1971 Indianapolis 500

Last updated
55th Indianapolis 500
Indy500winningcar1971.JPG
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500
Sanctioning body USAC
Season 1971 USAC Trail
DateMay 29, 1971
Winner Al Unser, Sr.
Winning team Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing
Average speed157.735 mph (253.850 km/h)
Pole position Peter Revson
Pole speed178.696 mph (287.583 km/h)
Fastest qualifierPeter Revson
Rookie of the Year Denny Zimmerman
Most laps led Al Unser, Sr. (103)
Pre-race ceremonies
National anthem Purdue Band
"Back Home Again in Indiana" Peter DePaolo
Starting command Tony Hulman
Pace car Dodge Challenger
Pace car driverEldon Palmer
StarterPat Vidan [1]
Estimated attendance261,000 [2]
TV in the United States
Network ABC
Announcers Jim McKay, Jackie Stewart
Chronology
PreviousNext
1970 1972

The 55th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was a motor race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Saturday, May 29, 1971. Al Unser Sr. won for the second consecutive year, dominating most of the race. [3] [4] Unser became the fourth driver to win the Indy 500 in back-to-back years, and it was his second of a record-tying four Indy victories.

Contents

The race was marred by a crash involving the pace car at the start. Eldon Palmer, a local Indianapolis-area Dodge dealer, lost control of the Dodge Challenger pace car at the south end of the pit area, and it crashed into a photographers' stand, injuring 29 people, two seriously. [5] [6]

Peter Revson started on the pole with a record speed of 178.696 miles per hour (287.6 km/h), more than a mile per hour faster than any other qualifier, with defending Indy 500 winner and USAC National Champion Al Unser in the middle of the second row. Mark Donohue, who qualified in the middle of the front row, took the lead at the start of the race and led the first 50 laps. A mechanical issue ended his day, however, on lap 66, at which time Unser assumed the lead. He and Joe Leonard swapped the lead several times during the middle portion of the race, but Unser led for the final 83 laps, giving him a win for the second year in a row. He was the first to successfully defend his title since Bill Vukovich won in 19531954.

Unser became the first and only driver to-date to win the race on his birthday (32nd); which was also coincidentally the first time the race had ever been held on May 29, and he also became the first winner to celebrate in the new victory lane. The new winner's area, now featuring black and white checkered ramps, was moved from the south end of the pits to the "horseshoe" area immediately below the Master Control Tower, near the start/finish line.

The 1971 Indy 500 was part of the newly re-organized USAC Marlboro Championship Trail, in which dirt tracks were separated from the paved ovals and road courses. From then on, the Gold Crown championship schedule would consist solely of paved tracks (both ovals and road courses), giving the national championship a decidedly new look for the 1970s and beyond. In addition, with 500-mile races at Ontario and Pocono now on the schedule, Indy car racing formed its first "triple crown."

The city of Indianapolis celebrated its Sesquicentennial in 1971, and the occasion was reflected on the bronze and silver pit badges for the month of May. [7] During the week leading up to the race, Indianapolis was also the site of 1971 NATO International Conference of Cities. [8]

Race schedule

In the days leading up to the race, Speedway officials announced that female reporters would be allowed in the pit area and garage area for the first time.

For this race, and again in 1972, the race was scheduled for the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act had taken effect in 1971, and the Speedway moved the race off of its original traditional fixed date of May 30. Through 1970, Memorial Day was a fixed date holiday observed on May 30 regardless of the day of the week. From 1911 to 1970, the race was scheduled for May 30, regardless of the day of the week, unless May 30 fell on a Sunday. In those cases, the race would be scheduled for Monday May 31. In 1973, it was scheduled for Monday (but rain delayed it until Wednesday), and from 1974 onward, it was scheduled for the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

For 1971, the traditional Carburetion Day practice, held on Wednesday May 26, was officially open to the public for the first time. [9]

Race schedule — May, 1971
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat

 

 

 

 

 

