For the 1955 Indy 500Ò ,
Tony Bettenhausen drove the same KK500C chassis he drove a year
earlier, this time owned by H.A. Chapman. On the first day of
qualifying, high winds deterred most drivers from making an
attempt, but Bettenhausen qualified in second position, with a
speed of 139.985. Bettenhausen made arrangements before the
race to have his friend Paul Russo, who had failed to qualify,
relieve him for a spell in mid-race. 
At the start of the race, Jack McGrath led into the first
turn, and on the third lap Bill
Vukovich passed McGrath to initiate a fierce
"trophy dash" that would last more than 100 miles.
Bettenhausen ran third for several laps before dropping back,
eventually to sixth. On Lap 57, a multi-car accident claimed
the life of leader Bill Vukovich, requiring a caution period of
nearly half an hour. During this time, Bettenhausen pitted to
have Paul Russo take over for him. On Lap 133, Paul Russo
pitted for fuel and tires, and to allow Bettenhausen to resume
the race. At 140 laps Bettenhausen was running eighth, but
through passing and attrition he moved up to challenge Pat O'Connor
for second place by Lap 179. O'Connor was forced to pit for
4-1/2 minutes, leaving Bettenhausen secure in second.
Bettenhausen took the checkered flag in second place, two laps
behind winner Bob
Sweikert. Sweikert's winning speed was 128.209 mph.
Started 2nd -- Finished 2nd
