tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49043096851529326452024-03-13T15:50:02.291-05:00A Fan Comes of Age at the Indy 500This site contains journals of my father written about his experiences about the Indy 500. He started in 1954 and has missed only one since that time. I hope, in the near future, to have all of his journals available here with pictures that he took from those races. Enjoy!Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-60933078152314057832010-03-22T21:41:00.002-05:002010-03-22T21:46:08.161-05:00Indy Journal - 1980<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cpdalbey%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cpdalbey%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cpdalbey%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> 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center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16pt;">1980<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The nearly flawless performance of Johnny Rutherford’s Pennzoil Chaparral, the nearly unbelievable finishes of Tom Sneva and Gary Bettenhausen, the outstanding job by rookie Tim Richmond, and my visit with some former church friends were highlights of this year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 9:30 on Friday morning, May 9, when I left in my 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic for my trip to the Speedway to see the first day of time trials.<span style=""> </span>I took old Route 36 to Decatur and then the regular Route 36 the rest of the way. <span style=""> </span>It was a few minutes before 12:00 when I arrived at the Colonial Kitchen at Chrisman for a snack of a grilled cheese sandwich, french fries, and coffee.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 12:20, I left the restaurant and, unlike last year, didn’t have any detours the rest of the way.<span style=""> </span>I arrived at the Standard Service Station on Lynhurst Drive about 2:15, where I stopped for a fill up, and then I made two more stops at Rosner’s Drug Store and Carl Hungness Publishing Office before arriving at the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>I decided on something new on entering the Speedway this year.<span style=""> </span>I would enter from the north, instead of the usual southern way.<span style=""> </span>I had to go to 30<sup>th</sup> St. and right a short distance.<span style=""> </span>I turned right onto the road, paid my $1.00 admission, and drove to the museum parking lot.<span style=""> </span>To my right, along the way, was the infield parking lot, and on my left was the Speedway golf course.<span style=""> </span>I had never seen this area of the infield up close before.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After parking the car I toured the museum gift shop and also the one adjacent to the refreshment stand.<span style=""> </span>From there, I walked to the Tower Terrace and pit area.<span style=""> </span>There was a large crowd everywhere in the stands, garage area, pit area, museum, gift shop, and infield.<span style=""> </span>There was much activity both in the pit area and on the race track.<span style=""> </span>I watched the activity for a while and took a walk to the fourth turn area of the infield.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A happy-go-lucky carnival atmosphere pervaded the area.<span style=""> </span>A large number of young people were listening and dancing to rock music played at almost ear-splitting volume.<span style=""> </span>Some were eating and drinking and sunbathing all at the same time.<span style=""> </span>There were parents watching their children in their playpens, and even a few people were watching the race cars speed by.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the afternoon wore on, the competition on the race track wound down to the 6:00 closing time.<span style=""> </span>I returned to the Tower Terrace area where I remained until closing time.<span style=""> </span>When the racing activity ceased, I returned to the car via the same route I had used to go the other way.<span style=""> </span>The route included the garage area, Speedway hospital, and museum.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had no trouble with the Friday going-home traffic, and a few minutes later, I was parked at the Speedway Shopping Center.<span style=""> </span>My first order of business was supper and for that, I patronized the MCL Cafeteria.<span style=""> </span>There was a long line, but it moved quickly.<span style=""> </span>My tray was full, but I ate every bite of food and felt quite a bit better for doing so.<span style=""> </span>After supper, I walked to the Kroger store and bought my box of fried chicken to take with me to the Speedway on Saturday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I then called Mary and David Jones, who had been in my Kum Dubble Sunday School Class at Central Baptist Church, but who had moved to Indianapolis a few months earlier.<span style=""> </span>I talked to Mary.<span style=""> </span>She seemed real happy I called her, and we agreed to meet at the MCL Cafeteria on Saturday night at 7:00.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the telephone call, I went to a bakery store and bought Dixie’s Mother’s Day present – a long white cake with pink icing in the form of roses on it.<span style=""> </span>I also looked in several other stores for presents but couldn’t find anything.<span style=""> </span>By now, it was gradually becoming darker, so I decided it was time to leave and get to the motel.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 8:30 when I arrived at the Holiday Inn Motel in Lebanon.<span style=""> </span>Since I had a guaranteed reservation, all I had to do was register and go to my room.