• One of racing’s most respected historians, Bob Gates has been writing columns in SPEED SPORT for nearly three decades.

Those milling around the pit area on Pole Day at Indianapolis in 1958 might’ve noticed a slim, slightly-balding, unassuming man posing with Jimmy Bryan for his post-qualifying photo. Bryan qualified seventh and went on to win the 500.

That man, Joe Sostilio, was a good friend of Bryan’s and an essential part of Bryan’s epic 500 victory. Sostilio was in charge of pit-stop preparation, and in an unusual practice for that day, he coached the team in a string of seemingly endless training stops.

 

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