A riding mechanic was a mechanic that rode along with a race car during the race who was tasked with maintaining, monitoring, and repairing the car during the race. They communicated with the pits and spotted from inside the car.[1] Riding mechanics were used by most cars in the Indianapolis 500 from 1911 to 1922 and from 1930 to 1937.
Riding mechanics were also required in the classic era of Grand Prix racing.
On oval tracks, the mechanics sat to the outside of the driver, in a more precarious position close to the retaining wall.[2] Some notable riding mechanics are Harry Holcomb, Robert Bandini, and Monk Jordan. The last living Indy 500 riding mechanic Joseph F. Kennelly died in September 2011.[1]