The Indianapolis 500 resumed in 1946 after its World War II hiatus. The race was not held from 1942 through 1945, making the 1946 event the first postwar running and the 30th Indianapolis 500 overall.
The Speedway had closed in late 1941 after track president Eddie Rickenbacker announced that the race would be suspended for the duration of the war. With the facility abandoned, weeds covered the grounds, the racing surface deteriorated, and parts of the wooden grandstands became unsafe. The venue needed major restoration before racing could return.
Tony Hulman purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in November 1945 and led an urgent renovation effort. The 1946 race took place on May 30, the traditional Memorial Day date, with George Robson winning. It was also the first 500 overseen by Hulman, whose ownership helped establish many of the event’s enduring modern traditions.
The nearby years are easy to confuse: 1945 was still part of the cancellation period, while 1947 was the second postwar race.