A Bold Engineering Statement

The 1952 Indianapolis 500 featured a unique competitor that made history: the Cummins diesel-powered race car. Bearing the number 28 and sporting a vibrant red and yellow paint scheme, the vehicle was piloted by Freddie Agabashian. The car was engineered by Cummins, a diesel engine manufacturer based in Columbus, Indiana—merely 50 miles from the iconic Speedway. This project served as a testament to the vision of Clessie Cummins, the company's founder, whose connection to the Indy 500 dated back to the very first race in 1911, where he served on the pit crew for the winning team.


Technical Innovation and Design

The vehicle was designed specifically to highlight the performance capabilities of diesel technology. At its core was a 6.6-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, capable of generating 430 horsepower—an impressive figure that doubled the output of standard truck engines of the era. Notably, it was the first turbocharged engine to participate in the Indianapolis 500, incorporating aluminum components to shed unnecessary weight.


The chassis, crafted by Kurtis-Kraft, introduced a groundbreaking roadster layout. By offsetting the engine and driveshaft to the left, engineers allowed the driver to sit lower in the cockpit. This configuration, complemented by the vehicle's long, low profile, significantly reduced aerodynamic drag. As a result, this machine became the first Indy 500 entry to undergo wind tunnel testing, establishing a design standard that dominated the sport until the mid-1960s.


Performance and Historical Impact

Although the car faced challenges with low-end acceleration, it proved exceptionally fast on straightaways. Agabashian famously secured the pole position with a record-breaking qualifying speed of 138 mph. Despite a strong start, the car's race was cut short after 71 of 200 laps when its supercharger intake was blocked by track debris. The team finished 27th, earning $2,653 at the time.


Reflecting on the machine's significance, the project succeeded in its promotional goal: proving that diesel power could compete at the highest levels of motorsport. While diesel engines did not become a permanent fixture in IndyCar racing, the 1952 experiment remains a landmark moment in automotive history.


Preservation Efforts

The historic racer remains in pristine condition today following an extensive, multi-year restoration led by retired Cummins engineer Bruce Watson. The vehicle continues to make appearances at major automotive events:

  • In 2017, Bruce Watson drove the car up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
  • In 2022, legendary driver Mario Andretti piloted the car for exhibition laps during the Indy 500 pre-race ceremonies.