Indianapolis 500 1958 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jimmy Bryan won the Indianapolis 500 in an Epperly roadster, continuing the American oval racing tradition that remained isolated from European Grand Prix competition. The specialized Indy cars bore no resemblance to Formula 1 machinery, with their powerful Offenhauser engines and streamlined bodywork designed exclusively for sustained high speeds on the Brickyard's banked oval. George Amick finished second in another Epperly, with Johnny Boyd third.

The Indianapolis 500's continued inclusion in the World Championship highlighted the disconnect between American and European racing cultures, as the two communities operated in complete isolation despite nominally competing for the same championship. No European drivers or teams ventured to Indianapolis, while American oval specialists never competed at Monaco, Spa, or other European venues. The different technical regulations and racing philosophies meant Indianapolis existed as a parallel universe within the championship structure.

Bryan's victory earned him eight championship points despite never racing in a traditional Grand Prix, illustrating the artificial nature of Indianapolis' championship status. The awkward arrangement would persist for two more seasons before Indianapolis finally dropped from the World Championship after 1960, ending the pretense of integration between fundamentally incompatible racing traditions.