 
1
Practice
2
Practice
3
Practice
4
Practice
5
Practice
6
Practice
7
Practice
8
Practice
9
Practice
10
Practice
11
Practice
12
Practice
13
Practice
14
Practice
15
Pole Day
16
Time Trials
17
Practice
18
Practice
19
Practice
20
Practice
21
Practice
22
Time Trials
23
Bump Day
24
 
25
 
26
Carb Day
27
 
28
Parade
29
Indy 500
30
 
31
Memorial Day

 

 

 

 

 
ColorNotes
GreenPractice
Dark BlueTime trials
SilverRace day
RedRained out*
BlankNo track activity

*Includes days where track
activity was significantly
limited due to rain

Time trials

For the first time, USAC firmed up the rules regarding pole day qualifying. As had been done in previous years, a blind draw would be held to determine the order of qualifying on pole day. However, starting in 1971, all drivers/cars in the original qualifying draw order would be allowed the opportunity to make at least one attempt in the pole round regardless if rain halted the session and pushed it off to another day. [10] Previously, if rain interrupted the qualifying line on pole day, any cars left in the original qualifying order at the time the track closed because of weather or the track closing at 6:00 p.m. were deemed to qualify on the next round.

During practice, McLaren arrived at the track with the new M16 chassis, drawing attention and some controversy due to presence of a large rear wing affixed to the engine cover. USAC rules through 1971 required that any aerodynamic devices were to be an integral part of the bodywork. [11] After inspection, officials ultimately approved the device, as McLaren argued it was part of the engine cover. The engine cover was not much more than a flat, plate-like shape that ran along the top of the engine, with the wing affixed to the rear. [12] As practice began, the McLaren entries quickly established themselves as favorites for the pole position.

Pole Day - Saturday May 15

McLaren M16 cars dominated qualifying during a record-shattering afternoon. The chassis took 1st, 2nd, and 4th starting positions, but the results were not without some surprise. Mark Donohue in the Penske-owned McLaren had broken the 180 mph barrier during practice on Thursday, establishing himself as the favorite for the pole. Donohue lucked out with an early draw on Pole Day, going out third in line. He posted a four-lap average of 177.087 mph to sit on the provisional pole. It was a new track record, but a little disappointing compared to the 180 mph lap he had two days earlier.

Later in the day, Peter Revson, driving a works McLaren, bumped Donohue from the pole with a four-lap average of 178.696 mph. [13] The pole position far out of reach for the rest of the field. Donohue reportedly suffered handling problems with his car during his run, purportedly as a result of his crew refusing to dial it in as he requested. Donohue then confided with his friend Revson, who then clandestinely borrowed Donohue's chassis set-up advice to knock him off the pole. [14] Bobby Unser in an Eagle chassis, squeezed between the three McLaren cars by qualifying third.

Second Day - Sunday May 16

Three drivers completed runs, with Bud Tingelstad (170.156 mph) the fastest of the afternoon. Mike Mosley returned after two crashes the previous day, and qualified solidly over 169 mph.

Third Day - Saturday May 22

A busy day saw the field filled to 33 cars car. The day concluded with Steve Krisiloff bumping out rookie Sam Posey.

Bump Day - Sunday May 23

Strong winds kept speeds down, and only three drivers successfully bumped their way into the field. The windy conditions led to six crashes, and hopefuls waited until the final 45 minutes before they took to the track. The session started out with Mel Kenyon bumping out Carl Williams. Bob Harkey bumped Dick Simon, and Art Pollard got back into the field by bumping Jim McElreath.

Jim Hurtubise once again tried to qualify his front-engined roadster, but on his second lap, hit the outside wall at the head of the main stretch. His first two laps would not have been fast enough to bump his way in. The day ended as Dick Simon (waved off) and Jerry Grant (waved off) made unsuccessful attempts.

After qualifying, car owner Dick Simon announced he was going to take over the machine qualified by John Mahler. By rule, the car must move to the rear of the grid (33rd) on race day.

