1950 Indianapolis 500

1950 Indianapolis 500

The 34th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Tuesday, May 30, 1950. The event was part of the 1950 AAA National Championship Trail. The race was also included as a round in the inaugural 1950 World Drivers Championship, and paid points towards the World Championship. The event, however, did not attract any European entries for 1950. Giuseppe Farina originally planned to enter, but his car never arrived. The Indianapolis 500 would be included on the World Championship calendar through 1960.

The race was originally scheduled for 200 laps, but was stopped at 138 laps because of rain.

A rumor circulated in racing circles during and after this race that Johnnie Parsons' team discovered they had an irreparable crack in the engine block, which precipitated Parsons charging for the lap leader prizes. Furthermore, the race ending early due to rain supposedly saved Parsons' day allowing him to secure the victory before the engine let go. However, the engine block crack was proved to be an urban myth.

During the month, Clark Gable and Barbara Stanwyck were at the track to film scenes for the film To Please a Lady. Stanwyck was on hand in victory lane after the race for the traditional celebratory kiss to the winner.