1990 Indianapolis 500
Encyclopedia
The 74th Indianapolis 500 was held at Indianapolis
on Sunday, May 27, 1990. Arie Luyendyk
took the lead with 32 laps to go, and earned his first-ever victory in championship-level
competition. Luyendyk completed the 500 miles at an average speed of 185.981 mi/h, a record that still stands as of 2011
.
Defending champion and race polesitter Emerson Fittipaldi
dominated the first half of the race, looking to become the first back-to-back winner in 20 years. In the second half of the race, however, he fell victim to blistering tires, lost a lap, and wound up finishing third. Bobby Rahal
, the 1986
winner, was poised to win his second Indy 500, be he too suffered handling problems, which dropped him to second at the finish.
A. J. Foyt
finished 6th in the race, his final career top 10 in Indy 500 competition. Rookie Jeff Andretti
attempted to become the unprecedented fourth member of the Andretti family to qualify for the same race, but was bumped on the final day of time trials.
Rain hampered much of the month, washing out nearly the entire first weekend of time trials. The 1990 race was also the first Indy 500 presided over by Tony George
, who was named president of the Speedway in January.
Controversy hovered over the month, regarding new aerodynamic
rules. All teams utilizing 1989 (or older) model year chassis were required to affix a "diffuser
" to the underbody ground effects tunnels, to reduce their size by 2 inches - a rule intended to reduce downforce
and curtail speeds. Competitors complained that the diffusers made their cars unstable and unbalanced, and were responsible for the increased number of practice crashes involving the older cars. Despite voiced complaints and meetings with officials, no changes were made the rules. Ultimately, no major crashes occurred amongst the older cars during the race itself.
dominate the speed charts. Defending champion Emerson Fittipaldi
and Rick Mears
topped the speed chart nearly every day. Al Unser, Jr.
and Arie Luyendyk
also ran amongst the top 5.
Johnny Rutherford wrecked twice during the week. On Monday May 7, he brushed the wall, and was uninjured. On Wednesday May 9, he spun in turn three, and crashed hard into the outside wall, suffering a concussion.
Jim Crawford also suffered two crashes, one on Sunday, and one on Friday. His second crash was spectacular, as the car came off the outside wall and lifted airborne through the south short chute.
On Friday May 11, the final day of practice, the speeds climbed. Emerson Fittipaldi
rans laps of 227.101 mph and 227.181 mph shortly after 4 p.m. They were the fastest unofficial laps in track history. Not to be upstaged, about an hour later, Al Unser, Jr.
blistered the track with a lap of 228.502 mph, the fastest practice lap ever run at Indy.
Pole day was scheduled for Saturday May 12, with Al Unser, Jr.
and Emerson Fittipaldi
the favorites for the pole position. Rain closed the track for the day, and postponed pole qualifying until Sunday.
Second Day
On Sunday May 13, rain threatened to wash out the entire weekend. Continuing rain, cool temperatures and "weepers" kept the cars off the track until after 2:30 p.m. Emerson Fittipaldi
was the first driver to make a qualifying attempt, as time trials finally got underway at 4:34 p.m.
Fittipaldi
set new one and four-lap qualifying records to secure the provisional pole position. His four-lap average of 225.301 mph was the first over 225 mph in Indy history.
A hectic, abbreviated qualifying session saw 16 attempts before the track closed at 6 p.m. Rick Mears
(224.215 mph) and Bobby Rahal
(222.694 mph) tentatively rounded out the front row. Several drivers including Al Unser, Jr.
, Arie Luyendyk
, and A. J. Foyt
were left waiting in line, and would have to wait until the following weekend to have a shot at the pole position.
, who was not able to qualify yet, was the fastest car of the day at 221.773 mph. Al Unser, Jr.
concentrated on race day setups instead, and ran a lap of 220.496 mph.
Practice on Tuesday (May 15) and Wednesday (May 16) was rained out.
On Thursday (May 17), Arie Luyendyk
again led the speed chart, with a lap of 217.854 mph. Rookie Guido Dacco
passed his rookie test, and Salt Walther
took to the track for the first time.
On Friday (May 18), Al Unser, Jr.
re-established himself as a threat for the pole position, running a lap of 224.995 mph, the fastest of the day. But before the day was over, he blew his qualifying engine, and the team was forced to install a back-up engine for time trials. Arie Luyendyk
was second at 223.586 mph. Bernard Jourdain
wrecked twice in three hours, first in his backup car, then in his primary car, requiring surgery and ending his month.