Starting grid

RowInsideMiddleOutside
186 Flag of the United States.svg Peter Revson 66 Flag of the United States.svg Mark Donohue 2 Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Unser  W 
285 Flag of New Zealand.svg Denny Hulme 1 Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser  W 9 Flag of the United States.svg A. J. Foyt  W 
312 Flag of the United States.svg Lloyd Ruby 15 Flag of the United States.svg Joe Leonard 5 Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti  W 
442 Flag of the United States.svg Jim Malloy 32 Flag of the United States.svg Bill Vukovich II 7 Flag of the United States.svg Gordon Johncock
516 Flag of the United States.svg Gary Bettenhausen 21 Flag of the United States.svg Cale Yarborough 95 Flag of the United States.svg Bentley Warren  R 
668 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg David Hobbs  R 58 Flag of the United States.svg Bud Tingelstad 38 Flag of the United States.svg Rick Muther
74 Flag of the United States.svg Mike Mosley 84 Flag of the United States.svg Donnie Allison 80 Flag of the United States.svg George Snider
86 Flag of the United States.svg Roger McCluskey 22 Flag of the United States.svg Wally Dallenbach Sr. 18 Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Rutherford
998 Flag of the United States.svg Sammy Sessions 45 Flag of the United States.svg Larry Dickson 20 Flag of the United States.svg Steve Krisiloff  R 
1043 Flag of the United States.svg Denny Zimmerman  R 41 Flag of the United States.svg George Follmer 32 Flag of the United States.svg Mel Kenyon
1164 Flag of the United States.svg Art Pollard 99 Flag of the United States.svg Bob Harkey 44 Flag of the United States.svg Dick Simon
R Indianapolis 500 rookie
W Indianapolis 500 winner

Alternates

Failed to Qualify


Pace car crash

The repaired 1971 Dodge Challenger pace car. 1971Indianapolis500PaceCar.jpg
The repaired 1971 Dodge Challenger pace car.

For 1971, none of the Big Three auto manufacturers chose to supply a pace car for the Indianapolis 500, as the muscle car market had dried up and marketing efforts were shifted elsewhere. Four local Indianapolis-area Dodge dealers, spearheaded by Eldon Palmer, stepped up to supply the fleet of pace cars. The vehicle chosen was the Dodge Challenger 383-4V. [16] Palmer was chosen to drive the pace car at the start of the race.

In preparation for the race, Palmer or an aide supposedly set up an orange flag (sometimes reported as an orange traffic cone) in the pit lane to provide himself with a braking reference point. However, there has been some dispute regarding the existence of the marker at all. [17] One account claimed it had not been there for several days. [18] During the parade and pace lap, Tony Hulman, ABC broadcaster Chris Schenkel, and John Glenn served as passengers in the car. Palmer practiced the run the day before the race.

As the field came down the main stretch for the start, Palmer pulled into the pits and accelerated down the pit lane. Palmer continued to accelerate, under the impression that he was required to cross the start/finish line in the pit area prior to, or at the same time, as the race cars doing so out on the track. [18] His reference flag (or cone) had been removed and he missed his planned braking spot. Moving upwards of perhaps 125 miles per hour (201 km/h), Palmer realized he was going too fast, and rather than perilously veering back on to the racing surface, he braked heavily and lost control. Palmer had refused to blame the car, stating afterwards that "the equipment was good, disc brakes. I just didn't have enough track to stop." [19] However, testimony during a 1974 civil trial stated that the pace car was supposed to be ordered with power disc brakes, but was built and delivered to the track with only manual drum brakes. [18] [20] Furthermore, Palmer's attorney added that a security guard running out of the way effectively blocked the exit to the pits. [18]

The car swerved and skidded to the end of the pit lane, and crashed into a photographers' stand. [21] The stand toppled and collapsed, injuring 29 people, but no one was killed. Dr. Vicente Alvarez, a freelance photographer from Argentina, was one of two on the stand who were seriously injured. Alvarez survived, and died in the late 1990s. [22] Tony Hulman suffered a sprained ankle, and a shaken Schenkel sat out the remainder of the ABC broadcast.

Palmer maintained possession of the car, and eventually it was repaired and restored. Ultimately, Palmer himself was largely exonerated. [23] Indiana businessman Steven Cage purchased the vehicle in 2006, and it currently is displayed at his RPM Collection in Fishers, Indiana. [24] Reactions of the accident were very critical afterwards, and for the next several years, the pace car drivers selected were either former Indy drivers or people with racing experience.

