As usual the Indianapolis 500 was included in the World Championship but none of the Europeans went to The Brickyard in 1953. Qualifying resulted in Bill Vukovich - who had nearly won in 1952 - setting the pace with Fred Agabashian and Jack McGrath completing the front row while the second row was shared by Miguel Ayulo, Andy Linden and Tony Bettenhausen. Vukovich took the lead and remained the dominant force throughout the race, winning easily. The event was marked by extreme heat which resulted in many drivers needing replacements and one actually dying as a result of his exertions.