On Saturday May 19, pole qualifying resumed, with 16 cars still eligible for the pole round. Arie Luyendyk
(223.304 mph) squeezed onto the front row, bumping Bobby Rahal
back to row 2. The highly-anticipated run by Al Unser, Jr.
was a disappointment, as he only managed 220.920 mph, putting him in 7th starting position.
At 5:45 p.m., the field was filled to 33 cars, Mike Groff
(203.643 mph) on the bubble. Jim Crawford then easily bumped out Groff. After two crashes, and two slow qualifying attempts, Johnny Rutherford (204.801 mph) was now on the bubble. Stan Fox
bumped him out by over 9 mph, and for the second year in a row, Rutherford was poised to miss the race.
Bump Day
On Sunday May 20, Bump Day saw rain, and the track did not open until 2:30 p.m. As the day opened, rookie Buddy Lazier
(209.418 mph) was on the bubble. After two attempts, John Paul, Jr.
was able to bump out Lazier.
In the final 20 minutes, Salt Walther
(attempting to make a comeback to racing) took to the track for his first qualifying attempt in ten years. Rookie Jeff Andretti
(210.268 mph) was on the bubble. Andretti was attempting to qualify for the first time, and also be the 4th member of the Andretti family to qualify for the same race. Walther qualified at 210.558 mph, just fast enough to bump Andretti.
In the final 8 minutes, Johnny Rutherford made one last futile effort to bump his way in, but waved off after only two laps. That allowed Rocky Moran
to take to the track. His speed of 211.076 mph bumped out Salt Walther
at the 6 o'clock gun, and the field was set for race day.
Emerson Fittipaldi
took the lead from the start, and dominated the opening laps. The start was clean, and went 19 laps before the first caution. In turn one, Danny Sullivan
's car broke a suspension piece, which sent his car spinning and he crashed hard into the outside wall.
, Al Unser, Jr.
, and Arie Luyendyk
. Rick Mears
dropped back with handling issues, and fell a lap down.
Tony Bettenhausen
brought out the second caution, when he stalled in lap 45. He was towed back to the pits, and would continue for a time in the race. On lap 63, Mario Andretti
and Raul Boesel
suffered engine failures, and oil was reported on the track. At the same time, Pancho Carter
slowed down the backstretch with a broken a CV joint. In turn four, he spun due to the bad handling, and tagged the wall in turn 4. Carter was uninjured.
Emerson Fittipaldi
continued to lead, and set a new Indy record by leading the first 92 consecutive laps. He lost the lead on lap 93 when he pitted. Arie Luyendyk
took the lead for two laps, the relinquished the lead back to Fittipaldi when he himself pitted.
At the halfway point, Fittipaldi had led 98 laps and was averaging 174.192 mph, just shy of the race record.
ducked into the pits for a scheduled pit stop. That allowed Bobby Rahal
to take the lead for the first time. The rest of the leaders cycled through stops, and Fittipaldi once again found the lead.
On lap 136, leader Fittipaldi
suddenly entered the pits for an unscheduled pit stop. He was the victim of a blistered right rear tire. Bobby Rahal
took over the lead, and began to pull away. Arie Luyendyk
was now running second, with Fittipaldi dropping to third.
On lap 140, John Andretti
brushed the wall in turn four, damaging the suspension. He continued down the frontstrech, and spun lazily in turn 1. It would be the final caution period of the day. Leader Bobby Rahal
pitted under the caution, taking on fuel and only two tires (right sides only). Team team was expressing concern about changing all four, as many teams were blistering tires. Luyendyk, however, took on four tires and fuel.
On lap 153, Fittipaldi was forced make another unscheduled pit stop for yet another blistered tire, and fell a lap down.
Bobby Rahal
continued to lead, but handling problems were starting to slow his pace. Having taken on only two tires, coupled with a damaged wing adjuster, was causing a pushing condition. Arie Luyendyk
began to reel him in, and took over the lead with a pass in turn three on lap 168. Going into the race, Luyendyk had never led a lap at Indy, and had never won an Indy car
race.
and Rahal
needed one final pit stop to make it to the finish. Rahal pitted first, on lap 171. Luyendyk followed two laps later, and was able to get back out on the track ahead of Rahal. With Fittipaldi still a lap behind in third, the race became a two-man duel between Luyendyk
and Rahal
- with Rahal seemingly unable to close the gap. Some observers were unsure if Luyendyk and Rahal could make it to the finish on fuel, but neither team planned to pit.