Race details

First half

Despite the pace car crash near the exit of the pits, the green light came on, and the race continued underway. Mark Donohue grabbed the lead from the middle of the front row.

On lap 12, Steve Krisiloff blew an engine, spilling oil in turn three. Mel Kenyon slid in the oil making contact with the turn three wall. Gordon Johncock and Mario Andretti continued to race each other through three yellow lights. When they arrived at turn three, track workers were on the scene beside the Kenyon machine. Having not heeded the yellow lights, both Johncock and Andretti slid in the oil with Johncock crashing into the Kenyon car, running over the top of it and destroying both cars. Kenyon, fortunately, had seen Johncock coming and dropped back down into the cockpit of his race car. Johncock's car left a tire mark on the top of Kenyon's helmet. The only injury received by Kenyon was a small cut on his shin from the dash board being pushed down onto his legs. [25] All four cars were out of the race, and the yellow light was on for 19 minutes to clean up the accident.

Donohue led the first 50 laps, then the lead traded hands during pit stops between Joe Leonard, Bobby Unser, as well as Al Unser. After leading a total of 52 laps, Mark Donohue dropped out on lap 66 with broken gears. He came to a stop in turn four, and parked the car in the infield, just north of the entrance to the pits.

Lloyd Ruby led at the halfway point.

Second half

On lap 111, David Hobbs blew an engine on the main stretch. Rick Muther spun in the oil, his car veered to the inside wall, then bounced across the track, hitting Hobbs, and lifting up on two wheels. Hobbs' car was pushed head-on into the wall, but he was not seriously injured. Both cars slid down the main stretch, and came to a rest just beyond the start/finish line. The track was blocked except for a narrow portion on the inside where other cars were able to skirt by. The incident happened right in front of Al Unser, who was the leading the race at the moment. The yellow light came on for 12 minutes to clean up the crash.

After a series of pit stops by the leaders under the yellow, the green eventually came back out with Al Unser leading.

With less than 40 laps to go, Al Unser continued to lead, with Peter Revson second, Bobby Unser third, and A. J. Foyt fourth.

On lap 167, Mike Mosley lost a wheel in turn 4. He smacked the outside wall in turn four hard, then bounced across the track and hit the inside wall. Leader Al Unser was ahead of the crash, and second place Peter Revson just slipped by. Third place Bobby Unser spun to avoid Mosley, and hit the outside wall. Mosley's car then crashed into the parked cars of Mark Donohue and Steve Krisiloff, that were sitting near the entrance to the pits. A fire broke out, at which time 8th running [26] Gary Bettenhausen stopped his car, and ran to the scene to help. Fire crews quickly doused the flames, and Mosley suffered a broken leg. Bill Vukovich II also spun to avoid the crash, but he was able to continue. The yellow remained on for 22 minutes to clean up the crash.

The green light came back on with less than 20 laps to go. Al Unser held a comfortable lead, and won his second 500 in a row. Despite four yellows for 53 minutes (about 48 laps), the average speed of 157.735 mph was a new record at the time. Bettenhausen, who finished 10th, was given a cheer at the finish for stopping to help Mosley and Unser on lap 164. [27]

