After seven seasons allowing single-seater cars, the AAA switched rules and again required a ride-along mechanic. Other rule changes targeted engine design, so in 1930 car owners were busy modifying their cars or building new ones.

Almost as soon as the race began, Billy Arnold was in the lead and never gave it up. with mechanic Spider Matlock at his side, Arnold built up such a lead he crossed the finish line more than seven minutes before his closest challenger, Shorty Cantlon.

Driver Cy Marshall had his brother Paul as his mechanic. Their car went over the wall, killing Paul and critically injuring Cy. He recovered but did not appear again in the 500 except once 17 years later when he came in eighth