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1950: Rain shortens race for 2nd time in history

Posted at 5:23 PM, Mar 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-23 17:27:11-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- 1950 was a big year for racing.

The first race in the inaugural FIA Formula One World Championship was held at Silverstone, England.

And Darlington Raceway was the site of the inaugural Southern 500, the first 500-mile NASCAR race.

The stars were out at IMS in 1950.

Clark Gable and Jack Benny were at the race as well as Wilbur Shaw and Tony Hulman.

Gable wasn't just there as a spectator. He and Barbara Stanwyck were on location throughout the month, shooting scenes for the film, "To Please a Lady."

Mercury paced the 1950 Indianapolis 500, but soon all drivers would be following a different car.

Johnnie Parsons' car number one turned out to be prophetic. He dominated the race leading 115 of 138 laps.

And for just the second time in history, rain shortened the Indianapolis 500.

After 345 miles, Johnnie Parsons had his first and only victory at the Speedway.

His win made history for another reason as well. His name is the only one misspelled on the Borg-Warner Trophy.

Parsons name was spelled "Johnny" instead of "Johnnie."

 

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