In the final 20 laps, Luyendyk began to pick up the pace, and the average speed began to climb, well above the existing record. With three laps to go, Luyendyk led Rahal by 13.3 seconds. Third place Emerson Fittipaldi
caught Luyendyk, and was attempting to un-lap himself. He did so on the mainstretch on the final lap, which distracted Luyendyk, and he did not see the white flag. The next time around, the checkered flag was displayed, and Luyendyk won his first-career Indy car
race.
The record average speed of 185.981 mi/h marked the fastest 500 in Indy history, and the fastest 500-mile Indy car
race to date. The 500-mile speed record would later be broken at the 1990 Michigan 500
, but the race still stands, as of 2011, as an Indianapolis 500 record.
Eddie Cheever
was named the rookie of the year.
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 27, 1990. Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
took the lead with 32 laps to go, and earned his first-ever victory in championship-level
American Championship Car Racing
Since 1916 there has been a recognized United States national automobile racing National Championship for drivers of professional-level, single-seat open wheel race cars. The championship has been under the auspices of several different sanctioning bodies since 1909. Since 1911, the Indianapolis...
competition. Luyendyk completed the 500 miles at an average speed of 185.981 mi/h, a record that still stands as of 2011
2011 Indianapolis 500
The 95th Indianapolis 500 was held on May 29, 2011 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was the premier event of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season. The track opened for practice on May 14, and time trials were held on May 21–22. The race was won by Dan Wheldon and was the final win of his...
.
Defending champion and race polesitter Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
dominated the first half of the race, looking to become the first back-to-back winner in 20 years. In the second half of the race, however, he fell victim to blistering tires, lost a lap, and wound up finishing third. Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
, the 1986
1986 Indianapolis 500
The 70th Indianapolis 500 was held at Indianapolis on Saturday, May 31, 1986. After being rained out on May 25–26, the race was rescheduled for the following weekend...
winner, was poised to win his second Indy 500, be he too suffered handling problems, which dropped him to second at the finish.
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...
finished 6th in the race, his final career top 10 in Indy 500 competition. Rookie Jeff Andretti
Jeff Andretti
Jeff Andretti is an American race car driver. He competed in CART, and was the series' Rookie of the Year in 1991.-Racing career:...
attempted to become the unprecedented fourth member of the Andretti family to qualify for the same race, but was bumped on the final day of time trials.
Rain hampered much of the month, washing out nearly the entire first weekend of time trials. The 1990 race was also the first Indy 500 presided over by Tony George
Tony George
Anton Hulman "Tony" George was the former President and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hulman & Company, serving from 1989 to 2009. He was also formerly on the Board of Directors of both entities. He founded the Indy Racing League and co-owns Vision Racing...
, who was named president of the Speedway in January.
Controversy hovered over the month, regarding new aerodynamic
Automotive aerodynamics
Automotive aerodynamics is the study of the aerodynamics of road vehicles. The main concerns of automotive aerodynamics are reducing drag , reducing wind noise, minimizing noise emission, and preventing undesired lift forces and other causes of aerodynamic instability at high speeds...
rules. All teams utilizing 1989 (or older) model year chassis were required to affix a "diffuser
Diffuser (automotive)
A diffuser, in an automotive context, is a shaped section of the car underbody which improves the car's aerodynamic properties by enhancing the transition between the high-velocity airflow underneath the car and the much slower freestream airflow of the ambient atmosphere...
" to the underbody ground effects tunnels, to reduce their size by 2 inches - a rule intended to reduce downforce
Downforce
Downforce is a downwards thrust created by the aerodynamic characteristics of a car. The purpose of downforce is to allow a car to travel faster through a corner by increasing the vertical force on the tires, thus creating more grip....
and curtail speeds. Competitors complained that the diffusers made their cars unstable and unbalanced, and were responsible for the increased number of practice crashes involving the older cars. Despite voiced complaints and meetings with officials, no changes were made the rules. Ultimately, no major crashes occurred amongst the older cars during the race itself.
Schedule
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Practice - week 1
The first week of practice saw the Penske TeamPenske Racing
Penske Racing is a racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series and NASCAR. They also previously competed in road racing, and Formula One. Penske Racing is a division of Penske Corporation, and is owned and chaired by Roger Penske...
dominate the speed charts. Defending champion Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
and Rick Mears
Rick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
topped the speed chart nearly every day. Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
and Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
also ran amongst the top 5.
