Hudson Straight-eight Indianapolis

The 500 mile race of Indianapolis, better known as the Indy 500, is the most important motorsport event in the United States.

The 500 mile race of Indianapolis, better known as the "Indy 500", is the most important motorsport event in the United States. The race was first held in 1911 and takes place on an oval track, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. What is special is that the cars drive counterclockwise. In the early years many European cars also take part, but those are built more for twisty circuits. The Indy 500 soon becomes an almost entirely American event. The costs of taking part gradually increase, partly because of the ever more powerful engines with which the cars are equipped. The organizers therefore decide in 1930 that the racers must be fitted with standard engines. This proves to be the salvation of the event, because now a race car can be built for 1,500 dollars instead of ten times that amount. The major car manufacturers then return to the Indy 500. This Hudson Straight Eight has a 3.8 liter eight cylinder engine and is 80 km/h faster than the standard car on which it is based. It was built for the 1933 race, which would ultimately end in tragedy. In that race many cars crash and three drivers and two mechanics lose their lives.