built in America. Within 15 years, Indianapolis was a major automobile industry center rivaling Detroit, and known for quality manufacturing and innovation--the aluminum engine, disc brakes, aerodynamics, superchargers, and the rear view mirror were first developed there. When the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909, hometown manufacturers Marmon, Stutz and Duesenberg dominated the track. The author covers their histories, along with less well known contributors to the industry, including National, American, Premier, Marion, Cole, Empire, LaFayette, Knight-Lyons and Hassler.
Call Number: RUonlineISBN: 1476629382
The Curse of the Indy 500: 1958's Tragic Legacy by
"[A] rich history built around the 1958 tragedy that claimed one of the Indy 500's most beloved drivers . . . evokes a unique and unforgettable era." --Dan Carpenter, freelance writer, former Indianapolis Star columnistOn May 30, 1958, thousands of racing fans poured into the infield at dawn to claim the best seats of the Indianapolis 500, unaware that they were going to witness one of the most notorious wrecks in racing history. Seconds after the green flag, a game of chicken spiraled out of control into a fiery 16-car pile-up that claimed the life of 29-year-old Indiana native and rising star Pat O'Connor. The other drivers escaped death, but the tragic 1958 Indy 500 seemed to leave its mark on them: the surviving drivers were hounded by accidents and terrible crashes, and most would die at tracks around the country. But the tragedy also prompted new regulations and safety precautions like roll bars that would ultimately save hundreds of lives. In The Curse of Indy 500: 1958's Tragic Legacy, veteran sportswriter Stan Sutton profiles the ill-fated race and the careers of the drivers involved, highlighting their lives in the dangerous world of auto racing."In all, the book offers an exciting story of the 1958 Indy 500 and a thought-provoking discussion of its aftermath." --Daily Journal"A meticulous contextual account of events leading into what possibly triggered the starting tension, what follows in the wake of the fiery first-lap death of Pat O'Conner, and what other Indy 500 tragedies have failed to get the notice generated on and following May 30, 1958." --NUVO
Call Number: RUonlineISBN: 1684350182Publication Date: 2017
The Indy Car Wars: the 30-year fight for control of American open-wheel racing by
The world of Champ Car auto racing was changing in the 1970s. As cars became more sophisticated, the cost of supporting a team had skyrocketed, making things difficult for team owners. In an effort to increase purses paid by racing promoters and win lucrative television contracts, a group of owners formed Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) in 1978. Soon after, CART split from its sanctioning body, the United States Auto Club (USAC). Though Champ Cars ran on numerous tracks, the Indianapolis 500 was the payday that supported most teams through the season. From the beginning, CART had most of the successful teams and popular drivers, and they focused on driving a wedge between the track owners and the USAC. Over the next 30 years, the tension between CART and USAC ebbed and flowed until all parties realized that reunification was needed for the sake of the sport. This book details the fight over control of Champ Car racing before reunification in 2008.
Call Number: RUonlineISBN: 1476619808Publication Date: 2015
Websites
Indianapolis Motor Speedway website presents information on races and their schedules. Additionally the link IMS Archives presents rich historical information, including photos and images. IMS was founded in 1909 by Carl G. Fisher, James A. Allison, Arthur C. Newby and Frank H. Wheeler, it is the oldest continuously operating Race Track in the United States,