The Story of the Marmon Wasp

The Story of the Marmon Wasp The Marmon Wasp was designed and built by the Marmon Motor Car Company and was the first car to win the Indianapolis 500 in 1911. The Marmon Motor Company was recognized for crafting elegant and high-quality vehicles during the early 20th century, though they did not survive the Great Depression. However, the Marmon name continued with a new company called Marmon-Herrington and eventually was chosen for a growing conglomerate of companies, preserving its legacy, innovation and excellence.

The Marmon Wasp, named for its yellow-and-black color scheme and stinger-like tail, revolutionized racing with its innovative design and won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Driver and Engineer Ray Harroun used an ingenious 3-point strategy to secure the victory.

Marmon’s Innovative Winning 3-Point Strategy

– Single-Seater Car: Typically, races required two riders – one to drive and the other, an engineer to watch for approaching cars. To increase speed and reduce aerodynamics, Harroun decided to shed the weight of the second rider, creating the first single-seated race car.

– First Rearview Mirror: To alleviate safety concerns of a single seater race car, Harroun improvised a rear-view mirror allowing him to see approaching vehicles, believed to be the first one installed on an automobile.

– Tire Life: Marmon used a data-driven strategy and maintained an average speed of 74.6 mph, minimizing pit stops and tire changes. The Wasp only needed 4 tire changes while the second-place car needed 14!

The Marmon Car Company’s success stemmed from innovation, data-driven strategies, and a disciplined approach that secured the Wasp’s victory and cemented its place in racing history.

Today, Marmon Holdings is a $12 billion company with diverse companies that embody the same innovative spirit that helped win the first Indy 500. Webb Wheel Products, along with all Marmon businesses, remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions for our customers, continuing to honor the legacy and spirit of the Marmon Wasp!

Marmon Wasp Facts

– Driver & Engineer: Ray Harroun (#32)

– Race Date: May 30, 1911

– Field: 40 cars

– Starting Position: 28th

– Laps Led: 88 of 200

– Engine: 6-cylinder, Model 32

– 110 horsepower

– Average Speed: 74.6 MPH

– First Place Winnings: $14,250

– Biggest Wreck: Lap 13, multi-car incident

Replica & Legacy

– A replica Marmon Wasp was built by legendary car builder Corky Coker and his team at Honest Charley Speed Shop in Chattanooga, TN, with help from seven Marmon engineers.

– The build adhered to the original design and only included minimal updates.

– Marmon Holdings is now a $12 billion company, continuing to honor the legacy of innovation and excellence from the original Wasp.

– Today, the original Marmon Wasp is housed at the Motor Speedway Museum in Indianapolis, IN.