“The Black Beast” in the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Official Program
The 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Official Program is now on sale nationwide. The 2011 Program features multiple, fold-out covers, a special autograph pull-out, numerous feature stories, driver bios, statistics, event and Indianapolis Motor Speedway fan information.
One of the featured stories is "The Black Beast" written by Mark Dill documenting the Alco racer's participation in the 1911 Indy 500 Race:
One of the favorites to win the first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 1911 was a unique entry by the American Locomotive Company, or Alco. Dubbed "Bete Noire", or "Black Beast" by its driver, Harry Grant, the combination had won America's greatest road race, the Vanderbilt Cup, two successive years in 1909 and 1910. While a broken rod on the 52nd lap made for a lackluster result in the first Indianapolis 500, the marvelous machine scored a victory of survival over the subsequent ten decades to continue its winning ways in Concours d'Elegance competition today."
Here is a pdf of Mark Dill's excellent article.
My four-minute tribute to the 1911 Indy 500 Race:
Links to related posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com and the Internet:
The Alco “Black Beast” in the Inaugural Indy 500 Race
Centennial Celebration:Great Classic Cars To Be Featured At Special 2011 Indy Show
Automobile Topics, June 3, 1911: "Harroun Wins with Marmon"
Results of the 1911 Indy 500 Race
Archives: Alco-6 Black Beast Racer
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