Indianapolis Motor Speedway Armbands

1909-1947

The known* armbands from 1909-1947 are made of either felt or a silk/satin type material. Because these two materials were used they tend to suffer damage, mainly from insects with felt armbands and general frailty with silk/satin armbands. The only *known IMS armbands after World War II are the 1946 Staff and 1947 Safety Patrol. All *other IMS armbands are medical or winning car photographer after WWII.

We need pictures of IMS armbands from the years not shown and any pictures of other armbands from those years already shown. If you have any, please email ni500cc@ni500cc.com a scan so it can be posted here on the site.

1909

Although it is not indicated as being from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the armband below is believed to be from the balloon race of June 5th, 1909.

Due to the very cold weather, the December 17th and 18th 1909 Record Trials (sometimes referred to as the “brick test”) were not well attended as only 500 people were estimated to have been there. Below is an "Official" armband from the event which is extremely rare and may be unique.

1910

1914

1915

1916

Silk "Timer" and “Scorer” armbands from the Sept. 9th, 1916 Harvest Classic Auto Races. They are so fragile that any further handling will only damage them further so they will forever be protected in acid-free plastic holders.

1922

1924

1925

1926

1927

1928

1929

1930

1931

There are at least two known* colors for Judge armbands. Why this was done is uncertain

1932

There are at least six known* colors for Judge armbands. Why this was done is uncertain.

1933

1934

Note the Time Trial armband below and those from 1935, 1936 and 1937. They are made from a cloth/canvas type material and use tie strings to secure to ones arm.

1935

1936

1937

1938

1939

1940

1941

1946

1947

Because of the fragile nature of felt and silk/satin armbands, many did not survive making most of them very rare, very tough to find and very desirable. Those from the mid-late 30's do become easier to find, but are by no means easy to find.

* This information is to the best of our knowledge. If anyone has more information, please contact: NI500CC@NI500CC.COM