Box score

FinishStartNoNameChassisEngineTiresQualLapsStatus
151 Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser  W  Colt Ford F 174.621200157.735 mph
2186 Flag of the United States.svg Peter Revson McLaren Offenhauser G 178.695200+22.91
369 Flag of the United States.svg A. J. Foyt  W  Coyote Ford G 174.317200+2:01.82
41042 Flag of the United States.svg Jim Malloy Eagle Offenhauser G 171.838200+3:53.14
51132 Flag of the United States.svg Bill Vukovich II Brabham Offenhauser F 171.674200+3:54.19
62084 Flag of the United States.svg Donnie Allison Coyote Ford G 171.903199Flagged (-1 lap)
71758 Flag of the United States.svg Bud Tingelstad Brabham Offenhauser F 170.156198Flagged (-2 laps)
82843 Flag of the United States.svg Denny Zimmerman  R Vollstedt Offenhauser F 169.755189Flagged (-11 laps)
9226 Flag of the United States.svg Roger McCluskey Kuzma Ford G 171.241188Flagged (-12 laps)
101316 Flag of the United States.svg Gary Bettenhausen Gerhardt Offenhauser G 171.233178Flagged (-22 laps)
11712 Flag of the United States.svg Lloyd Ruby Mongoose Ford F 173.821174Gears
1232 Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Unser  W  Eagle Offenhauser G 175.816164Crash T4
13194 Flag of the United States.svg Mike Mosley Eagle Watson Ford F 169.579159Crash T4
143344 Flag of the United States.svg Dick Simon Vollstedt Ford F 170.165151Flagged (-23 laps)
152941 Flag of the United States.svg George Follmer Kingfish Offenhauser F 169.205147Piston
161421 Flag of the United States.svg Cale Yarborough Mongoose Ford F 170.770140Cam Cover
17485 Flag of New Zealand.svg Denis Hulme McLaren Offenhauser G 174.910137Valve
182418 Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Rutherford Eagle Offenhauser G 171.152128Flagged (-46 laps)
19815 Flag of the United States.svg Joe Leonard Colt Ford F 172.761123Turbocharger
201668 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg David Hobbs  R  Lola Ford G 169.571107Crash FS
211838 Flag of the United States.svg Rick Muther Brawner Offenhauser F 169.97285Crash FS
223299 Flag of the United States.svg Bob Harkey Gerhardt Offenhauser F 169.19777Gears
231595 Flag of the United States.svg Bentley Warren  R  Eagle Offenhauser F 169.62776Gears
242322 Flag of the United States.svg Wally Dallenbach Sr. Kuzma Offenhauser G 171.15969Valve
25266 Flag of the United States.svg Mark Donohue McLaren Offenhauser G 177.08766Gears
263164 Flag of the United States.svg Art Pollard Scorpion Ford G 169.49945Valve
272598 Flag of the United States.svg Sammy Sessions Lola Ford F 170.35743Valve
282645 Flag of the United States.svg Larry Dickson Kingfish Offenhauser F 170.28533Engine
29127 Flag of the United States.svg Gordon Johncock McLaren Offenhauser G 171.38811Crash T3
3095 Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti  W McNamara Ford F 172.61211Crash T3
312720 Flag of the United States.svg Steve Krisiloff  R McNamara Ford F 169.83510Oil Leak
323023 Flag of the United States.svg Mel Kenyon Kuzma Ford G 170.20510Crash T3
332180 Flag of the United States.svg George Snider Eagle Offenhauser F 171.6006Stalled

 W  Former Indianapolis 500 winner

 R  Indianapolis 500 Rookie

Race statistics

Tire participation chart [28] [29]
SupplierNo. of starters
Goodyear 15 
Firestone 18*
* - Denotes race winner

