The 38th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 31, 1954. The event was part of the 1954 AAA National Championship Trail, and was also race 2 of 9 in the 1954 World Championship of Drivers. Time trials Time trials was scheduled for four days. Saturday May 15 – Pole Day time trials Sunday May 16 – Second day time trials Saturday May 22 – Third day time trials Sunday May 23 – Fourth day time trials Starting grid = Indianapolis 500 rookie; = Former Indianapolis 500 winner Alternates First alternate: Eddie Johnson (#26) — Johnson drove relief during the race Failed to qualify Henry Banks (#26) - Retired Joe Barzda (#54) Bill Boyd (#47) Wally Campbell (#66, #81) - Failed rookie test Bob Christie (#66) George Connor (#27, #32) - Retired Ray Crawford (#32) - Entry declined Jimmy Davies (#53) Billy Devore (#93) Duke Dinsmore (#62, #67) Walt Faulkner (#44, #97) Pat Flaherty (#39, #76, #89) Johnny Fedricks (#89) George Fonder (#33, #36) Potsy Goacher (#67) Cliff Griffith (#22) Al Herman (#36) Bill Holland (#38) Frank Mundy (#41) Duke Nalon (#8) Danny Oakes (#47, #49) Eddie Russo (#37) Eddie Sachs (#54) Bob Scott (#18, #21) Joe Sostilio (#45) Marshall Teague (#3) George Tichenor (#22) Johnnie Tolan (#69) Lee Wallard (#99) - Retired Leroy Warriner (#67) - Withdrew, injured Chuck Weyant (#52) Race summary Bill Vukovich had to work much harder in this race due to his car was now 2 years old and the team had trouble getting it up to speed leading to a 19th place starting spot inside of row 7 for the race. Vukovich did not see the lead until lap 61 when he led 1 lap. He then after losing positions during pitstops worked his way forward, seeing the lead again on lap 92 leading for the next 38 laps until falling back due to another round of pitstops. Then Vukovich took the lead for good on 150 to win his second consecutive 500, setting a record (at the time) 130.840 mph average race speed. The record would stand until the 1957 Indianapolis 500. Sadly Vukovich died the following year attempting to win his third consecutive Indy 500. The race reportedly went 110 laps before the first yellow light. Box score Notes – Includes 1 point for fastest lead lap Additional stats Pole position: Jack McGrath – 4:15.26 (4