Because of a dispute with drivers over prize money, only 20 cars were at the track on opening day and several of those were not ready. Just seven cars qualified that weekend.

With Indianapolis News sports editor Bill Fox called in to help mediate, Speedway owner Tony Hulman guaranteed additional prize money to smooth over the conflict. Rain further disrupted qualifying, but 30 cars eventually started the race.

Because o On lap 41, William 'Shorty' Cantlon was killed in a crash. Mauri Rose won the race, partly because of a misunderstanding in which teammate Bill Holland thought he was in the lead. Holland had to settle for second despite leading 143 of the 200 laps.