Hey, Triva For A Sunday Morning

[Dick Ralstin]

Way back in 1911, yes even before I was born,
Carl Fisher decided the start for the Indianapolis 500 would be a "flying" start, with at least one lap of 40 mph before the starter's flag.

Why did Carl want a flying start????????

[Teej]

My 'wild' guess would be so that Carl G. Fisher could lead the field down to a flying start in the Stoddard-Dayton pace car.
Like I said it was a wild guess, but a guess nonetheless.

[Dick Ralstin]

Hey Teej,

Well Carl Fisher did lead the pace lap in that first Indianapolis 500 and he did drive a Stoddard-Dayton.

But that was not the reason for the "flying start" being insisted on by the Honorable Mr. Fisher

By the way Teej, beej tells me you are having some lousy weather in Hoosierland. It's beautiful in the Land of Enchantment.

[KnockOff]

Dick, I'll venture a guess from way down here in the swamplands. Since all racers from the beginning of time have been interested in ONE thing: an advantage, I'll guess that due to some mechanical reason (clutch, gears, torque range?) a flying start provided some kind of perceived advantage.

Ok, I'll try another guess: Due to the number of cars starting, a flying start would enable them to start more effectively and safely.

Those are my two guesses.

And I bet it's beautiful up in God's country this morning.

[jandj]

I think KO's on the right track - How about a flying start to hopefully clear away some of the smoke those old cars put out ?

[Dick Ralstin]

Oh shoot, now jandj why did you have to go a spoil a good Sunday morning!

In Mr. Fisher's own words, "We will use a flying start so that smoke from the engines will not shield it from the spectators."