1921 Indianapolis 500

The 9th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 30, 1921.

9th Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500
Sanctioning bodyAAA
DateMay 30, 1921
WinnerTommy Milton
Winning EntrantLouis Chevrolet
Average speed89.621 mph (144.231 km/h)
Pole positionRalph DePalma
Pole speed100.750 mph (162.141 km/h)
Most laps ledRalph DePalma (108)
Pre-race
Pace carH.C.S. 6
Pace car driverHarry C. Stutz
StarterThomas J. Hay
Honorary refereeDavid Beecroft
Estimated attendance135,000-150,000 ("last year was 125k")
Chronology
Previous Next
1920 1922

Ralph DePalma dominated another early running of the 500, but again failed to win. He led 109 laps, and had a two-lap lead at the halfway point. A connecting rod broke, and he dropped out on lap 112. DePalma retired with one win, and 612 laps led in the "500." His laps led record would not be matched for 66 years until Al Unser, Sr. reached it in 1987.

Tommy Milton won the first of two 500 victories. He was accompanied by riding mechanic Harry Franck. The only European car to finish was a 1921 Grand Prix Sunbeam driven by Ora Haibe who was placed fifth.

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