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The Marmon Wasp

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Stock #:235637
Type: Postcard
Era: Continental Chrome
Publisher: Maximum Card Collection
Postmark: 1987 Sep-25
Postmark City: Indianapolis
Postmark State: IN
Stamp: Two-17.5c
Size: 4" x 5.75" (10.25 x 15 cm)

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Additional Details:
First Day of Issue: September 25, 1987; First Issue Location: Indianapolis, Indiana. "What this country needs is a big race track to give the manufacturers a chance to test their cars and equipment in competition." So said Carl Fisher when his car had broken down for the third time in a single trip. His words set the stage for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and for the single event which made the Marmon Wasp a part of racing history. In 1909, with three other partners, Fisher formed the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company. Two years later, the track was ready when Ray Harroun and the Marmon Wasp entered the first ever Indy 500. The spectacular 500 mile event took place on Memorial Day in 1911. Eighty thousand people lined the track, and 40 cars had qualified. The Marmon Wasp was No. 32. Harroun was ready. His strategy was to pace himself, eliminating the need for time-consuming tire changes. The plan worked as competitors fell by the wayside. The Marmon Wasp crossed the finish line with the next car a full lap behind

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