1974 Indianapolis 500
Encyclopedia
The 58th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
on Sunday, May 26, 1974. Johnny Rutherford, in his eleventh attempt, won the race from the 25th starting position, the farthest back since Fred Frame
in 1932
.
The race was run relatively clean, with no major crashes or injuries, a sharp contrast from the tragic 1973 race
a year earlier.
, which precipitated several changes to the schedule. Track management did not want to shorten the traditional 500-mile race distance, but agreed to voluntarily curtail track time. In the first half of 1974, NASCAR
decided to trim all of their race distances by 10%. USAC instead cut a week of practice out of the schedule for the Indy 500.
Previously, the track would open for practice on May 1 (or as early as the Saturday before May 1). For 1974, the track opened three weeks before the race. Time trials was cut back from four days to two days. Pole day would be held on the Saturday two weeks before the race, and Bump Day would be held on the Saturday one week before the race.
In addition, unrelated to the energy crisis, the race was scheduled for the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend for the first time. This ended the "never on a Sunday" policy previously held from 1911-1973.
After the tragic 1973 race, several changes were made to the track, as well as the car rules. The pit lane itself was widened, and lengthened to the north by about 400 feet. In addition, the entrance to the pits was paved all the way back to turn four, and the inside wall from turn 4 to the pit entrance was moved in. The inside and outside retaining walls were raised, and several trackside seats were removed. Rear wings on the cars were reduced in size, and car fuel capacity was reduced to 40 gallons (down from 75). Pitside fuel tanks were reduced to 285 gallons. Also part of the improvements were a new flagstand and officials' booth, constructed on the outside of the mainstretch.,
During time trials, all cars were required to carry a pop-off valve to control turbocharger boost. The reduction of boost, reduction of wing sizes, and other technical changes lowered speeds by about 8-10 mph from 1973. As a result, top speeds would be around 190 mph, and the elusive 200 mph barrier would be out-of-reach for 1974.
drew the first in the qualifying draw, and was the first car to make an attempt at 11 a.m. His four-lap speed of 191.632 mph placed him tentatively on the pole position.
Wally Dallenbach
completed a run of 189.683 mph, which put him in second starting position. His car featured a controversial "king sized" turbocharger, which some competitors complained was too large to be controlled by the standard issue pop-off valves. Ultimately, Dallenbach's blower was deemed legal, but USAC declared the team could not swap it out for the more fuel-conservative smaller turbo on race day.
At 12:25 p.m., however, rain halted qualifying, after only nine cars had completed attempts.
At 3:35 p.m., the track was dried, and qualifying resumed. Five more cars were able to take to the track, but rain resumed, and the track was closed for the day at 4:20 p.m. The field was only filled to 15 cars, and several drivers, including Mario Andretti
and Gordon Johncock
were still eligible for the pole. Al Unser
and Johnny Rutherford
, however, suffered blown engines during the day, and had to forfeit their spot in the qualifying line. Both would be ineligible for the pole, and would have to be second-day qualifiers.
was the first driver out, and he completed a run of 186.287 mph. The next car out was Mike Hiss
, who qualified third at 187.490 mph. Mario Andretti
was a last driver who was a factor for the pole, but he ended up only 5th. At 12:30 p.m., the pole round was over, with A. J. Foyt
holding on to the pole position. The field officially was filled to 24 cars. As soon as the pole round was over, rain fell, closing the track for almost 4 hours.
At 4:20 p.m., the track was dried and re-opened for Bump Day time trials. Johnny Rutherford
, who missed out on the pole round, qualified at 190.446 mph, the second-fastest car in the field. Since he was a second day qualifier, however, he was forced to line up behind the first-day qualifiers in 25th position.
With 15 minutes left in the day, the field was filled to 33 cars. Johnny Parsons
bumped Jigger Sirois out of the field with 9 minutes left. The final car to make an attempt was rookie Jan Opperman
, who was too slow. Sam Sessions and others were left waiting in line at the 6 o'clock gun. A protest was filed by owners who were not able to make an attempt (mostly due to the numerous rain delays), but it was dismissed.
blasted from the middle of the front row to take the lead into turn one. He set a new race record for one-lap of 191.408 mph on lap 2, as he pulled out to a sizable lead. The lead was short-lived, however, as Dallenbach broke a piston and coasted to a stop on lap 3. Attrition was very high early on, as eight cars dropped out with mechanical problems by lap 11. Mario Andretti
and Gary Bettenhausen
each broke a valve, and Mike Mosley
blew an engine. Rick Muther
pulled into the pits with problems during the pace lap, but rejoined the race, only to lose a piston after 11 laps.
