Ray Harroun

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Ray Harroun (January 12, 1879 - January 19, 1968) was an American racecar driver.

Born in Spartansburg, Pennsylvania, he was the AAA season champion in 1910. At the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911, his use of what would now be called a rear-view mirror, rather than the riding mechanic specified in the rules, created controversy, but was ultimately allowed. Harroun went on to win, which created another controversy; to this day, some say a scorer's error cheated Ralph Mulford of his rightful victory. Harroun, who came out of retirement to race in the first 500, would never race again.

Harroun's historic Firestone-shod yellow #32 Marmon Wasp is on display at the Speedway museum.

[edit] Indy 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired 1911 32 28 — — 1 200 88 Running Totals 200 88

Starts 1 Poles 0 Front Row 0 Wins 1 Top 5 1 Top 10 1 Retired 0

[edit] Award

He was inducted in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2000.

Preceded by None

Indianapolis 500 Winner 1911

Succeeded by Joe Dawson

Indianapolis 500 Winners

Four-time winners A. J. Foyt • Al Unser, Sr. • Rick Mears Three-time winners Meyer • Shaw • Rose • Rutherford • B. Unser Two-time winners Milton • Vukovich • Ward • Johncock • Fittipaldi • Luyendyk • Unser, Jr. • Castroneves One win Harroun • Dawson • Goux • Thomas • DePalma • Resta • Wilcox • Chevrolet • Murphy • Corum • Boyer • DePaolo • Lockhart • Souders • Keech • Arnold • Schneider • Frame • Cummings • Petillo • Roberts • Davis • Robson • Holland • Parsons • Wallard • Ruttman • Sweikert • Flaherty • Hanks • Bryan • Rathmann • Jones • Clark • Hill • Andretti • Donohue • Sneva • Sullivan • Rahal • Villeneuve • Lazier • Cheever • Brack • Montoya • de Ferran • Rice • Wheldon • Hornish