United States Auto Club Armbands (USAC)

1956-1972

United States Auto Club (USAC) armbands from 1956-60 are made of felt and used tie strings to secure them to ones arm. Armbands from 1961-72 are made of a heavy polyester/canvas type material with an elastic band to secure them to ones arm. The white 1956, 1957 & 1958 armbands below may be from another track with the '56 made of felt while the '57 & '58 are made from a cloth/canvas type material similar to the 1934-37 IMS time trial armbands. To distinguish the Speedway from other tracks USAC sanctioned, sewn on the armband were: "500" in 1956, "Indpls. 500" from 1961-1964 and "Indianapolis 500" from 1965-1972. The "500" or other wording denoting it as from the Speedway was left off of USAC armbands from 1957-1960 for unknown reasons. USAC dropped armbands after the 1972 season in favor of a name tag sized credential.

1956-1960

Note that the red 1958 armband is "unused" as it has not been cut to make the armband and has no tie strings.

1961-1972

Note the red 1961 and 1963 armbands below are non-Indianapolis armband that have been altered to be Indianapolis. Note the 1970 below which appears to be a modified 1969 armband.

Because of the fragile nature of felt armbands, 1956-60 era USAC armbands may have suffered damage making them tougher to find. Due to the heavier material used on 1961-72 armbands, they tend to hold up better than those made of felt and are therefor easier to find, but are by no means a real easy find.

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