However, during these "Quiet Years" and decade of economic downturn, there were two motorsport entities that actually grew in prominence: 1) The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and 2) midget racing.

In 1930, rules officials for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race were hoping to change the rules to attract more automobile manufacturers to the race. In doing so, this also helped to reduce the costs of racing in the '500'.

The rule change coincided with the start of the Great Depression. In other words, the rule was not necessarily a change made as a result of the start of the Depression and the downturn in the economy. Thus, the rule changes were lucky because it reduced costs at the same time that the economy tightened and funds to go racing were harder to come by.

This kept car count high in the race and ensured the best race car drivers behind the wheel as the fans kept on coming year-after-year to "the race". In fact, some have argued that because other race tracks, series, and events were shutdown, the allure and stature of the Indianapolis 500 grew even more as an American tradition. It was truly a one-of-a-kind event.

As motorsports journalist John Oreovicz describes HERE, this is also a decade when many Indianapolis '500' traditions first began. Some of these 'traditions' include:
1930 - first year the green flag was used to start the race.
1931 - first time a car completes 500 mile distance without making a pit stop (more on this below).
1935 - first year of green/yellow lights along the race course to alert drivers of track conditions.
1935 - first year drivers had to wear crash helmets.
1936 - first year the Borg-Warner trophy (still used today) was awarded to the winner.
1936 - first time the winner would drink milk in victory lane.
1936 - first year for the Rookie Test (what is today called the Rookie Orientation Program).

Cummins is one of the world's leading manufacturers of diesel engines and based in Columbus, Indiana. In 1931, Cummins entered the first diesel-powered car to race in the '500'. The company used the race to showcase the fuel efficiency of their engine. Even though they didn't win the race, the Cummins and driver Dave Evans were the first to run the entire 500 mile distance without a pit stop for fuel. This is another good example of the automotive industry using motorsport to test and market their products. The Cummins website still celebrates this 1931 race.

Diesel power makes its debut at the legendary Indianapolis 500. Rather than predicting victory, Clessie Cummins states that the racecar is fuel-efficient enough to run the entire race without a single pit stop. After consuming only 31 gallons, No. 8 would finish 13th out of 33 cars. -from the Cummins webpage.
1931 Cummins No Stop
(image source: Cummins webpage)

The overall economic downturn during the Depression did lead to changes and impact the race. There was a decrease in the prize money for distributed to the '500' participants that was mirrored by a decline in attendance, even with lower ticket prices. In 1934, the "Speedway" limited the amount of fuel that could be consumed to further reduce costs.

Meanwhile, starting in 1933, midget racing was suddenly becoming one of the most popular sports in the country...