1984 Indianapolis 500

Last updated
68th Indianapolis 500
Indy500winningcar1984.JPG
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500
Sanctioning body USAC
Season 1984 CART season
1983-84 Gold Crown
DateMay 27, 1984
Winner Flag of the United States.svg Rick Mears
Winning team Penske Racing
Average speed163.612 mph (263.308 km/h)
Pole position Flag of the United States.svg Tom Sneva
Pole speed210.029 mph (338.009 km/h)
Fastest qualifier Flag of the United States.svg Tom Sneva
Rookie of the Year Flag of Colombia.svg Roberto Guerrero & Flag of the United States.svg Michael Andretti
Most laps led Flag of the United States.svg Rick Mears(119)
Pre-race ceremonies
National anthem Purdue Band
"Back Home Again in Indiana" Jim Nabors
Starting command Mary F. Hulman
Pace car Pontiac Fiero
Pace car driverJohn Callies (Pontiac)
StarterDuane Sweeney [1]
Estimated attendance400,000 [2]
TV in the United States
Network ABC
Announcers Host: Jackie Stewart
Lap-by-lap: Jim McKay
Color Analyst: Sam Posey
Nielsen ratings 12.9 / 25
Chronology
PreviousNext
1983 1985

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 (of four) 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. Mears set a new speed record for 500 miles (163.612 mph), breaking Mark Donohue's 1972 record. It is also tied for the largest margin of victory (two laps) since the "pack-up" rule was adopted in 1979. Three months after the race, however, Mears would suffer severe leg injuries in a practice crash at Sanair.

Contents

Three rookies finished in the top five: Roberto Guerrero (2nd), Al Holbert (4th), and Michael Andretti (5th). Guerrero and Andretti shared the rookie of the year award. The race is well-remembered for the terrible crash of sportswriter-turned-racer, Pat Bedard, who tumbled through the infield in turn 4 on lap 58. Another rookie, two-time World Champion and future two-time Indy winner Emerson Fittipaldi made a quiet debut.

The race was sanctioned by USAC, and was included as part of the 1984 CART PPG Indy Car World Series. The 1984 race has the distinction of having the record for most entries (117), and the most cars to actually be seen in the garage (87). Defending race winner Tom Sneva, who broke the 200 mph barrier during time trials in 1977, headlined qualifying on pole day. Sneva made history once again, as he became the first driver to break the 210 mph barrier, en route to his third pole position. This Indy 500 was the last for 33 years that an active Formula One driver, Teo Fabi, featured in the field, with double World Champion Fernando Alonso making his 500 debut in 2017. [3]

Race schedule

Race schedule — April/May 1984
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
22
 
23
 
24
 
25
 
26
 
27
ROP
28
ROP
29
ROP
30
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
Practice
6
Practice
7
Practice
8
Practice
9
Practice
10
Practice
11
Practice
12
Pole Day
13
Time Trials
14
Practice
15
Practice
16
Practice
17
Practice
18
Practice
19
Time Trials
20
Bump Day
21
 
22
 
23
 
24
Carb Day
25
Mini-Marathon
26
Parade
27
Indy 500
28
Memorial Day
29
 
30
 
31
 
  
ColorNotes
GreenPractice
Dark BlueTime trials
SilverRace day
RedRained out*
BlankNo track activity

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

ROP — denotes Rookie
Orientation Program

Time trials

Tom Sneva's garage in Gasoline Alley. GASOLINEALLEY1984.jpg
Tom Sneva's garage in Gasoline Alley.

Pole Day – Saturday May 12

Pole Day was a historic day as Tom Sneva broke the track record with the first lap over 210 mph at Indy. Sneva was also the first driver to break the 200 mph barrier, which he accomplished during time trials in 1977. Nonetheless, going into Pole Day, Mario Andretti was actually the favorite for the pole position, after he ran a practice lap of 212 mph.

Rick Mears was the first driver in the field, completing his run with a track record of 207.847 mph. Rookie Michael Andretti was the next car out (207.805 mph), running surprisingly close to Mears. At 12:45 pm, Mario Andretti took to the track, with high expectations. His first lap was completed at 209.687 mph, a new one-lap track record. His second and third laps dropped off, however. As he came out of turn four on the fourth and final lap, his car quit. He coasted across the finish line powerless to complete the run, but the average speed sank to 207.467 mph. It would be good enough for row 2, but a disappointment compared to his practice speeds earlier in the week.

Shortly before 2 p.m., Tom Sneva took to the track, and electrified the crowd. His third lap was run at 210.423 mph, a new track record, and the first qualifying lap ever at Indy over 210 mph. His fourth lap (210.689) mph was the fastest. His four-lap speed of 210.029 mph was a record, and secured him the pole position. It was Sneva's third Indy pole, and fourth time overall as the fastest qualifier.

Later in the day, Howdy Holmes squeezed onto the front row with a run of 207.977 mph. It put him in second starting position, and bumped Rick Mears to the outside of the front row. Rookie Michael Andretti out-qualified his father, and would line up in 4th position (Mario qualified 6th).

A total of 28 cars qualified on pole day.

Second Day – Sunday May 13

Rain kept the track closed until nearly 1 p.m. Only three cars made attempts all afternoon, but none of them were run to completion. Johnny Rutherford went out for his second attempt in a Foyt entry, but never completed a lap due to mechanical problems.

During a practice run, John Paul Jr. wrecked in turn four, suffering leg injuries.

Third Day – Saturday May 19

The day began with five spots remaining unfilled on the grid. With rain in the forecast for Sunday, several teams scrambled to get their cars prepared to qualify on this day. Bill Alsup was the first driver to make an attempt, but his crew waved off.

George Snider was the first driver to complete his run, putting in a safe run of 201.860 mph in a Foyt backup car. Later, Steve Chassey wrecked on the first lap of his qualifying attempt. He would sit out the rest of the month with a concussion.

At 1 p.m. the field was filled to 33 cars. Chris Kneifel (199.831 mph) was on the bubble. Among the drivers still not in the field was three-time winner Johnny Rutherford. He was struggling to get his car up to speed, and exhausted his three allotted attempts in a Foyt Chevy V-6. The team bought a back-up car from Galles, and Rutherford immediately began shaking the car down. Rutherford was in danger of missing the race for the second year in a row. In 1983, he was sidelined with a broken foot and broken ankle from a practice crash.

At 5:50 p.m., with only ten minutes left before the 6 o'clock gun, Johnny Rutherford took to the track for one last attempt to qualify. His first lap was an impressive 203.156 mph, but the car began smoking throughout. Rutherford decided to ride it out, and he was not black-flagged. His speed dropped over the final three laps, but his four-lap average of 202.062 mph was fast enough to bump his way into the field.

Spike Gehlhausen (200.478 mph) was now on the bubble. Gary Bettenhausen made a last-ditch effort to bump him out, but he waved off after only two laps.

Bump Day – Sunday May 20

As predicted, rain washed out the final day of time trials. Since the field had been filled to 33 cars a day earlier, the field was set, and there would be no further qualifying.

Carburetion Day

The final practice was held Thursday May 24. All of the eligible cars took laps except for Johnny Rutherford. Rick Mears (208.719 mph) was the fastest driver of the day. No incidents were reported.

Jacques Villeneuve, who suffered a crash during practice, withdrew from the starting field after being ruled medically unfit to drive. [4] The first alternate, Chris Kneifel was re-instated to the field to fill the vacancy. [5] Kneifel became the last driver to start the Indianapolis 500 with a qualifying speed under 200 mph, and the first alternate starter since 1929.

Pit Stop Contest

The eliminations rounds for the 8th annual Miller Pit Stop Contest were held on Thursday May 24. The top four race qualifiers and their respective pit crews were automatically eligible: Tom Sneva, Howdy Holmes, Rick Mears, and Michael Andretti. Four additional spots would be available, for a total of eight participants. Qualifying heats were scheduled for Thursday May 17 in order to fill the four at-large berths.

On May 17, seven teams took part in qualifying heats. The results were as follows: Al Holbert (14.250 seconds), Dick Simon (15.469 seconds), Teo Fabi (16.832 seconds), and Tom Gloy (19.423 seconds). Mario Andretti posted a time of 13.306 seconds, but was penalized 10 seconds for running over an air hose. Al Unser Jr. and Geoff Brabham also failed to advance. [6]

The eliminations would consist of two rounds. The preliminary round would feature two teams at a time, racing head-to-head against the clock. The two fastest teams overall - regardless of the individual head-to-head results - would advance to the final round. The preliminary pairings were as follows: Sneva vs. Gloy, Holmes vs. Fabi, Mears vs. Simon, and Andretti vs. Holbert.

Rick Mears was issued a 3-second penalty for a loose nut, which dropped him from 2nd to 5th. Tom Gloy was disqualified for stalling his engine and crossing the finish line not under power. Andretti and Holmes registered the two fastest times during the preliminary round, and both advanced to the final round. Andretti and his KRACO Racing team won the finals, the first rookie driver to win the event. [7]

Preliminary Round
RankCar
No.
DriverTeamTime
(seconds)
199 Michael Andretti KRACO Racing 12.318
241 Howdy Holmes Mayer Motor Racing 13.093
333 Teo Fabi Forsythe Racing 13.786
422 Dick Simon Dick Simon Racing 14.296
56 Rick Mears
Penske Racing 15.737
61 Tom Sneva Mayer Motor Racing 16.714
777 Tom Gloy Galles Racing No time
821 Al Holbert Alex Morales Motorsports Withdrew
Finals
   
99 Michael Andretti
(KRACO Racing)
18.520
41 Howdy Holmes
(Mayer Motor Racing)
18.948

Starting grid

RowInsideMiddleOutside
1 Flag of the United States.svg 1 - Tom Sneva  W  Flag of the United States.svg 41 - Howdy Holmes Flag of the United States.svg 6 - Rick Mears  W 
2 Flag of the United States.svg 99 - Michael Andretti  R  Flag of the United States.svg 20 - Gordon Johncock  W  Flag of the United States.svg 3 - Mario Andretti  W 
3 Flag of Colombia.svg 9 - Roberto Guerrero  R  Flag of Australia (converted).svg 18 - Geoff Brabham Flag of the United States.svg 28 - Herm Johnson
4 Flag of the United States.svg 2 - Al Unser  W  Flag of the United States.svg 25 - Danny Ongais Flag of the United States.svg 14 - A. J. Foyt  W 
5 Flag of the United States.svg 77 - Tom Gloy  R  Flag of Italy.svg 33 - Teo Fabi Flag of the United States.svg 7 - Al Unser Jr.
6 Flag of the United States.svg 21 - Al Holbert  R  Flag of the United States.svg 16 - Tony Bettenhausen Jr. Flag of the United States.svg 5 - Bobby Rahal
7 Flag of the United States.svg 35 - Patrick Bedard Flag of the United States.svg 22 - Dick Simon Flag of the United States.svg 10 - Pancho Carter
8 Flag of the United States.svg 40 - Chip Ganassi Flag of Brazil.svg 47 - Emerson Fittipaldi  R  Flag of Mexico.svg 55 - Josele Garza
9 Flag of the United States.svg 57 - Spike Gehlhausen Flag of the United States.svg 37 - Scott Brayton Flag of the United States.svg 98 - Kevin Cogan
10 Flag of the United States.svg 30 - Danny Sullivan Flag of Ireland.svg 61 - Derek Daly Flag of the United States.svg 84 - Johnny Rutherford  W 
11 Flag of the United States.svg 4 - George Snider Flag of Australia (converted).svg 50 - Dennis Firestone Flag of the United States.svg 73 - Chris Kneifel

Qualified cars withdrawn

Alternates

Failed to qualify

Race summary

Start

Race day dawned cool and clear, with temperatures in the 60s. Rain was forecast for later in the afternoon, but was not expected to affect the race. Mary F. Hulman gave the command to start engines just before 11 a.m., and all cars pulled away for the pace laps.

At the start, Rick Mears got the jump and swept across the track to take the lead in turn one. Pole sitter Tom Sneva settled into second, and rookie Michael Andretti went from the inside of row 2 to take third. Mears led the first lap at a speed of 195.610 mph, a new Indy record for the opening lap. [8] Geoff Brabham ducked into the pits after one lap, dropping out with a bad fuel line.

A few laps later, Michael Andretti passed Tom Sneva to take second place. Gordon Johncock also went to the pits for an unscheduled pit stop.

First half

DataSpeed Timing and Scoring System Indy500dataspeedsystem.JPG
DataSpeed Timing and Scoring System

The first 100 miles were run clean, with no incidents. Tom Sneva led Al Unser Jr., Rick Mears, Mario and Michael Andretti.

