The 1947 Indianapolis 500, the 31st running of the race, was held on May 30th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and sanctioned by the AAA. Held one year after the event’s return from its World War II suspension, the race became best known for its controversial finish. Ted Horn would lead the field of 33 by winning the pole position with a four-lap qualifying average of 126.564 mph.
The 1947 Indianapolis 500 finish was controversial because teammates Mauri Rose and Bill Holland were running first and second when Rose passed Holland in the final laps. Holland believed he was following team instructions to hold position, thinking Rose was only unlapping himself, while Rose claimed the pass was legitimate. The incident sparked debate over team orders versus driver ambition and remains one of the most famous teammate controversies in Indy history.
Officially, the race was won by Mauri Rose, driving the Blue Crown Spark Plug Special for owner Lou Moore, at an average speed of 116.338 mph. Holland would finish second followed by Ted Horn finishing third, and Ralph Hepburn placing fourth. The race was also marred by a fatal accident involving Shorty Cantlon on lap 41 when his car struck the outside wall in turn 4.