Qualifying chronology

Att
#
TimeCar
#
DriverLapsQual
Time
Qual
Speed
RankStartComment
Saturday, May 15, 1971
1 4 Mike Mosley 0accident
2 9 A. J. Foyt 43:26.52174.31766 
3 66 Mark Donohue 43:23.29177.08722 
4 32 Billy Vukovich II 43:29.70171.6741211 
5 10 Dick Simon 43:33.14168.903Bumped by #99
6 14 Jim McElreath 3Waved off
7 16 Gary Bettenhausen 43:30.24171.2331613 
8 68 David Hobbs 43:32.30169.5713016 
9 1 Al Unser 43:26.16174.62255 
10 7 Gordon Johncock 43:30.05171.3881412 
11 42 Jim Malloy 43:29.50171.8381110 
12 86 Peter Revson 43:21.46178.69611 
13 77 Carl Williams 1Waved off
14 8 Art Pollard 3Waved off
15 18 Johnny Rutherford 0Blown engine
16 15 Joe Leonard 43:28.38172.76188 
17 2 Bobby Unser 43:24.76175.81633 
18 83 Donnie Allison 1Waved off
19 28 Bill Simpson 43:33.94168.271Bumped by #45
20 12 Lloyd Ruby 43:27.11173.82177 
21 5 Mario Andretti 43:28.56172.61299 
22 85 Denis Hulme 0Pulled off
23 45 Larry Dickson 3Accident
24 14Jim McElreath3Waved off
25 83Donnie Allison43:34.12168.130Withdrawn 5/22
26 85Denis Hulme43:25.82174.91044 
27 92 Jerry Grant 43:33.66168.492Bumped by #78
28 21 Cale Yarborough 43:30.81170.7701914 
29 14Jim McElreath43:34.52167.817Bumped by #6; Reinstated by #83; Bumped by #84
30 38 Rick Muther 3Blown engine
31 77 Carl Williams 43:33.29168.784Bumped by #23
32 8Art Pollard43:33.82168.366Bumped by #46
33 95 Bentley Warren 43:32.23169.6272815 
Sunday May 16, 1971
34 4Mike Mosley03:32.29169.5792919 
35 38Rick Muther03:31.80169.9722518 
36 58 Bud Tingelstad 03:31.57170.1562417 
Saturday May 22, 1971
37 80 George Snider 43:29.79171.6001321 
38 43 Denny Zimmerman 43:32.07169.7552728 
39 44John Mahler3 
40 98 Sam Sessions 43:31.32170.3582025 
41 22 Wally Dallenbach 43:30.33171.1601723 
42 94 Bruce Walkup 2Waved off
43 45Larry Dickson3Waved off
44 41 George Follmer 43:32.76169.2053229 
45 44John Mahler43:31.56170.1642333Replaced by Dick Simon
46 18Johnny Rutherford43:30.34171.1511824 
47 6 Roger McCluskey 2Out of fuel
48 6Roger McCluskey43:30.23171.2411522Bumps #14
49 20 Steve Krisiloff 0Pulled off
50 84Donnie Allison43:29.42171.9031020Bumps #14
51 45Larry Dickson43:31.41170.2852126Bumps #28
52 46Jim McElreath43:32.81169.165Bumps #8; Bumped by #64
53 94Bruce Walkup1Pulled off
54 78 Sam Posey 43:33.30168.776Bumps #92; Bumped by #20
55 20Steve Krisiloff43:31.97169.8352627Bumps #78
Sunday May 23, 1971
56 23 Mel Kenyon 43:31.51170.2052230Bumps #77
57 99 Bob Harkey 43:32.77169.1973332Bumps #10
58 17Jerry Grant1Waved off
59 64Art Pollard43:32.39169.5003131Bumps #46
60 56 Jim Hurtubise 2Accident
61 33Dick Simon1Waved off
62 17Jerry Grant1Waved off

Broadcasting

Radio

The race was carried live on the IMS Radio Network. It was carried on over 1,200 affiliates, including shortwave transmission to Europe, Asia, and Vietnam. The broadcast reached an estimated 100 million listeners worldwide. Sid Collins served as chief announcer and Len Sutton served as "driver expert." At the conclusion of the race, Lou Palmer reported from victory lane.

The entire on-air crew remained mostly consistent from 1966 to 1970. Bob Forbes was assigned as "wireless" microphone, covering the garages and roving reports. The pre-race coverage was 30 minutes long. In a departure from previous years, Sid Collins decided to eliminate booth interviews with celebrities during the race. The only exception was an interview with Hugh Downs, but that was during the post-race coverage. In addition, Luke Walton interviewed Evel Knievel in the pit area during the early stages of the race. Knievel was making his first visit to the 500, as a guest of the A. J. Foyt team.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network
Booth AnnouncersTurn Reporters Pit/garage reporters

Chief Announcer: Sid Collins
Driver expert: Len Sutton
Statistician: John DeCamp
Historian: Donald Davidson

Turn 1: Mike Ahern
Turn 2: Howdy Bell
Backstretch: Doug Zink
Turn 3: Ron Carrell
Turn 4: Jim Shelton

Chuck Marlowe (north)
Luke Walton (center)
Lou Palmer (south)
Bob Forbes (wireless)

Television

For the first time, the race was carried in the United States the same day the race was held, on ABC Sports on a same-day tape delay basis. The race was held in the afternoon, and the broadcast aired in prime time later in the day.