<span style=""> </span>It felt real good to take off my shoes and sit down and relax for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>About 9:15, I decided to take a walk and see what was going on around the motel.<span style=""> </span>As I was returning from the Holidome area, I walked by the entrance to the motel restaurant, and standing there to pay their bill was my next-door neighbor, Rosalie Roethe, and her escort for the weekend.<span style=""> </span>We both laughed with surprise when we saw each other.<span style=""> </span>Neither one of us knew the other one was staying at the motel.<span style=""> </span>We chatted for a few minutes and then went our separate ways.<span style=""> </span>I returned to my room and did some reading, watched a few minutes of television, took a bath, and about 11:00 decided to call it a day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My alarm clock did it job and awoke me at 5:30 on Saturday morning.<span style=""> </span>I rose up, washed my face, shaved, combed my hair, then got dressed and walked to the motel restaurant for breakfast.<span style=""> </span>There were only a dozen or so customers and I was seated and waited on right away.<span style=""> </span>Remembering the long wait I had last year, I brought my National Geographic magazine with me to keep me occupied while I waited for my food.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The meal consisted of pancakes, sausage, coffee, and orange juice.<span style=""> </span>I was most appreciative of the pitcher of coffee which I received for consumption.<span style=""> </span>The service was much better than that of a year ago, and I left in a better state of mind. I returned to my room to wash my teeth and get my equipment together, and then left for the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>It was about 7:00 now.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I parked at the First Bank & Trust Company parking lot and then walked to the Speedway, stopping to have my thermos bottle filled with coffee.<span style=""> </span>After buying my ticket and going in, I took a quick trip in one of the gift shops, and then found a seat in the Tower Terrace section a few rows behind the photographers’ area.<span style=""> </span>It provided an excellent view of the cars and drivers after they finished their trial run.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The weather was cool and unpleasantly windy with the sun going in and out all day.<span style=""> </span>To nobody’s surprise, Johnny Rutherford had the fast time of the day with an average speed of 192.256 mph.<span style=""> </span>Two of Roger Penske’s drivers, Mario Andretti and Bobby Unser, had the second and third fastest times respectively.<span style=""> </span>In addition to Rutherford, the biggest event was probably the 186.374 mph run made by rookie Roger Rager in his stock-block car.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">About 4:00, it started raining, ending all activity on the track.<span style=""> </span>Then, between 4:30 and 5:00, a strong hail storm hit the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>Almost everybody ran for cover.<span style=""> </span>My sanctuary was the area at the bottom of the Control Tower.<span style=""> </span>The hail lasted only a few minutes and then the sun came out.<span style=""> </span>There was water standing on the track, so it would be some time before any cars could get onto it.<span style=""> </span>In the meantime, many of the spectators left for the day, but others like me waited out the last hour to see what would happen.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally, a few minutes before 6:00, the engine of AJ Foyt’s car was fired up and he was pushed away for his qualification run.<span style=""> </span>He ran his four laps, but it was nothing spectacular and only 12<sup>th</sup> fastest of the day.<span style=""> </span>Now the day was over and fifteen cars had qualified.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 6:50 when I arrived at the MCL Cafeteria for my 7:00 date with the Joneses.<span style=""> </span>It was about 7:10 when they arrived, but it was only Dave, one of his boys, and his father-in-law.<span style=""> </span>Dave explained that the other boy had injured on of his legs during the day and didn’t want to leave the house.<span style=""> </span>He wanted me to come out to the house, but I told him I thought it would be too late and I might get lost.<span style=""> </span>He replied that it was only a few minutes’ drive and then drew a map to show me how to get there.<span style=""> </span>I told him I would eat supper first and then try to find it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I followed the map carefully and it was 8:20 when I arrived at their house at 2223 East 74<sup>th</sup> St.<span style=""> </span>Mary’s parents were visiting them and all of them seemed happy that I came to see them.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had a real warm, friendly visit.<span style=""> </span>When it was about 9:30, I decided it was time to leave, since I still had quite a distance to go to the motel.<span style=""> </span>I returned via the same route until I arrived at the I-65 intersection, and then turned right and went north to the motel.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 10:00 when I arrived so I walked around to see what was happening.<span style=""> </span>The bar was doing a good business.<span style=""> </span>A three-piece combo (drummer, guitarist, and female vocalist) were supplying live entertainment for a few minutes, but the music was so loud that you could hardly hear yourself say hello.