1985 CART PPG Indy Car World Series

Last updated
1985 CART season
PPG Indy Car World Series
CART logo (1979-1991).svg
Season
Races15
Start dateApril 14
End dateNovember 10
Awards
Drivers' champion Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser
Constructors' Cup Flag of the United Kingdom.svg March 85C/84C
Manufacturers' Cup Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Cosworth DFX
Nations' Cup Flag of the United States.svg United States
Rookie of the Year Flag of the Netherlands.svg Arie Luyendyk
Indianapolis 500 winner Flag of the United States.svg Danny Sullivan
  1984
1986  

The 1985 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season was the 7th national championship season of American open wheel racing sanctioned by CART. The season consisted of 15 races. Al Unser Sr. was the national champion, and the rookie of the year was Arie Luyendyk. The 1985 Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but counted towards the CART points championship. Danny Sullivan won the Indy 500, in dramatic fashion, a race that became known as the "Spin and Win."

Contents

In September 1984, Rick Mears suffered serious leg injuries in a crash at Sanair. Mears drove only a part-time schedule in 1985, racing at Indianapolis, and subsequently on ovals only. Al Unser Sr. took Mears' full-time seat at Penske Racing as a substitute for the season. Unser had one win, ten top fives, and one other top ten, en route to the championship, a battle that climaxed in dramatic fashion in the final race of the season.

Season summary

Defending series champion Mario Andretti won the season opener, finished second at the Indy 500, and won the next two races, jumping out to the early points lead. A mid-season slump, however, saw him achieve only one top five finish the remainder of the year. He then broke his collarbone in a crash at Michigan, and was forced to sit out one race. The driver of the season became Al Unser Jr., who won the next two races (Meadowlands and Cleveland), and finished the year with nine finishes in the top 4.

At the midpoint of the season, Mario Andretti's points lead had dwindled, while Emerson Fittipaldi, Al Unser Sr., and Al Unser Jr. were all closing in. At the Pocono 500, Rick Mears triumphantly returned to victory lane after his leg injuries. Finishing second and third were Al Jr. and Al Sr., respectively, with Al Sr. now taking the points lead. Unser Jr. ate away at the points lead over the next four races, and the Unsers were neck-and-neck approaching the season finale. Meanwhile, Bobby Rahal was making a championship run of his own, winning 3 out of 4 races, and four poles in a row during a stretch in September-October. He almost won four races in row, but was taken out while leading at Sanair with only 13 laps to go. Rahal closed to within 13 points of the championship lead.

With two races to go, Unser Jr. led Unser Sr. by only 3 points. Father and son finished 1st and 2nd at Phoenix, and the standings were flipped. Al Sr. led Al Jr. by 3 points going into the finale at Miami. Rahal finished a distant 6th at Phoenix, and was mathematically eliminated from the championship.

The season finale at Tamiami Park ended in dramatic fashion. Danny Sullivan and Bobby Rahal finished 1st and 2nd, respectively, but the attention of the day was focused on the two Unsers. Late in the race, Al Unser Jr. was running third, and Al Unser Sr. was running 5th. At the moment, Al Jr. was leading the hypothetical championship standings by 1 point.

In the closing laps, Al Unser Sr. chased down and passed Roberto Moreno for 4th place. He held on to finish fourth, and thus won the championship by 1 point over his son. Unser Sr. afterwards expressed some regret about snatching the championship title from his son, but felt it was his responsibility to his own team and his own sponsors to race to his ability all the way to the end. It was also in the best interests of sportsmanship to all competitors not to give favor to his son. Unser Sr. also knew his days were numbered as a competitive driver on the circuit, while he knew Unser Jr. had many years ahead to have another chance at the title (Al Unser Jr. would indeed win the championship twice - 1990 and 1994).