Johnny Rutherford wrecked twice during the week. On Monday May 7, he brushed the wall, and was uninjured. On Wednesday May 9, he spun in turn three, and crashed hard into the outside wall, suffering a concussion.
Jim Crawford also suffered two crashes, one on Sunday, and one on Friday. His second crash was spectacular, as the car came off the outside wall and lifted airborne through the south short chute.
On Friday May 11, the final day of practice, the speeds climbed. Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
rans laps of 227.101 mph and 227.181 mph shortly after 4 p.m. They were the fastest unofficial laps in track history. Not to be upstaged, about an hour later, Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
blistered the track with a lap of 228.502 mph, the fastest practice lap ever run at Indy.
Time Trials - weekend 1
Pole DayPole day was scheduled for Saturday May 12, with Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
and Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
the favorites for the pole position. Rain closed the track for the day, and postponed pole qualifying until Sunday.
Second Day
On Sunday May 13, rain threatened to wash out the entire weekend. Continuing rain, cool temperatures and "weepers" kept the cars off the track until after 2:30 p.m. Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
was the first driver to make a qualifying attempt, as time trials finally got underway at 4:34 p.m.
Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
set new one and four-lap qualifying records to secure the provisional pole position. His four-lap average of 225.301 mph was the first over 225 mph in Indy history.
A hectic, abbreviated qualifying session saw 16 attempts before the track closed at 6 p.m. Rick Mears
Rick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
(224.215 mph) and Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
(222.694 mph) tentatively rounded out the front row. Several drivers including Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
, Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
, and 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...
were left waiting in line, and would have to wait until the following weekend to have a shot at the pole position.
Practice - week 2
On Monday (May 14), Arie LuyendykArie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
, who was not able to qualify yet, was the fastest car of the day at 221.773 mph. Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
concentrated on race day setups instead, and ran a lap of 220.496 mph.
Practice on Tuesday (May 15) and Wednesday (May 16) was rained out.
On Thursday (May 17), Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
again led the speed chart, with a lap of 217.854 mph. Rookie Guido Dacco
Guido Daccò
Guido Daccò was an Italian race car and motorcycle racer from Limbiate. He began motorcycle racing in 1969 and from 1980-1984 he raced in Formula 2. He then drove in the 1985 24 Hours of Le Mans and began racing in Formula 3000. In 1988 he moved to the United States to drive in the Indy Lights...
passed his rookie test, and 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....
took to the track for the first time.
On Friday (May 18), Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
re-established himself as a threat for the pole position, running a lap of 224.995 mph, the fastest of the day. But before the day was over, he blew his qualifying engine, and the team was forced to install a back-up engine for time trials. Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
was second at 223.586 mph. Bernard Jourdain
Bernard Jourdain
Bernard Jourdain is a Belgian born Mexican former race car driver. He started two Indianapolis 500's . He was named the Indy 500 Co-Rookie of the Year in 1989 with Scott Pruett. He entered the 1990 Indy 500, but wrecked twice in practice and failed to qualify...
wrecked twice in three hours, first in his backup car, then in his primary car, requiring surgery and ending his month.
Time Trials - weekend 2
Third DayOn Saturday May 19, pole qualifying resumed, with 16 cars still eligible for the pole round. Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
(223.304 mph) squeezed onto the front row, bumping Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
back to row 2. The highly-anticipated run by Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
was a disappointment, as he only managed 220.920 mph, putting him in 7th starting position.
At 5:45 p.m., the field was filled to 33 cars, Mike Groff
Mike Groff
Mike Groff is a former race car driver in CART and the Indy Racing League and the 1989 Indy Lights champion. He made 54 starts in CART beginning in 1990 with a best finish of 6th, occurring at Phoenix International Raceway in 1994...
(203.643 mph) on the bubble. Jim Crawford then easily bumped out Groff. After two crashes, and two slow qualifying attempts, Johnny Rutherford (204.801 mph) was now on the bubble. Stan Fox
Stan Fox
Stan Fox was a United States open wheel race car driver. Fox was one of the last links between the midget car racing world and the Indianapolis 500.-Midget car career:...
bumped him out by over 9 mph, and for the second year in a row, Rutherford was poised to miss the race.
Bump Day
On Sunday May 20, Bump Day saw rain, and the track did not open until 2:30 p.m. As the day opened, rookie Buddy Lazier
Buddy Lazier
Robert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times...
(209.418 mph) was on the bubble. After two attempts, John Paul, Jr.
John Paul, Jr.
John Lee Paul, Jr. is a former race car driver in CART and the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series and winner of the 1982 12 Hours of Sebring while co-driving with his father John Paul, Sr....
was able to bump out Lazier.
In the final 20 minutes, 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....
(attempting to make a comeback to racing) took to the track for his first qualifying attempt in ten years. Rookie Jeff Andretti
Jeff Andretti
Jeff Andretti is an American race car driver. He competed in CART, and was the series' Rookie of the Year in 1991.-Racing career:...
(210.268 mph) was on the bubble. Andretti was attempting to qualify for the first time, and also be the 4th member of the Andretti family to qualify for the same race. Walther qualified at 210.558 mph, just fast enough to bump Andretti.
In the final 8 minutes, Johnny Rutherford made one last futile effort to bump his way in, but waved off after only two laps. That allowed Rocky Moran
Rocky Moran
Rocky Moran, Sr. is a retired American race car driver. Moran, Sr. started three Indianapolis races with a best finish of 14th in 1989....
to take to the track. His speed of 211.076 mph bumped out 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....
at the 6 o'clock gun, and the field was set for race day.
Start
After rain on Saturday, race day dawned sunny and warm. Temperatures were higher than expected, which ultimately led to poor chassis set ups and handling problems for many drivers.Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
took the lead from the start, and dominated the opening laps. The start was clean, and went 19 laps before the first caution. In turn one, Danny Sullivan
Danny Sullivan
Daniel John "Danny" Sullivan III is a former racing driver from the United States. He is best known for winning the 1985 Indianapolis 500.-Before racing:...
's car broke a suspension piece, which sent his car spinning and he crashed hard into the outside wall.
First half
With Fittipaldi continuing to dominate, the top five was being battled amogst Bobby RahalBobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
, Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
, and Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
. Rick Mears
Rick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
dropped back with handling issues, and fell a lap down.
Tony Bettenhausen
Tony Bettenhausen
Melvin E. "Tony" Bettenhausen was an American racing driver, who won the National Championship in 1951 and 1958....
brought out the second caution, when he stalled in lap 45. He was towed back to the pits, and would continue for a time in the race. On lap 63, 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 Raul Boesel
Raul Boesel
Raul de Mesquita Boesel is a former racing driver who raced for the March and Ligier Formula One teams and later raced in Champ Car and the Indy Racing League.He won the 1987 World Sportscar Championship and the 1988 24 Hours of Daytona...
suffered engine failures, and oil was reported on the track. At the same time, 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:...
slowed down the backstretch with a broken a CV joint. In turn four, he spun due to the bad handling, and tagged the wall in turn 4. Carter was uninjured.
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
continued to lead, and set a new Indy record by leading the first 92 consecutive laps. He lost the lead on lap 93 when he pitted. Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
took the lead for two laps, the relinquished the lead back to Fittipaldi when he himself pitted.
At the halfway point, Fittipaldi had led 98 laps and was averaging 174.192 mph, just shy of the race record.
Second half
Blistering tires began to be an issue with several drivers. The fast pace and the changing weather conditions were both factors. On lap 116, Emerson FittipaldiEmerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
ducked into the pits for a scheduled pit stop. That allowed Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
to take the lead for the first time. The rest of the leaders cycled through stops, and Fittipaldi once again found the lead.
On lap 136, leader Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
suddenly entered the pits for an unscheduled pit stop. He was the victim of a blistered right rear tire. Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
took over the lead, and began to pull away. Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
was now running second, with Fittipaldi dropping to third.
On lap 140, John Andretti
John Andretti
John Andretti is an American race car driver. He has won in CART, IMSA GTP, Rolex Sports Car Series and NASCAR. He was the last NASCAR driver to win a Cup race for the famous Petty Enterprises team.-Andretti family:...
brushed the wall in turn four, damaging the suspension. He continued down the frontstrech, and spun lazily in turn 1. It would be the final caution period of the day. Leader Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
pitted under the caution, taking on fuel and only two tires (right sides only). Team team was expressing concern about changing all four, as many teams were blistering tires. Luyendyk, however, took on four tires and fuel.
On lap 153, Fittipaldi was forced make another unscheduled pit stop for yet another blistered tire, and fell a lap down.
Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
continued to lead, but handling problems were starting to slow his pace. Having taken on only two tires, coupled with a damaged wing adjuster, was causing a pushing condition. Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
began to reel him in, and took over the lead with a pass in turn three on lap 168. Going into the race, Luyendyk had never led a lap at Indy, and had never won an Indy car
American Championship Car Racing
Since 1916 there has been a recognized United States national automobile racing National Championship for drivers of professional-level, single-seat open wheel race cars. The championship has been under the auspices of several different sanctioning bodies since 1909. Since 1911, the Indianapolis...
race.
Finish
Both LuyendykArie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
and Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
needed one final pit stop to make it to the finish. Rahal pitted first, on lap 171. Luyendyk followed two laps later, and was able to get back out on the track ahead of Rahal. With Fittipaldi still a lap behind in third, the race became a two-man duel between Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
and Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
- with Rahal seemingly unable to close the gap. Some observers were unsure if Luyendyk and Rahal could make it to the finish on fuel, but neither team planned to pit.
In the final 20 laps, Luyendyk began to pick up the pace, and the average speed began to climb, well above the existing record. With three laps to go, Luyendyk led Rahal by 13.3 seconds. Third place Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
caught Luyendyk, and was attempting to un-lap himself. He did so on the mainstretch on the final lap, which distracted Luyendyk, and he did not see the white flag. The next time around, the checkered flag was displayed, and Luyendyk won his first-career Indy car
American Championship Car Racing
Since 1916 there has been a recognized United States national automobile racing National Championship for drivers of professional-level, single-seat open wheel race cars. The championship has been under the auspices of several different sanctioning bodies since 1909. Since 1911, the Indianapolis...
race.
The record average speed of 185.981 mi/h marked the fastest 500 in Indy history, and the fastest 500-mile Indy car
American Championship Car Racing
Since 1916 there has been a recognized United States national automobile racing National Championship for drivers of professional-level, single-seat open wheel race cars. The championship has been under the auspices of several different sanctioning bodies since 1909. Since 1911, the Indianapolis...
race to date. The 500-mile speed record would later be broken at the 1990 Michigan 500
Firestone Indy 400
The Firestone Indy 400 was an IndyCar Series race held at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.Between 1970 and 2007, Michigan International Speedway hosted at least one open-wheel race in every season, hosting 55 open-wheel races over 38 years...
, but the race still stands, as of 2011, as an Indianapolis 500 record.
Eddie Cheever
Eddie Cheever
Edward "Eddie" McKay Cheever, Jr. is an American racing driver who raced for almost thirty years in Formula One, Sports cars, CART and the Indy Racing League. Cheever participated in 143 World Championship Formula One races and started 132, more than any other American, driving for nine different...
was named the rookie of the year.
Box score
| Finish | Start | No | Name | Qual | Rank | Laps | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 30 |  Netherlands Arie LuyendykArie Luyendyk Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500.... |
223.304 | 3 | 200 | 185.981 mph |
| 2 | 4 | 18 |  United States Bobby RahalBobby Rahal Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500... |
222.694 | 4 | 200 | +10.878 seconds |
| 3 | 1 | 1 |  Brazil Emerson FittipaldiEmerson Fittipaldi Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:... |
225.301 | 1 | 200 | +41.719 seconds |
| 4 | 7 | 5 | United States Al Unser, Jr. Al Unser, Jr. Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:... |
220.920 | 7 | 199 | Flagged |
| 5 | 2 | 2 | United States Rick Mears Rick Mears Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six... |
224.215 | 2 | 198 | Flagged |
| 6 | 8 | 14 | United States A.J. Foyt |
220.425 | 8 | 194 | Flagged |
| 7 | 26 | 22 | United States Scott Brayton Scott Brayton Scott Everets Brayton was a race car driver from Coldwater, Michigan, on the American open-wheel circuit. He competed in 14 Indianapolis 500s, beginning with the 1981 event... |
215.028 | 23 | 194 | Flagged |
| 8 | 14 | 25 | United States Eddie Cheever Eddie Cheever Edward "Eddie" McKay Cheever, Jr. is an American racing driver who raced for almost thirty years in Formula One, Sports cars, CART and the Indy Racing League. Cheever participated in 143 World Championship Formula One races and started 132, more than any other American, driving for nine different... |
217.925 | 15 | 193 | Flagged |
| 9 | 15 | 11 | United States Kevin Cogan Kevin Cogan Kevin Cogan is a former racecar driver who drove in Formula One from to . Driving a RAM Williams in the 1980 Canadian Grand Prix, he failed to qualify, suffering the same result driving for Tyrrell at the 1981 US GP West... |
217.738 | 16 | 191 | Flagged |
| 10 | 21 | 28 |  Canada Scott GoodyearScott Goodyear Scott Goodyear is a former race car driver from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Goodyear ran the IRL and Champ Car series during his career from 1987, winning the Michigan 500 in 1992 and 1994... |
213.622 | 27 | 191 | Flagged |
| 11 | 20 | 70 |  Belgium Didier TheysDidier Theys Didier Theys is an Belgian sports car driver. He is a two-time overall winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona ; a winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring ; the Sports Racing Prototype driver champion of the Grand-American Road Racing Association and the winner of the 24 Hours of Spa... |
214.033 | 25 | 190 | Flagged |
| 12 | 16 | 23 |  Finland Tero PalmrothTero Palmroth Tero Palmroth , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1988-1992 seasons with 12 career starts, including the 1988-1991 Indianapolis 500. His best CART finish was in 12th position at the 1990 Indianapolis 500.-Indy 500 results:-External Links:*]... |
217.423 | 17 | 188 | Flagged |
| 13 | 30 | 40 | 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.... |
212.086 | 31 | 186 | Flagged |
| 14 | 12 | 12 | United States Randy Lewis |
218.412 | 13 | 186 | Flagged |
| 15 | 29 | 15 |  United Kingdom Jim Crawford |
212.201 | 30 | 183 | Flagged |
| 16 | 32 | 93 | United States John Paul, Jr. John Paul, Jr. John Lee Paul, Jr. is a former race car driver in CART and the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series and winner of the 1982 12 Hours of Sebring while co-driving with his father John Paul, Sr.... |
214.411 | 24 | 176 | Radiator |
| 17 | 24 | 39 | United States Dean Hall Dean Hall Dean Hall , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1990, 1991, and 1995 seasons with 21 career starts, including the 1990 Indianapolis 500... |
216.975 | 20 | 165 | Suspension |
| 18 | 23 | 4 |  Italy Teo FabiTeo Fabi Teodorico Fabi , better known as Teo Fabi, is an Italian former racing driver.-Career:Fabi participated in 71 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on January 23, 1982. He achieved 2 podiums, and scored a total of 23 championship points... |
220.022 | 10 | 162 | Transmission |
| 19 | 19 | 21 |  Australia Geoff BrabhamGeoff Brabham Geoff Brabham is an Australian racing driver. He is the son of three-time Formula One World Champion Jack Brabham. Brabham spent the majority of his racing career in the United States. He raced successfully in CART early in his career. In ten appearances in the Indianapolis 500, with a best result... |
216.580 | 21 | 161 | Flagged |
| 20 | 5 | 3 | United States Michael Andretti Michael Andretti Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:... |
222.055 | 5 | 146 | Vibration |
| 21 | 10 | 41 | United States John Andretti John Andretti John Andretti is an American race car driver. He has won in CART, IMSA GTP, Rolex Sports Car Series and NASCAR. He was the last NASCAR driver to win a Cup race for the famous Petty Enterprises team.-Andretti family:... |
219.484 | 11 | 136 | Spun T1 |
| 22 | 11 | 86 | United States Dominic Dobson Dominic Dobson Dominic Dobson is a German-born former CART and Craftsman Truck Series driver who made 7 starts in the Indianapolis 500 with a best finish of 12th in 1992, over 60 starts in the CART , with a best finish of 3rd at the Michigan 500 in 1994... |
219.230 | 12 | 129 | Engine |
| 23 | 28 | 20 |  Colombia Roberto GuerreroRoberto Guerrero Roberto José Guerrero Isaza is a former racing driver from Colombia. He participated in 29 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on 23 January 1982... |
212.652 | 29 | 118 | Suspension |
| 24 | 31 | 81 | United States Billy Vukovich III Billy Vukovich III William John Vukovich III , better known as Billy Vukovich III or Bill Vukovich III was an American race car driver. He was a three time starter of the Indianapolis 500... |
211.389 | 32 | 102 | Engine |
| 25 | 33 | 56 | United States Rocky Moran Rocky Moran Rocky Moran, Sr. is a retired American race car driver. Moran, Sr. started three Indianapolis races with a best finish of 14th in 1989.... |
211.076 | 33 | 88 | Engine |
