Indy Journal - 1970

1970

Probably the most memorable event of 1970 was the difficulty in getting the race started. This was the first time in my 16 trips that the race started at some time other than 11:00.

On Saturday, May 16, Bobby, dad, Dixie, and I saw the first day of time trials. We left Springfield at 3:00 and arrived at the Colonial Kitchen between 4:30 and 4:45, which was certainly the fastest time we ever covered the 110 miles, both for the time trials and the race. We had to wait a few minutes because the food wasn’t available until 5:00. All four of us ate a good breakfast and then resumed our trip. It was dark when we stopped but now it was light.

We arrived at the Standard Station on Crawfordsville Road a couple minutes after seven and had the gas tank filled and used the restrooms. Instead of going straight on, we went to Lynhurst Drive and went north a couple blocks, turned right, and drove to Fischer Avenue, and then right to Kramer’s house.

Bud was glad to see us and we talked a few minutes before leaving for the Speedway.

There was a huge crowd of people going through the main gate so it took a while to get the tickets. We sat in the Paddock Section and had real good seats. Before the time trials started, Tony Hulman, Speedway president, was honored for his 25 years of service to the Speedway. Twelve of the drivers in Tony’s first race (1946) drove a lap around the track.

It was not the most exciting time trials day I had attended, but there was still the usual excitement. Al Unser won the pole position with a 170.221 mph average but the surprise of the day was the completely unexpected qualifying run of Johnny Rutherford. He had not done anything spectacular in practice runs, but his qualifying speed was 170.213, only 0.007 mph slower than Unser’s. It really took everybody by surprise and was good enough for the second starting position.

Shortly after 3:00, rain started coming down. We waited for more than an hour and then decided there wouldn’t be any more track activity for the day, so we left and went back to the car. As it turned out, we were right.

Although less spectacular than Rutherford’s performance, another memorable event to remember about this year was the fact that for two consecutive years, the qualifying record was not broken. This is the first time this has happened since I have been seeing the race.

It was frustrating to be rained out again, but at least we were able to see some activity, unlike last year when the entire day was washed out.

We walked back to the car, got everything arranged, and started our trip home. It took a while to reach I-74, but when we did, the traffic moved much quicker. We took the same route home and stopped at the same place for supper. We had eaten sandwiches during the day, but the hot meal really tasted good. Our arrival time at home was a little earlier than usual, but we had had a good time anyway, despite the frustrating rain. In our five years of attending the time trials, only once (1968) have we had good weather.

I got all of my equipment packed on Friday morning and left for Dalbey’s about 10:45. I ate dinner there while dad and Bobby put everything into the car. When I finished eating, we checked to make sure we had everything and then at 11:53, we started our trip. We went in Bobby’s 1969 Chevrolet as we had done also for the time trials.

The traffic between Springfield and Decatur was rather heavy and there was work being done on the highway in Macon County, so it wasn’t too good of a drive. There was also work being done on Eldorado Street in Decatur. Because of the work, there was only one lane of eastbound traffic, so that slowed us down some more. After stopping for a few red lights, we at last got out of town and into lighter traffic.

The scenery was pretty much the same as it always is, but I still enjoyed all the sights and I am always amazed at the large U.S. Industrial Chemicals Corporation plant just west of Tuscola. It was a fine afternoon for traveling, and we continued on until 2:07 when we stopped at the Colonial Kitchen. It took us 2 hours and 14 minutes, quite a bit longer than when going to the time trials.

There were only two other persons there so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Dad and Bobby had a piece of pie and a cup of coffee and I had a cup of coffee and a sweet roll. It felt good to drink the coffee and later to use the restroom.

We left again at 2:35 and went north on route 1 and 150 until we reached I-74 just south of Danville. This was about 3:00. The traffic wasn’t real bad and we were able to travel 70 mph most of the way. When we got close to our destination, we took US Route 136 East until we arrived at the Standard Station. There, we filled up with gas and used the restrooms. We went about another mile until we came to Fischer Ave. and then we turned left and stopped at Kramers’. Dad and Bobby got out while Bud guided me into a spot in his front yard, between the highway and his front porch. It was 4:24 pm. Our travel time was 4 hours and 3 minutes.

Bud talked with us for a few minutes as we discussed the weather, the crowd, race, etc. He then excused himself and we got out our lawn chairs and sat for a while.

It was enjoyable just to sit and take in the racing atmosphere. The race fans were coming into the city and many of the city people were getting off from work and going home. The only factor keeping the weather from being perfect was the slightly-too-strong breeze; otherwise, it was a very pleasant afternoon. As I looked around and observed the behavior and activities of the other persons in the parking lot, I knew it was another night just like every other “Night Before the 500” – wild. Some of them were already drinking beer. A young couple was lying on the ground and enjoying each other’s company, oblivious to anybody else around them. Several men were sitting in lawn chairs and watching a portable TV which one of them had brought. They asked me to join them so for a few minutes, we watched highlights of the Old Timers Club meeting earlier in the afternoon at the Speedway. This was the first time I’d ever seen TV in Kramers’ lot.

About 5:30, we decided to eat our supper. Dad and I got the stove fire going and Bobby put the plastic table cloth over the trunk lid and put all of her equipment out. Our supper consisted of baked beans, hamburgers, salad and cookies, sweet rolls, and potato chips if we wanted them. All of it tasted real good. Maybe the idea of cooking over an open fire in the outdoors made it taste good. It is a popular way of eating with race fans. While we were eating, we could listen to the radio, watch TV, and watch all the activity around us all at the same time. The perfect weather was another positive factor.

When we felt we couldn’t eat anymore, we cleaned up our mess and put our equipment back into the car. Since it was still fairly early and still light, I thought it would be a good idea to take our walk down by the Speedway to take in the sights. The service station restrooms and eating establishments between Kramers’ and the Speedway were doing a good business and the ditches and parking lots were filling with cars. There was a long line of people waiting to go through the museum, but it moved steadily, so that was a big help. As it had been for several years, Jack Brabham’s 1961 Cooper Special was parked right inside the front door. I don’t know if there were any new additions or not this year, but it was still interesting to see those cars I had seen before. I bought some picture post cards and also some paintings of race cars and drivers at the sales desk, and then we left. I bought a newspaper from a newsboy and then we walked back to the car. We always enjoy reading the special race editions of the Indy newspapers. They are loaded with race data and information.

Bobby and Dad read the paper while I joined the TV crowd and watched reruns of the time trials. They were particular interesting to watch because a camera was on each car all the way around the track. When the time trial films were over, there was a panel of racing personalities who discussed the activities of the month and what they thought would happen tomorrow. When the show was over, I went back and joined dad and Bobby.

We read the paper, commented on interesting features we read, listened to the radio, and just watched the activity around us. One of the radio broadcasts everybody is interested in is the weather prediction. It sounded good although there was a possibility of rain later in the afternoon on Saturday, but that shouldn’t affect the race. By now, it was dark. I wanted to take another more extensive walk down by the Speedway, but dad and Bobby decided to stay in the car, so I took out on my own.

The revelry was going strong by this time. Bonfires, beer bottles, singing, and laughing abounded. I walked east on the north side of 16^th Street to the viaduct and then walked back west on the south side. As usual, it was the real young people who were making the biggest fools of themselves. It is unfortunate that the quiet non-drinking people have to be repulsed and tormented by these young fools, but it is this way every year. Controlling them is a difficult job for the policemen, which was proven in 1967 when a riot almost erupted on Georgetown Road between a group of drunks and helmeted, club-carrying state policemen.

I continued on to Main Street and then went into the comer drugstore. I thought I might find another newspaper but I didn’t, so I walked on south a couple more blocks. I went into another drug store for the same reason and had the same luck, so I turned around and walked back to 16^th Street.

I decided to do something I’d never done before. I walked west on 16^th Street and crossed over to one of the side streets and walked back to the railroad tracks. It looked like a big camping area, with all the pickup trucks, bonfires, drinking, laughing, etc. I had always thought about walking through this area and this year I finally made it. Everybody seemed to be having a grand time. I walked down several side streets, which I’d never been on before. There were a few people sitting on their front porches, but it was real quiet. I walked back to the main gate and then north on Georgetown Road. There was much activity taking place, most of it not pleasing and desirable, but not any worse than I had seen in most years. Because the crowd was so heavy, I didn’t go all the way to Gate 6. Instead, I turned around and walked back to Crawfordsville Road and from there to the car. The eastbound lane of the street was filling up with cars waiting to go into the infield. The drunks and street parties were going full blast and the filling stations and eating places were doing a good business.

When I arrived at the car, the scene wasn’t much different. Bud Kramer was still awake and every once in a while he would get another customer. Bobby and dad were already trying to sleep, so I opened the trunk lid as quietly as I could and got my cot, pillow, and blankets. I had decided beforehand that it might be a little quieter in the garage. I had to use a flashlight to see but I finally got set up and was the only person sleeping in there. There was a little less noise but I still couldn’t sleep for two reasons: 1) I was too excited to sleep anyway, and 2) loud, laughing drunks were using the urinal on the north side of the garage all night long. I managed to sleep off and on for a few minutes at a time but the constant noise prevented me from getting a good night’s sleep. It may seem strange to some people but revelry and noise increase instead of decrease as the night gets darker and the hour gets later.

At 5:00, the opening bomb went off and the gates of the Speedway opened to receive the thousands of cars that would be passing though its gates in the next few hours. By now, the eastbound lane of Crawfordsville Road was lined solid with cars for several blocks past us. I lay in bed for a few minutes but then got up and folded my bed and blankets and went back to the car. As I was walking, I met dad, who was coming over to see if I was awake yet. I put my equipment in the car and then we sat in the car for a few minutes and watched the people and listened to the radio. Some of the radio stations had helicopter reports every few minutes of the traffic conditions around the Speedway.

Little by little, different carloads of people awoke to face another day, and most of the people looked as if they had just been awakened out of a deep sleep. I went over and washed my face in the cold (there wasn’t any hot) water and that made me feel a little better. The water faucet was a popular place because it was the only source of water.

Dad and Bobby went down to the hamburger restaurant by the Standard Station and got the thermos bottles filled with coffee. When they returned, dad and I got the stove fire started while Bobby got the other equipment out. It was between 6:00 and 7:00 and the activity was steadily increasing. The long line of cars was moving, although not always to the satisfaction of the drivers. They frequently showed their impatience by blowing their horns, which, of course, did nothing to move the traffic. The pedestrian traffic going to the Speedway was increasing also, as was the amount of equipment being carried, such as coolers, field glasses, cameras, etc.

The aroma of eggs and bacon frying in the open morning air really smelled good. The scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, and hot coffee made a fine breakfast. Bobby cooked plenty of food, and we ate all we could hold. When we finished, we wiped the cups and silverware off, but didn’t wash them. Bobby said she would do that when we got home.

When everything was back in its place, we sat in the car while we read newspapers, listened to the radio, and watched the activity of the people around us. By now, most of the people in the yard were awake and out walking around or eating breakfast. Two of the people eating their breakfast were a couple from Texas who have also been staying at Kramers’ for several years.

Around 8:00, we decided we may as well join the crowd going to the Speedway so we checked to be sure we had all of our equipment, locked up the car, and started for the Speedway. Bobby stopped at the Standard Station and used the restroom. Luckily for us, there were only a couple other women waiting, so that saved some time. When we reached the White Castle eating place across from the pedestrian entrance, dad went in and got the thermos bottles filled with coffee.

There was a huge mob of people going through the gates and also a little pushing and much crowdedness, but we got through okay. We stopped at the first vendor selling race programs and bought three of them. It is a long walk from the main gate to the Gate 6 viaduct, but we finally made it. This is usually the biggest bottleneck for us, but this year, despite the usual crushing crowd, the people moved slowly but steadily, unlike many years when it hardly moved at all. Once we got under the track and onto the sidewalk, we moved right along and a couple minutes later, we came back up to the infield and saw daylight again. We continued straight ahead until we came to the underpass going under one of the infield streets. We walked under and then came back to the Tower Terrace section. Since this would be out last chance, dad and I decided to use the restroom. Bobby took care of our equipment while she waited for us. When we came out, the three of us each took a ticket and gave it to the gateman so that he wouldn’t get confused and maybe let in more people than he had tickets for. We walked up the pit area and I stood there for a few seconds and took in the sight, smell, and sound of activity up and down the straightaway. The sound of engines, the smell of fuel, and the beautiful sight of the marching bands brought a smile to my face. We walked down one section and then up to our seats. We were in Section 43, Row J, Seats 5, 6, and 7. We put our equipment under our seats and sat down and rested our feet.

It had been worth waiting a year to see. I had that special feeling I get only on race day morning and it would be almost two hours yet before the race started. The many different colors of the uniforms of the high school and Purdue University bands made a beautiful sight to see. The pretty majorettes performing with their batons made it even more enjoyable.

I decided to take a walk along the pit area fence to take in the sights, and so I stepped out on my own. There were many other persons who had the same idea. Among the crews and driers I saw were those of A.J. Foyt, Jim McElreath, Sammy Sessions, Rick Muther, Johnny Rutherford, Lee Roy Yarbrough, Mario Andretti, Mel Kenyon, George Snider, Al Unser, and Jerry Grant. Some of the drivers had their uniforms on while others still had on street clothes. Most of the pit crews were making final adjustments and checkups. Some of the drivers were signing autographs for the fans, some were being interviewed for radio and TV programs, and others nervously waited out the remaining time until 11:00. Among the familiar faces I recognized were Andy Granatelli, car owner, and Sid Collins, the radio announcer for the race. The pit area was really a beehive of activity with hundreds of people everywhere doing many different jobs. I went back to my seat between 9:30 and 9:45.

In the midst of all the activity, there was one factor that was making everybody uneasy. That was the weather. Unlike the night before the sun was not shining and there was a possibility of rain.

At 9:45, the chief steward directed the pit crews to push their cars to their starting positions on the track. This usually isn’t done until 10:00 and some of the spectators were wondering what caused the change. Slowly, one by one, the cars were pushed onto the track and we used our speedway program to identify each car and its driver.

At 10:00, the Purdue University band played the first of the traditional songs, “On the Banks of the Wabash”. Between 10:00 and 10:30, many famous celebrities were driven around the track for everybody to see. Among them were Bob Barker, Al Hirt, Jim Nabors, Hugh Downs, Joe Garagiola, Edie Adams, Judy Ford (Miss America), Bubby Ebson, and astronauts Tom Conrad and Buzz Aldrin, plus the queen of the 500 Festival and the thirty-two princesses.

About 10:30, a moan went up from the crowd as a few rain drops were seen and felt. It lasted only a few seconds and didn’t even get the concrete completely wet, but it was disturbing.

When is stopped, the chief steward made an inspection trip and said there was water on the second turn and there couldn’t be any racing until it dried out. The sun didn’t come out, so therefore the water didn’t evaporate very quickly. There was nothing anybody could do but wait and hope.

At 10:40, the band played the “Star-Spangled Banner” with Al Hirt playing a trumpet solo, and at 10:45, everybody rose to their feet again as “Taps” was played in keeping with the solemn purpose of Memorial Day. In the meantime, the chief steward made another inspection and said the track still wasn’t ready.

11:00 came and for the first time in my seventeen years there was no roar of engines or green flag waving. It seemed strange. Instead of looking at race cars everybody was looking at the sky and wishing the sun would come through. It sprinkled a few more drops, but not enough to do any damage.

The aggravating delay upset some of the fans and they started clapping in unison, hope to get the race stated. There was nothing for the pit crews and drivers to do but pace back and forth by their cars and talk to each other. Some sat in their cars and others didn’t.

Finally, about 11:30, after a couple more inspections, the chief steward announced the track had dried sufficiently and the race could begin. The atmosphere changed from gloom to joy as everything started stirring again. The band slowly played “Back Home Again in Indiana” and a couple minutes later, the colored balloons were released from the infield. In addition this year there were 25 golden balloons released in honor of Tony Hulman. A couple minutes after that, Tony was introduced over the PA system and gave his famous command, “Gentleman, Start your Engines!!!”

Instantly, engines came to life and the fans let out a tremendous roar. Pit crews fanned the exhaust fumes away and driers adjusted their helmets, gloves, goggles, handkerchiefs, and seat belts. The loud roar of the engines was sweet music to everybody’s ears. The pace car, with Rodger Ward driving and Tony Hulman beside him, slowly pulled away and one by one the cars were pushed away. Pit crews hurried to get themselves and their equipment off the track and back to their pits. Everybody was standing and looking anxiously at the fourth turn. Pretty soon the pace car appeared and moved down the straightaway with the eleven rows behind it. They presented a beautiful sight as they went by and the crowd responded with whistles, cheers, waving, and clapping. Now they were on the pace lap and the next time by would be the start of the race. There was another long wait and then they pace car appeared and sped toward the pit area. The cars increased their speed but just as they reached the starting line, the yellow, instead of the green flag, was displayed. Confusion and excitement reigned.

Ninth place starter, Jim Malloy, lost a radius rod and hit the outside wall twice and slid across to the inside wall The remaining cars made another trip around the track but were red flagged on the straightaway. Now there would be another delay. Jim was uninjured but his car was too damaged to be in the race. The drivers stopped near the starting line, turned off their engines, and got out. It took the track crew about twenty-five minutes to get the mess cleaned up, and once again, disgust and frustration came over everybody. Never before had there been such a difficulty in getting the race started. During the twenty-five minute wait, pit crews were allowed to put two gallons of fuel into their cars. About 12:00, the track was pronounced in shape for racing.

Tony Hulman said “Gentlemen, restart your engines,” and once again, we got to hear that wonderful sound. They lined up in their starting positions with the ninth spot left vacant. The pace car made one trip around, pulled into the pit area, and at 12:07, 67 minutes late, the race started.

Al Unser jumped in front but going through the first turn, Jonny Rutherford was first. His lead was short, however, and Unser regained it on the back straightaway and was leading at the end of the first lap. His speed was 160.427.

Rutherford was second, A.J. Foyt third, Mark Donohue fourth, and Mario Andretti fifth.

The big news was Lloyd Ruby. After three laps, he was 16^th, having started 25^th. I had predicted he would be near the front shortly after the start, and he was proving me right.

After five laps, Art Pollard passed Foyt for fifth and after 10 laps, Jim McElreath had moved from 33^rd to 18^th place.

Rookie Greg Weld was finished after 11 laps when his engine quit running, and on his 21^st lap, George Follmer retired with a blown oil gasket.

After 20 laps, the first ten were Unser, Rutherford, Pollard, Bobby Unser, Andretti, Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Donohue, Dan Gurney, and Ruby.

At 22 laps, Unser lead Rutherford by three seconds and Ruby was in seventh position.

At the 27^th lap, Art Pollard blew his engine and he came to a stop in the infield on the first turn and brought out the caution flag. Art was given 30^th position. The green came on again on the 32^nd lap and Ruby moved into third place.

Bruce Walkup was finished after 44 laps with time gear failure and on his next lap, Gordon Johncock’s engine gave way and he was finished.

Ruby was now third and when Unser and Rutherford pitted, he moved into the lead. He was the star of the race so far, but his glory was short-lived. Just as he took the lead, he was given the black flag, but before he could come in, his engine caught on fire and he was out of the race. This brought a groan from the crowd. Lloyd has had a lot of bad luck the last few years, and just when he seemed to be conquering it, it returned.

The standings at 40 laps were Unser, Rutherford, Ruby, Bobby Unser, Foyt, McCluskey, Donohue, Leonard, Gurney, and Mike Mosley.

At 60 laps, it was Unser, Foyt, Rutherford, Bobby Unser, Leonard, McCluskey, Donohue, Jack Brabham, Mosley, and Peter Revson. The average speed was 159.744 mph.

Gary Bettenhausen dropped out on his 55^th lap with valve trouble and tough luck man Roger McCluskey quit after 62 laps with a broken suspension.

Joe Leonard was running well when a magneto failed after 73 laps and finished him for this race. Five laps later, the clutch on Bill Vukovich’s car failed and it was all over for him.

At 80 laps, the first ten were Unser, Foyt, Donohue, Mosley, Bobby Unser, Andretti, Rutherford, Revson, Brabham, and Gurney. Revson had moved from 16^th starting position to eighth, but his good luck ended on the 87^th lap when his engine blew and he was awarded 22^nd position.

Al Unser maintained his steady lead as the 100 lap mark neared and his car seemed to be running perfectly.

Mike Mosley was another victim of Lady Luck’s absence. He had moved from 12^th to 4^th position, but on his 97^th lap, his radiator broke down and he had to settle for 21^st position.

A broken suspension dropped George Snider from the running after 105 laps and Lee Roy Yarbrough’s turbocharger failed after 107 laps and he was forced out. His pit area was right in front of us and he had been in his pit several times. Each time the crew sent him back onto the track thinking they had the problem solved, only to find out that they didn’t. One time, Lee Roy got out and walked around in disgust at having to lose so much time, but he and his crew finally gave up and pushed the car back to its garage.

Al Unser continued in front while the other front runners tried in vain to catch him. The next car out of the race was Rutherford. It is a shame that in seven races, Johnny has yet to finish a race. Many people thought his luck had changed for the better when he made his excellent qualifying run, but it was not to be that way. Maybe someday Johnny will get the break he deserves and finish high up in the final standings.

Cars were dropping out at a steady pace, which was disappointing, although not unusual. I think the race would be more interested if more cars were able to go the full distance, but that has never happened and probably never will.

On his 144^th lap, Wally Dallenbach was forced out when a magneto failed. Things were going smoothly until the 172^nd lap when Roger McCluskey, driving relief for Mel Kenyon, and Ronnie Bucknum collided with each other in the north chute. Fuel from McCluskey’s car spilled out across the track and both drivers hit and bounced off the wall, but nobody was hurt, although the cars were damaged and out of the race. The accident provided the most uneasy moments of the race for the spectators because it was several minutes before they were informed as to what happened either on the PA system or the radio. It was a great relief to learn that nobody had been hurt.

The caution light was on for seventeen minutes, during which no driver could change position. This was a good break for Al Unser, but bad for the other drivers. It certainly slowed down the speed.

Australian Jack Brabham retired after 175 laps when his engine conked out. As it turned out, he was the last driver to drop out of the race.

The green light came on again on the 190^th lap and fast speed resumed. If Unser continued as he was doing, he would win, but veteran observers of this race knew that anything could happen and it wasn’t over until the 200^th lap had been completed.

Al’s car continued to hold up, however, and as he came down the straightaway for the checked flag, he received a large applause from the crowd. He took two extra laps and then drove slowly through the pit area to victory lane for the winning celebration.

Thirty-two seconds behind in 2^nd place was Mark Donohue. This was his second year and last year he finished seventh, which is a real fine record.

Dan Gurney was third, after finishing second the two previous years, which is certainly a good record. I thought Dan might move up to first, but third place is an excellent finish.

Rookie Donnie Allison was fourth, and that is an excellent performance for any rookie.

Jim McElreath, 33^rd starter, finished 5^th. His great rise from the rear was exceeded in history only by Johnny Thomson in 1955, when he started 33^rd and finished fourth.

The first five drivers completed the 200 laps.

The sixth through tenth finishers, all running when the red flag was displayed were Mario Andretti, 199 laps; Jerry Grant, 198 laps; rookie Rick Muther, 197 laps; Carl Williams 197 laps; and A.J. Foyt, 193 laps. Foyt almost had to crawl around the track near the end of the race because of a broken transmission gear.

Eleventh place finisher Bobby Unser was in a similar situation because of a broken transmission. Both he and Foyt had to go extremely slow and keep to the inside of the track. They seemed to be in a race by themselves as the other cars whizzed by them. It was a bad break for the two former winners.

Sam Sessions finished 12^th with 190 laps and rookie Dick Simon had 168 laps when he was red flagged.

When all the cars were off the track and being pushed back to the garage area, we gathered up all our equipment and started the long trip back to the car.

The traffic moved right along until we were behind the Paddock Stands and then it slowed down some. Many people went out to Georgetown Road and walked, so we followed them. There were a couple of tie-ups but nothing bad and a few minutes later, we reached the highway. Before we got there, I bought a helicopter edition of the “Indianapolis News.” The pedestrian traffic on the highway moved steadily, but we had to be careful of cars dashing onto the highway from the parking lot. It was about 4:00 when we arrived at the car.

The weather had turned out okay. The sun came out about 12:00, just in time for the restart of the race, and it had stayed out since then. We put our equipment into the car, got out the lawn chairs, and relaxed for a few minutes. I took the remaining pictures on the roll and then drank some coffee and ate some cookies and potato chips. We also listened to the radio and watched the cars and people leaving the area. Most of the cars had left Kramers’ so we wouldn’t have any trouble getting out. A few minutes after 5:00, we thought we noticed the first little let-up in traffic, so we got everything arranged in the car and prepared to start out.

At 5:23, I drove forward a few feet and then drove right over the yard to the highway. I was very lucky and drove up just as a friendly woman driver came from the east. She stopped and let me get right in front of her. This was the first time we had not had to wait a long time at the stop sign. When we got onto the highway, we had to wait a while, but then we moved fairly well. We moved in three or four spurts to Lynnhurst Road, and then, for some unknown reason, the police wouldn’t let traffic continue west, but routed it south on Lynnhurst. We followed the crowd and took the first street going west. We went several blocks and then went north until we reached Crawfordsville Road by the Holiday Inn, and then turned left onto the highway. A couple minutes later, we reached I-74 and we made much better time. The traffic was such that we could travel 70 mph almost all the way to Danville. Upon reaching Danville, we took the 150-1 turnoff south and headed toward the Rt. 36 intersection. The towns we passed through were quite similar to the ones we had seen on Rt. 36 in Indiana prior to last year. We didn’t make the time we did on I-74, but that was to be expected. After leaving Chrisman, we went about half a mile and then right off the highway to the Colonial Kitchen. It was 7:23 when we stopped, two hours to the minute after we started.

We used the restroom first and then went through the serving line. There weren’t many people ahead of us, so that was a help. All three of us filled our plates and then slowly and enjoyably ate our supper. There were several other race fans eating supper too, and they looked happy too. It was nice to be able to eat all we wanted and to take our time doing it. When we had eaten all we could, we used the restroom again, paid the bill, and started the last part of our trip home. It was 8:13 when we started.

As we traveled, we tuned in the St. Louis Cardinals ballgame and listened to it for awhile. Between 9:15 and 9:30, we arrived at Decatur. Eldorado St. looked the same as it usually does on the evening of May 30^th – busy. A few minutes later, we were leaving the city and were on the highway again. The traffic is always heavier west of Decatur than it is on the east side, and it was the same way this year. We reach Camp Butler Road shortly after 10:00 and at 10:21, we arrived at Dalbeys’. I helped Bobby and dad unpack their equipment and then went into the living room to watch the films of the race at 10:30. It was an interesting program and we saw some action we couldn’t see at the Speedway.

When that was over, I left and went to my own home. Once again, we had a safe and enjoyable trip, one that would give us many pleasant memories for years to come.

EPILOGUE

At the awards banquet on Sunday night, a record purse of $1,000,000.22 was distributed. It was the first time in auto racing history that there was a million dollar purse. For his victory, Unser received $271,697. 33^rd place finisher Jim Malloy received $13,677.

Unser’s winning speed was 155.749 mph, compared to Andretti’s record of 156.867 of last year. His time was 3:12:37.04

Like every race before it, this race had its surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant. Al Unser, Johnny Rutherford, and Lloyd Ruby were the big names this year.

The Speedway continues to increase its seating capacity every year and every year the size of the crowd increases which it proof of the enormous popularity of this race. On next Memorial Day, I plan to be in attendance when those famous words, “Gentlemen, start your engines” are spoken to begin another Indianapolis 500, the world’s greatest single day sporting event.

Pace Car - Oldsmobile 442
500 Festival Queen - Ann Ballei

Indy Journal - 1969

1969

Mario Andretti’s complete change of luck from last year, the end of many frustrating years for Andy Granatelli, the first completely washed out weekend of time trials, the first time since 1961 that the one and four lap time trial records weren’t broken, my first trip to the speedway without dad, our first route change, and our first trip in Bobby’s car were the outstanding events of this year.

On Friday morning, May 16th, dad called me and said he wouldn’t be able to go to the time trials on Saturday because his back was hurting quite badly and that going over there would aggravate the condition. I was disappointed but agreed that it would be better if he stayed home and lethis back improve enough so that he could go the race.

Bobby, Dixie, and I left from the Dalbey’s at 3:00 on Saturday morning, May 17, in our 1967 Chevrolet. Dad was up and dressed to see us off. Our trouble in finding seats last year and the fact that Indianapolis was now an hour ahead of us in time were the two reasons for our leaving earlier than in other years.

There was very little traffic on the highway and at exactly 5:00, we stopped in front of the Colonial Kitchen, two hours to the minute from the time we drove out of Dalbey’s driveway. The place had just opened and all of the food wasn’t on display yet. There were two couples present, both of whom looked like racing fans. We ate a good breakfast, used the restroom, and then headed on our way. Little by little it was getting lighter.

Shortly after arriving in Indiana, we came to the Route 36 detour. This upset us because we had no idea of what we were getting into. We turned left and went north through Dana and then came upon a terrible road. It had huge holes in it and was very old, narrow, and winding. It seemed to last forever and the scarcity of road signs and the fear of not arriving at the Speedway in time caused us some anxious moments. For a long time I thought we were going west but when we finally came to the highway again, everything was okay.

I stopped at our regular Standard Station and while we were using the restrooms, the rain started coming down. The traffic was very heavy but at last we got to Kramer’s, parked the car, and walked to the Speedway.

The inclement weather didn’t seem to be diminishing the size of the crowd. I purchased the tickets and we found three seats under a roof in the Paddock Section between the scoreboard and the starting line. The intermittent rain ended any hope of practice time for the drivers, but it did quit raining just long enough to get the pre-race activities in. At times, the rain would stop and the sky would lighten up a little, only to have another shower bring darkness again. Dixie and Bobby were getting more and more discouraged, but I felt it was only a matter of time until the sun would come out for good. The fans entertained themselves by drinking, eating, yelling, and sailing paper airplanes across the track and into the pit area.

Around 4:00, it quit raining long enough for the track to dry and for some of the drivers to get in a few practice laps. It really sounded good to hear the noise and smell of the engines. A cheer went from the crowd when the chief steward announced that the track was open for qualifications. The first driver to go was Jigger Sirois, who turned in three 161 mph laps and then was called in by his crew, who thought his four lap average would be too low to qualify for the race. The next driver out was Arnie Knepper, but by the time he reached the second turn it was raining again and USAC officials called him in.

The rain continued to fall and around 5:30, the chief steward said there was too little time for the track to dry and therefore the track was closed for the day. It was the end of a frustrating day for everybody. Although I didn’t see what I came to see, I did get to do something I had always wanted to do. I walked up to the upper deck of Grandstand A and saw what the speedway looks like from up there. I could see almost the entire Speedway, although trees blocked the view of a few sections of the track.

When we arrive at Kramers’, we talked to Mr. Kramer a few minutes and then started the trip home. Instead of turning left onto Lynnhrust Road, we went straight ahead on Route 136. The cars moved very slowly until we reached Interstate 74 and then we moved with no trouble at all.

When we reached Route 1/150 intersection at Danville, we turned and went south through Westville, Georgetown, Ridge Farm, and Chrisman. We ate a good hot supper at the Colonial Kitchen and then drove on home. We stopped at Dalbey’s a few minutes and told dad he couldn’t have picked a better day to be unable to go to the Speedway. He really lucked out. Dixie and I told Bobby goodbye and went home. It was the end of a day unlike any other I spent at the Speedway.

Thursday, May 29, was hectic in the morning but unlike last year, I had things planned better and I got everything done on time. I checked my list to see that I hadn’t forgotten anything and then left for Dalbey’s. When I arrived there, the back porch was filled with equipment and dad was waiting to eat dinner with me. After I finished eating, I helped load the car. We made a final check to see that we had everything and at 11:28, we said goodbye to mother and drove out of the driveway. It was certainly the earliest we had ever left and it was the first time we were riding in a car of Bobby’s. It was a 1969 four door Chevrolet Impala.

We did not have rain on our trip this year as we did last year. We arrived in Decatur during the noon rush period. This made traffic heavier than usual but we made it through without any trouble, although we had one close call when somebody stopped suddenly in front of us. The traffic was rather light and many farmers were working in their fields.

At 1:37, we stopped at Chrisman. There were only a few customers and some of them looked like race fans. Dad and Bobby had a piece of pie and I had a grilled cheese sandwich. Coffee was our drink. The snack tasted good and it woke us up a little bit. We used the restrooms and at 2:07, we started the second part of our trip.

This is where we changed our trip route. Instead of continuing east on Route 36, we went north on Route 1/150 to Danville were we caught I-74 east. This was the first route change in our sixteen years of race trips. It was a pleasant change and we enjoyed the new scenery which gave us something to talk about. When we hit I-74, it was 70 mph almost all the way to Indianapolis. It was much different from driving through towns on Route 36. Dad commented a couple times about how much better it was.

Around 3:30, the traffic started increasing as we neared the big city. We left I-74 and took U.S. 136 the rest of the way to Kramers’. We stopped at a Standard Station for gas and to use the restroom and then finished our trip by driving to Kramers’.

Bud was already doing a good business but there was still room for us. I backed the car into our space and then we talked to Bud for a few minutes. He was happy to see us, particularly dad, and told him he was sorry he couldn’t make it for the time trials. It was 3:55 when I turned the engine off. Another trip had been successfully completed.

A delegation of camper pickup trucks from Iowa was parked beside the highway. It was the same delegation that had come last year. A couple days before we left, Bobby had been apprehensive about whether we would find a parking space because of this delegation and had strongly suggested that we leave earlier than usual. Now I was glad we had done so.

We rested a few minutes, had a little bite to eat, and observed the scene around us. Then we decided to take a walk down to the Speedway. To our surprise, the crowd going through the museum was quite small compared to other years. This was surprising to us, but it made walking through the museum a lot easier. It’s always interesting to see the old cars, regardless of how often you’ve seen them before. The ticket office was doing a good business.

On our way back to the car, we bought a couple newspapers to entertain us and give us some information on the race. By now we were hungry so dad got the stove out and fired it up while Bobby got the food out to cook and I got out the plates, cups, silverware, etc.

Out supper consisted of hamburgers, baked beans, potato chips, salad, and coffee. It tasted real good and the smell and sound of outdoor cooking made it even better. Most of the people in Kramers’ yard were doing likewise and seemed to be enjoying it as much as we were. There were two young couples from Iowa parked on our immediate left and when they saw we had only two chairs, they loaned us one of theirs. I used it and it felt better sitting while I was eating than standing.

Bobby and dad elected to stay in the car while I took my “Night Before the 500” trip around the Speedway area. The scene looked much like other May 29th nights with the usual high school and college kids making big fools of themselves with drinking, smoking, yelling, and outrageous attire. I walked to the Speedway Motel, crossed the street, and walked back on the south side. Main Street and 16th Street west of the Speedway were very quiet. It is much different now than it was a few years ago when cars and trucks were parked for blocks and blocks and the street parties lasted all through the night. I walked along Georgetown Road, much of which had been resurfaced since last year, a little ways and then returned to the car. It was about 12:30.

I got my sleeping bag and pillow out of the trunk and tried to sleep beside the car, but I couldn’t do so. There seemed to be more noise than usual around us this year. I couldn’t sleep beside the car, so I went behind Kramers’ garage where I encountered four boys standing against a car parked a few feet from me on Fischer Street. Their laughing and yelling were too much to sleep through so I went inside the garage and lay down. This was a little quieter, but not much. There were two other factors which prevented me from sleeping. They were a steadily running nose and a sneezing fit, which I had had for two weeks. The two together caused my eyes to water, which also added to my problem. It took a long time but I finally managed to get some sleep but at 5:00, I hard the opening bomb go off and that was the end of my sleep. I had wanted to get as much sleep as possible, but that hope had been thoroughly shattered to pieces.

I lay for a while in disgust, but then I decided to get up. I rolled up my sleeping bag and was just starting back to the car when dad walked in. He didn’t know where I was. The couple parked next to the garage was already up and cooking breakfast. The good smell made me hungry. The three of us put our sleeping equipment away and then sat in the car while we read the newspapers and listened to the radio. The weather report sounded real good for the race.

About 5:30, we walked to the Standard Station a block away to see if we could buy some coffee. We were disappointed to find out that they weren’t selling coffee this year. It wasn’t a wasted trip however, because Bobby got to use the restroom, which made her feel better.

When we returned to the car, we prepared for breakfast. Our meal consisted of eggs, bacon, sweet rolls, salad, and a couple other items. It was a fine meal and I ate until I couldn’t eat anymore. The Iowans had awakened and were eating their breakfast, so the open air aroma really smelled good. Other people in the parking lot were also eating breakfast, while at the same time the crowd going to the Speedway was increasing. Many of them were carrying box lunches and coolers of cold drinks.

We cleaned up our breakfast dishes and then sat in the car a few minutes. Shortly before 9:00, we decided it was time to leave for the Speedway, so we straightened the car up a little bit, made sure we had everything we were taking, locked the doors, and started toward the Speedway. The traffic on the other side of the road was still heavy, but it was moving real well. A new eating establishment had been built across Georgetown Road from the museum and we stopped there to have our thermos bottles filled with coffee. Dad got the bottles filled while Bobby and I stayed outside and watched our equipment.

There was a huge crowd of people waiting to get through the pedestrian entrance. We got into a line and inch by inch we got to the ticket taker and then the crowd thinned out a little as soon as we got inside the grounds.

We bought our souvenir programs and started the long walk to the tunnel. This is a difficult path to walk because there are so many people, they are walking in both directions, and they are carrying coolers, thermos jugs, and other equipment, all of which take up space. We managed to stick together and at last we reached the entrance to the tunnel. It was a slow job getting to the tunnel, but once we were there, the people moved real well to the infield. We continued walking until we found an underground passage and took it to get on the north side of the infield. From there, we walked west again and then north to the end of the Tower Terrance Section. The ticket taker tore off a stub of our tickets and returned the remaining portion. We had only a short distance to walk because our seats were in the next to the last sections, section 43, and in Row J, seats 5, 6, and 7.

We put our equipment under the seats and then sat down. It felt good to be off our feet and situated in our seats. The track was alive with activity. Several marching units were performing on the straightaway and pit crew members were running their engines to make sure everything was okay. The sight, smell, and noise all together made a spectacular event. It was really something to behold.

Dad decided to take a walk behind the pit area and a few minutes later, I decided to do the same thing. It was an interesting walk. Many of the drivers were busy talking to their pit crews and signing autographs for the fans. Most of them were wearing slacks and sport shirts or sweaters. Among those I recognized were A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Jim McElreath, Lee Roy Yarbrough, and Mel Kenyon. Foyt was busy checking out his car and Andretti was laughing and grinning and seemed to be having a good time. It was a big thrill for me to see them that close for so long.

It was about 10:00 when I left to return to my seat. To my surprise, I could not walk down to my seat the same way I came. A safety patrolman had closed a gate to clear the area before the race, so I had to go to the far south-end exit and then go out and walk all the way to the far north entrance and to my seat, which is the way I got to my seat in the first place. I thought it was a silly idea, but it was the only thing I could do.

At 10:00, the last remaining hour started with the Purdue University band playing “On the Banks of the Wabash.” At the same time, the pit crews received their orders over the PA system to move their cars onto the track and into their starting positions. A cheer went up from the crowd.

Next, the celebrities were driven around the track in official Camaro cars. Those present this year included Martha Vasconcellos, Miss Universe, football star O.J. Simpson, TV star Don Blocker, astronaut Scott Carpenter, singer Barbara McNair, basketball star Oscar Robertson, and a few others.

At 10:30, USAC officials made their final inspection of the track in the pace car. Only thirty minutes remained.

The “Star-Spangled Banner” was played at 10:40 and at 10:45, “Taps” was played as everybody paused in reverence to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day. It is a spectacular sight to see the thousands of persons along the main straightaway rise and sit in unison.

The tension and restlessness of everybody was reaching a climax as the time approached for the playing of the final song, “Back Home Again in Indiana”. My hands were both sweating and shaking as I enjoyed the last few seconds before the big noise. As the song was being played, hundreds of multi-colored balloons were released from a tent behind the control tower. They made a pretty sight as they sailed upward.

When the song was finished, the crowd became noisier because they knew what was about to happen. All unnecessary personnel had left the track. Drivers were strapped into their seats and were adjusting their helmets, handkerchiefs, gloves, and goggles. The PA announcer introduced Speedway president, Tony Hulman, who took the microphone and pronounced his famous words loudly and clearly, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!”

Immediately, the engines started roaring and a few seconds later, a member of each pit crew held up one arm to indicate his driver was ready to go. It is a very thrilling experience for me to listen to all thirty-three drivers racing their engines at the same time. It is wonderful music to my ears.

About a minute later, the Chevrolet Camao pace car, with 1960 500 winner Jim Rathman driving, slowly pulled from the starting line. One by one, the cars were pushed away as pit crews got themselves and their starters over the retaining wall and back to their pit areas. The field disappeared into the first turn, but one car refused to start. Lee Roy Yarbrough’s Jim Robbins Special wouldn’t cooperate despite the frantic attempt to start it. The chief steward ordered the pit crew to move the car against the inner wall immediately. As the other thirty-two cars neared the end of the parade lap, the car suddenly came to life, and he was pushed away immediately. The crowd showed its pleasure with a big cheer. It continued to cheer and applaud as the field moved down the straightaway to start the official pace lap. It was a great combination of noise and sound as the drivers either waved at the fans or their pit crews or else looked straight ahead. Yarbrough was behind the field but was quickly catching up. All eyes were focused on the fourth turn and it seemed like a long time until they saw anything. Pretty soon the pace car appeared in the turn and headed for the pit area. It flashed past us as starter Pat Vidan waved the green flag. The race was on!

To my surprise, Andretti jumped into the lead ahead of Foyt, and after one lap, it was Andretti, Foyt and Roger McCluskey.

Two cars dropped out immediately. Rookie Bruce Walkup didn’t complete one lap and Bill Vukovich completed only one. Bill said his engine threw a rod. It was a real tough break for last year’s “Rookie of the Year.”

Andretti held his lead for five laps and then Foyt took charge of things. The standings were Foyt, McCluskey, Andretti, Bobby Unser, Mark Donohue, a rookie, and Joe Leonard.

The next car out of the race was Art Pollard’s STP Oil Treatment car, owned by Granatelli. It had a broken drive line. Ronnie Bucknum retired after sixteen laps with a burned piston. Johnny Rutherford had radiator trouble and left the race after completing 24 laps.

Jim McElreath brought the crowd to its feet as he came down the straightaway to complete his twenty-fourth lap. Just as he passed us, fire broke out in the car just behind the driver. Everybody was excited but Jim calmly slowed the car down and stopped along the outer wall in the first turn. He immediately jumped out and was unhurt. Track officials quickly extinguished the fire as Jim climbed the wall to safety.

At 20 laps, the standings were Foyt, McCluskey, Andretti, Gary Bettenhausen, Unser, Leonard, Lloyd Ruby, McElreath, Donohue, and Dan Gurney.

George Follmer retired after 26 laps with engine trouble and Bettenhausen’s good showing ended when his car stalled in the fourth turn on his 36th lap.

Foyt led until the 52nd lap when he made a pit stop but the distance between him, Andretti, and McCluskey was very close. Foyt and Andretti pitted at the same time and Wally Dallenbach led through the 58th lap, when he made a pit stop.

Foyt regained the lead and after 60 laps, it was Foyt, Ruby, Dallenbach, Andretti, and Leonard. Foyt began having car trouble and it was noticeable that he speed was decreasing. Now Andretti and Ruby fought for the lead.

Meanwhile, Carl Williams dropped out on his 50th lap with clutch trouble, Jack Brabham left with fuel injection problems after a one hour and 11-minute pit stop, and Lee Roy Yarbrough’s car quit after 65 laps with a broken header system.

Arnie Knepper brought out the yellow flag when he crashed into the outer wall just as he was starting down the straightaway on his 83rd lap. The car was damaged extensively and stopped in the middle of the track, but Knepper was unhurt and jumped atop his car to signal oncoming cars around him. Everybody was frightened for a while, but the excitement subsided when Arnie escaped unhurt.

At the same time, Dallenbach spun in the northwest corner and was out of the race after 82 laps.

Roby led laps 79-86 and Andretti led through the 102nd lap. At the halfway mark, it was Andretti, Ruby, Leonard, Gurney, Dennis Hulme, Mike Mosley, Donohue, Foyt, George Snider, and McCluskey.

On his 107th lap, Ruby made his second pit stop. It was to be a routine stop, but it didn’t turn out to be that. Lloyd pulled in, stopped, and the crew went to work. The hoses were attached and the fuel was pumped in. The tank was filled and the first hose was detached with no trouble. Then confusion and disaster followed. Lloyd thought he was ready to go, but he didn’t know the other hose was still attached to the car. He was already moving when the hose snapped and sprayed fuel all over the left side of the car. Part of the hose was on the storage tank and the other part was still on the car. A moan of disappointment spread over the track when the PA announcer announced that Lloyd was out of the race. His bad 500 luck had continued. He certainly deserves to win the 500, and with just a little bit more luck, I think some day he will.

With Ruby gone, Andretti had a clear course. Foyt was in his pit having his car worked on and Joe Leonard was now in second place, but his luck went sour too. A hose clamp from Knepper’s wreck punctured Joe’s radiator, and he had to make a long stop to have it repaired.

At 120 laps, the first five were Andretti, Leonard, Gurney, McCluskey, and Hulme. Gordon Johncock retired after 137 laps with valve trouble. Dennis Hulme left after 145 laps, and one lap later, rookie Sonny Ates was out of the race.

On his 152nd lap, Andretti made his last scheduled pit stop. If everything went okay, it would be his last stop. He had a comfortable lead so his crew used much caution in doing their work. There was no need to hurry and make a costly mistake. Everything went fine and a few seconds later, he was back on the track, having not lost the lead.

After twenty-seven laps in his pit, Foyt returned to the track and drove like crazy in an attempt to make up lost ground. Andretti still had a good lead after 170 laps, and he was followed by Gurney and Donohue.

Meanwhile, George Snider, Bud Tingelstad, Roger McCluskey, Mike Mosley, Sam Sessions, and Jim Malloy had left the race within a span of thirteen laps.

Although Andretti seemed to be having no trouble, I was becoming more and more uneasy about his chances of winning because of his had luck the past three years and Andy Granatelli’s luck the last two. I kept hoping this would be their good year.

As the race neared it end, a close battled developed for third place between Unser and Kenyon. They stayed close together for several laps but Mel just couldn’t quite get around Bobby.

Mario continued his record pace and the crowd became more excited as he finished each lap. Then he was given the white flag to signal one more lap to go and then it was the winning checkered flag. He had done it! Pandemonium erupted in Andretti’s pit. Granatelli was beside himself. Twenty-three years of frustration had ended. He and this pit crew quickly got to Victory Lane. Mario took two extra laps and waved to the fans all around the track. As he pulled into the pit area on his way to the winner’s circle, he was given a huge reception by the crowd. He was one of the most popular drivers ever to win the race. Granatelli broke tradition and was the first person to kiss the winner, instead of his wife and the 500 Festival Queen. After the ceremony in Victory Lane, they were driven slowly around the track so that everybody could get a good look at them. They stopped at the starting line and answered many questions which were asked of them.

Meanwhile, Dan Gurney pulled into a happy pit area, having finished second for the second straight year. Dan is another driver who deserves to win this race. Unser and Kenyon finished their duel for third and fourth and rookie Peter Revson, having started 33rd, drove a great race and nosed out Joe Leonard by 0.027 mph to finish fifth. Mark Donohue finished seventh and with it the “Rookie of the Year” award. Foyt was eighth, Larry Dickson ninth and Bobby Johns tenth. Johns’ pit was in front of us and he had to make several pit stops, but he kept going, although he finished only 171 laps.

Racing continued for a few minutes and then Pat Vidan waved the red flag, which meant the race was over. One by one, the drivers slowly came in and turned off their engines. The cars and drivers were both hot and dirty. Some of the drivers had to be lifted out of their cars, but they were all pretty happy, and rightly so. They had done a good day’s work. They talked a couple minutes with their pit crews and then pushed the car and the equipment back to the garage area.

Many people were leaving but we stayed a few minutes. Several drivers were interviewed and then the winning time was announced. Andretti drove the 500 miles in 3:11:14.71, for an average speed of 156.867 mph, almost four miles per hour faster than Bobby Unser’s 1968 record of 152.882. Now it was all over for another year.

We checked to see that we had everything and then headed for the exit. It’s always a sad time for me when I take my last look up and down the straightaway and know I won’t see it again for a year. The traffic was heavy but moved steadily, even through the tunnel under the track. Last year we were caught in a terrible jam behind the Paddock section, but this year we were alert for such things and managed to get all the way to the main gate in fairly light traffic. It was certainly a relief from last year. Just before we reached the exit, I bought a flash edition of the Indianapolis News, which had the headlines in big letters “MARIO WINS 500.” The traffic was very heavy on Crawfordsville Road and we had to be careful about how and where we walked. People are in a hurry to leave and they don’t have the patience and alertness they have normally so the pedestrians have to be extra careful.

As always, it felt good to get back to the car. We sat down, took off our shoes, and watched the hundreds of cars trying to get on their way home. I took a few pictures to finish the roll while we listened to the radio and had something to eat and drink. Many of the people in Kramers’ lot had already left, but we waited a while and hoped the traffic would thin out a little bit. The Kramers were sitting on their front porch with their son and his wife and their two children and I talked to them for a few minutes. The food and drink really tasted good and for some reason I couldn’t get enough to drink. The coffee tasted good although it was only lukewarm. We waited longer than usual for the traffic to thin out, but it didn’t seem to do so, so we decided we had better leave anyway. We checked to see that we had everything, got our equipment in order, said goodbye to Kramers for another year, and at 4:20 drove out of the yard and stopped at the sign on Fischer Street. We were on our way.

This was the beginning of the most exasperating part of out trip. The cars were lined up bumper to bumper for several blocks and were getting nowhere. We could have leisurely eaten a complete meal in the time we spent at the stop sign. The long wait caused many short tempers and much horn blowing, but that didn’t help. None of us could remember when the traffic was this tied up. Finally some kindhearted person let us onto Crawfordsville Road and we sat again for a long time. Then all of a sudden, we moved a block in one stretch. I felt sorry for the people on the side streets because I knew what they were going though. When we did move we had to stop quite suddenly and that didn’t help any. After what seemed to be hours, we arrived at the Lynnhurst intersection and went straight. Our progress was short-lived as we had to stop again and wait a long time. The only consolation we had was that we were only three of several hundred persons in the same mess. The traffic moved just as slowly as it had before we reached the intersection and spurt by spurt, we moved westward. At long last, we reached the I-74 turnoff. It had taken us a whole hour to drive about two blocks. It had to be the longest two blocks we had ever driven and we all breathed a sign of relief when we got out of the mess. Something had been terribly wrong in the movement of the traffic and all we could do now was hope it didn’t happen next year.

Once we hit I-74, we had no more trouble with the traffic. It took slightly more than an hour to reach the Illinois line. Then we continued on to Danville and south on US Route 150/IL Route 1 to the Route 36 intersection. It was better driving than having to fight the holiday traffic, hills, curves, and other nuisances on Route 36 in Indiana.

It was 6:45 when we arrived at the Colonial Kitchen. We had to wait in line behind a bus load of race fans, but the line moved real well. Almost everything on the serving line looked good to me and I put as much on my plate as I could. We sat down, relaxed, and took our time eating. The good hot meal really tasted good to us. When we finished eating, we had dessert, another cup of coffee, and then decided it was time to go. We used the restrooms, paid the bill, and at 7:38, we started the second part of our trip home.

The meal seemed to refreshen me somewhat, and I was not sleepy at all the rest of the way home, as I had been slightly before supper. The traffic moved real well and we arrived at Decatur shortly before 9:00. Traffic was pretty heavy as it always is on Memorial Day night but we got through the city okay. Between Decatur and Springfield, we encountered some slow drivers and a wreck between Illiopolis and Lanesville, but we didn’t have to stop and arrived back at the Dalbey’s about 9:45. We left most of the things in the car until the next day and went in and visited with mother and Susan for a few minutes. About 10:00, I decided I had better go home so I said goodbye and departed.

We had completed another safe, enjoyable trip and, like all other years, this year had its own occurrences that would separate it from all other years.

EPILOGUE

This was the year of the Italians, one big and one little, who, working together, along with the pit crew, ended a long period of personal frustration at the Speedway.

If Mario Andretti’s racing luck was as good as his qualifying luck, he would already have won twice and finished no lower than fourth.

Andy Granatelli missed by a narrow margin of winning in 1967 and 1968, but lady luck finally found him and this was his year.

Mario has been my racing idol since 1965, as he had been for thousands of other racing fans, and it had been very disappointing to me to see him have such rotten racing luck at the Speedway the last three years. He certainly deserved to win. He has a magnetic personality, good looks, lots of money, and thousands of fans who think he is IT.

This was the first time in Speedway history that the starting field was lined up in exact order of qualifying speed.

There are many fine drivers besides Andretti who deserve to win the race. Among them are Gurney, Kenyon, McCluskey, Tingelstad, Johncock, Ruby, and McElreath. Maybe one or more of them will win it some year.

Andretti’s prize money was $205,727 out of a total $804,627, both of which are records.

The Speedway management continues to build additional seating area, which proves the popularity of the race with the fans.

As we usually do, the three of us had a real good time and are looking forward to Memorial Day, 1970, when, once again, we plan on being spectators at the annual running of the world’s greatest sporting event – the Indianapolis 500.

Pace Car – Chevrolet Camaro
500 Festival Queen – Janet Faires