A. J. Foyt
took the lead when Dallenbach dropped out. Johnny Rutherford was charging dramatically from the 25th starting position. By lap 23, he was running third, and on lap 24, he passed Bobby Unser
to take 2nd position.
, Rutherford, Bobby Unser
, rookie Tom Sneva
and Al Unser
. By lap 45, Rutherford was driving very aggressively in traffic, and caught up to Foyt. The two cars ran nose-to-tail over the next several laps.
During the second sequence of pit stops around lap 50, teammates Gordon Johncock
and Steve Krisiloff
both ran out of fuel. They coasted back to the pits and lost considerable time on the track. On lap 64, the first caution came out when Larry Cannon spun. Foyt
had a terrible pit stop of 53 seconds, which allowed Rutherford to take the lead for the first time on lap 65.
On the next green flag pit stop around lap 90, Rutherford was on the receiving end of good luck. He ducked into the pits under green, but seconds later the caution came out for a crash by Jan Opperman
, which allowed Rutherford to pit with little time lost.
crashed in turn 3 after completing 115 laps. During the caution, Johnny Rutherford exited the pits right in front of second place A. J. Foyt
, and held the lead. Seconds later, the green light came back on while the drivers were in the southchute. Foyt got the jump on the restart, and passed Rutherford for the lead in turn 2.
At lap 130, Foyt
, Rutherford, and Bobby Unser
were running 1st-2nd-3rd. Al Unser
dropped out on lap 131 with a broken valve, bringing out the caution for a tow-in. Foyt
ducked into the pits, and Rutherford was now the leader again.
On lap 138, the green light came back on. A. J. Foyt
diced through traffic and passed Johnny Rutherford for the lead down the mainstretch. A lap later though, Foyt's car began smoking, and he was issued the black flag due to leaking oil. After two pits stops, Foyt dropped out with a broken turbocharger scavenger pump.
Johnny Rutherford took over the lead on lap 141, and seemed to have the race in hand. Bobby Unser
was the only other car on the lead lap, but was between 15-20 second behind. Johnny Rutherford had a close call in turn one while attempting to pass lap traffic. As he was lapping Pancho Carter
and Jim McElreath
, Carter spun right next to him in turn one. McElreath narrowly avoided him, and both car continued.
Johnny Rutherford gave up the lead only one more time on lap 176 during a pit stop. He led the final 24 laps to win his first Indianapolis 500.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana in the United States, is the home of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Brickyard 400....
on Sunday, May 26, 1974. Johnny Rutherford, in his eleventh attempt, won the race from the 25th starting position, the farthest back since Fred Frame
Fred Frame
Fredrick William Frame won the 1932 Indianapolis 500.-Indy 500 results:...
in 1932
1932 Indianapolis 500
-Race Summary:Fred Frame won the 1932 after several strong showings in previous Indy 500 events. Frame, with mechanic Jerry Houck riding beside him, won with an average speed of , a speed that broke the seven-year-old record set by Peter DePaolo....
.
The race was run relatively clean, with no major crashes or injuries, a sharp contrast from the tragic 1973 race
1973 Indianapolis 500
The 57th Indianapolis 500 was held at Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 30, 1973. The race was held over three days due to rain and 2 major accidents. After 133 laps , rain halted the race, and Gordon Johncock was declared the winner....
a year earlier.
Race schedule
EWLINE
|
EWLINE
|
|||||
Background
The race was run in the wake of the energy crisis1973 oil crisis
The 1973 oil crisis started in October 1973, when the members of Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries or the OAPEC proclaimed an oil embargo. This was "in response to the U.S. decision to re-supply the Israeli military" during the Yom Kippur war. It lasted until March 1974. With the...
, which precipitated several changes to the schedule. Track management did not want to shorten the traditional 500-mile race distance, but agreed to voluntarily curtail track time. In the first half of 1974, NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
decided to trim all of their race distances by 10%. USAC instead cut a week of practice out of the schedule for the Indy 500.
Previously, the track would open for practice on May 1 (or as early as the Saturday before May 1). For 1974, the track opened three weeks before the race. Time trials was cut back from four days to two days. Pole day would be held on the Saturday two weeks before the race, and Bump Day would be held on the Saturday one week before the race.
