Who won the second Indianapolis 500, held in 1912?

Joe Dawson won the second Indianapolis 500, held on May 30, 1912. The Indiana-born driver prevailed after Ralph DePalma dominated most of the race but suffered a mechanical failure near the finish.

DePalma led 196 of the 200 laps in his Mercedes and had built a commanding advantage. With just over two laps remaining, however, a broken connecting rod ended his challenge. Dawson inherited the lead and completed the final two laps to win for the National Motor Vehicle Company, driving a National with riding mechanic Harry Martin.

The 1912 contest was only the second Indianapolis 500, and riding mechanics were mandatory that year. Dawson’s victory was especially popular with local fans because he was an Indiana native. He had also finished fifth in the inaugural 1911 race, making his breakthrough a quick one.

The main trap is Ralph DePalma, whose near-total control of the race can make him seem like the winner. Dario Resta won in 1916, while Jules Goux won in 1913; neither won the 1912 event.