The 1985 season saw two controversies at two separate races. The Michigan 500 had to be postponed for a week due to tire issues. In September, the race at Sanair came to a bizarre conclusion when the safety car, leading the field on the final lap under caution, suddenly veered into the pits on the final turn. Leader Johnny Rutherford was not informed, and second place Pancho Carter accelerated past him and beat him to the finish line. Officials initially awarded the victory to Carter, and Rutherford protested. After review, Rutherford was eventually restored the victory. (In many motorsport codes, the safety car exits to pit lane on the final lap; in most North American codes, the safety car remains on the circuit towards the finish line.)

Drivers and teams

The following teams and drivers competed in the 1985 Indy Car World Series season. All cars used Goodyear tires.

TeamChassisEngineNo*DriversRounds
Team Penske March 85C Cosworth DFX4 (5) Flag of the United States.svg Danny Sullivan All
5 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Rick Mears 2–3, 7, 9, 12
Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser
11All except 3
Doug Shierson Racing Lola T900 Cosworth DFX30 Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser Jr. All
Truesports Co. March 85C Cosworth DFX3 (10) Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal All
8 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Ludwig Heimrath Jr. 10
Newman/Haas Racing Lola T900 Cosworth DFX1 (3) Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti All except 8
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Alan Jones 8
Patrick Racing March 85C Cosworth DFX20 Flag of Italy.svg Bruno Giacomelli 1, 4–6, 8, 10–11, 13, 15
Flag of the United States.svg Sammy Swindell 7, 9
Flag of the United States.svg Don Whittington 2-3, 12, 14
40 Flag of Brazil.svg Emerson Fittipaldi All
60 Flag of the United States.svg Rich Vogler 2
All American Racers Eagle 85GC (All except 4, 11, and 13–14)

Lola T900 (4, 11, 13–14)

Cosworth DFX2 Flag of the United States.svg Tom Sneva All
Lola T900 97 Flag of the United States.svg Tony Bettenhausen Jr. 2
Eagle 85GC (All except 3, 6)

Lola T900 (3)

98 Flag of the United States.svg Ed Pimm All except 6
Kraco Racing March 85C Cosworth DFX18 Flag of the United States.svg Kevin Cogan All
99 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Andretti All
Alex Morales Motorsports March 85C Cosworth DFX21 Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Rutherford All
Machinists Union Racing March 85C Cosworth DFX55 Flag of Mexico.svg Josele Garza All
59 Flag of the United States.svg Pete Halsmer 2–6, 12
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Rupert Keegan 10, 13, 15
Flag of the United States.svg Chip Ganassi 7
Galles Racing March 85C Buick V-6 (1-2)
Cosworth DFX (3-15)
6 Flag of the United States.svg Pancho Carter 2–4, 6–7, 9, 11–12, 14
Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Roberto Moreno 5, 8, 10, 13, 15
Cosworth DFX7 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Geoff Brabham All
Team Cotter March 85C Cosworth DFX9 Flag of Colombia.svg Roberto Guerrero All
Forsythe Racing Lola T900 Cosworth DFX32/33 Flag of the United States.svg Howdy Holmes 1-12
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Jan Lammers 13-15
Pace Racing March 84C (1-6)

Lola T900 (7-15)

Cosworth DFX36 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dennis Firestone 1-13
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Jim Crawford 14-15
Dick Simon Racing March 85C Cosworth DFX22 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Raul Boesel 1, 4–6, 8, 10, 13, 15
Flag of the United States.svg Dick Simon 2-3, 7, 9, 11–12, 14
23 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Raul Boesel 2, 7
Flag of the United States.svg Dick Simon 5
Leader Card Racing March 84C (1, 5)

March 85C (4)

Cosworth DFX24 Flag of the United States.svg Rocky Moran 1, 4-5
March 84C (7)

March 85C (2-3, 9)

Flag of the United States.svg Tom Bigelow 2–3, 7, 9
March 84C Flag of the United States.svg Phil Krueger 6
March 85C Flag of the United States.svg Herm Johnson 8, 10
March 85C Flag of the United States.svg Gary Bettenhausen 11–12, 14
March 85C Flag of the United States.svg Dominic Dobson 13, 15
Canadian Tire Racing March 85C Cosworth DFX67 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Jim Crawford 11
76 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jacques Villeneuve Sr. All except 2, 7, 9, and 12
Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Parsons 2
Provimi Racing Lola T900 Cosworth DFX61 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Arie Luyendyk All except 9-10
Arciero Racing Lola T900 (All other races)

March 85C (12, 15)

Cosworth DFX12 Flag of the United States.svg Bill Whittington All except 7, 9, 11, and 14
Flag of the United States.svg Randy Lanier 14
Lola T900 571–2, 4–6, 8, 10, 13, 15
Dale Coyne Racing Lola T800 Chevy 19 Flag of the United States.svg Dale Coyne All except 1 and 11
Gohr Racing March 85C Chevy 56 Flag of the United States.svg Steve Chassey All except 1 and 11
Hemelgarn Racing Lola T900 (All other races)

March 85C (11)

Cosworth DFX71 Flag of Ireland.svg Michael Roe 1–2, 4-6
Flag of the United States.svg Spike Gehlhausen 3, 7
Flag of Argentina.svg Enrique Mansilla 8, 10-11
Flag of the United States.svg Scott Brayton 13-15
Part-time entries
Wysard Racing Lola T900 Cosworth DFX34 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Jim Crawford 1–3, 5-6
Flag of the United States.svg Darin Brassfield 15
Brayton Racing March 85C Cosworth DFX/Buick V-6 37 Flag of the United States.svg Scott Brayton 1–7, 9, 12
Interscope Racing March 85C Cosworth DFX25 Flag of the United States.svg Danny Ongais 1–2, 6–7, 9, 12, 14-15
AMI Racing March 85C Cosworth DFX43 Flag of the United States.svg John Paul Jr. 2, 6
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Jan Lammers 4-5
Circle Bar Racing Lola T900 Cosworth DFX38 Flag of the United States.svg Chet Fillip 2–3, 6-7
Menard Cashway Lumber March 85C Cosworth DFX8 Flag of the United States.svg Herm Johnson 2
Tom Hess Racing Lola T800 Cosworth DFX27 (29) Flag of the United States.svg Dick Ferguson 1
Lola T900 Flag of Ireland.svg Derek Daly 2
Flag of the United States.svg Jeff Wood 6
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ian Ashley 15
Purcell Racing March 83C Cosworth DFX50 Flag of the United States.svg Tom Bigelow 2
51 Flag of the United States.svg Phil Krueger 2
Gilmore Racing March 85C (All other races)

Lola T900 (11)

Cosworth DFX14 Flag of the United States.svg A. J. Foyt 2, 5–7, 9, 11, 14-15
March 84C 41 Flag of the United States.svg Mike Nish 2, 14
March 85C Chevy 44 Flag of the United States.svg George Snider 2
Cosworth DFX84 Flag of the United States.svg Chip Ganassi 2
Theodore Racing Theodore Cosworth DFX15 Flag of Brazil.svg Chico Serra 4

