Daywalt Qualifies at 135.7 For Indianapolis ‘500’ Race

Jimmy Daywalt flashed down the straightaway at the famed Indianapolis Speedway Saturday afternoon and took the checkered flag after competing four laps (10 miles) and his first try at the 1953 time trials.

            His sleek Sumar Special soon came to a halt and Daywalt’s time card reached.  The card from the pagoda showed an average speed of 135.747 miles-per-hour.  Enough to land the Wabash driver in the seventh row when the big grind gets underway next Saturday.

            It was the first time Daywalt had been able to crack the magic circle and post a speed that would give him a mount in the race.

            Daywalt turned the first of the four time trial laps at 135.757, his average speed.  His second lap was faster – 135.767 – but his third lap dropped to 135.522.  His final lap around the oval was clocked at 135.925.  All four trips were very constant.

            Daywalt said that this was due perhaps to the coaching he has received from Mauri Rose.  Rose told Daywalt to relax on the turns.  This, along with the other tips, has proved helpful to Daywalt, it was learned.

            When Jimmy lines up at Indianapolis Saturday he’ll be on the outside of the seventh row.  Beside him will be McCoy and Scarborough.  Directly in front will be Spider Webb of Speedway fame.

            Daywalt called his mother here as soon as he completed his qualifying run.  A member of his family reported he was very happy.