On May 27, 1956, one of the most significant moments in motorsports history took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 40th running of the Indianapolis 500, also known as the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," saw a thrilling battle between two American racing legends, Pat Flaherty and Sam Hanks.
Flaherty, driving the John Zink Special, started from the pole position and dominated the early stages of the race. However, Hanks, behind the wheel of the Belond Exhaust Special, steadily worked his way through the field and took the lead on lap 132.
The two drivers engaged in a fierce duel, exchanging the lead several times as they navigated the treacherous 2.5-mile oval at breathtaking speeds. The capacity crowd of over 150,000 spectators watched in awe as the battle unfolded, with Flaherty and Hanks pushing their cars to the limit.
In the closing laps, Hanks managed to build a slight advantage over Flaherty and maintained his lead until the checkered flag. He crossed the finish line with an average speed of 128.490 mph, setting a new record for the event and becoming the first driver to win the race with an average speed exceeding 128 mph.
The victory was particularly emotional for Hanks, as it marked the end of a long and frustrating quest for Indy 500 glory. The 42-year-old Californian had competed in the race 12 times before, with his best finish being a fifth place in 1953. After finally achieving his lifelong dream, Hanks announced his retirement from racing in Victory Lane, making his triumph even more poignant.
Flaherty finished a close second, just 21.4 seconds behind Hanks, while Don Freeland completed the podium in third place. The 1956 Indianapolis 500 is remembered not only for the thrilling duel between Hanks and Flaherty but also for marking the beginning of a new era in motorsports, as it was the first Indy 500 to be broadcast on national television, allowing millions of viewers to witness the excitement and drama unfold.