In addition, unrelated to the energy crisis, the race was scheduled for the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend for the first time. This ended the "never on a Sunday" policy previously held from 1911-1973.
After the tragic 1973 race, several changes were made to the track, as well as the car rules. The pit lane itself was widened, and lengthened to the north by about 400 feet. In addition, the entrance to the pits was paved all the way back to turn four, and the inside wall from turn 4 to the pit entrance was moved in. The inside and outside retaining walls were raised, and several trackside seats were removed. Rear wings on the cars were reduced in size, and car fuel capacity was reduced to 40 gallons (down from 75). Pitside fuel tanks were reduced to 285 gallons. Also part of the improvements were a new flagstand and officials' booth, constructed on the outside of the mainstretch.,
During time trials, all cars were required to carry a pop-off valve to control turbocharger boost. The reduction of boost, reduction of wing sizes, and other technical changes lowered speeds by about 8-10 mph from 1973. As a result, top speeds would be around 190 mph, and the elusive 200 mph barrier would be out-of-reach for 1974.
Pole day
Pole Day was held on Saturday May 11. A. J. FoytA. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
drew the first in the qualifying draw, and was the first car to make an attempt at 11 a.m. His four-lap speed of 191.632 mph placed him tentatively on the pole position.
Wally Dallenbach
Wally Dallenbach, Sr.
Wally Dallenbach, Sr. is a former long-time open-wheeled race car driver in CART from East Brunswick Township, New Jersey. He drove in 180 Indy Car races between 1965 and 1979, winning five times. He is the father of NASCAR driver and commentator, Wally Dallenbach, Jr.-Biography:Dallenbach nearly...
completed a run of 189.683 mph, which put him in second starting position. His car featured a controversial "king sized" turbocharger, which some competitors complained was too large to be controlled by the standard issue pop-off valves. Ultimately, Dallenbach's blower was deemed legal, but USAC declared the team could not swap it out for the more fuel-conservative smaller turbo on race day.
At 12:25 p.m., however, rain halted qualifying, after only nine cars had completed attempts.
At 3:35 p.m., the track was dried, and qualifying resumed. Five more cars were able to take to the track, but rain resumed, and the track was closed for the day at 4:20 p.m. The field was only filled to 15 cars, and several drivers, including Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
and Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock is a former racing driver, best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the 1976 USAC Marlboro Championship Trail champion. Johncock was most often simply referred to as "Gordy."...
were still eligible for the pole. Al Unser
Al Unser
Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr....
and Johnny Rutherford
Johnny Rutherford
For the Major League Baseball pitcher, see Johnny Rutherford . For other people with a similar name, see John RutherfordJohn Sherman Rutherford III , better known as Johnny Rutherford, and also known as "Lone Star JR" is a former U.S...
, however, suffered blown engines during the day, and had to forfeit their spot in the qualifying line. Both would be ineligible for the pole, and would have to be second-day qualifiers.
Bump day
The track opened for time trials on Saturday May 18 with 11 cars still eligible for the pole position round. Gordon JohncockGordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock is a former racing driver, best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the 1976 USAC Marlboro Championship Trail champion. Johncock was most often simply referred to as "Gordy."...
was the first driver out, and he completed a run of 186.287 mph. The next car out was Mike Hiss
Mike Hiss
Mike Hiss is a former driver in the USAC Championship Car series. He raced in the 1972-1976 seasons, with 28 career starts, including the Indianapolis 500 in 1972-1975. He finished in the top ten 13 times, with his best finish in 2nd position in 1972 at Ontario...
, who qualified third at 187.490 mph. Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
was a last driver who was a factor for the pole, but he ended up only 5th. At 12:30 p.m., the pole round was over, with A. J. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
holding on to the pole position. The field officially was filled to 24 cars. As soon as the pole round was over, rain fell, closing the track for almost 4 hours.
At 4:20 p.m., the track was dried and re-opened for Bump Day time trials. Johnny Rutherford
Johnny Rutherford
For the Major League Baseball pitcher, see Johnny Rutherford . For other people with a similar name, see John RutherfordJohn Sherman Rutherford III , better known as Johnny Rutherford, and also known as "Lone Star JR" is a former U.S...
, who missed out on the pole round, qualified at 190.446 mph, the second-fastest car in the field. Since he was a second day qualifier, however, he was forced to line up behind the first-day qualifiers in 25th position.
