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Road to 100: 1963

Posted at 6:26 PM, Apr 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-05 18:33:56-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- A horrific accident happened in Indianapolis on Halloween night, 1963.

A propane gas explosion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum killed 74 people and injured nearly 400.

It happened while the Coliseum was packed for a "Holiday on Ice" skating exhibition.

Also in 1963, the City of Indianapolis got its own flag.

It was designed by Herron School of Art student, Roger Gohl.

And there was a new addition to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the opening of the famed "Speedway Motel," where drivers and celebrities would check in and, eventually, everyone just has to check out.

On the track, the rear-engine revolution began with four such cars battling the roadsters, including a Novi driven by Jim Hurtubise. 

In fact, Herk and Parnelli Jones battled for the lead on the opening lap before Parnelli began to stretch the lead.

But the Californian was also battling an oil leak. 

Opposing teams were clamoring for Parnelli to be black-flagged and called to the pits.

But the leak eventually stopped in the car nicknamed "Ol' Calhoun," and the two-time pole winner held off the rookie Scotsman Jim Clark to take his only win as a driver at Indianapolis.

MORE ON THE ROAD TO 100

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Tune in to RTV6 News at 6 p.m. every night for our Road to 100, where we take a look back at each of the races leading up to the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500. 

Want tickets to this year's race? Tune in to RTV6 News at 6 p.m. and watch for the daily trivia question and answer, then click here to enter the answer to be entered daily for your chance to win tickets to the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29.