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I returned to my room to do some reading, and at 11:00, I watched the Mike Douglas show on TV.<span style=""> </span>His co-host was Loni Anderson, who made the program quite interesting to me.<span style=""> </span>I watched the program about thirty minutes, then took a bath, did some reading, and about 12:45, decided it was time to go to bed.<span style=""> </span>It had been a long day but I liked it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 6:45 when I opened my eyes and first looked at my alarm clock on Sunday morning.<span style=""> </span>Since I didn’t have to be home by a certain time, I did some reading and then around 8:00, I got cleaned up and put all my equipment into my suitcase.<span style=""> </span>About 8:30 checked out of the motel.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I tried something different for breakfast this time.<span style=""> </span>I stopped at the Pancake House Restaurant a couple miles south of the motel on I-65.<span style=""> </span>The place was almost full and I almost decided to leave when I saw an empty single seat at the far end of the building.<span style=""> </span>I don’t know if the booming business was caused by race fans, Mother’s Day, or people going to church, but it was really good.<span style=""> </span>The service was rather slow, both in taking and bringing my order, but I wasn’t surprised.<span style=""> </span>I had pancakes, toast, orange juice, and coffee.<span style=""> </span>The food was good and I had plenty of coffee, which pleased me.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 9:15 when I left.<span style=""> </span>I drove south to the US 36 intersection and went west.<span style=""> </span>Shortly after 11:00, I stopped at Colonial Kitchen for dinner.<span style=""> </span>I had a cup of coffee and a grilled cheese sandwich.<span style=""> </span>While I was eating, the business increased considerably.<span style=""> </span>It was almost all young or middle-aged adults treating their mothers to dinner for Mother’s Day.<span style=""> </span>It was one of the largest crowds I had seen in the restaurant, and I was glad I hadn’t arrived any later.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 11:45, I left to the restaurant and headed for Springfield, arriving home shortly after 2:00.<span style=""> </span>Another safe, enjoyable trip was over.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Saturday, May 24, at 11:50am, I left home for my 26<sup>th</sup> trip to see the big race.<span style=""> </span>I stopped at Dalbey’s to leave some Indianapolis newspapers for dad, and left again at 12:07.<span style=""> </span>I drove old Route 36 to Decatur, where I arrived at 12:57.<span style=""> </span>As usual, the traffic was quite heavy on this first day of the holiday weekend.<span style=""> </span>As I continued east on Route 36 and was within ten or so miles of Tuscola, the sky got real dark up ahead.<span style=""> </span>A couple minutes later, big rain drops started pelting the car and a few seconds later, the clouds opened up with a downpour.<span style=""> </span>It lasted only a few minutes and when I went through Tuscola, it had calmed down to a light shower.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A few miles further east, the rain stopped and the sun came out again.<span style=""> </span>About a mile before I reached the Colonial Kitchen intersection, I noticed that the restaurant on the south side of the highway had been destroyed. This caught my eye because I was sure it had been there just two weeks ago.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 2:25 when I arrived at the Colonial Kitchen and stopped for a little rest.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think there were more than a dozen customers in the restaurant, several of whom were farmers having an afternoon cup of coffee.<span style=""> </span>For my snack, I had a barbecue sandwich, French fries, and coffee.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t a full meal, but it relieved some of the hunger feeling I was having.<span style=""> </span>When I finished my second cup of coffee, I used the restroom and paid my bill.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I asked the cashier about the destroyed motel and she said there was a gas explosion there earlier in the week, that there was an investigation being conducted, and that was all she knew.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 2:58 when I left that restaurant and started my trip to Danville.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was quite heavy and in every town there were many people pulling weeds, cutting grass, and doing many other Saturday-afternoon jobs.<span style=""> </span>I reached Danville at 3:25 and arrived at the motel at 3:32.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I registered and then checked on my room, which was on the second level on the west side of the motel.<span style=""> </span>The first thing I did was check on the room, and then I took off my shoes and relaxed for a couple minutes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first thing I wanted to do was to find a Derby Service Station.<span style=""> </span>I used the telephone directory to see if there was one and while I was at it, I looked for a smorgasbord restaurant.<span style=""> </span>There was only one of each listed and they were on the same street, about three blocks from each other.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I opened my room door, I had the unpleasant surprise of seeing rain on the ground, although it wasn’t coming down now.