Indianapolis 500 1953 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Bill Vukovich dominated the Indianapolis 500 to claim victory at the Brickyard, continuing the complete disconnect between American oval racing and European road racing. The race counted for World Championship points but featured none of the European drivers or teams, with American Indianapolis specialists competing in purpose-built roadsters bearing no resemblance to Grand Prix cars. Vukovich's victory showcased his mastery of oval racing but had little bearing on the championship battle being waged across Europe.

The Indianapolis 500's inclusion in the World Championship remained an anomaly, with no European drivers making the trip to contest the race and no American oval specialists venturing to Europe. The points earned at Indianapolis counted toward the drivers' championship but did nothing to bring the two racing worlds together. Art Cross finished second ahead of Sam Hanks and Duane Carter, who shared third place, in a race that was essentially a separate championship unto itself.

While Vukovich earned valuable championship points, the European drivers competing for the title across the Atlantic paid little attention to the Indianapolis result. The race would continue counting for championship points through 1960, but the lack of participation crossover meant it existed in a parallel universe to the rest of the Formula 1 season. For Alberto Ascari and the European teams, the Indianapolis 500 was merely a footnote in the real championship battle.