INDY-500 WINNERS Art Print Series by Alex Book
 
The 1916 Indianapolis 300: Efficiency Over Endurance
 
The sixth international sweepstakes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, held on May 30, 1916, remains a unique anomaly in the track's history. Amidst the escalating conflict of World War I and concerns over diminishing spectator interest, the management decided to shorten the race distance from its traditional 500 miles to 300 miles. The 2.5-mile "Brickyard", with its signature paving-brick surface and four corners banked at 9°12', provided a faster, more sprint-like contest than in previous years.
 
The race was dominated by the Italian-born British driver Dario Resta and his riding mechanic Bob Dahnke, competing for the Peugeot Auto Racing team. Their vehicle, the Peugeot EX5, represented the pinnacle of French racing technology of the era. It was powered by a 4.5-liter (274 cu in) inline-four engine featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder. This revolutionary engine architecture, originally developed for the French Grand Prix, prioritized volumetric efficiency and high-revving reliability, making the Peugeot the most formidable machine of the pre-war and early post-war periods.
 
Resta executed a masterclass in tactical driving, leading 103 of the 120 laps. He completed the distance in 3:34:17, maintaining an average speed of 84.001 mph. The 1916 event was also notable for its smaller field of only 21 starters, yet it featured intense competition among top-tier brands like Maxwell and Delage. Following this victory, the Speedway remained silent for two years due to America’s entry into the war, making Resta the last winner of the early era before the race returned to its 500-mile format in 1919.
 
Note to Collectors: This artwork is an original creative tribute inspired by the rich history of motorsport. While this print accurately depicts iconic moments, cars, and legendary figures, it is an independent artistic production. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any official racing organizations, racing series, drivers, teams, or automotive manufacturers. All trademarks and brand names mentioned are used for descriptive purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners.