The Dope to Make Book

This article is written - and even admits as much - to help those with a betting inclination make some decisions. It notes the difference between track (oval) racers and road course drivers. Based on an assessment of skills - in particular, strength in long distance track racing - the author of the article, Paul Willis, suggests Ray Harroun, Ralph Mulford, David Bruce-Brown, Harry Grant, Spencer Wishart and Charlie Merz as favorites. Interestingly, Willis refers to Herb Lytle, who began racing as a teenager in the 1890's, as the grand old man.
Another point that is significant is that the article underscores that gone are the confusing days of stock car racing where the difference between true stock cars and purpose-built racers was very cloudy. This led to disqualification and acrimony, such as in the great Buick disqualification after winning several races in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's July 1910 races. The rules for this first Indianapolis 500 boiled down to weight (2300 pounds) and displacement (600 ci). Other than that, go for it.
Worthy of noting, too, is according to this article an average car in this field was expected to burn through 125 gallons of gasoline and 75 gallons of oil in completing the 500 miles.
This article was published in the May 28, 1911 Indianapolis Star.

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