After 37 laps, race rookie and future two-time winner Emerson Fittipaldi dropped out due to low oil pressure. The two-time Formula One World Champion had a relatively quiet month of May, acclimating himself gradually to the Indy car circuit. It was a largely unnoticed effort in the underfunded W.I.T. Promotions entry, a pink-painted car. On lap 45, Spike Gehlhausen spun in turn 1, and came to a rest in turn 2 without contact.

Rick Mears took the lead for the second time on lap 54. On lap 58, Patrick Bedard suffered a terrible crash in turn four. The car spun to the inside of the north shortchute, hit the inside wall, flipped over, and barrel-rolled through the grass. The car broke into two pieces, the tub and the engine. Debris littered the track, and a lengthy caution was needed to clean up the incident. Bedard was injured, but the injuries were not life-threatening. Under the caution, Danny Sullivan came up too fast and ran into the car of Roberto Guerrero, hopping up on two wheels, and damaging his right-front suspension. Sullivan dropped out of the race, but Guerrero was able to continue.

The lead traded amongst Mears, Sneva, Mario Andretti, Teo Fabi, and Danny Ongais. After the lengthy caution for Bedard's crash, Tom Sneva came to the lead, and led at the halfway point. Around lap 70, the DataSpeed computer timing and scoring system crashed. The remainder of the race would have to be scored manually, and the scoring serials were at times incomplete. However, at no point was the leader of the race unknown or disputed. [9]

Second half

At lap 100, Tom Sneva led, looking for back-to-back wins. Al Unser Jr. was in second, Rick Mears third, Mario Andretti fourth, and Michael Andretti fifth. The rest of the top ten was Bobby Rahal, Roberto Guerrero, Al Holbert, Al Unser, Sr., and Teo Fabi. Four laps later, however, Fabi was out with a broken fuel system.

On lap 103, Gordon Johncock hit the wall coming out of turn four. He spun to the inside, hit the pit wall, then spun back across the pits and hit the wall separating the pits from the track. He missed hitting Teo Fabi's car, which was being pushed back to the garage, and somehow missed hitting the crew members that were in the sign board area. Johncock injured his left ankle (he had suffered a right ankle injury at Michigan the previous year), and ultimately took a short retirement from racing.

With Rick Mears now leading, Mario Andretti started slipping in the standings due to a broken exhaust pipe. The engine was losing rpm, but he was still managing to stay in contention. After running in the top five most of the day, Al Unser Jr. dropped out on lap 131 with a broken water pump.

Tom Sneva briefly took the lead on laps 142-143 during a sequence of pit stops. Rick Mears was back in front on lap 144. With 50 laps to go, Rick Mears led Tom Sneva and Roberto Guerrero. Al Unser Sr. had now worked his way into the top five. Michael Andretti and Mario Andretti were also still in contention.

On lap 153, Mario Andretti went into the pits for a routine stop. He was held up in traffic, and the car of Josele Garza cut in front of him down the pit lane. Garza's car made contact, and broke the nosecone of Mario's car. It was too damaged to continue, and Mario was forced to drop out.

Finish

With several contenders dropping out in quick succession, the race came down to two drivers in the final 100 miles: Rick Mears and Tom Sneva. Scott Brayton stalled on the track on the leader's lap 163, bringing out the caution. With 33 laps to go, Sneva's crew debated pitting, hoping to make it to the finish on one more stop. They planned on pitting with 30 laps to go. On lap 168, however, sparks came from the back of Sneva's car in turn 3 as the field was preparing to go back to green. Sneva immediately ducked into the pits with a broken CV joint, and he climbed from the car. Mears, post-race, would remark, "I feel bad for him, but it's a relief for me...he was my toughest competitor."

With Sneva out of the race, Rick Mears now held a commanding lead. No other cars were in contention, with Mears now two laps ahead of the entire field. Mears cruised to the finish, and was not challenged the rest of the way. The only battle remained for second place, between Roberto Guerrero and Al Unser Sr.

A light drizzle started entering the area in the final 30 laps or so, threatening to end the race early. The heavy rain did not come, and Mears completed the 200 laps at a race record 163.612 mph. Mears won his second Indy 500, with a margin of victory of over two laps. Due to the ongoing scoring issues from the DataSpeed timing and scoring system, Al Unser Sr. was tentatively hand scored in second, with Roberto Guerrero unofficially third. For a brief period, it was Penske Racing's first 1-2 finish in the Indy 500. However, when scoring was ultimately resolved, Guerrero was rightfully elevated to second, with Unser dropping to third. [10] After an eventful day - nearly being caught up in the Bedard crash, being hit by Sullivan during the ensuring yellow flag, overshooting his pit stall during one of his stops, and spinning in turn two - Guerrero was surprised to find out he finished second, and was voted co-Rookie of the Year. [11]

Box score

FinishGridNoNameChassisEngineQualLapsStatus
136 Flag of the United States.svg Rick Mears  W  March 84C Cosworth DFX 207.847200163.612 mph
279 Flag of Colombia.svg Roberto Guerrero  R  March 84C Cosworth DFX 205.717198-2 Laps
3102 Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser  W  March 84C Cosworth DFX 204.441198-2 Laps
41621 Flag of the United States.svg Al Holbert  R  March 84C Cosworth DFX 203.016198-2 Laps
5499 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Andretti  R  March 84C Cosworth DFX 207.805198-2 Laps
61214 Flag of the United States.svg A. J. Foyt  W  March 84C Cosworth DFX 203.860197-3 Laps
7185 Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal March 84C Cosworth DFX 202.230197-3 Laps
8928 Flag of the United States.svg Herm Johnson March 84C Cosworth DFX 204.618194-6 Laps
91125 Flag of the United States.svg Danny Ongais March 84C Cosworth DFX 203.978193-7 Laps
102455 Flag of Mexico.svg Josele Garza March 84C Cosworth DFX 200.615193-7 Laps
11314 Flag of the United States.svg George Snider March 84C Cosworth DFX 201.861193-7 Laps
123250 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dennis Firestone March 82C Cosworth DFX 201.217186-14 Laps
13241 Flag of the United States.svg Howdy Holmes March 84C Cosworth DFX 207.977185-15 Laps
141377 Flag of the United States.svg Tom Gloy  R  March 84C Cosworth DFX 203.758179Engine
153373 Flag of the United States.svg Chris Kneifel Primus 84 Cosworth DFX 199.831175Transmission
1611 Flag of the United States.svg Tom Sneva  W  March 84C Cosworth DFX 210.029168Left CV Joint
1763 Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti  W  Lola T800 Cosworth DFX 207.466153Broken Nosecone
182637 Flag of the United States.svg Scott Brayton March 84C Buick V-6 203.637150Transmission
192110 Flag of the United States.svg Pancho Carter March 84C Cosworth DFX 201.820141Engine
202798 Flag of the United States.svg Kevin Cogan Eagle 84SB Pontiac 203.622137Frozen Wheel
21157 Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser Jr. March 84C Cosworth DFX 203.404131Water Pump
223084 Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Rutherford  W  March 84C Cosworth DFX 202.062116Engine
232022 Flag of the United States.svg Dick Simon March 84C Cosworth DFX 201.835112In Pits
241433 Flag of Italy.svg Teo Fabi March 84C Cosworth DFX 203.600104Fuel System
25520 Flag of the United States.svg Gordon Johncock  W  March 84C Cosworth DFX 207.545103Crash T4
261716 Flag of the United States.svg Tony Bettenhausen Jr. March 84C Cosworth DFX 202.81486Piston
272961 Flag of Ireland.svg Derek Daly March 84C Cosworth DFX 202.44376Handling
282240 Flag of the United States.svg Chip Ganassi March 84C Cosworth DFX 201.61261Engine
292830 Flag of the United States.svg Danny Sullivan Lola T800 Cosworth DFX 203.56757Broken Wheel
301935 Flag of the United States.svg Patrick Bedard March 84C Buick V-6 201.91555Crash NC
312557 Flag of the United States.svg Spike Gehlhausen March 84C Cosworth DFX 200.47845Spun SC
322347 Flag of Brazil.svg Emerson Fittipaldi  R  March 84C Cosworth DFX 201.07837Oil Pressure
33818 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Geoff Brabham March 84C Cosworth DFX 204.9311Fuel Line

 W  Former Indianapolis 500 winner

 R  Indianapolis 500 Rookie

All cars utilized Goodyear tires.

