Plagued by mechanical problems during qualifications, Bill Vukovich had to start the 1954 race in the seventh row. But for the second consecutive year, he was out front when it mattered most.

Vukovich bided his time through the first half of the race, then took charge. He led 89 of the final 109 laps, including the last 51.

Pole-sitter Jack McGrath set speed records and might have won if not for a bad pit stop. He broke the 140 mph barrier by qualifying at 141.033 but had to settle for third in the race behind Vukovich and Jimmy Bryan.

With the win, the No. 14 Howard Keck-owned gray Kurtis roadster became one of the iconic cars in Speedway history.