1955 Indianapolis 500 Art Print
 
Race Context
 
The 1955 Indianapolis 500 was the 39th running of the race and a round of the AAA National Championship. It was held on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval and became one of the most tragic editions in the history of the event due to multiple fatal accidents during the race.
 
The Race and Bob Sweikert
 
Bob Sweikert won the 1955 Indianapolis 500 after completing the full 500-mile distance. The race was marked by a high attrition rate and several major incidents. Bill Vukovich, the defending two-time winner, was leading the race when he was killed in an accident on lap 57. Following multiple stoppages, Sweikert assumed the lead and maintained it to the finish, becoming the race winner.
 
The Car: Kurtis Kraft 4000 Offenhauser “John Zink Special”
 
Sweikert drove a Kurtis Kraft 4000 chassis powered by a 4.5-liter Offenhauser four-cylinder engine. The car was entered as the “John Zink Special” by the John Zink team. The Kurtis Kraft–Offenhauser combination remained the dominant technical package at Indianapolis during the mid-1950s.
 
Indianapolis Motor Speedway — Turn 2
 
Turn 2 marked the exit of the southeast corner of the oval and the transition onto the back straight. In 1955, the corner was the location of one of the race’s major accidents and became closely associated with the events that defined this edition of the Indianapolis 500.
 
Historical Context
 
The 1955 Indianapolis 500 resulted in multiple fatalities, including Bill Vukovich and two spectators. The race prompted renewed discussions regarding safety at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and remains a defining moment in the circuit’s history.
 
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.