The broadcast totaled two hours, and came on-air at 8:30 p.m. (eastern). Among the notable appearances, was David Letterman, at the time employed by then-ABC Indianapolis affiliate WLWI, who served as a roving turn reporter. Letterman interviewed Mario Andretti after he dropped out of the race.

Chris Schenkel began what would be a decade-long tenure as host, while Jim McKay anchored the broadcast as play-by-play announcer. But Schenkel's day as host was short. Riding in (and broadcasting from) the pace car at the start of the race, he was slightly injured when the pace car crashed after coming into the pits at the start of the race.

The broadcast was re-aired numerous times on ESPN Classic from February 2002 until the network's shutdown at the end of 2021.

ABC Television
Booth Announcers Pit/garage reporters

Host: Chris Schenkel
Announcer: Jim McKay
Color: Jackie Stewart

Chris Economaki
Bill Flemming
Keith Jackson
David Letterman (turns)

Notes

See also

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The 61st 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 29, 1977. Considered one of the most historically significant editions of the Indianapolis 500, several sidebar stories complemented the unprecedented accomplishment of race winner A. J. Foyt. Foyt became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. As of 2024, Foyt's record has been tied by Al Unser Sr., Rick Mears and Hélio Castroneves, but still stands as an Indy 500 record. Foyt's victory is also the last time the winning car was built entirely within the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1978 Indianapolis 500</span> 62nd running of the Indianapolis 500

The 62nd 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 28, 1978. Danny Ongais dominated the early stages of the race but eventually dropped out with a blown engine. Al Unser Sr. dominated the second half, and held a large lead late in the race. However, Unser bent the front wing of his Lola during a pit stop on lap 180, causing his handling to go away over the final twenty laps. Second place Tom Sneva charged to catch Unser's crippled Lola but came up 8 seconds short at the finish line – the second-closest finish in Indy history to that point. Unser held off the challenge, and became a three-time winner of the 500. It was Al Unser's third Indy victory in the decade of the 1970s, and the fifth of nine overall victories by the Unser family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1979 Indianapolis 500</span> 63rd running of the Indianapolis 500

The 63rd 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Sunday May 27, 1979. Second-year driver Rick Mears took the lead for the final time with 18 laps to go, and won his first of four Indianapolis 500 races. It was also Mears' first of a record six Indy 500 pole positions. Brothers Al and Bobby Unser combined to lead 174 of the 200 laps, but Al dropped out around the midpoint, and Bobby slipped to 5th place at the finish nursing mechanical issues. It was also Roger Penske's second Indy 500 victory as a car owner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1980 Indianapolis 500</span> 64th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 64th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 25, 1980. Johnny Rutherford won the pole position, led 118 laps, and won the race by a commanding 29.92 second margin. After failing to finish the race the year before, Jim Hall's radical new Chaparral 2K ground effects chassis was a heavy favorite entering the month, and drove a flawless race. Rutherford, the winner in 1974 and 1976, became the sixth driver to win the Indy 500 three times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1982 Indianapolis 500</span> 66th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 66th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 30, 1982. Gordon Johncock, who had previously won the rain-shortened 1973 race, was the winner. Polesitter Rick Mears finished second by a margin of 0.16 seconds, the closest finish in Indy 500 history to that point.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1987 Indianapolis 500</span> 71st running of the Indianapolis 500

The 71st Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Sunday May 24, 1987. After dominating practice, qualifying, and most of the race, leader Mario Andretti slowed with mechanical problems with only 23 laps to go. Five laps later, Al Unser Sr. assumed the lead, and won his record-tying fourth Indianapolis 500 victory. At age 47, just days short of his 48th birthday, Unser became the oldest winner of the Indy 500, a record that still stands as of 2024. During the month of May, an unusually high 25 crashes occurred during practice and qualifying, with one driver in particular, Jim Crawford, suffering serious leg injuries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 Indianapolis 500</span> 68th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 68th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday May 27, 1984. Rick Mears, who previously won in 1979, won his second Indy 500 victories driving for Penske. Contenders Tom Sneva and Mario Andretti dropped out of the race in the second half, leaving Mears alone two laps ahead of the field, and he cruised to the victory. Three months after the race, however, Mears would suffer severe leg injuries in a practice crash at Sanair.

