In the lead photo, Freddy Agabashian takes the Marion Chinetti Ferrari out for a test drive during the 1954 time trials. It failed to qualify. Credit: IMS Museum
From the Archives, May 2012
By Roberto Motta
1953
Ferrari was undeterred by the results of the 1952 Indy, for plans were made to compete in the 1953 Indy 500, and an initial entry for Ascari was given the number of 97. In addition, two of the 375s sold to American customers planned a comeback; Howard Keck’s car was entered as number 45, with no driver listed, and Johnny Mauro entered with his 375 and given the number 47.