The founding of USAC.

In the major leagues of auto racing there are two types of cars: Indianapolis, or Indy-type racers, made expressly for the race course and undrivable on public roads are the sleekest; stock cars, radically modified versions of automobiles available in dealer showrooms, run at about the same speed as the Indy racers and seem closer to life to many race fans, especially in the South. The United States Auto Club (USAC), the governing body for Indy-type racers, was formed in September 1955 by the owner of the Indianapolis Speedway, Tony Hulman. The Indianapolis 500 has since 1911 been the most respected automobile race in America, and Hulman wanted to be sure it stayed that way. USAC ran a full season of racing and named a champion each year, but the crowning event of the season was the Indianapolis 500.

New Cars for a New Age.