<span style=""> </span>I was getting uneasy about the weather situation and hoping it would settle down before tomorrow. <span style=""> </span>The service station was on East Voorhees St., and when the cashier made the receipt, I discovered that the cost was $0.05 per gallon more than it was in Springfield.<span style=""> </span>About three blocks further east was George’s Buffet.<span style=""> </span>I looked the place over on the inside and decided I would come back for supper.<span style=""> </span>I rushed back to my room and got cleaned up.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Feeling livelier and refreshed, I returned to George’s Buffet in hopes of arriving before the big supper rush.<span style=""> </span>There were only a few people ahead of me and the line moved quickly.<span style=""> </span>The customer pays for his meal at the beginning of the line, and the charge is $4.00, which is real reasonable.<span style=""> </span>Most of the selections were ones I liked, and I had chicken livers, baked ham, macaroni salad, beef & noodles, cornbread, rolls, beets, sliced potatoes, lettuce salad, and coffee.<span style=""> </span>Everything tasted fine and at $4.00, I thought it was a real bargain.<span style=""> </span>I wanted to break my habit of eating supper at the motel restaurant because it was so expensive, and this was a good way to do it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 6:30 when I left and business had increased considerably.<span style=""> </span>Before returning to my room for the evening, I stopped at the Famous Recipe chicken house and bought my dinner for tomorrow at the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>It was about 7:15 when I arrived back at the motel.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The motel was a busy place.<span style=""> </span>I heard the desk clerk tell somebody that all rooms were occupied or reserved for the night, and many of them were race fans on their way to the big race.<span style=""> </span>The swimming pool was also getting good use.<span style=""> </span>Upon returning to my room, I spent the rest of the evening catching up on my Indianapolis newspapers and National Speed Sport News newspapers.<span style=""> </span>At 10:00, I broke the routine and watched the news on one of the Indy stations.<span style=""> </span>The race, of course, was the big news and there were pictures of the 500 Festival Parade.<span style=""> </span>The weatherman said there were rain clouds in the area, but they were expected to go north of the capital city, and the race should have no problems with the weather.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the news, I put all of my equipment into the tote bag so that it would be ready to go in the morning.<span style=""> </span>With that important job done, I set my alarm clock for 4:30, and shortly after 11:00, turned out the lights and retired for the night.<span style=""> </span>The big day was almost here.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A few minutes before 4:30, my alarm clock did its job and awoke me for the beginning of race day, 1980.<span style=""> </span>I lay in bed for a couple minutes and then got up and washed my face, shaved, combed my hair, and dressed.<span style=""> </span>When I awoke, it was dark outside, but when I left my room at 4:55, the sun had risen for another day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There were already several persons waiting for the restaurant to open when I arrived, and it was almost 5:05 before customers were allowed in.<span style=""> </span>After a couple years of not having it, the restaurant had gone back to having a buffet breakfast.<span style=""> </span>That was most pleasing to me.<span style=""> </span>I had scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, orange juice, and coffee.<span style=""> </span>I had two large servings of everything, including two cups of coffee, which, luckily, I didn’t have to beg for.<span style=""> </span>Business was good and it was almost all race fans having a good breakfast before leaving for the race.<span style=""> </span>When I could eat no more, I paid the bill and returned to my room. I brushed my teeth, made a quick check to see I had everything I needed, and then I walked to my car.<span style=""> </span>It was 5:35 when I left the motel parking lot.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before I got out of Danville, I encountered a problem that was to trouble me almost all the way.<span style=""> </span>The problem was fog – the very thick, soupy kind.<span style=""> </span>It was so bad that I almost missed the Indianapolis turnoff because I couldn’t see it until just a few feet ahead of it.<span style=""> </span>After I got onto I-74, I had to be very alert for other cars because I would almost be on top of them before I could see their tail lights.<span style=""> </span>The fog necessitated driving with low beam lights on all the time and windshield wiper blades on almost all the time.<span style=""> </span>At times, it was necessary to drive 35-40 mph, and the only thing I could see was the blurred light coming from the cars’ lights.<span style=""> </span>It was certainly the thickest and longest fog I’d ever encountered.<span style=""> </span>As I drove along, three thoughts ran through my mind concurrently: 1.) I was hoping the sun would come out and evaporate the fog; 2.) I would not run into another car; and 3.) Some car would not run into me.<span style=""> </span>The dense fog made the trip seem longer than usual, but when I came within about ten miles of Speedway, it started thinning out and in a couple minutes, it was all gone and I could see normally.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 7:05 when I arrived at I-465, and traffic became the bumper-to-bumper type.<span style=""> </span>It moved slowly but with no long, exasperating waits.<span style=""> </span>Many people were walking to the Speedway, while others ate an outdoor breakfast or slept on the ground.<span style=""> </span>At 7:25, I arrived at the bank parking lot, only to be told that the lot was full, and the only space available was a house about a block west of the bank.<span style=""> </span>I drove on until a Lions Club member directed me to the rear of the house.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t where I wanted to park, but I couldn’t afford to be choosy, so I took it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I paid my $5.00 fee, made sure I had everything, locked the car, and started for the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>I walked the distance of about two houses when a sudden sickening feeling struck me – I didn’t have my keys!<span style=""> </span>I did a quick about-face and almost ran back to the car.<span style=""> </span>My mind was in turmoil, and I was very relieved to see the keys still in the door lock.<span style=""> </span>Somebody could easily have walked off with them, and I would have been in one heck of a mess!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Again, I started my walk to the Speedway, feeling much better this time.<span style=""> </span>When I reached Fisher St, I saw Bud Kramer standing in his yard, so I stopped and talked to him for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>He seemed happy to see me and asked about Dad and Bobby.<span style=""> </span>My next stop was the White Castle restaurant where I had my thermos bottle filled with coffee.<span style=""> </span>It was between 8:00 and 8:15 when the gateman tore off my gate admission stub and I entered the Speedway grounds.<span style=""> </span>I bought three souvenir programs and then continued on my way.<span style=""> </span>Along the way, I looked for a present for Mark and John, but didn’t see anything that appealed to me.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I reached the pedestrian tunnel, I walked though it and then turned right and went to the gift shop between the Control Tower and the garage area.<span style=""> </span>It was real crowded and warm, so I left and walked along the north side of the garage area.<span style=""> </span>The race cars had been pushed to the pit area, but there were still hundreds of people hoping to see one of the drivers.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I stopped at a concession stand and bought a small Coca-Cola and then started my walk to my seat.<span style=""> </span>At times, the walking was elbow to elbow, but I finally reached the north end of the Tower Terrace area, and joined several dozen other men in making use of a restroom.<span style=""> </span>With that important job out of the way, I handed the gateman my ticket, and at 9:00, I entered the Tower Terrace area and walked to my seat.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It felt good to sit down and rest my feet after doing so much walking.<span style=""> </span>While my feet were resting, I watched the spectacle of bands parading on the straightaway.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes later, when my feet felt okay, I walked behind the pit area fence all the way to the Gasoline Alley driveway, hoping to see a race driver, famous chief mechanic, or any other person I might recognize.<span style=""> </span>Among the recognizable faces I saw were Sam Hanks, Pat Vidan (now retired), J.C. Agajanian, Roger Penske, and Chris Schenkel.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Between 9:45 and 10:00, I returned to my seat while the Purdue University Band played the first of the traditional prerace songs, “On the Banks of the Wabash,” and the pit crews responded to announcer Tom Carnegie’s order to push the cars to their starting positions on the race track.<span style=""> </span>Only one hour remained until the start of the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Between 10:00 and 10:30, the parade of 500 Festival Princesses and celebrities from the entertainment industry were driven around the track for everybody to see.<span style=""> </span>Shortly before the parade started, my two race-day companions for the past three years, Barbara and Malcolm McKean, church friends of mine from Central Baptist Church, arrived on the scene to claim their seats.<span style=""> </span>We exchanged greetings and race talk as we watched the activity on the track.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:35, various USAC officials made their final track inspection and declared it ready for racing.<span style=""> </span>The huge crowd rose in silence at 10:40 as the band played “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and about a minute later, the invocation was given by a local minister who asked God, among other things, to watch over all thirty-three drivers and bring them back in safe condition.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Following the invocation, silence pervaded the crowd as the band played “Taps” in keeping with the theme of Memorial Day. Now it was time for the climax of the prerace activities as the band played “Back Home Again in Indiana.”<span style=""> </span>The tension and excitement could be felt by everybody, as the big moment was almost here.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A minute after the song ended, Tom Carnegie turned the PA system over to Jim Phillipe, who introduced the Chairperson of the Speedway Board of Directors, Mary Hulman, widow of the late Speedway President.<span style=""> </span>Mrs. Hulman spoke loudly and clearly as she issued the famous command, “Gentleman, Start Your Engines!”