Indianapolis Motor Speedway Credentials
1909-1916
Due to the rarity of credentials from the 1909 through 1916 period, it is uncertain what type of credential was most commonly used however, as seen below, a variety were used. The Whitehead & Hoag Co. of Newark New Jersey is one *known maker of credentials from this period as seen on the bottom edge of the 1912 Concession. It is *uncertain who made the other types of credentials from this period.
1909
The two undated credentials below are believed to be from 1909 as the blue button (minus the ribbon) appears on the arm of an ambulance driver from 1909. The red button, with intact ribbon, is also believed to be from 1909 based on the above.
The undated Military credential at the bottom is also believed to be from 1909 as it was in the same group of memorabilia as red button.
1910
The undated Driver and Mechanic buttons below are believed to be from 1910 as the driver button came from a family that had a relative who drove in the 1910 races.
1911
The four credentials below measures 4" in diameter and are made of pasteboard. The Mechanic and Pit have numbers stamped on them while the Military and Concession do not. Note the interesting statement "WEAR THIS BADGE IN PLAIN SIGHT" "FAILURE TO DISPLAY IT WILL CAUSE HOLDER EMBARRASSMENT" One has to wonder what that would've entailed.
All though not an official Speedway credential, this advertisement for Apperson and Rayfield carburetors was also made of pasteboard and used during the 1911 '500'.
1912
The pin at left may have been part of a similar credential like the1912 above or of the police badge at right.
From Dick Wallen’s book "Board Track - Guts, Gold & Glory".
1913
1914
1915
Note the blank space on the middle credential where a designation could be written in and on the practice pass below where the name and account could be written in.
1916
Credentials from 1909 through 1916 are very rare and very tough to find. Any credential associated with race teams, Driver, Mechanic, Pitman etc., are more desirable than ones designated for Press, Concession, Guest etc..
* This information is to the best of our knowledge. If anyone has more information, please contact: NI500CC@NI500CC.COM