Notable team and driver changes

Season Schedule and Results

Schedule

RdDateNameCircuitLocationTV Broadcaster
1April 14 Flag of the United States.svg Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach  R  Streets of Long Beach Long Beach, California NBC
2May 26 Flag of the United States.svg Indianapolis 500  O  Indianapolis Motor Speedway Indianapolis, Indiana ABC
3June 2 Flag of the United States.svg Miller American 200 in Honor of Rex Mays  O  Milwaukee Mile West Allis, Wisconsin ESPN
4June 16 Flag of the United States.svg Stroh's/G.I. Joe's 200  R  Portland International Raceway Portland, Oregon ESPN
5June 30 Flag of the United States.svg U.S. Grand Prix at the Meadowlands  R  Meadowlands Sports Complex East Rutherford, New Jersey NBC
6July 7 Flag of the United States.svg Budweiser Cleveland Grand Prix  R  Burke Lakefront Airport Cleveland, Ohio ESPN
7July 28* Flag of the United States.svg Michigan 500  O  Michigan International Speedway Brooklyn, Michigan Untelevised
8August 4 Flag of the United States.svg Provimi Veal 200  R  Road America Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin ESPN
9August 18 Flag of the United States.svg Domino's Pizza 500  O  Pocono International Raceway Long Pond, Pennsylvania ESPN
10September 1 Flag of the United States.svg Escort Radar Warning 200  R  Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio ESPN
11September 8 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Molson Indy 300  O  Sanair Super Speedway Saint-Pie, Quebec ESPN
12September 22 Flag of the United States.svg Detroit News 200  O  Michigan International Speedway Brooklyn, Michigan ESPN
13October 6 Flag of the United States.svg Stroh's 300k  R  Laguna Seca Raceway Monterey, California ESPN
14October 13* Flag of the United States.svg Dana 150  O  Phoenix International Raceway Avondale, Arizona ESPN
15November 9 Flag of the United States.svg Beatrice Indy Challenge  R  Tamiami Park Miami, Florida NBC

 O  Oval/Speedway
 R  Road/Street course
NC Non-championship event

The Dana 150 was scheduled for March 31, but postponed on March 13 due to track damage sustained over winter testing. On August 6, it was rescheduled for an October 13 date.

The Michigan 500 was scheduled for July 21, but postponed a week due to tire concerns. NBC did not return to televise the race.

Race results

RdEvent NamePole PositionWinnerWinning TeamRace time
1 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti Newman/Haas Racing 1:42:50
2 Indianapolis 500 Flag of the United States.svg Pancho Carter Flag of the United States.svg Danny Sullivan Team Penske 3:16:06
3 Miller American 200 in Honor of Rex Mays Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti Newman/Haas Racing 1:36:38
4 Stroh's/G.I. Joe's 200 Flag of the United States.svg Danny Sullivan Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti Newman/Haas Racing 1:51:35
5 U.S. Grand Prix at the Meadowlands Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser Jr. Doug Shierson Racing 1:51:55
6 Budweiser Cleveland Grand Prix Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser Jr. Doug Shierson Racing 1:45:31
7 Michigan 500 Flag of the United States.svg Rick Mears Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Emerson Fittipaldi Patrick Racing 3:53:58
8 Provimi Veal 200 Flag of the United States.svg Danny Sullivan Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jacques Villeneuve Sr. Canadian Tire Racing 1:45:12
9 Domino's Pizza 500 Flag of the United States.svg Rick Mears Flag of the United States.svg Rick Mears Team Penske 3:17:47
10 Escort Radar Warning 200 Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Truesports 1:52:23
11 Molson Indy 300 Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Rutherford Alex Morales Motorsports2:03:54
12 Detroit News 200 Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Truesports 1:13:19
13 Stroh's 300k Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Truesports 1:38:56
14 Dana 150 Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser Team Penske 1:14:35
15 Beatrice Indy Challenge Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal Flag of the United States.svg Danny Sullivan Team Penske 2:04:59

Drivers points standings

PosDriver LBH Flag of the United States.svg INDY Flag of the United States.svg MIL Flag of the United States.svg POR Flag of the United States.svg MEA Flag of the United States.svg CLE Flag of the United States.svg MIC1 Flag of the United States.svg ROA Flag of the United States.svg POC Flag of the United States.svg MDO Flag of the United States.svg SAN Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg MIC2 Flag of the United States.svg LAG Flag of the United States.svg PHX Flag of the United States.svg MIA Flag of the United States.svg Pts
1 Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser 544332*732713*1221*4151
2 Flag of the United States.svg Al Unser Jr. 92572*1*11517*2*4323323150
3 Flag of the United States.svg Bobby Rahal 272792025286441*101*1*62*133
4 Flag of the United States.svg Danny Sullivan 31427182714135258841126
5 Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti 1*2*1*12614*1077152111327114
6 Flag of Brazil.svg Emerson Fittipaldi 21383281568251324826104
7 Flag of the United States.svg Tom Sneva 8202246113218157519192166
8 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jacques Villeneuve Sr. 7DNQ2223214131125131754
9 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Andretti 19819284727213141925952553
10 Flag of the United States.svg Rick Mears 213301251
11 Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Rutherford 10623914154DNS14221921261951
12 Flag of Mexico.svg Josele Garza 28317122761918261166710946
13 Flag of the United States.svg Ed Pimm 1292119DNS511209831491245
14 Flag of the United States.svg Kevin Cogan 23111657972517219417222444
15 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Geoff Brabham 61912142422915191341610122241
16 Flag of the United States.svg Pancho Carter 1333513161612210737
17 Flag of Colombia.svg Roberto Guerrero 263615DNS191319181823244212834
18 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Arie Luyendyk  RY 1771721105Wth6DNS18152225733
19 Flag of Italy.svg Bruno Giacomelli  R 18105102261661432
20 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Jim Crawford 416DNS91320151616
21 Flag of the United States.svg Bill Whittington 1614DNS26162424517DNQ815
22 Flag of the United States.svg Scott Brayton 1130DNQ61525816222618DNQ15
23 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Alan Jones 314
24 Flag of the United States.svg Danny Ongais DNQ172022714614
25 Flag of the United States.svg Howdy Holmes 14101117132291021162118DNS12
26 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Jan Lammers 16125201311
27 Flag of Ireland.svg Michael Roe  R 21DNQ782611
28 Flag of Brazil.svg Roberto Moreno  R 28162516510
29 Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Parsons 510
30 Flag of Brazil.svg Raul Boesel  R 201811111228823202310
31 Flag of Argentina.svg Enrique Mansilla 910128
32 Flag of the United States.svg Pete Halsmer DNQ15819117
33 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dennis Firestone 22DNQ2018DNQ21112091714DNS236
34 Flag of the United States.svg Steve Chassey DNQDNSDNQ20DNS12261112141511DNQ6
35 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Rupert Keegan  R 1912104
36 Flag of the United States.svg Dick Simon 26131725101719DNQ3
37 Flag of the United States.svg Chet Fillip DNQ1018173
38 Flag of the United States.svg Dominic Dobson DNS18112
39 Flag of the United States.svg Herm Johnson DNQ12241
40 Flag of Ireland.svg Derek Daly 121
41 Flag of the United States.svg Randy Lanier 24DNQ22222014201317150
42 Flag of the United States.svg Spike Gehlhausen 14180
43 Flag of the United States.svg John Paul Jr. 15170
44 Flag of the United States.svg Phil Krueger DNQDNQ21150
45 Flag of the United States.svg Rocky Moran  R 15DNQDNQ0
46 Flag of the United States.svg Gary Bettenhausen 22DNS160
47 Flag of the United States.svg Tom Bigelow DNQ1826230
48 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ian Ashley 180
49 Flag of the United States.svg A. J. Foyt 2823Wth242423200
50 Flag of the United States.svg Don Whittington 24DNQ2020240
51 Flag of the United States.svg Chip Ganassi 22220
52 Flag of the United States.svg Dale Coyne DNQDNSDNQDNQDNS24232728DNS27DNQDNQ0
53 Flag of the United States.svg Sammy Swindell 23250
54 Flag of the United States.svg Rich Vogler 230
55 Flag of the United States.svg Jeff Wood 230
56 Flag of the United States.svg Dick Ferguson 25DNQ0
57 Flag of Brazil.svg Chico Serra 250
58 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Ludwig Heimrath Jr.  R 260
59 Flag of the United States.svg Tony Bettenhausen Jr. 290
60 Flag of the United States.svg George Snider 320
Flag of the United States.svg Darin Brassfield  R DNQ-
Flag of the United States.svg Frank Chianelli  R DNQ-
Flag of the United States.svg Gordon Johncock Wth-
Flag of the United States.svg Jerry Karl DNQ-
Flag of the United States.svg Mike Nish  R DNQEX-
Flag of the United States.svg Willy T. Ribbs  R Wth-
Flag of the United States.svg Ken Schrader DNP-
PosDriver LBH Flag of the United States.svg INDY Flag of the United States.svg MIL Flag of the United States.svg POR Flag of the United States.svg MEA Flag of the United States.svg CLE Flag of the United States.svg MIC1 Flag of the United States.svg ROA Flag of the United States.svg POC Flag of the United States.svg MDO Flag of the United States.svg SAN Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg MIC2 Flag of the United States.svg LAG Flag of the United States.svg PHX Flag of the United States.svg MIA Flag of the United States.svg Pts
ColorResult
GoldWinner
Silver2nd place
Bronze3rd place
Green4th-6th place
Light Blue7th–12th place
Dark BlueFinished
(Outside Top 12)
PurpleDid not finish
RedDid not qualify
(DNQ)
BrownWithdrawn
(Wth)
BlackDisqualified
(DSQ)
WhiteDid not start
(DNS)
BlankDid not
participate
(DNP)
Driver
replacement
(Rpl)
Injured
(Inj)
Race not held
(NH)
Not competing
In-line notation
Bold Pole position
ItalicsRan fastest race lap
*Led most race laps
 RY Rookie of the Year
 R Rookie

Sanair controversy

In the Sanair race (Molson Indy 300), Roberto Guerrero had a strong lead until he lost control and spun. Later in the race Jacques Villeneuve Sr. collided with leader Bobby Rahal in attempt to challenge for the lead, taking both out. The race finished under a yellow flag, but the safety car entered pit lane on the final lap, and thinking there would be a final restart, Pancho Carter passed Johnny Rutherford after the safety car entered pit lane and before the finish line. CART initially declared Carter the winner, but an appeals panel later overturned the decision and confirmed Rutherford's victory. In many codes of motorsport (typically FIA Code) the safety car enters pit lane as the field is on the final lap, and the cars cross the checkered flag together without the safety car on course. However, this practice is not accepted in North America, where the safety car leads the leaders to the finish line if the safety car situation exists.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rick Mears</span> American racing driver (born 1951)

Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of four men to win the Indianapolis 500 four times and is the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six. Mears is also a three-time Indycar series/World Series champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al Unser</span> American racing driver (1939–2021)

Alfred Unser was an American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser Jr. He was the second of four men to have won the Indianapolis 500 four times, the fourth of six to have won the race in consecutive years, and the winner of the National Championship in 1970, 1983, and 1985. The Unser family has won the Indy 500 a record nine times. He was the only person to have both a sibling (Bobby) and child as fellow Indy 500 winners. Al's nephews Johnny and Robby Unser have also competed in that race. In 1971, he became the only driver to date to win the race on his birthday.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Racing</span> American automobile racing team

Patrick Racing was an auto racing team in USAC, CART, Champ Car and the Indy Racing League. Patrick Racing was started by U.E. "Pat" Patrick in the 1970s. The team is best known for winning the Indianapolis 500 on three occasions, and the Indy car title twice. Patrick Racing achieved 45 Indy car wins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1983 Indianapolis 500</span> 67th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 67th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Sunday, May 29, 1983. After finishing second three times, winning the pole position twice (1977–1978), and being the fastest qualifier one additional time (1981), Tom Sneva finally shook his "bridesmaid" status and won his first and only Indianapolis 500. The win also represented the record seventh Indy victory that chief mechanic George Bignotti was involved with.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1994 Indianapolis 500</span> 78th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 78th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 29, 1994. The race was sanctioned by United States Auto Club (USAC), and was included as race number 4 of 16 of the 1994 PPG IndyCar World Series. For the second year in a row, weather was not a factor during the month. Only one practice day was lost to rain, and pole day was only partially halted due to scattered showers. Warm, sunny skies greeted race day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1992 Indianapolis 500</span> 76th running of the Indianapolis 500

The 76th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Sunday, May 24, 1992. The race is famous for the fierce battle in the closing laps, as race winner Al Unser Jr. held off second place Scott Goodyear for the victory by 0.043 seconds, the closest finish in Indy history. Unser Jr. became the first second-generation driver to win the Indy 500, following in the footsteps of his father Al Unser Sr. He also became the third member of the famous Unser family to win the race.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1990 Indianapolis 500</span> 74th running of the Indianapolis 500

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, the 1990 race had often been 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 two-time Formula One World Drivers' Champion Emerson Fittipaldi. Fittipaldi's victory made him 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">1980 CART PPG Indy Car World Series</span> CART indyCar World Series season 1980

The 1980 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season was the second in the CART era of U.S. open-wheel racing. It consisted of twelve races, beginning in Ontario, California on April 13 and concluding in Avondale, Arizona on November 8. The PPG Indy Car World Series Drivers' Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner was Johnny Rutherford. Rookie of the Year was Dennis Firestone. The entire season, including the 64th Indianapolis 500, was to be co-sanctioned by both the USAC and CART under the banner of the Championship Racing League (CRL). However, USAC withdrew from the arrangement after five races.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1987 CART PPG Indy Car World Series</span> Sports season

The 1987 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season was the 9th national championship season of American open wheel racing sanctioned by CART. The season consisted of 16 races, and one non-points exhibition event. Bobby Rahal was the national champion, winning his second-consecutive title. The rookie of the year was Fabrizio Barbazza. The 1987 Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but counted towards the CART points championship. Al Unser won the Indy 500, his record-tying fourth victory at Indy.

The 1988 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season was the 10th national championship season of American open wheel racing sanctioned by CART. The season consisted of 15 races, and one non-points exhibition event. Danny Sullivan was the national champion, winning for Team Penske. The rookie of the year was John Jones. The 1988 Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but counted towards the CART points championship. Rick Mears won the Indy 500, his third victory at Indy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IndyCar Monterey Grand Prix</span> IndyCar race at Laguna Seca

The Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey is an IndyCar Series race held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, California. The event dates back to 1960, and became an American open wheel race in 1983. The race was part of the CART/Champ Car series from 1983 through 2004. After a fifteen-year hiatus, the event returned in 2019 as part of the IndyCar Series, replacing Sonoma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Galles Racing</span> American auto racing team

Galles Racing is a former auto racing team owned by Rick Galles that competed in the CART series, Can-Am and the Indy Racing League. The team won the 1990 CART championship as well as the 1992 Indianapolis 500, both with driver Al Unser Jr. The team won a total of 21 Indy car races along its history. In addition to Unser's 1992 victory, the team finished second at Indianapolis on three separate occasions.

The Marlboro Challenge was an all-star race in the CART series race held from 1987 to 1992, sponsored by cigarette brand Marlboro. After 1992, the race was discontinued, in part because Phillip Morris reorganized its race sponsorship after the Marlboro Grand Prix of New York fell through. The race was considered a non-points exhibition race, and did not count towards championship standings or official statistics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doug Shierson Racing</span>

Doug Shierson Racing is a former racing team that competed in the CART Indy car series from 1982 to 1990. The team was sponsored by Domino's Pizza for its entire run in CART. Shierson Racing won 7 Indy car races, with their biggest victory coming at the 1990 Indianapolis 500, with driver Arie Luyendyk. The team finished runner-up in the 1985 CART Championship with driver Al Unser Jr. losing the title by one point.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1985 Pocono 500</span> Motor car race

The 1985 Pocono 500, the 15th running of the event, was held at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, August 18, 1985. Branded as the 1985 Domino's Pizza 500 for sponsorship reasons, the race was won by Rick Mears, his first victory since suffering severe leg injuries in a September 1984 crash.

References

  1. Rollow, Cooper. "INDY SURPRISE: JOHNCOCK SAYS HE`S RETIRING". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2018-09-28.