The 1979 SCCA/CART Indy Car Series was the inaugural Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) American open wheel racing championship series. The season consisted of 14 races. Rick Mears was the national champion, and the rookie of the year was Bill Alsup. The 1979 Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but counted towards the CART points championship. Rick Mears won the Indy 500, his first of four victories in the event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pocono 500 (IndyCar)</span> IndyCar race at Pocono

The Pocono 500 was an IndyCar Series race held at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, located in the Pocono Mountains. The first Indy car race at Pocono was held in 1971. It was the first major event held at the track, shortly after its completion. The race was sanctioned by USAC from 1971 to 1981, and then by CART from 1982 to 1989, and was known as the Pocono 500. The race was removed from the CART calendar following the 1989 running, due to poor track conditions, as well as poor revenue for the promoter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1971 Pocono 500</span> Motor car race

The 1971 Pocono 500, the inaugural running of the event, was held at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 3, 1971. Branded as the 1971 Schaefer 500 for sponsorship reasons, the race is notable as the first IndyCar win for Team Penske and the first for driver Mark Donohue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1972 Pocono 500</span> Motor car race

The 1972 Pocono 500, the 2nd running of the event, was held at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 29, 1972. Branded as the 1972 Schaefer 500 for sponsorship reasons, the race was won by Joe Leonard. The race is notable for its impact by Hurricane Agnes and the confrontation between the track and USAC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1973 Pocono 500</span> Motor car race

The 1973 Pocono 500, the 3rd running of the event, was held at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, July 1, 1973. Branded as the 1973 Schaefer 500 for sponsorship reasons, the race was won by A. J. Foyt who passed Roger McCluskey on the last lap.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1971 California 500</span> Motor car race

The 1971 California 500, the second running of the event, was held at the Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California, on Sunday, September 5, 1971. The event was race number 10 of 12 in the 1971 USAC Championship Car season. The race was won by Joe Leonard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1972 California 500</span> Motor car race

The 1972 California 500, the third running of the event, was held at the Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California, on Sunday, September 3, 1972. The event was race number 8 of 10 in the 1972 USAC Championship Car season. The race was won by Roger McCluskey, his first 500-mile Indy Car victory. In qualifying, Jerry Grant became the first IndyCar driver to ever break to 200 mile per hour barrier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1973 California 500</span> Motor car race

The 1973 California 500, the fourth running of the event, was held at the Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California, on Sunday, September 2, 1973. The event was race number 11 of 16 in the 1973 USAC Championship Car season. The race was won by Wally Dallenbach Sr., his only 500-mile Indy Car victory.

References

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  2. Marquette, Ray (May 30, 1971). "Defending Champion Garners Biggest Birthday Gift-$$$". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved June 2, 2017 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  3. "Unser triumphs again". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. May 30, 1971. p. 1B.
  4. Woolford, Dave (May 30, 1971). "Al Unser captures second 500 in a row". Toledo Blade. p. B1.
  5. "Pace car accident mars Indy race; Al Unser first". The Bulletin. (Bend, Oregon). UPI. May 29, 1971. p. 1.
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  19. George, Vecsey (1971-05-30). "Crash at Start: 20 Injured". The New York Times. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
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  25. Mel Kenyon
  26. Barnet, Bob (May 30, 1971). "For the Unsers - Victory and Survival". The Star Press. p. 1C. Retrieved 2017-07-11 via Newspapers.com.
  27. UPI (May 30, 1971). "He Deserves a Cheer - And Crowd Gave It!". The Star Press. p. C1. Retrieved 2017-07-11 via Newspapers.com.
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Works cited

1970 Indianapolis 500
Al Unser
1971 Indianapolis 500
Al Unser
1972 Indianapolis 500
Mark Donohue
Preceded by
156.867 mph
(1969 Indianapolis 500)
Record for the fastest average speed
157.735 mph
Succeeded by