With 15 minutes left in the day, the field was filled to 33 cars. Johnny Parsons
Johnny Parsons
Johnny Parsons is an American racecar driver.-Racing family:Parsons is the son of Arza and 1950 Indianapolis 500 winner Johnnie Parsons. His parents divorced, and Johnny was raised with half-brothers Dana and Pancho Carter, the product of Arza'a marriage with Duane Carter. The Carters grew up...
bumped Jigger Sirois out of the field with 9 minutes left. The final car to make an attempt was rookie Jan Opperman
Jan Opperman
Jan Opperman , was an American racecar driver. He won the 1971 Knoxville Nationals, the premiere event in sprint car racing...
, who was too slow. Sam Sessions and others were left waiting in line at the 6 o'clock gun. A protest was filed by owners who were not able to make an attempt (mostly due to the numerous rain delays), but it was dismissed.
Start
At the start, Wally DallenbachWally Dallenbach, Sr.
Wally Dallenbach, Sr. is a former long-time open-wheeled race car driver in CART from East Brunswick Township, New Jersey. He drove in 180 Indy Car races between 1965 and 1979, winning five times. He is the father of NASCAR driver and commentator, Wally Dallenbach, Jr.-Biography:Dallenbach nearly...
blasted from the middle of the front row to take the lead into turn one. He set a new race record for one-lap of 191.408 mph on lap 2, as he pulled out to a sizable lead. The lead was short-lived, however, as Dallenbach broke a piston and coasted to a stop on lap 3. Attrition was very high early on, as eight cars dropped out with mechanical problems by lap 11. Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
and Gary Bettenhausen
Gary Bettenhausen
Gary Bettenhausen is a retired American auto racing driver. He was born in Blue Island, Illinois, raised in Tinley Park, Illinois, and currently resides in Monrovia, Indiana.-Racing family:...
each broke a valve, and Mike Mosley
Mike Mosley
Mike Mosley , was an American racecar driver.Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mosley died in an off-road vehicle accident near Riverside, California. His young son, Michael, was also riding in the van Mosley was driving, but was uninjured. He was a driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series...
blew an engine. Rick Muther
Rick Muther
Rick Muther , was an American racecar driver.Muther was born in Alhambra, California. He was for the most part The Indy 500's first Hippy race driver. Muther started in SCCA sports car racing in Southern California at Riverside winning the prestigious Tim Mayer award...
pulled into the pits with problems during the pace lap, but rejoined the race, only to lose a piston after 11 laps.
A. J. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
took the lead when Dallenbach dropped out. Johnny Rutherford was charging dramatically from the 25th starting position. By lap 23, he was running third, and on lap 24, he passed Bobby Unser
Bobby Unser
Robert William "Bobby" Unser is a retired U.S. automobile racer. He is the brother of Al Unser, Jerry Unser and Louie Unser, the father of Robby Unser, and the uncle of Al Unser, Jr. and Johnny Unser...
to take 2nd position.
First half
The top five consisted of FoytA. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
, Rutherford, Bobby Unser
Bobby Unser
Robert William "Bobby" Unser is a retired U.S. automobile racer. He is the brother of Al Unser, Jerry Unser and Louie Unser, the father of Robby Unser, and the uncle of Al Unser, Jr. and Johnny Unser...
, rookie Tom Sneva
Tom Sneva
Tom Sneva is a former Indy Car driver who was named to the prestigious Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2005. Sneva is best remembered for winning the 1983 Indianapolis 500. Nicknamed "The Gas Man," Sneva was an outstanding qualifier, winning the pole position for the Indianapolis 500 three...
and Al Unser
Al Unser
Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr....
. By lap 45, Rutherford was driving very aggressively in traffic, and caught up to Foyt. The two cars ran nose-to-tail over the next several laps.
During the second sequence of pit stops around lap 50, teammates Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock is a former racing driver, best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the 1976 USAC Marlboro Championship Trail champion. Johncock was most often simply referred to as "Gordy."...
and Steve Krisiloff
Steve Krisiloff
Steve Krisiloff , is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1969–1979, 1981 and 1983 seasons, with 111 combined career starts, and started in the Indianapolis 500 all but 1969–1970...
both ran out of fuel. They coasted back to the pits and lost considerable time on the track. On lap 64, the first caution came out when Larry Cannon spun. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
had a terrible pit stop of 53 seconds, which allowed Rutherford to take the lead for the first time on lap 65.
