From the minutes of the meeting of the Contest Board of the American Automobile Association held on 8 January 1929, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York City:
TITLE "GRAND PRIZE OF AMERICA" VOTED INDIANAPOLIS "500"
The position that the Indianapolis 500-mile race had always held in connection with American racing was drawn to the attention of the Board. It was the unanimous opinion of the Board that the annual 500 mile race by the Indianapolis Speedway Association be awarded the distinction of the title "Grand Prize of America." It is the custom in European countries for the governing motor club to organize each year a distance race under the title of Gran Prize of that particular country. The American Automobile Association no longer organizes races, but since the most important race in other countries is always its Grand Prize event, it was felt that it was fitting that title be conferred on the Indianapolis event.
Present:
Chairman Rickenbacker
F.A. Croslemire
W.D. Edenburn
George M. Fearons, Jr.
Thomas J. Little, Jr.
T.E. Myers
Ray W. Sherman
Ira Vail
Val Haresnape, Secretary
Absent:
David Beecroft
Chester W. Howell
D.H. Jeffries
Thomas Milton
Arthur C. Pillsbury
Douglas Shelor