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Immediately, the air was filled with cheering and applause as the thirty-three engines roared into life.<span style=""> </span>That sound I had been waiting for a year to hear was now here, as one member of each pit crew raised an arm to indicate his car was ready to be pushed away.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1950 race winner Johnnie Parsons drove the official pace car, a Pontiac Turbo Trans-Am.<span style=""> </span>Two other Pontiac official cars, with Mary Hulman, her daughter, Mari George, and Mrs. George’s son, Tony George, were between the pace car and the race cars.<span style=""> </span>These two cars pulled off the track after the first parade lap.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the field exited the fourth turn and headed down the straightaway, the huge crowd erupted into cheering and applause as the cars went by.<span style=""> </span>Shortly after they were pushed away by their pit crews, Tom Carnegie announced that all thirty-three cars had started and were moving.<span style=""> </span>This was good news and it received a delightful response from the crowd.<span style=""> </span>The field was lined up better as it finished the second parade lap and started the official pace lap.<span style=""> </span>The excitement increased as Tom Carnegie kept everybody informed as to the cars’ position on the track, and some fans stood on their seats and stretched in different ways to get a good view of the fourth turn. A few seconds later, the pace car appeared and sped through the pit area as Rutherford, Andretti, and Bobby Unser started charging.<span style=""> </span>Starter Duane Sweeney waved the green flag, and the race was on!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rutherford and Unser roared side by side into the first turn, with Rutherford winning the duel as they went through the second turn and down the backstretch.<span style=""> </span>Johnny led the first fifteen laps, but during that time, four drivers dropped out of the race.<span style=""> </span>The race had hardly started when the caution flag was displayed on the fourth lap.<span style=""> </span>The camshaft on Larry Cannon’s car broke and he pulled into the infield.<span style=""> </span>At almost the same time, Mike Mosley left the race with a broken head gasket.<span style=""> </span>This was certainly a disappointment after his outstanding third-place finish of last year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the 10<sup>th</sup> lap, the yellow light came on again when rookies Dick Ferguson and Bill Whittington crashed in the second turn.<span style=""> </span>Bill broke his lower right leg when he hit the wall.<span style=""> </span>Dick received a minor foot injury when he spun to avoid the Whittington car and slammed into the inner guard railing, causing major damage to his car.<span style=""> </span>The yellow light remained on through the 18<sup>th</sup> lap when the field went green again, but came out again when fourth-place Spike Gehlhausen hit the wall in the first turn.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Through the first 24 laps, the race had four leaders – Rutherford, rookie Roger Rager, George Snider, and Gordon Johncock.<span style=""> </span>On the 25<sup>th</sup> lap, Bobby Unser became the fifth leader and led through the 30<sup>th</sup> lap when Johncock regained the lead.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, the dropout list continued to grow as Tom Bagley was forced out after 29 laps with fuel pump failure and Al Unser’s day was finished after 33 laps with a broken cylinder.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 50 laps, the race had a new leader, Mario Andretti in his Penske car.<span style=""> </span>He led laps 47-56 and then relinquished the lead to Pancho Carter for one lap.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At this time, the yellow flag came out again when Jim McElreath spun in the first turn and hit the wall.<span style=""> </span>Following closely behind him were Roger Rager, who was forced to spin out to avoid the McElreath car.<span style=""> </span>The caution flag remained out for six laps.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the pace car went onto the track, Carter led the procession of cars behind it.<span style=""> </span>USAC official, Bob Cassady, was in the pace car and gave a signal to Pancho.<span style=""> </span>Pancho said Cassady signaled him to go around the pace car.<span style=""> </span>Cassady said he signaled Carter to hold his position.<span style=""> </span>Whatever the signal meant, Carter passed the pass car and was penalized a lap for doing so, which dropped him from second to sixth position.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The lead went back to Rutherford, who remained there though the 72<sup>nd</sup> lap.<span style=""> </span>The next lap was led by the rookie sensation Tim Richmond.<span style=""> </span>It was hard to believe that the new race leader was Tom Sneva.<span style=""> </span>He had accomplished the incredible job of moving from last to first position, and he received a warm cheer from the fans when Tom Carnegie announced what had happened.<span style=""> </span>He remained in the top spot until Bobby Unser regained the lead on lap 85 and kept it through the 103<sup>rd</sup> lap.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After 44 laps, Johnny Parsons was out with a broken piston, and rookie Gordon Smiley left after 47 laps with turbocharger trouble.<span style=""> </span>Dick Simon followed McElreath and Rager out of the race on his 58<sup>th</sup> lap when he lost his right front tire.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jerry Karl was the next dropout when he encountered clutch trouble, and then a loud groan came from the crowd when Tom Carnegie announced that Mario Andretti’s car had stalled on the backstretch after 71 laps of racing.<span style=""> </span>Strangely enough, there were no more cars to leave the race until Andretti’s teammate, Bobby Unser, was forced out after 126 laps when his ignition coil failed.<span style=""> </span>That left Roger Penske with only one car still in the race – Rick Mears.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In addition to Roger Penske, car owner Sherman Armstrong also had three entries in the race.<span style=""> </span>All three were doing quite well, with Gary Bettenhausen, Tom Bigelow, and Greg Leffler doing the driving.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On his 128<sup>th</sup> lap, rookie Hurley Haywood was done for the day when his turbocharger caught fire.<span style=""> </span>The yellow light came out again when Jerry Sneva crashed in the first turn and damaged his car too much to continue.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The lead continued to be traded back and forth among several drivers, including Bobby Unser, Rutherford, Mears, and Sneva.<span style=""> </span>Rutherford’s car seemed to be superior to all the others, but he certainly wasn’t making a runaway of the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rookie Dennis Firestone was the next victim of bad luck and was forced to retire after 137 laps when his car stalled on the backstretch with transmission trouble.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AJ Foyt and George Snider were teammates and their pits were just north of my seat and within vision.<span style=""> </span>On his 170<sup>th</sup> lap, George came in.<span style=""> </span>When he started to leave the engine quit, not once, but three times.<span style=""> </span>While his pit crew was trying to keep the engine running, Foyt came into his pit after 173 laps.<span style=""> </span>His car was also done for the day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While the cars of Foyt and Snider were still in their pits, rookie Don Whittington crashed into the inside wall of the fourth turn on his 179<sup>th</sup> lap, causing his exodus from the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br />Defending champion Rick Mears was running near the front of the field when some debris on the track got into one of his tires and caused it to go flat, thus necessitating an unscheduled pit stop on his 179<sup>th</sup> lap and a drop in position.<span style=""> </span>Rick led laps 172-178, but gave up the lead to Rutherford when he made his pit stop.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If everything went okay, Rutherford and Sneva would finish first and second, but the interesting and exciting battle was for third place.<span style=""> </span>Like Sneva, Bettenhausen had started in the last row and made an incredible advance in position.<span style=""> </span>Now he and Gordon Johncock were putting on a ding-dong battle, and the crowd was enjoying it immensely.<span style=""> </span>As the finish came closer and closer, Johncock edged closer to Gary, but Gary managed to hold him off.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rutherford’s Pennzoil Chaparral continued its fine performance and as he came down the straightaway on his 200<sup>th</sup> lap to receive the checkered flag, the crowd cheered and waved him to victory. Thirty seconds later, Sneva received the checkered flag for the most incredible second-place finish in the Speedway’s history. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now came the fight for third place.<span style=""> </span>The crowd was going wild as Bettenhausen and Johncock came out of the fourth turn and charged for the checkered flag.<span style=""> </span>Just a few seconds from the finish line, Gordon made a sudden dash to the inside to pass Gary and from where we were sitting, McKeans and I couldn’t say how it finished.<span style=""> </span>About a minute or so later, we heard that Gary had won the battle and taken third place.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rutherford and Sneva received the plaudits of the fans as they came through the pit area, but the crowd erupted in unabashed elation when Bettenhausen pulled into his pit.<span style=""> </span>He was immediately swamped by his happy crew, and a couple minutes later he was helped out of the car and waved to the crowd, which increased it applause even more.<span style=""> </span>He had something to drink, gave a couple radio interviews, and then shook hands with several people.<span style=""> </span>He could really be proud of his work for the day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After Johncock, Mears, Carter, and Danny Ongais all completed 199 laps for fifth, sixth, and seventh finishing positions, respectively. Bettenhausen’s teammate, Tom Bigelow, took eighth-place honors, and rookie Tim Richmond and Greg Leffler were ninth and tenth.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the cars deserted the race track and pit crews carried, pushed, and drove their equipment back to the garage area, the huge crowd started the exodus from the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>Several thousand, like McKeans and me, decided to stay for a while and eat our belated dinners.<span style=""> </span>McKeans ate their sandwiches and cold drinks while I ate my cold chicken and lukewarm coffee.<span style=""> </span>We could take our time eating and not worry about spilling something on or bumping into somebody.