On the next green flag pit stop around lap 90, Rutherford was on the receiving end of good luck. He ducked into the pits under green, but seconds later the caution came out for a crash by Jan Opperman
Jan Opperman
Jan Opperman , was an American racecar driver. He won the 1971 Knoxville Nationals, the premiere event in sprint car racing...
, which allowed Rutherford to pit with little time lost.
Second half
Jerry KarlJerry Karl
Jerry Karl , was a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series...
crashed in turn 3 after completing 115 laps. During the caution, Johnny Rutherford exited the pits right in front of second place A. J. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
, and held the lead. Seconds later, the green light came back on while the drivers were in the southchute. Foyt got the jump on the restart, and passed Rutherford for the lead in turn 2.
At lap 130, Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
, Rutherford, and Bobby Unser
Bobby Unser
Robert William "Bobby" Unser is a retired U.S. automobile racer. He is the brother of Al Unser, Jerry Unser and Louie Unser, the father of Robby Unser, and the uncle of Al Unser, Jr. and Johnny Unser...
were running 1st-2nd-3rd. Al Unser
Al Unser
Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr....
dropped out on lap 131 with a broken valve, bringing out the caution for a tow-in. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
ducked into the pits, and Rutherford was now the leader again.
On lap 138, the green light came back on. A. J. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
diced through traffic and passed Johnny Rutherford for the lead down the mainstretch. A lap later though, Foyt's car began smoking, and he was issued the black flag due to leaking oil. After two pits stops, Foyt dropped out with a broken turbocharger scavenger pump.
Johnny Rutherford took over the lead on lap 141, and seemed to have the race in hand. Bobby Unser
Bobby Unser
Robert William "Bobby" Unser is a retired U.S. automobile racer. He is the brother of Al Unser, Jerry Unser and Louie Unser, the father of Robby Unser, and the uncle of Al Unser, Jr. and Johnny Unser...
was the only other car on the lead lap, but was between 15-20 second behind. Johnny Rutherford had a close call in turn one while attempting to pass lap traffic. As he was lapping Pancho Carter
Pancho Carter
Duane "Pancho" Carter, Jr. is a retired American race car driver. He is most famous for his participation in CART races.-Background:...
and Jim McElreath
Jim McElreath
Jim McElreath , is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series.-Racing career:He raced in the 1961-1983 seasons, with 178 combined career starts, including 15 in the Indianapolis 500 in 1962-1970, 1973–1974, and 1977-1980. He finished in the top ten 101 times, with five victories...
, Carter spun right next to him in turn one. McElreath narrowly avoided him, and both car continued.
Johnny Rutherford gave up the lead only one more time on lap 176 during a pit stop. He led the final 24 laps to win his first Indianapolis 500.
Race results
| Finish | Start | No | Name | Qual | Rank | Laps | Led | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 | 3 |  United States Johnny RutherfordJohnny Rutherford For the Major League Baseball pitcher, see Johnny Rutherford . For other people with a similar name, see John RutherfordJohn Sherman Rutherford III , better known as Johnny Rutherford, and also known as "Lone Star JR" is a former U.S... |
190.446 | 2 | 200 | 122 | Running |
| 2 | 7 | 48 | United States Bobby Unser Bobby Unser Robert William "Bobby" Unser is a retired U.S. automobile racer. He is the brother of Al Unser, Jerry Unser and Louie Unser, the father of Robby Unser, and the uncle of Al Unser, Jr. and Johnny Unser... |
185.176 | 8 | 200 | 6 | Running |
| 3 | 16 | 4 | United States Bill Vukovich II Bill Vukovich II William John Vukovich, Jr. , better known as Bill Vukovich II is a former driver in the championship car division of USAC and CART series.... |
182.500 | 18 | 199 | 0 | Flagged |
| 4 | 4 | 20 | United States Gordon Johncock Gordon Johncock Gordon Johncock is a former racing driver, best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the 1976 USAC Marlboro Championship Trail champion. Johncock was most often simply referred to as "Gordy."... |
