1955 Indianapolis 500

The 39th Indianapolis 500 is the third round of the 1955 World Championship of Drivers. The race has been included in the FIA World Championship since 1950, with Indianapolis Motor Speedway vice president Theodore Meyers having lobbied successfully for the 500 to represent the United States in the new championship.

Championship standings

Heading into the race, Maurice Trintignant leads the championship with 11⅓ points after his Monaco victory, with Fangio just behind on 10. The Indianapolis winner will earn 8 championship points; none of the regular Grand Prix competitors are entered.

Entrants

The field consists entirely of Indianapolis specialists in American oval-racing machinery. No regular Formula One Grand Prix competitors have entered.

Bill Vukovich, winner of the previous two editions in 1953 and 1954, is seeking a third consecutive Indianapolis victory — an unprecedented feat. He has led the most laps at Indianapolis in each of the last three years.

Between-race developments

During the second day of time trials, Manny Ayulo crashed due to a suspected steering fault. He died the following day.