1913 Indianapolis 500

Third running of the Indianapolis 500

The Third International 500 Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 30, 1913. Frenchman Jules Goux became the first foreign born, and first European winner of the Indianapolis 500. His margin of victory of 13 minutes, 8 seconds (approximately 7 laps) over second place Spencer Wishart still stands, as of 2023, as the largest margin of victory in Indianapolis 500 history.

After the entries in the first two years of the Indianapolis 500 had been almost exclusively American, 1913 saw six drivers travel to the United States from Europe to enter, likely attracted by the impressive $20,000 first prize (20000.0 in 1913 is equivalent to about <calculated amount> in recent years). A total of 27 cars would meet the 75 mile per hour qualifying speed, led by Jack Tower at 88.230 mph. The starting grid was determined by a random draw of names, and Caleb Bragg would be given the pole. Tower's car turned over on the southwest turn on lap 51, causing him to sustain a broken leg and his riding mechanic, Lee Dunning, to break three ribs. Bob Burman started the race as the favorite, and led 41 laps early, before his car caught fire on lap 55. Burman was able to repair his car and continue, however continuing problems led to several more stops and a replacement driver, who brought the car home in eleventh (unfortunately only the top ten finishers received prize money). French born Jules Goux, driving a car owned and manufactured by Peugeot (where his father was the factory Supervisor) would lead the race on four occasions. Bob Evans dueled with Goux, leading laps 125–135, but would be forced out of the race on lap 158 due to a mechanical problem. Goux would dominate the remainder of the race, leading 138 laps en route to a victory of a more than 13 minute margin, making him the first non American winner of the 500. The car contained a four cylinder dual overhead camshaft engine, which would serve as a model for many future entries. Goux would state after the race that his manager forced him stay below the car's top speed, feeling the lead was safe.

Urban legends claim that race winner Jules Goux consumed "six bottles of champagne" en route to victory. However, that claim is believed to be exaggerated. Instead, during Goux's six pit stops, only four bottles (each 4/5 pint) were shared between himself and his riding mechanic Emil Begin, with each taking some sips, but likely not enough to become intoxicated. Other swigs were spit out using the champagne as a mouthwash. It was a hot day, and given the punishing conditions, during his first pit stop Goux was quoted as saying "Rustle me a pint of wine or I'll blow" After the race, in victory lane, Goux stated "The heat was terrible. I suffered and but for the wine, I should have been unable to drive this race." In subsequent years, AAA officials banned the consumption of alcohol during competition.

Entries were required to complete one lap in excess of 75 mph in order to qualify. However, starting positions were determined by blind draw held the night preceding the race. DriverFar InsideInside CenterOutside CenterFar OutsideTime(mph)Row 1 Caleb Bragg Albert Guyot Billy Leisaw Robert Evans 1:43.0587.341:51.4680.751:55.3678.021:49.7482.01Row 2 Don Herr Harry Grant Jules Goux Teddy Tetzlaff1:48.6482.841:58.4875.961:44.6286.031:52.1480.26Row 3 Bill Endicott Harry Endicott Billy Knipper Ralph DePalma1:45.0285.701:57.8876.351:52.1480.261:57.9676.30Row 4 Théodore Pilette Gil Andersen Willie Haupt Charlie Merz1:59.1775.521:48.9282.631:51.4980.721:46.5684.46Row 5 John Jenkins Vincenzo Trucco Spencer Wishart Howdy Wilcox1:48.64382.841:49.8481.941:49.7781.991:50.4881.46Row 6 Bob Burman Ralph Mulford Louis Disbrow Joe Nikrent 1:46.9384.171:51.4080.791:48.7582.761:54.0878.89Row 7 Jack Tower Paul Zuccarelli George Clark  1:41.9388.231:44.8685.831:58.5675.91

For 1913, riding mechanics were required.