Well before the first Indianapolis 500, Ray Harroun already was one of the most accomplished race drivers of his era, and by 1910 he was ready to retire from racing. But when Carl Fisher announced his plans for the new 500-mile race, Harroun put off those plans. and entered with his favorite car, the Indianapolis-made Marmon Wasp.

His Indianapolis-made Marmon Wasp a one-seater while all 39 other cars carried a driver and a mechanic to keep the car running and serve as a second pair of eyes. Harroun's Wasp was equipped with a rear-view mirror and he won with a time of 6 hours, 42 minutes, 8 seconds before a crowd of about 80,000.

Ralph Mulford came in 2nd, but thought he had won. Some historians think so too.

Harroun's Marmon Wasp had a weight advantage.