Studebaker at the Brickyard: A Forgotten Chapter of Indy 500 History

This episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports series, explores the history of Studebaker's involvement in the Indianapolis 500 car racing events during the early 1930s. The presentation recounts Studebaker’s brief but significant presence in motorsports. Andrew Beckman from the Studebaker National Museum delivers detailed accounts of the development and performance of Studebaker-powered race cars, focused on the company’s efforts in the 1932 and 1933 races, as well as the ongoing impact and legacy left by these vehicles. Beckman also discusses the technical development of the cars, the challenges faced by Studebaker due to economic constraints, and the eventual disposition of the race cars. The presentation is heavily informed by Studebaker's corporate archives, museum collections, and contemporary race accounts. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Studebaker's Early Motorsports Involvement 01:27 Andrew Beckman's Background 02:51 Studebaker's Racing Philosophy 04:32 Studebaker's Early Racing History 09:50 The President 8 and Racing Innovations 13:19 Studebaker at the Indianapolis 500 17:00 The 1932 and 1933 Racing Campaigns 20:50 The Elusive Studebaker Straight 8 Block 21:01 Studebaker's Racing Legacy 22:29 The 1933 Indianapolis 500 23:14 Privateers and Unique Entries 25:14 Studebaker's Financial Struggles 25:30 The End of Factory-Backed Racing 26:16 Studebaker's Continued Influence 27:03 The Last of the Studebaker Racers 28:55 Restoration and Legacy 32:05 Q&A Session 35:54 Sponsors and Closing Remarks ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.