I am handling the authentication of an amazing find with Donald Davidson, Historian of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway today. A first edition “Gentlemen Start Your Engines” book by Wilbur Shaw that is signed by nearly every driver in the starting lineup of the 1955 Indianapolis 500, including Bill Vukovich, who later died in that race. The book was owned by a wrecker driver for Indy and includes separate, never-before-seen photos of him with Vukovich’s wrecked car post race (*not included below in order to retain the buyer’s value). Signatures from Duane Carter, Harry Harty, Frank Elliott, Bill Vukovich, Jimmy Jackson, Jimmy Reece, Sam Hanks, Art Cross, Red Byron, Andy Linden, Henry Banks, Jim Wagner, Troy Ruttman, Cal Niday, Frank Brisko, Pat Flaherty, Al Keller, Duke Dinsmore, Paul Russo, Eddie Johnson, Tony Bettenhausen, Len Duncan, Jimmy Daywalt, Bill Homeier, Eddie Sachs and others. An incredible piece of Motorsports history! I am so happy I was able to verify this book’s authenticity with the Speedway, and got it sold at a very nice price to a new owner, who will give it a wonderful home.

Photos of the book and everything else (*minus the two exclusive photos) below: