1991 Indianapolis 500
Encyclopedia
The 75th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
on Sunday, May 26, 1991. Rick Mears
won from the pole position, becoming the third four-time winner of the Indy 500, joining A. J. Foyt
and Al Unser
.
The race was noteworthy in that it featured the first African American
driver to qualify for the Indy 500, Willy T. Ribbs
, as well as the first Japanese driver, Hiro Matsushita
. A. J. Foyt
entered the month with the expectation that he was going to retire from driving after the race. He qualified on the front row, but dropped out early due to suspension damage. He eventually retracted his retirement plans, and would return in 1992
.
For the first time in Indy history, four member of the same family qualified for the same race. Mario
, Michael
, Jeff
, and John Andretti
competed together. Michael, Mario and John all finished in the top ten, while Jeff was named the Rookie of the Year.
suffered a crash at Road America
in September 1990, which injured his legs and feet. Foyt went through rehab during the offseason, and planned to race at Indy one final time in 1991, then retire from driving.
Few team/driver changes occurred during the off-season, and most of the key fixtures from 1990 remained on the same teams. Among the few changes, Danny Sullivan
departed Penske Racing, and joined the Pat Patrick Alfa Romeo effort. Rick Mears
' familiar Pennzoil Z-7 Special livery was gone for 1991, as the Penske team (Mears and Fittipaldi
) became a two-car team with Marlboro sponsoring both cars.
John Andretti
joined the newly-rebooted Hall-VDS team, taking over the Pennzoil sponsorship.
The pace car for the 1991 Indy 500 was initially chosen to be the Dodge Stealth. However, the UAW
, along with traditionalists, protested since the Stealth was a captive import
built by Mitsubishi
in Japan. Traditionally, the make of the pace car has always been a domestic American brand. Shortly before the race, the Stealth was downgraded to be the festival car. The pre-production
Dodge Viper RT/10 replaced the Stealth when the track opened in May. Carroll Shelby
served as the driver, thought to be the first person to drive the pace car after having a heart transplant.
On Tuesday May 7, Rick Mears ran the fastest lap thus far at 226.569 mph. Gary Bettenhausen also gained attention with a lap of 224.888 mph in the stock block Buick V-6.
Jim Crawford hit 225.643 mph in a Buick on Wednesday May 8, and Bobby Rahal became the second driver over 226 mph, with a lap of 226.080 to lead the speed chart for the day.
The speed of the stock block Buicks continued to impress as Kevin Cogan turned a lap of 226.677 mph on Thursday May 9.
On "Fast Friday," the final day of practice before time trials, Rick Mears
shocked the establishment, suffering his first-ever crash at Indy. Something broke in the rear of the car, sending him spinning into the turn one wall. Mears suffered an injured right foot, and was cleared to drive later in the day. Later in the day, Emerson Fittipaldi
set the fastest lap of the month at 226.705 mph, and became the favorite for the pole. At 5:09 p.m., Mark Dismore
suffered a terrible crash coming out of turn 4. The car slid across the track and hit the inside wall near the entrance to the pits and broke into two pieces. Dismore suffered multiple injuries to his arms, legs, and feet, and was sidelined for the year.
drew #1 in the qualifying order, and was the first car out on the track. Foyt put himself on the provisional pole position, with a four-lap run of 222.443 mph. The second car out to qualify was Randy Lewis, who wrecked in turn one on his first lap.
About an hour into the session, Mario Andretti
completed a run of 221.818 mph, which put him tentatively on the front row. Several cars waved off their runs, and others simply pulled out of line, preferring to wait until later in the day, anticipating better conditions. Bobby Rahal
, Michael Andretti
, and his brother rookie Jeff Andretti
completed runs. By 12:45 p.m., there were only eight cars in the field.
At 12:51 p.m., Rick Mears
took to the track, one day after suffering his practice crash. He qualified for the pole position with a speed of 224.113 mph. It was not a track record, but it would be Mears' record sixth Indy 500 pole.
The track went mostly quiet during the heat of the day, and only two cars went out over the next 2½ hours. At 3:52 p.m., Emerson Fittipaldi
made his first attempt. After three laps in the 223 range (fast enough for second starting position), his crew waved him off. A few minutes later, John Andretti
completed his run under a light mist. The rain continued, and washed out the remainder of the day.
Since the original qualifying order had exhausted before the rains came, pole day was officially over. Only 12 cars qualified, and several drivers were left out, including Emerson Fittipaldi
, Arie Luyendyk
, and Gary Bettenhausen
. Meanwhile, the front row was established with Rick Mears
on the pole, A. J. Foyt
in the middle, and Mario Andretti
on the outside. Historians point to this as one of most storied and historic front rows in Indy history.
took to the track and completed his run at 224.468 mph, faster than Mears' pole speed, making him the fastest qualifier in the field. Since he was a second-day qualifier, however, he was forced to line up behind the first-day qualifiers, in 13th position.
Arie Luyendyk
's qualifying run of 223.881 mph made him the third fastest car in the field, but his second-day status lined him up 14th. Emerson Fittipaldi
finally made the field, qualifying 15th at 223.065 mph. The three cars of the 5th row (Bettenhausen, Luyendyk, Fittipaldi) ended up qualifying faster than the three cars of the front row.
The rest of the day saw light action, and at the end of the day, the field filled to 22 cars.
passed his drivers test on Monday, but suffered through multiple engine failures during the week. Ribbs managed a practice lap of 213.230 mph, but as practice came to a close, it appeared doubtful he might be able to qualify.
Among the drivers named to ride during the week were Gordon Johncock
, Tom Sneva
, and Roberto Guerrero
. Al Unser, Sr., however, was unable to secure a competitive ride, and decided to sit out the race.
Rookie Hiro Matsushita
led the speed chart for the non-qualified drivers most of the week, with a top lap of 216.570 mph. Roberto Guerrero
quickly got up to speed in the Alfa Romeo, with the fastest lap of the week (216.941 mph).
was the fastest car of the day, qualifying at 218.141 mph, officially becoming the first Japanese driver to qualify for the Indy 500. Other notable qualifiers included Roberto Guerrero
, John Paul, Jr.
, and Scott Pruett
. Tom Sneva
completed a slow run of 213.189 mph, and he sat as the slowest car in the field.
Two crashes occurred during the day. Dean Hall
crashed in the morning practice session, and Ted Prappas
wrecked in turn 4 later in the afternoon. Both drivers would miss the race.
Willy T. Ribbs
' frustrations continued, as his car revved too high, and he broke a valve on his warmup lap.
was the first driver to complete an attempt, and took a run of 213.812 mph. A few minutes later, Willy T. Ribbs
' car started smoking and spewing oil, and suffered a turbocharger failure. Yet another engine-related headache for the team. The team scrambled to replace the turbo, but then discovered a damaged scavenger pump, which delayed them further.
At 2:45 p.m., Pancho Carter
filled the field to 33 cars. Tom Sneva (213.189 mph) was now on the bubble.
At about 3:30 p.m., Willy T. Ribbs finally returned to the track to shake down the car. He ran a few practice laps, and was quickly over 214 mph. At 5:05 p.m., the team placed the car in the tech line, and prepared to qualify. With much anticipation from fans and the media, Ribbs miraculously completed the four-lap qualifying run at a speed of 217.358 mph, the fastest laps he had run all month. On his cool-down lap, an ecstatic Ribbs hoisted himself partially out of his seat, waving and cheering with both hands out of the cockpit as he pulled into the pits. Ribbs bumped former winner Tom Sneva
, and was comfortably in the field.
Randy Lewis was the final car to complete an attempt, and he bumped Johnny Parsons
from the field. In the final 15 minutes, three drivers took to the track, but all three waved off. Gordon Johncock
survived the bubble, and held on the qualify 33rd.
gave the command to start engines at 11:46 a.m., and the field pulled away. During the pace laps, Danny Sullivan
's Alfa Romeo car suffered a fuel pump problem, and was pushed back to the pits. Observers also noted that Willy T. Ribbs
' engine sounded poorly.
At the start, polesitter Rick Mears
took the lead into turn one. Gary Bettenhausen
got sideways in turn 1, causing Buddy Lazier
to swerve and kiss the outside wall with his nosecone. The caution came out, and both Bettenhausen and Lazier made it back to the pits. Bettenhausen changed tires and continued, but Lazier's car was too damaged to continue.
After quick repairs, Danny Sullivan
joined the race three laps down. On lap 5, Willy T. Ribbs
pulled into the pits with a misfire, and dropped out.
on lap 12. Michael Andretti
then took the lead and dominated most of the first half.
On lap 25, Kevin Cogan
clipped Roberto Guerrero
in turn 1, and the two cars crashed hard into the outside wall. Guerrero was unhurt, but Cogan suffered a broken leg. Debris from the crash littered the track, and A. J. Foyt
ran over a large piece of debris, breaking his left front suspension. Foyt limped back to the pits, waving to the crowd, as he felt his day was done. The crowd gave him an ovation as he walked back to the garage area, but he was still non-committal to his retirement decision.
Several cars began dropping out due to mechanical problems. Jim Crawford, John Paul, Jr.
, Mike Groff
, Tero Palmroth
, and Gary Bettenhausen
were all out of the race before the halfway point.
At the halfway point, Michael Andretti
continued to lead, with Emerson Fittipaldi
holding onto second. Teammates Bobby Rahal
and Al Unser, Jr.
were strong top five contenders. Rick Mears
barely clung to the lead lap, and was in danger of being lapped at one point.
continued his dominance, but Emerson Fittipaldi
was now a strong challenger. Fittipaldi took the lead on lap 113, and held it for a total of 46 laps in the second half. Fittipaldi wound up suffering a gearbox failure exiting the pits on lap 182, however, and dropped out the race.
The field dwindled down to only about 13 cars for the final 50 laps. Early contender Bobby Rahal
blew an engine on lap 130, followed by Scott Brayton
, who also blew an engine on lap 149. Mario Andretti
faded in the second half, falling 2 laps down and out of contention for the win. Only two cars remained on the lead lap, Michael Andretti
and Rick Mears
. Arie Luyendyk
moved into third, one lap down, with Al Unser, Jr.
also in the top five.
Gordon Johncock
, who started 33rd, and was suffering from flu-like symptoms before the race, was now in the top ten.
blew an engine down the frontstretch, spewing a huge cloud of smoke. Leader Michael Andretti
took advantage of the break, and ducked into the pits for needed fuel. Andretti's stop was quick, and he came back out onto the track in second. He lined up just behind leader Rick Mears
for the re-start.
As the leaders came down to complete lap 186, Michael
diced back and forth down the frontstretch, and passed Mears
on the outside of turn 1 to take the lead in dramatic fashion. Michael
began to pull away, but Mears
reeled him in in turn 4. At the end of the mainstretch, not to be upstaged, Mears
pulled the same move, passing Michael
on the outside of turn 1 to re-take the lead.
With only 11 laps to go, Mears
began to lengthen his lead. Suddenly on lap 190, Michael
's father Mario
stalled at the entrance to the pits. The yellow flag came out for the tow-in and bunched the field for another restart. A controversy erupted, as many felt Mario
stopped on purpose in a ploy to aid his son.
The green flag came out with six laps to go, and Mears
got the jump on the restart. Michael
's handling was starting to go away, and he was unable to challenge Mears
for the lead. Rick Mears
cruised over the final five laps to the finish line, and became the third four-time winner of the 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, 1991. 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...
won from the pole position, becoming the third four-time winner of the Indy 500, joining 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 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....
.
The race was noteworthy in that it featured the first African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
driver to qualify for the Indy 500, Willy T. Ribbs
Willy T. Ribbs
William "Willy" Theodore Ribbs, Jr. is a racecar driver who competed in many forms of auto racing. After retiring, he became a sport shooter in the National Sporting Clays Association....
, as well as the first Japanese driver, Hiro Matsushita
Hiro 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:...
. 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...
entered the month with the expectation that he was going to retire from driving after the race. He qualified on the front row, but dropped out early due to suspension damage. He eventually retracted his retirement plans, and would return in 1992
1992 Indianapolis 500
The 76th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24, 1992. The race is famous for the fierce battle in the closing laps, as race winner Al Unser, Jr...
.
For the first time in Indy history, four member of the same family qualified for the same race. Mario
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...
, Michael
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:...
, Jeff
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:...
, and 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:...
competed together. Michael, Mario and John all finished in the top ten, while Jeff was named the Rookie of the Year.
Background
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...
suffered a crash at Road America
Road America
Road America is a road course located near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin on Wisconsin Highway 67. It has hosted races since the 1950s and currently hosts races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series , American Le Mans , SCCA Speed World Challenge Series, ASRA, and AMA Superbike series.- Current track and...
in September 1990, which injured his legs and feet. Foyt went through rehab during the offseason, and planned to race at Indy one final time in 1991, then retire from driving.
Few team/driver changes occurred during the off-season, and most of the key fixtures from 1990 remained on the same teams. Among the few changes, 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:...
departed Penske Racing, and joined the Pat Patrick Alfa Romeo effort. 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...
' familiar Pennzoil Z-7 Special livery was gone for 1991, as the Penske team (Mears and 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:...
) became a two-car team with Marlboro sponsoring both cars.
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:...
joined the newly-rebooted Hall-VDS team, taking over the Pennzoil sponsorship.
The pace car for the 1991 Indy 500 was initially chosen to be the Dodge Stealth. However, the UAW
United Auto Workers
The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, better known as the United Auto Workers , is a labor union which represents workers in the United States and Puerto Rico, and formerly in Canada. Founded as part of the Congress of Industrial...
, along with traditionalists, protested since the Stealth was a captive import
Captive import
Captive import is a marketing term and a strategy for an automobile part or entire vehicle that is foreign-built and sold under the name of an importer or by a domestic automaker through its own dealer distribution system....
built by Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Group , Mitsubishi Group of Companies, or Mitsubishi Companies is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company that consists of a range of autonomous businesses which share the Mitsubishi brand, trademark and legacy...
in Japan. Traditionally, the make of the pace car has always been a domestic American brand. Shortly before the race, the Stealth was downgraded to be the festival car. The pre-production
Pre-production car
Pre-production cars are vehicles that allow the automaker to find problems before a new model goes on sale to the public. Pre-production cars come after prototypes, or development mules which themselves are preceded by concept cars...
Dodge Viper RT/10 replaced the Stealth when the track opened in May. Carroll Shelby
Carroll Shelby
Carroll Hall Shelby is an American retired automotive designer and racing driver. He is most well known for making Mustangs for Ford Motor Company known as Mustang Cobras which he has done since 1965...
served as the driver, thought to be the first person to drive the pace car after having a heart transplant.
Practice - Week 1
The first two days of practice (May 4 & May 5) were rained out, with cars only taking to the track briefly for "shake down" laps. The first hot laps were run on Monday May 6. Penske teammates Emerson Fittipaldi (223.981 mph) and Rick Mears (223.430 mph) led the speed chart.On Tuesday May 7, Rick Mears ran the fastest lap thus far at 226.569 mph. Gary Bettenhausen also gained attention with a lap of 224.888 mph in the stock block Buick V-6.
Jim Crawford hit 225.643 mph in a Buick on Wednesday May 8, and Bobby Rahal became the second driver over 226 mph, with a lap of 226.080 to lead the speed chart for the day.
The speed of the stock block Buicks continued to impress as Kevin Cogan turned a lap of 226.677 mph on Thursday May 9.
On "Fast Friday," the final day of practice before time trials, 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...
shocked the establishment, suffering his first-ever crash at Indy. Something broke in the rear of the car, sending him spinning into the turn one wall. Mears suffered an injured right foot, and was cleared to drive later in the day. Later in the day, 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:...
set the fastest lap of the month at 226.705 mph, and became the favorite for the pole. At 5:09 p.m., Mark Dismore
Mark Dismore
Mark Dismore is a former driver in the Indy Racing League and the 1990 Toyota Pacific champion as well as the winner of the 1993 24 Hours of Daytona with Dan Gurney's All American Racers in a Toyota GTP car with co-drivers Rocky Moran and P. J. Jones...
suffered a terrible crash coming out of turn 4. The car slid across the track and hit the inside wall near the entrance to the pits and broke into two pieces. Dismore suffered multiple injuries to his arms, legs, and feet, and was sidelined for the year.
Time Trials - Pole Day
Pole day was held on Saturday May 11, and was hot and humid. 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 #1 in the qualifying order, and was the first car out on the track. Foyt put himself on the provisional pole position, with a four-lap run of 222.443 mph. The second car out to qualify was Randy Lewis, who wrecked in turn one on his first lap.
About an hour into the session, 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...
completed a run of 221.818 mph, which put him tentatively on the front row. Several cars waved off their runs, and others simply pulled out of line, preferring to wait until later in the day, anticipating better conditions. 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...
, 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:...
, and his brother 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:...
completed runs. By 12:45 p.m., there were only eight cars in the field.
At 12:51 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...
took to the track, one day after suffering his practice crash. He qualified for the pole position with a speed of 224.113 mph. It was not a track record, but it would be Mears' record sixth Indy 500 pole.
The track went mostly quiet during the heat of the day, and only two cars went out over the next 2½ hours. At 3:52 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:...
made his first attempt. After three laps in the 223 range (fast enough for second starting position), his crew waved him off. A few minutes later, 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:...
completed his run under a light mist. The rain continued, and washed out the remainder of the day.
Since the original qualifying order had exhausted before the rains came, pole day was officially over. Only 12 cars qualified, and several drivers were left out, including 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:...
, Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
, 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:...
. Meanwhile, the front row was established with 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...
on the pole, 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...
in the middle, and 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...
on the outside. Historians point to this as one of most storied and historic front rows in Indy history.
Time Trials - Second Day
Many of the drivers who were left out of qualifying a day earlier returned to qualify on Sunday May 12. The first 45 minutes of the day saw heavy action. Gary BettenhausenGary 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:...
took to the track and completed his run at 224.468 mph, faster than Mears' pole speed, making him the fastest qualifier in the field. Since he was a second-day qualifier, however, he was forced to line up behind the first-day qualifiers, in 13th position.
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
's qualifying run of 223.881 mph made him the third fastest car in the field, but his second-day status lined him up 14th. 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:...
finally made the field, qualifying 15th at 223.065 mph. The three cars of the 5th row (Bettenhausen, Luyendyk, Fittipaldi) ended up qualifying faster than the three cars of the front row.
The rest of the day saw light action, and at the end of the day, the field filled to 22 cars.
Practice - Week 2
The second week of practice focused on the non-qualified drivers, and those still looking for rides. Rookie Willy T. RibbsWilly T. Ribbs
William "Willy" Theodore Ribbs, Jr. is a racecar driver who competed in many forms of auto racing. After retiring, he became a sport shooter in the National Sporting Clays Association....
passed his drivers test on Monday, but suffered through multiple engine failures during the week. Ribbs managed a practice lap of 213.230 mph, but as practice came to a close, it appeared doubtful he might be able to qualify.
Among the drivers named to ride during the week were 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."...
, 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 Roberto Guerrero
Roberto 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...
. Al Unser, Sr., however, was unable to secure a competitive ride, and decided to sit out the race.
Rookie Hiro Matsushita
Hiro 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:...
led the speed chart for the non-qualified drivers most of the week, with a top lap of 216.570 mph. Roberto Guerrero
Roberto 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...
quickly got up to speed in the Alfa Romeo, with the fastest lap of the week (216.941 mph).
Time Trials - Third Day
Twelve car made attempts in the first hour, and the field was filled to 29 cars. Rookie 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:...
was the fastest car of the day, qualifying at 218.141 mph, officially becoming the first Japanese driver to qualify for the Indy 500. Other notable qualifiers included Roberto Guerrero
Roberto 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...
, 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....
, and Scott Pruett
Scott Pruett
Scott Donald Pruett is an American race car driver who has competed in NASCAR, Champ Car, IMSA, Trans-Am and Grand-Am. He and his wife Judy have three children, and are children's book authors....
. 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...
completed a slow run of 213.189 mph, and he sat as the slowest car in the field.
Two crashes occurred during the day. 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...
crashed in the morning practice session, and Ted Prappas
Ted Prappas
Ted Prappas , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1991-1992 seasons with 26 career starts, including the 1992 Indianapolis 500. He finished in the top ten 4 times and his best career finish was in 6th position at the 1991 Grand Prix of Long Beach...
wrecked in turn 4 later in the afternoon. Both drivers would miss the race.
Willy T. Ribbs
Willy T. Ribbs
William "Willy" Theodore Ribbs, Jr. is a racecar driver who competed in many forms of auto racing. After retiring, he became a sport shooter in the National Sporting Clays Association....
' frustrations continued, as his car revved too high, and he broke a valve on his warmup lap.
Time Trials - Bump Day
Four positions remained open on the final day of time trials. 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 to complete an attempt, and took a run of 213.812 mph. A few minutes later, Willy T. Ribbs
Willy T. Ribbs
William "Willy" Theodore Ribbs, Jr. is a racecar driver who competed in many forms of auto racing. After retiring, he became a sport shooter in the National Sporting Clays Association....
' car started smoking and spewing oil, and suffered a turbocharger failure. Yet another engine-related headache for the team. The team scrambled to replace the turbo, but then discovered a damaged scavenger pump, which delayed them further.
At 2:45 p.m., 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:...
filled the field to 33 cars. Tom Sneva (213.189 mph) was now on the bubble.
At about 3:30 p.m., Willy T. Ribbs finally returned to the track to shake down the car. He ran a few practice laps, and was quickly over 214 mph. At 5:05 p.m., the team placed the car in the tech line, and prepared to qualify. With much anticipation from fans and the media, Ribbs miraculously completed the four-lap qualifying run at a speed of 217.358 mph, the fastest laps he had run all month. On his cool-down lap, an ecstatic Ribbs hoisted himself partially out of his seat, waving and cheering with both hands out of the cockpit as he pulled into the pits. Ribbs bumped former winner 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 was comfortably in the field.
Randy Lewis was the final car to complete an attempt, and he bumped 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...
from the field. In the final 15 minutes, three drivers took to the track, but all three waved off. 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."...
survived the bubble, and held on the qualify 33rd.
Grid
| Row | Inside | Middle | Outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  United States Rick MearsRick 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... |
United States A.J. Foyt |
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... |
| 2 | United States 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... |
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:... |
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:... |
| 3 | 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:... |
 United Kingdom Jim CrawfordJim Crawford (driver) Jim Crawford was a Scottish racing driver. He first came to the racing community's notice when he borrowed Stephen Choularton's Lotus 69 and won on his first outing at Croft Racing Track in the North East of England... |
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:... |
| 4 | 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... |
United States 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:... |
 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... |
| 5 | 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:... |
 Netherlands Arie LuyendykArie Luyendyk Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500.... |
 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:... |
| 6 | 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... |
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:... |
United States 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... |
| 7 | 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... |
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... |
 Mexico Bernard JourdainBernard 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... |
| 8 |  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... |
United States 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... |
 Japan 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:... |
| 9 | 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.... |
 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:*]... |
United States Scott Pruett Scott Pruett Scott Donald Pruett is an American race car driver who has competed in NASCAR, Champ Car, IMSA, Trans-Am and Grand-Am. He and his wife Judy have three children, and are children's book authors.... |
| 10 |  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... |
United States Willy T. Ribbs Willy T. Ribbs William "Willy" Theodore Ribbs, Jr. is a racecar driver who competed in many forms of auto racing. After retiring, he became a sport shooter in the National Sporting Clays Association.... |
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... |
| 11 | United States Randy Lewis |
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:... |
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."... |
- Gary BettenhausenGary BettenhausenGary 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:...
was the fastest qualifier. However, he qualified on the second day of time trials, and thus, was ineligible for the pole position. He lined up as the fastest second day qualifier, behind the 12 drivers who qualified on the first day.
Failed to Qualify
- Johnny ParsonsJohnny ParsonsJohnny 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...
(#11) - Bumped; standing by as relief driver for Gordon JohncockGordon JohncockGordon 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."...
, who was ill on race day - Tom SnevaTom SnevaTom 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...
(#59) - 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) - Too slow - Didier TheysDidier TheysDidier 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...
(#17/#50T) - Too slow - Mark DismoreMark DismoreMark Dismore is a former driver in the Indy Racing League and the 1990 Toyota Pacific champion as well as the winner of the 1993 24 Hours of Daytona with Dan Gurney's All American Racers in a Toyota GTP car with co-drivers Rocky Moran and P. J. Jones...
(#12) - wrecked in practice on May 10, serious leg and foot injuries - Dean HallDean HallDean 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...
(#97) - Wrecked in practice on May 18, knee injury - Ted PrappasTed PrappasTed Prappas , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1991-1992 seasons with 26 career starts, including the 1992 Indianapolis 500. He finished in the top ten 4 times and his best career finish was in 6th position at the 1991 Grand Prix of Long Beach...
(#31) - wrecked in practice on May 18 - 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...
(#37) - Completed only 6 practice laps, did not attempt to qualify - Davey HamiltonDavey HamiltonDavey Jay Hamilton is a race car driver in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series. He has made 50 series starts and while never winning a race, finished second 3 times...
(#81) - Did not practice - Phil KruegerPhil KruegerPhil Krueger , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in 9 seasons , with 23 career starts, including the 1986 and 1988 Indianapolis 500...
(#25) - Did not practice - Vinicio SalmiVinicio SalmiVinicio Salmi is a former Italian racing driver from Genoa. He competed in the FIA European Formula Three Championship part-time from 1979 to 1981 and Italian Formula Three in 1981. He raced motorcycles from 1982 until 1988. In 1989 he returned to professional racing in the American Racing Series...
(#36) - Did not practice - Paul TracyPaul TracyPaul Tracy is a professional automobile racer who has competed in CART, the ChampCar World Series and the IndyCar Series...
(#90) - Replaced by Randy Lewis - Jeff WoodJeff Wood (auto racer)Jeff Wood is an American former race car driver born in Wichita, Kansas. He was Formula Atlantic Rookie of the Year in 1977. He drove in the CanAm series for Carl Haas in 1981 and finished 5th in the series behind Danny Sullivan. In 1982, driving for Bob Garnetson Racing, finished 3rd place in the...
Start
Morning rain delayed the start of the race by 55 minutes. Mary F. HulmanMary Fendrich Hulman
Mary Fendrich Hulman was the wife of the late Indiana industrialist Anton "Tony" Hulman, Jr. and matriarch of the Hulman-George family which today controls Hulman & Co., the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League.-Early life:Born in Evansville, Indiana, Mary was the daughter of...
gave the command to start engines at 11:46 a.m., and the field pulled away. During the pace laps, 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 Alfa Romeo car suffered a fuel pump problem, and was pushed back to the pits. Observers also noted that Willy T. Ribbs
Willy T. Ribbs
William "Willy" Theodore Ribbs, Jr. is a racecar driver who competed in many forms of auto racing. After retiring, he became a sport shooter in the National Sporting Clays Association....
' engine sounded poorly.
At the start, polesitter 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...
took the lead into turn one. 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:...
got sideways in turn 1, causing 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...
to swerve and kiss the outside wall with his nosecone. The caution came out, and both Bettenhausen and Lazier made it back to the pits. Bettenhausen changed tires and continued, but Lazier's car was too damaged to continue.
After quick repairs, 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:...
joined the race three laps down. On lap 5, Willy T. Ribbs
Willy T. Ribbs
William "Willy" Theodore Ribbs, Jr. is a racecar driver who competed in many forms of auto racing. After retiring, he became a sport shooter in the National Sporting Clays Association....
pulled into the pits with a misfire, and dropped out.
First half
Mears gave up the lead to Mario AndrettiMario 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...
on lap 12. 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:...
then took the lead and dominated most of the first half.
On lap 25, 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...
clipped Roberto Guerrero
Roberto 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...
in turn 1, and the two cars crashed hard into the outside wall. Guerrero was unhurt, but Cogan suffered a broken leg. Debris from the crash littered the track, 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...
ran over a large piece of debris, breaking his left front suspension. Foyt limped back to the pits, waving to the crowd, as he felt his day was done. The crowd gave him an ovation as he walked back to the garage area, but he was still non-committal to his retirement decision.
Several cars began dropping out due to mechanical problems. Jim Crawford, 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....
, 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...
, Tero Palmroth
Tero 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:*]...
, 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:...
were all out of the race before the halfway point.
At the halfway point, 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:...
continued to lead, with 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:...
holding onto second. Teammates 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...
and 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:...
were strong top five contenders. 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...
barely clung to the lead lap, and was in danger of being lapped at one point.
Second half
Michael AndrettiMichael 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:...
continued his dominance, but 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 now a strong challenger. Fittipaldi took the lead on lap 113, and held it for a total of 46 laps in the second half. Fittipaldi wound up suffering a gearbox failure exiting the pits on lap 182, however, and dropped out the race.
The field dwindled down to only about 13 cars for the final 50 laps. Early contender 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...
blew an engine on lap 130, followed by 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...
, who also blew an engine on lap 149. 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...
faded in the second half, falling 2 laps down and out of contention for the win. Only two cars remained on the lead lap, 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:...
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...
. Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
moved into third, one lap down, 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:...
also in the top five.
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."...
, who started 33rd, and was suffering from flu-like symptoms before the race, was now in the top ten.
Finish
On lap 183, Danny SullivanDanny 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:...
blew an engine down the frontstretch, spewing a huge cloud of smoke. Leader 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:...
took advantage of the break, and ducked into the pits for needed fuel. Andretti's stop was quick, and he came back out onto the track in second. He lined up just behind leader 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...
for the re-start.
As the leaders came down to complete lap 186, Michael
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:...
diced back and forth down the frontstretch, and passed 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...
on the outside of turn 1 to take the lead in dramatic fashion. Michael
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:...
began to pull away, but 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...
reeled him in in turn 4. At the end of the mainstretch, not to be upstaged, 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...
pulled the same move, passing Michael
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:...
on the outside of turn 1 to re-take the lead.
With only 11 laps to go, 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...
began to lengthen his lead. Suddenly on lap 190, Michael
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:...
's father Mario
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...
stalled at the entrance to the pits. The yellow flag came out for the tow-in and bunched the field for another restart. A controversy erupted, as many felt Mario
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...
stopped on purpose in a ploy to aid his son.
The green flag came out with six laps to go, and 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...
got the jump on the restart. Michael
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:...
's handling was starting to go away, and he was unable to challenge 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...
for the lead. 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...
cruised over the final five laps to the finish line, and became the third four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
.
Results
| Finish | Start | No | Name | Qual | Laps | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 3 | 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... |
224.113 | 200 | 176.457 mph |
| 2 | 5 | 10 | 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:... |
220.943 | 200 | +3.149 seconds |
| 3 | 14 | 1 | Netherlands Arie Luyendyk Arie Luyendyk Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500.... |
223.880 | 199 | Running (-1 Lap) |
| 4 | 6 | 2 | 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:... |
219.823 | 198 | Running (-2 Laps) |
| 5 | 7 | 4 | 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:... |
219.059 | 197 | Running (-3 Laps) |
| 6 | 33 | 92 | 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."... |
213.812 | 188 | Running (-12 Laps) |
| 7 | 3 | 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... |
221.818 | 187 | Car stalled |
| 8 | 17 | 91 | 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:... |
219.501 | 185 | Running (-15 Laps) |
| 9 | 20 | 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... |
218.188 | 180 | Running (-20 Laps) |
| 10 | 9 | 20 | 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:... |
218.343 | 173 | Turbo |
| 11 | 15 | 5 | Brazil 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:... |
223.063 | 171 | Gearbox |
| 12 | 27 | 19 | United States Scott Pruett Scott Pruett Scott Donald Pruett is an American race car driver who has competed in NASCAR, Champ Car, IMSA, Trans-Am and Grand-Am. He and his wife Judy have three children, and are children's book authors.... |
214.814 | 166 | Transmission |
| 13 | 30 | 66 | 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... |
215.326 | 164 | Running (-36 Laps) |
| 14 | 31 | 39 | United States Randy Lewis |
214.565 | 159 | Running (-41 Laps) |
| 15 | 11 | 86 | United States 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:... |
217.632 | 150 | Engine |
| 16 | 24 | 7 | Japan Hiro Matsushita Hiro 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:... |
218.141 | 149 | Running (-51 Laps) |
| 17 | 19 | 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... |
218.627 | 146 | Engine |
| 18 | 21 | 48 | Mexico 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... |
216.683 | 141 | Gearbox |
| 19 | 4 | 18 | United States 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... |
221.401 | 130 | Engine |
| 20 | 22 | 21 | Australia Geoff Brabham Geoff 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... |
214.859 | 109 | Electrical |
| 21 | 32 | 12 | 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:... |
214.012 | 94 | Engine |
| 22 | 13 | 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:... |
224.468 | 89 | Radiator |
| 23 | 26 | 23 | Finland Tero Palmroth Tero 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:*]... |
215.648 | 77 | Engine |
| 24 | 18 | 50 | United States 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... |
219.015 | 68 | Water leak |
| 25 | 25 | 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.... |
217.952 | 53 | Oil leak |
| 26 | 8 | 26 | United Kingdom Jim Crawford Jim Crawford (driver) Jim Crawford was a Scottish racing driver. He first came to the racing community's notice when he borrowed Stephen Choularton's Lotus 69 and won on his first outing at Croft Racing Track in the North East of England... |
218.947 | 49 | Engine |
| 27 | 12 | 15 | Canada Scott Goodyear Scott 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... |
216.751 | 38 | Engine |
| 28 | 2 | 14 | United States A.J. Foyt |
222.443 | 25 | Suspension |
| 29 | 16 | 9 | 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... |
222.844 | 24 | Crash T1 |
| 30 | 28 | 40 | Colombia Roberto Guerrero Roberto 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... |
214.027 | 23 | Crash T1 |
| 31 | 10 | 8 | 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... |
218.123 | 17 | Electrical |
| 32 | 29 | 17 | United States Willy T. Ribbs Willy T. Ribbs William "Willy" Theodore Ribbs, Jr. is a racecar driver who competed in many forms of auto racing. After retiring, he became a sport shooter in the National Sporting Clays Association.... |
217.358 | 5 | Engine Failure |
| 33 | 23 | 71 | United States 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... |
218.692 | 1 | Accident SC |
Race statistics
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Race notes
- The 1991 Indy 500 was held shortly after the conclusion on Operation Desert StormGulf WarThe Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
. General Norman SchwarzkopfNorman Schwarzkopf, Jr.General Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf KCB , also known as "Stormin' Norman" and "The Bear", is a retired United States Army General who, while he served as Commander of U.S. Central Command, was commander of the Coalition Forces in the Gulf War of 1991.-Early life:Schwarzkopf was born in Trenton, New...
was invited to serve as grand marshalGrand MarshalGrand Marshal is a ceremonial, military, or political office of very high rank. The term has its origins with the word "Marshal" with the first usage of the term "Grand Marshal" as a ceremonial title for certain religious orders...
. - Michael AndrettiMichael AndrettiMichael 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:...
's second place finish would be the best Indy 500 result in his career. Michael Andretti led the most laps, and led as late as 13 laps to go, but failed to win, adding to the Andretti CurseAndretti CurseThe Andretti Curse, sometimes referred to as Andretti Luck, and in some rare circles, the Curse of Andy Granatelli's kiss, is in reference to the unexplainable bad luck the Andretti racing family has experienced in their efforts to win the Indianapolis 500. Patriarch and auto racing legend Mario...
. - The race's 75th Running was highly publicized, and the event was advertised as the "Diamond JubileeDiamond JubileeA Diamond Jubilee is a celebration held to mark a 60th anniversary in the case of a person or a 75th anniversary in the case of an event.- Thailand :...
Running." - Rick Mears was the first Indy 500 winner to carry a RaceCamRaceCamRaceCam is a video camera system used primarily in motor racing, which uses a network of car-mounted cameras, microwave radio transmitters, and relays from helicopters to send live images from inside a race car to both pit crews and television audiences....
for television.