| 26 | 13 | 16 | United States Tony Bettenhausen, Jr. Tony Bettenhausen, Jr. Tony Bettenhausen, Jr. was a Champ Car team owner and driver who died in a 2000 plane crash. He was the son of former 14-time Indianapolis 500 competitor Tony Bettenhausen and the brother of 21-time Indy racer Gary Bettenhausen. The family holds the dubious distinction of the most combined starts... |
218.369 | 14 | 76 | Engine |
| 27 | 6 | 6 | 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... |
222.025 | 6 | 60 | Engine |
| 28 | 17 | 19 | Brazil Raul Boesel Raul Boesel Raul de Mesquita Boesel is a former racing driver who raced for the March and Ligier Formula One teams and later raced in Champ Car and the Indy Racing League.He won the 1987 World Sportscar Championship and the 1988 24 Hours of Daytona... |
217.381 | 18 | 60 | Engine |
| 29 | 22 | 29 | 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:... |
213.156 | 28 | 59 | Crash T4 |
| 30 | 25 | 9 | 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... |
216.142 | 22 | 48 | CV Joint |
| 31 | 18 | 51 | 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:... |
217.264 | 19 | 39 | Wheel Bearing |
| 32 | 9 | 7 | United States Danny Sullivan Danny Sullivan Daniel John "Danny" Sullivan III is a former racing driver from the United States. He is best known for winning the 1985 Indianapolis 500.-Before racing:... |
220.310 | 9 | 19 | Crash T1 |
| 33 | 27 | 97 | United States Stan Fox Stan Fox Stan Fox was a United States open wheel race car driver. Fox was one of the last links between the midget car racing world and the Indianapolis 500.-Midget car career:... |
213.812 | 26 | 10 | Gearbox |
Race statistics
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Failed to Qualify
- Jeff AndrettiJeff AndrettiJeff Andretti is an American race car driver. He competed in CART, and was the series' Rookie of the Year in 1991.-Racing career:...
(#98) — Bumped - Salt WaltherSalt WaltherDavid "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....
(#77) — Bumped - Guido DaccòGuido DaccòGuido Daccò was an Italian race car and motorcycle racer from Limbiate. He began motorcycle racing in 1969 and from 1980-1984 he raced in Formula 2. He then drove in the 1985 24 Hours of Le Mans and began racing in Formula 3000. In 1988 he moved to the United States to drive in the Indy Lights...
(#66) — Bumped - Mike GroffMike GroffMike Groff is a former race car driver in CART and the Indy Racing League and the 1989 Indy Lights champion. He made 54 starts in CART beginning in 1990 with a best finish of 6th, occurring at Phoenix International Raceway in 1994...
(#10/#50) — Bumped - Buddy LazierBuddy LazierRobert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times...
(#91) — Bumped - Johnny Rutherford (#17T/#23) — Bumped
- Steve ChasseySteve ChasseySteve Chassey , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in 9 seasons , with 44 career starts, including the Indianapolis 500 in 1983, 1987, and 1988. He finished in the top ten 4 times, with his best finish in 5th position in 1981 at Watkins Glen International...
(#93/#96) — Wrecked practice/Bumped - Rich VoglerRich VoglerRich Vogler was a champion sprint car and midget car driver. He was nicknamed "Rapid Rich". He competed in the Indianapolis 500 five times, his best finish was eighth in 1989.-Racing career:...
(#8/#12/#50) — Wrecked qualifying/Bumped - Jeff Wood (#44) — Wrecked practice
- Bernard JourdainBernard JourdainBernard Jourdain is a Belgian born Mexican former race car driver. He started two Indianapolis 500's . He was named the Indy 500 Co-Rookie of the Year in 1989 with Scott Pruett. He entered the 1990 Indy 500, but wrecked twice in practice and failed to qualify...
(#69) — Wrecked practice - George SniderGeorge SniderGeorge "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...
(#51) — Withdrew, replaced - Hiro MatsushitaHiro Matsushita, is a former driver in the Champ Car series. He is the grandson of Konosuke Matsushita, founder of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.. The family relationship has allowed him to receive financial backing from Panasonic throughout his racing career.-Early career:...
(#10) — Passed rookie orientation - Steve BarclaySteve Barclay (racing driver)Steve Barclay is an American race car driver who competed in the American Racing Series and attempted rookie orientation for the 1990 Indianapolis 500.-American Racing Series:- References :...
(#51) — Wrecked, rookie orientation - Kenji MomotaKenji Momotais a Japanese former racing driver.Momota drove in the All Japan Touring Car Championship in the mid to late 1980s. In 1990 he competed in the first two American Racing Series races of the season for TEAMKAR International, finishing 17th and 20th...
(#98) — Did not appear for rookie orientation