1915

For Ralph DePalma, the 1915 Indianapolis 500 must have seemed like 1912 all over again. Once again, DePalma was in the lead near the end of the race when he began to have engine trouble -- and this time English driver Dario Resta was not far behind.

For once at Indy, both DePalma's luck and his engine held out and he crossed the finish line to win in the closest finish yet seen at the Speedway. Most in the crowd seemed to be rooting for him, remembering his 1912 disappointment and how gracious he had been in defeat.

When DePalma wearily climbed out of his car, fans pushed their way past a police barrier to lift up their hero and carry him off on their shoulders.