The 35th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Wednesday, May 30, 1951. The event was part of the 1951 AAA National Championship Trail, and was also race 2 of 8 in the 1951 World Championship of Drivers. For the second year in a row, no European Formula One-based teams entered the race. Duke Nalon, who had suffered serious burns in a crash in 1949, and who missed the 1950 race, made a comeback at Indy by winning the pole position in a Novi. Heavy attrition saw only eight cars running at the finish. Winner Lee Wallard's car lost its brakes, suffered a damaged exhaust pipe, and broke a shock absorber mounting. In addition to the unbearably uncomfortable ride, Wallard had worn a fire retardant outfit, created by dipping his uniform in a mixture of borax crystals and water. Due to not wearing an undershirt, Wallard suffered serious chafing, and required treatment at the infield hospital after the victory lane celebration. It was estimated he lost 15 pounds during the race. Wallard's winning car had the smallest displacement in the field. About a week after winning the race, Wallard suffered severe burns in a crash at Reading, which effectively ended his professional racing career. Three-time winner Mauri Rose, in his 15th Indy start, crashed and flipped on lap 126. It was his final 500, as he retired from driving after the crash. Time trials Time trials were scheduled for six days. Rain, however, pushed qualifying into a seventh day. Saturday May 12 – Pole Day time trials Sunday May 13 – Second day time trials Saturday May 19 – Third day time trials Sunday May 20 – Fourth day time trials Saturday May 26 – Fifth day time trials Sunday May 27 – Sixth day time trials (rained out) Monday May 28 – Seventh day time trials (rain makeup day) Box score Notes – Includes 1 point for fastest lead lap Alternates First alternate: Bob Sweikert (#37) Failed to Qualify Jean Achard (real name - Jean-Jacques Grosman) (R) (#100) - Did not appear Frank Armi (#35, #58, #64) Manny Ayulo (#31) Joe Barzda (#49) Bill Boyd (#42) Jimmy Bryan (#72) Bill Cantrell (#62, #79) Jimmy Daywalt (#33, #47) Kenny Eaton (#66) Myron Fohr (#56) George Fonder (#29, #53, #63) Potsy Goacher (#45) Jackie Holmes (#24, #45) Norm Houser (#61) Jerry Hoyt (#14) Bill Johnson (#15) Danny