186.287 | 5 | 198 | 0 | Flagged |
| 5 | 9 | 73 |  United Kingdom David Hobbs |
184.833 | 10 | 196 | 0 | Flagged |
| 6 | 30 | 45 | United States Jim McElreath Jim McElreath Jim McElreath , is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series.-Racing career:He raced in the 1961-1983 seasons, with 178 combined career starts, including 15 in the Indianapolis 500 in 1962-1970, 1973–1974, and 1977-1980. He finished in the top ten 101 times, with five victories... |
177.279 | 30 | 194 | 0 | Flagged |
| 7 | 21 | 11 | United States Pancho Carter Pancho Carter Duane "Pancho" Carter, Jr. is a retired American race car driver. He is most famous for his participation in CART races.-Background:... |
180.605 | 24 | 191 | 0 | Flagged |
| 8 | 31 | 79 | United States Bob Harkey Bob Harkey Bob Harkey , is a former driver in the USAC Championship Car series. He raced in the 1963-1979 seasons, with 85 career starts, including the Indianapolis 500 in 1964, 1971 and 1973-1976... |
176.687 | 31 | 189 | 0 | Flagged |
| 9 | 18 | 9 | United States Lloyd Ruby Lloyd Ruby Lloyd Ruby was an American racecar driver.Ruby raced in the USAC Championship Car series in the 1958-1977 seasons, with 177 career starts, including every Indianapolis 500 race during 1960-1977. He finished in the top ten 88 times, with 7 victories. His best Indy finish was 3rd in 1964... |
181.699 | 20 | 187 | 0 | Out of fuel |
| 10 | 17 | 55 | United States Jerry Grant Jerry Grant Jerry Grant , is a former driver in the USAC Championship Car series. He raced in the 1965-1977 seasons, with 54 career starts, including the Indianapolis 500 in 1965-1968, 1970 and 1972-1976... |
181.781 | 19 | 175 | 0 | Flagged |
| 11 | 22 | 89 | United States John Martin John Martin (driver) John Martin , is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1970-1977 and 1979-1980 seasons, with 52 career starts, including the 1972-1976 Indianapolis 500 races. He finished in the top ten 17 times, with his best finish in 5th position at Ontario Motor... |
180.406 | 25 | 169 | 0 | Flagged |
| 12 | 23 | 27 | United States Tom Bigelow Tom Bigelow Tom Bigelow , USA, is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series.-Midget car racing:... |
180.144 | 28 | 166 | 0 | Flagged |
| 13 | 20 | 18 | United States Bill Simpson Bill Simpson Bill Simpson , is a retired American racecar driver, but is best known as a pioneer in the racing safety business with his company Simpson Performance Products. He left Simpson Performance in a controversy surrounding Dale Earnhardt's death and started Impact! Racing... |
181.041 | 22 | 163 | 0 | Piston |
| 14 | 3 | 68 | United States Mike Hiss Mike Hiss Mike Hiss is a former driver in the USAC Championship Car series. He raced in the 1972-1976 seasons, with 28 career starts, including the Indianapolis 500 in 1972-1975. He finished in the top ten 13 times, with his best finish in 2nd position in 1972 at Ontario... |
187.490 | 4 | 158 | 0 | Flagged |
| 15 | 1 | 14 | United States A.J. Foyt |
191.632 | 1 | 142 | 70 | Oil Fitting |
| 16 | 27 | 1 | United States Roger McCluskey Roger McCluskey Roger McCluskey was an American race car driver. He was from Tucson, Arizona.He won championship titles in three divisions of USAC -Sprints, Stocks, and Champ Cars. He won the USAC Sprint Car title in 1963 and 1966, the USAC Stock car title in 1969 and 1970. The Champ Car title in 1973... |
181.004 | 23 | 141 | 0 | Rear End |
| 17 | 14 | 77 | United States Salt Walther Salt Walther David "Salt" Walther , is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series. He also drove NASCAR stock cars, unlimited hydroplane boats, and was a car owner in USAC.... |
183.927 | 15 | 141 | 0 | Piston |
| 18 | 26 | 15 | United States Al Unser Al Unser Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr.... |
183.889 | 16 | 131 | 0 | Valve |
| 19 | 19 | 42 | United States Jerry Karl Jerry Karl Jerry Karl , was a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series... |
181.452 | 21 | 115 | 0 | Crash T3 |
| 20 | 8 | 24 | United States Tom Sneva Tom Sneva Tom Sneva is a former Indy Car driver who was named to the prestigious Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2005. Sneva is best remembered for winning the 1983 Indianapolis 500. Nicknamed "The Gas Man," Sneva was an outstanding qualifier, winning the pole position for the Indianapolis 500 three... |
