Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2013.016.0002 |
Object Name |
print, photographic |
Description |
Sepia photograph of man in an open wheel Indianapolis racer. This roadster was low and long and the motor was tilted to give it a lower center of gravity. Motor in the front and fuel tank in the back (in present cars the motor and tank have reversed positions). Car was yellow and black. Helmet white and red. Car raced at Indianapolis. Car numbered/registered 16 - number given to the car not the driver. The race car's average speed for 4 laps was 120 mph - 2 1/2 mile course. Reverse side labelled: Konstant Hot Roadster (the sponsor for Arnold Knepper's car) |
Number of images |
1 |
Date |
1964 |
Photographer |
LeRoy Elgas |
Title |
Knepper, Arnie |
Collection |
Midget Auto Racing - Indy 500 - Knepper, Arnie |
Accession number |
2013.016. |
People |
Knepper, Arnie |
Notes |
1930-1992 From Mrs. Arnie Knepper (Wanda) 2/19/2013 to Judy Belleville: Started racing at Belle Clair Speedway in 1947. Five time St. Louis area Midget Auto Racing Assn Champion. Raced at Indianapolis 5 times and raced in Japan once - finishing third. Exhibit Material: The Fairgrounds on the South Belt was a fair site since the mid 19th Century with investment from Belleville and agri-businessmen and attorneys. Over the years there were Belleville product shows, aviation flights, horse racing, pigeon shows, rodeos, 4H events, home, doll and craft shows. In 1947, Midget Auto Races were introduced using the horse arena. Tickets cost $1.00. The races were so successful, a permanent track was built in a former lake bed on the grounds. In 1953 the still popular stock car races were introduced with 55-60 cars racing weekly from spring to fall. Pictured is well known Bellevillian and champion racer, Arnie Knepper, (1930-1991) in his open wheel midget at the Fairgrounds Belle-Clair Speedway. |