Statistics

Broadcasting

Radio

The race was carried live on the IMS Radio Network. Paul Page served as the chief announcer for the eighth year. It was Page's eleventh year overall as part of the network crew. Lou Palmer reported from victory lane. Luke Walton introduced the starting command during the pre-race ceremonies, but did not have on-air duties during the race itself.

Bob Forbes spent the early segments of the race covering the center pits, then spent the second half of the race concentrating on covering the garage area and track hospital. Sally Larvick was once again used in a limited role, conducting interviews. She also reported from the track hospital in the early portions of the race. This was the last year of the Backstretch reporter. The Backstretch reporter would return for a two-year period from 1989 to 1990 but have a very limited role both years.

This would be the final 500 on the crew for Doug Zink, who debuted in 1966. Zink died April 3, 2016. [13]

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

Chief Announcer: Paul Page
Driver expert: Rodger Ward
Statistician: John DeCamp
Historian: Donald Davidson

Turn 1: Ron Carrell
Turn 2: Doug Zink
Backstretch: Howdy Bell
Turn 3: Larry Henry
Turn 4: Bob Jenkins

Luke Walton (pre-race)
Sally Larvick (interviews/hospital)
Jerry Baker (north pits)
Chuck Marlowe (center pits)
Bob Forbes (center pits/garages)
Lou Palmer (south pits)

Television

The race was carried in the United States on ABC Sports on a same-day tape delay basis. Jackie Stewart served as the host position in "ABC Race Central" for the final time. Jack Arute joined the crew as a pit reporter, a position he would hold for over 20 years. After 1983, Chris Economaki left ABC, and joined CBS for the Daytona 500 and other NASCAR events. Larry Nuber debuted as a pit reporter in his first Indy assignment, and ABC News and ABC Sports correspondent Ray Gandolf supplied in-depth features.

A new camera angle was introduced for this broadcast, located on the start's stand over the shoulder of the flagman. The angle would be used at the dropping of the green flag as well as the finish.

The race was televised in Brasil for the first time, as the debut of former Formula One champion Emerson Fittipaldi attracted national interest. Record aired the race with Emerson's father Wilson Fittipaldi as announcer.

The broadcast has re-aired on ESPN Classic since May 2011.

ABC Television
Booth Announcers Pit/garage reporters

Host: Jackie Stewart
Announcer: Jim McKay
Color: Sam Posey

Bill Flemming
Jack Arute
Larry Nuber
Ray Gandolf (features)

Notes

See also

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The 74th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 27, 1990. Dutchman Arie Luyendyk took the lead with 32 laps to go, and earned his first-ever victory in championship-level competition. It was the second consecutive year the Indy 500 was won by a foreign-born competitor, the first time that had occurred since 1965–1966. Luyendyk completed the 500 miles at an average speed of 185.981 mph (299.307 km/h), a record that stood for 23 years until 2013. In reference to the long-standing speed record, for many years the 1990 race was often referred to as "The Fastest 500".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1989 Indianapolis 500</span> 73rd running of the Indianapolis 500

The 73rd Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 28, 1989. The race was won by Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time Formula One World Drivers' Champion. Fittipaldi became the first Indianapolis 500 winner from Brazil, the first foreign-born winner of the race since Mario Andretti in 1969, and the first non-American winner since Graham Hill in 1966. Though Fittipaldi started on the front row and dominated much of the race, he found himself running second in the waning laps. Michael Andretti passed Fittipaldi for the lead on lap 154, then led until his engine blew. Al Unser Jr. moved up to second, but trailed Fittipaldi by a big margin. Gambling on fuel mileage, Unser caught up to Fittipaldi after a fortuitous caution period on lap 181, and subsequently took the lead on lap 196.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1988 Indianapolis 500</span> 72nd running of the Indianapolis 500

The 72nd Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Sunday May 29, 1988. Team Penske dominated the month, sweeping the top three starting positions with Rick Mears winning the pole position, Danny Sullivan at the center of the front row, and Al Unser, Sr. on the outside. Mears set a new track record, becoming the first driver to break the 220 mph barrier in time trials. On race day, the three Penske teammates proceeded to lead 192 of the 200 laps, with Rick Mears taking the checkered flag, his third-career Indy 500 victory. The race represented the milestone 50th victory in Championship car racing for owner Roger Penske and Penske Racing.