185.147 | 9 | 94 | 0 | Drive Gear |
| 21 | 32 | 51 | United States Jan Opperman Jan Opperman Jan Opperman , was an American racecar driver. He won the 1971 Knoxville Nationals, the premiere event in sprint car racing... |
176.186 | 32 | 85 | 0 | Spun T4 |
| 22 | 15 | 60 | United States Steve Krisiloff Steve Krisiloff Steve Krisiloff , is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1969–1979, 1981 and 1983 seasons, with 111 combined career starts, and started in the Indianapolis 500 all but 1969–1970... |
182.519 | 17 | 72 | 0 | Clutch |
| 23 | 12 | 21 | United States Jimmy Caruthers Jimmy Caruthers Douglas "Jimmy" Caruthers was an American racecar driver from Anaheim, California. He raced midget cars, sprint cars, and IndyCars.-Midget car career:... |
184.049 | 13 | 64 | 0 | Gearbox |
| 24 | 33 | 59 | United States Larry Cannon |
173.963 | 33 | 49 | 0 | Differential |
| 25 | 28 | 56 | United States Jim Hurtubise Jim Hurtubise In 1957, Hurtubise started his NASCAR career running two races. Over the next twenty years, he would race 36 races, winning one race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and amassing eleven top ten finishes.-Award:... |
180.288 | 26 | 31 | 0 | Blown Engine |
| 26 | 29 | 94 | United States Johnny Parsons Johnny Parsons Johnny Parsons is an American racecar driver.-Racing family:Parsons is the son of Arza and 1950 Indianapolis 500 winner Johnnie Parsons. His parents divorced, and Johnny was raised with half-brothers Dana and Pancho Carter, the product of Arza'a marriage with Duane Carter. The Carters grew up... |
180.252 | 27 | 18 | 0 | Turbocharger |
| 27 | 24 | 61 | United States Rick Muther Rick Muther Rick Muther , was an American racecar driver.Muther was born in Alhambra, California. He was for the most part The Indy 500's first Hippy race driver. Muther started in SCCA sports car racing in Southern California at Riverside winning the prestigious Tim Mayer award... |
179.991 | 29 | 11 | 0 | Piston |
| 28 | 13 | 82 | United States George Snider George Snider George "Ziggy" Snider is a retired American race car driver. A longtime driver in the United States Automobile Club Silver Crown series, Snider is also a 22-time starter of the Indianapolis 500, the most starts without winning the race. His best finish was eighth in the 1975 Indianapolis 500... |
183.993 | 14 | 7 | 0 | Valve |
| 29 | 6 | 98 | United States Mike Mosley Mike Mosley Mike Mosley , was an American racecar driver.Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mosley died in an off-road vehicle accident near Riverside, California. His young son, Michael, was also riding in the van Mosley was driving, but was uninjured. He was a driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series... |
185.319 | 7 | 6 | 0 | Blown Engine |
| 30 | 2 | 40 | United States Wally Dallenbach, Sr. Wally Dallenbach, Sr. Wally Dallenbach, Sr. is a former long-time open-wheeled race car driver in CART from East Brunswick Township, New Jersey. He drove in 180 Indy Car races between 1965 and 1979, winning five times. He is the father of NASCAR driver and commentator, Wally Dallenbach, Jr.-Biography:Dallenbach nearly... |
189.683 | 3 | 3 | 2 | Piston |
| 31 | 5 | 5 | United States Mario Andretti Mario Andretti Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR... |
186.027 | 6 | 2 | 0 | Valve |
| 32 | 11 | 8 | United States Gary Bettenhausen Gary Bettenhausen Gary Bettenhausen is a retired American auto racing driver. He was born in Blue Island, Illinois, raised in Tinley Park, Illinois, and currently resides in Monrovia, Indiana.-Racing family:... |
184.493 | 12 | 2 | 0 | Valve |
| 33 | 10 | 44 | United States Dick Simon Dick Simon Dick Simon is one of the oldest men to ever have raced in the Indianapolis 500. He was 55 years old during his final Indy 500 start in 1988. A multiple starter and top-ten finisher in the race, he also became a car owner, founding Dick Simon Racing helping to begin the IndyCar careers of Stéphan... |
184.502 | 11 | 1 | 0 | Valve |
Sources
- Offical Box Score
- 1974 Indianapolis 500 Press Information - Official Track Report, Daily Summary