INDY-500 WINNERS Art Print Series by Alex Book
 
1958 Indianapolis 500: The Arizona Cowboy and the Repeat Victory
 
The 42nd International 500-Mile Sweepstakes marked a rare technical milestone as the same physical chassis, the Belond AP Special, secured a second consecutive victory. Built by Quinn Epperly and owned by George Salih, the car utilized the 255 cubic inch Offenhauser engine in an 18-degree laydown configuration. This mechanical arrangement was designed to lower the center of gravity and reduce frontal drag, a concept that had already proven successful in the 1957 event. Jimmy Bryan, a three-time USAC National Champion known for his habit of chewing a cigar during competition, moved to the Salih team for this race, bringing a veteran’s tactical approach to the 2.5-mile oval.
 
The race commenced with a 15-car accident on the opening lap in Turn 3, which resulted in the death of driver Pat O'Connor and the elimination of several front-row contenders. Bryan, who started from the 7th position in the 3rd row, navigated through the debris and maintained a steady pace as the field stabilized. A prominent visual feature of the 1958 race was the classic wooden Grand Stand at the start-finish line, which remained a primary spectator structure even as modern steel facilities began to appear elsewhere at the Speedway.
 
Bryan completed the 200-lap distance with an average speed of 133.791 mph, leading for 139 laps. This win was the first time since the 1939–1940 seasons that a single chassis won the Indianapolis 500 in two successive years. The result confirmed that the Salih-Epperly laydown design was a reliable technical package for the sustained high-speed loads of the Brickyard. The 1958 victory remains a significant case study in the effectiveness of specialized engine packaging during the peak years of the front-engine roadster era.
 
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.