MovieChat Forums > Indianapolis Speedway (1939) Discussion > Vintage racing question

Vintage racing question

posted 12 years ago by tdf5g
4 replies | jump to latest

What is the knob/lever that the drivers or mechanics push and pull in the racecar during the race? What does it do?

[–] Chaparral66 12 years ago

The mechanic or driver is pumping a cylinder to pressurize the fuel tank. Some race cars of that era didn't use mechanical or electric fuel pumps. There were some cars still doing this into the late '40's/early '50's.

[–] tdf5g 12 years ago

Thanks for the answer. I was thinking that it probably had something to do with the fuel system, but I couldn't figure out why they would just pump it occasionally. If they were pumping a fuel pump, it would have to be pumped constantly.

I've seen this in several old racing movies;
Speed
The Crowd Roars (Indianapolis Speedway is remake of this film)
To Please a Lady
The Big Wheel

Thanks again.

[–] jamesbwill 8 years ago

I just watched this movie on TCM and was wondering the same thing.

[–] corriganville 8 years ago

Me too. Thanks for the answer Chaparral!