previous year and had no desire to return to the sport. After numerous conversations, Harroun agreed to drive, provided Marmon could hire the best possible relief driver (after the race Harroun would be quoted as saying "500 miles is too long a race for one man to think of driving"). When Marmon told Harroun that Patschke had offered to accept the job, Harroun reportedly replied "You can get Cy Patschke?"

During the race, Patschke relieved Harroun on lap 70 with the car in fifth place. Due to scoring confusion following an accident, and