The 12-year old kid who conquered the Indy 500

This is the story that appeared in the Jun 2, 1946 Indianapolis American View newspaper.

The 12-year old Kid Who Conquered the Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS – In a quaint suburb of Indianapolis, twelve-year-old Elliott “El” Parker had an obsession: Soapbox Derby cars. But El wasn’t your average Derby enthusiast. While other kids his age were piecing together wooden frames and gravity-powered cars, El had different plans.

His fascination began with an old issue of “Engineering Wonders” he’d found in the school library. Within its pages, El discovered a blueprint for an experimental micro-engine, known for its tremendous power yet minimal size. Most considered it a theoretical exercise, but for El, it was a challenge. Secretly sourcing components from old appliances and gadgets around his house, El began the impossible task of constructing this marvel.

Months passed and as the Indianapolis 500 approached, El had not only built the engine but seamlessly integrated it into his soapbox derby car, which he affectionately named “Stealth Racer”. To the unassuming eye, it looked like a regular Derby car but hidden beneath its wooden frame was the heart of a giant.

On the day of the Indy 500, El decided it was time to test “Stealth Racer” in the big league. Slipping past security with the unassuming looks of his car, he waited for the right moment and nudged his car onto the track. As the race commenced, the deafening roar of the racing cars was suddenly complemented by a high-pitched whizz. It was the Stealth Racer!

To everyone’s shock, El didn’t just manage to keep pace with the giants of racing; he zoomed past them. His small stature and the car’s design gave him an aerodynamic advantage, and the experimental engine provided an unprecedented boost. It was a bizarre spectacle – a tiny soapbox derby car overtaking professional race cars.

Word quickly spread through the stands, with fans pulling out binoculars and cameras, trying to catch a glimpse of this racing anomaly. Commentators scrambled to narrate this unexpected twist, and competitors were flabbergasted.

In the final lap, as legendary racers battled for the lead, from the midst emerged Stealth Racer, crossing the finish line with a clear lead. The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and gasps. El had not just participated in the Indy 500; he had won it!

The victory, of course, came with controversies. While some argued about the legality of his participation, others celebrated the spirit of innovation and the audaciousness of a 12-year-old. In the days that followed, El became a sensation – not just for winning the race, but for reminding the world about the essence of racing: innovation, determination, and a bit of wild imagination.

Although El’s title was honorary due to the unconventional entry, his achievement remained legendary. The Indy 500 had seen many champions, but none as audacious as the 12-year-old with a dream and his Stealth Racer.