<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">Michigan 500</span> Indy car race at Michigan

The Michigan 500 was an IndyCar Series race held at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. Held from 1981 to 2001, the event was held in high prestige, constituting part of Indy car racing's 500-mile "Triple Crown".

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">Jimmy Bryan Memorial</span> Former IndyCar Series

The Jimmy Bryan Memorial was an IndyCar Series race held at the Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, United States. USAC moved the fall race and added a spring race to the newly built Phoenix International Raceway in 1964. The race became a CART event in 1979, and joined the Indy Racing League in 1996. It was held continuously through 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1983 Pocono 500</span> Motor car race

The 1983 Pocono 500, the 13th running of the event, was held at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, August 14, 1983. Branded as the 1983 Domino's Pizza 500 for sponsorship reasons, the race was won by Teo Fabi, the first rookie to win the Pocono 500.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 Pocono 500</span> Motor car race

The 1984 Pocono 500, the 14th running of the event, was held at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, August 19, 1984. Branded as the 1984 Domino's Pizza 500 for sponsorship reasons, the race was won by Danny Sullivan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1987 Pocono 500</span> Motor car race

The 1987 Pocono 500, the 17th running of the event, was held at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, August 16, 1987. Branded as the 1987 Quaker State 500 for sponsorship reasons, the race was won by Rick Mears, snapping a two-year winless drought, and earning his third Pocono 500 win.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1983 Michigan 500</span> Motor car race

The 1983 Michigan 500, the third running of the event, was held at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, on Sunday, July 17, 1983. Branded as the 1983 Norton Michigan 500 for sponsorship reasons, the event was race number 5 of 13 in the 1983 CART PPG Indy Car World Series. The race was won by John Paul Jr. - his first Indy Car victory - who made a last lap pass over Rick Mears.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 Michigan 500</span> Motor car race

The 1984 Michigan 500, the fourth running of the event, was held at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, on Sunday, July 22, 1984. The event was race number 8 of 16 in the 1984 CART PPG Indy Car World Series. The race was won by Mario Andretti, his first Michigan 500 victory.

References

  1. Fox, Jack C. (1994). The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994 (4th ed.). Carl Hungness Publishing. p. 22. ISBN   0-915088-05-3.
  2. Miller, Robin (May 28, 1984). "Takes second '500' victory by 2 laps over Guerrero". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved June 2, 2017 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  3. SportsCentre. 28 May 2017. TSN.
  4. Overpeck, Dave (May 24, 1984). "Villeneuve out of race; team considers options". The Indianapolis Star . p. 47. Retrieved August 31, 2024 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  5. Dunkin, Zach (May 25, 1984). "Kneifel Happy To Be In 500". Indianapolis News . p. 51. Retrieved August 31, 2024 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  6. "Acheson envies Sullivan's show". The Indianapolis Star . May 18, 1984. p. 49. Retrieved August 31, 2024 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  7. "Rookie's crew wins pit stop contest". The Sun. May 25, 1984. p. 13. Retrieved August 31, 2024 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  8. "500 Race Records". The Indianapolis NewsOrlando Sentinel. May 28, 1984. p. 20. Retrieved August 23, 2022 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  9. Overpeck, Dave (May 28, 1984). "USAC finds bug in its computer". The Indianapolis Star. p. 9. Retrieved April 2, 2019 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  10. Garau, Jerry (May 28, 1984). "Unser Sr. survives 'one of those days'". The Indianapolis Star. p. 5. Retrieved March 25, 2019 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  11. Benner, David (May 28, 1984). "Guerrero finishes second, the hard way". The Indianapolis Star. p. 5. Retrieved April 2, 2019 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  12. "How They Finished". The Indianapolis Star . May 28, 1984. p. 2. Retrieved August 22, 2024 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  13. Bonkowsik, Jerry (April 7, 2016). "Indy 500 Announcer Doug Zink, Motor Builder Larry Slutter Pass Away". NBC Sports. Retrieved April 26, 2016.

Works cited

1983 Indianapolis 500
Tom Sneva
1984 Indianapolis 500
Rick Mears
1985 Indianapolis 500
Danny Sullivan
Preceded by
162.962 mph
(1972 Indianapolis 500)
Record for the fastest average speed
163.612 mph
Succeeded by