The Olson Special was an American racing car constructor that made a single appearance in the Formula One World Championship. Entered for the 1950 Indianapolis 500 by Norm Olson, the car competed during the unique period when the famous Indianapolis classic formed part of the FIA Formula One World Drivers’ Championship.
| Nationality | American |
| Base | (None |
| Years Active | 1950 |
| First Race | 1950 Indianapolis 500 |
| Last Race | 1950 Indianapolis 500 |
| Race Entries | 1 |
| Race Starts | 1 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Pole Positions | 0 |
| Fastest Laps | 0 |
| Points | 0 |
| Constructors’ Championships | 0 |
| Drivers’ Championships | 0 |
| Best Start | 30th |
| Best Finish | 23rd |
| Did Not Start | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 0 |
| Retirements | 1 |
Origins
The Olson Special was owned and entered by American racer and team owner Norm Olson, who campaigned the car at the Indianapolis 500. Like many Indianapolis specials of the era, the car was purpose-built for oval racing rather than the European-style Grands Prix that made up the remainder of the Formula One calendar.
Power came from the legendary four-cylinder Offenhauser engine, paired with Firestone tyres, a combination that formed the backbone of many competitive Indianapolis entries during the period.
Formula One
The Olson Special made its only Formula One World Championship appearance at the 1950 Indianapolis 500, the first edition of the race to count towards the newly created FIA World Drivers’ Championship.
American driver Jackie Holmes was entrusted with driving duties, qualifying the car 30th on the starting grid with race number 77.
Holmes’ race came to an early conclusion after the Olson Special spun out and was forced to retire. He was ultimately classified 23rd, ending the constructor’s only Formula One World Championship appearance.
Olson Stats by Season
| Year | Engine | Drivers | Entries | Starts | Wins | Podiums | Poles | Fastest Laps | Front Rows | DNF | Best Start | Best Result | Points | Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Offenhauser | Jackie Holmes | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 30th | 23rd | 0 | – |
