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THE COKER MUSEUM THE WASP STILL HAS IT’S STING

F ew vehicles hold as esteemed a place in the annals of automo tive history as the 1911 Marmon Wasp. This iconic race car not only clinched victory at the inaugural Indianapolis 500 but also introduced groundbreaking innovations that have influenced motorsports for over a century. Today, thanks to the meticulous efforts of Corky Coker and his team at Honest Charley Speed Shop and Coker Tire, a faithful replica of this legendary machine stands as a testament to automotive ingenuity and passion. The original Marmon Wasp, driven by Ray Harroun, made history on May 30, 1911, by winning the first-ever Indianapolis 500. Harroun’s innovative design featured a streamlined, bright yellow body with a distinctive tail, reminiscent of a wasp, which

inspired its name. Notably, the Wasp was equipped with the first known rearview mirror, allowing Harroun to race without a riding mechanic—a standard practice at the time. This innovation not only reduced weight but also set a precedent for future race car designs. Fast forward to the 21st century, Corky Coker, a renowned figure in the automotive restoration community, embarked on a mission to recreate the Marmon Wasp. With a deep-seated passion for preserving automotive history, Coker and his team at Honest Charley Speed Shop undertook the painstaking process of building a replica that mirrors the original in every detail. This endeavor was not merely about constructing a car; it was about reviving a piece of history that had significantly shaped the world of racing.

Spring 2025