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A few minutes after 3:00, the three of us put our equipment in our carrying bags and left our seats for another year.<span style=""> </span>They went to their car and I started my walk to the gift shop by the museum.<span style=""> </span>The traffic, both pedestrian and automobile, was quite heavy, particularly around the garage area.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I came over for the time trials, I saw some undershorts for little boys, but didn’t buy any because I wasn’t sure what size Mark and John wore.<span style=""> </span>When I arrived at the gift shop, I was disheartened to discover there were none to be bought.<span style=""> </span>I looked around for their gift possibilities but didn’t see any, so I walked back to the garage and Tower Terrace area.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I left the infield area via the gate between Grandstands A and B, which opens directly onto the race track.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes later, I exited through the same set of turnstiles I had entered a few hours earlier.<span style=""> </span>I crossed Georgetown Road and stopped at the White Castle to buy a Pepsi-Cola for my dry throat.<span style=""> </span>There was a long line of customers, so it took several minutes, but the soothing effect of the drink made the wait worthwhile.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I walked along Crawfordsville Road, I encountered the usual hot and impatient drunks and drivers, and I had to be careful to avoid being hit by some of them.<span style=""> </span>After walking on hot pavement and bumpy rocks for several blocks, it felt good to walk on the grass of the lot where my car was parked.<span style=""> </span>Mine was the last car, so I had no trouble leaving.<span style=""> </span>It was 4:40 when I left the parking lot.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I turned right and stopped at the stop sign by Crawfordsville Road.<span style=""> </span>A friendly, understanding driver let me onto the road before I had hardly stopped, so I waved my thank you to him and zipped into the stream of traffic.<span style=""> </span>The traffic from here to the I-74 interchange was bumper to bumper, but it moved right along and in a few minutes, I was out of the heavy traffic and moving right along to Danville.<span style=""> </span>Air conditioning in the car and enjoyable music on the radio combined to make a pleasant trip for me, and it was 6:20 when I arrived at the motel.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I took my equipment to my room, washed my face, and then watched television for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>About 7:00, I walked to the Eisner grocery store and bought some food for my supper.<span style=""> </span>My purchase included baked beans, macaroni salad, and potato salad, all from the delicatessen department, and a quart of milk.<span style=""> </span>All these items, plus the fried chicken I still had, made my supper for the evening, and it tasted real good.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 8:00, I tuned in the ABC same-day telecast of the race.<span style=""> </span>It was expanded from two to three hours this year, and I was well pleased with the program.<span style=""> </span>It showed several of the accidents and action in the pit area, which I couldn’t see during the race.<span style=""> </span>One of the reason I’ve always watched the telecast is to see some of the highlights of the race which I couldn’t see from my seat at the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The telecast of the race ended at 11:00, after which I took a bath, read a little bit, and then watched television for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>It was 12:00 when my 19 ½ hour long race day came to its end, and I retired for the day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was not quite 6:30 when I awoke on Monday morning.<span style=""> </span>I got up and did a little reading, and then turned the television set on and watched it off and on while I got cleaned up and then got everything arranged in my suitcase.<span style=""> </span>I double checked to be sure I hadn’t left any of my possessions in the room, checked out of the motel, and at 8:34 left the parking lot for the beginning of my trip home.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The traffic on the way to Chrisman was real light, but there were several persons cutting grass on riding mowers.<span style=""> </span>I stopped at a Standard Station in Georgetown for a gas fill-up, and then continued on to the Colonial Kitchen</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There were a few holiday morning customers at the restaurant, most of whom were farmers around a table having their morning coffee.<span style=""> </span>I had a second cup of coffee then used the restroom, paid the bill, and resumed my trip.<span style=""> </span>It was 9:48 when I started west on Route 36.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was a lot of traffic around Lake Decatur because the annual Memorial Day boat races were in progress.<span style=""> </span>When I left Decatur, I got onto old Route 36 and drove on it to Springfield.<span style=""> </span>On my way into Springfield on Camp Butler Road, I was detained by a long, slow freight train for about 10-15 minutes, but it finally passed and I continued on to my house, where I arrived at 12:20.<span style=""> </span>Another trip to the big race had come to a safe and happy ending.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>EPILOGUE<o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the victory banquet, Johnny Rutherford received a first place purse of $318,019.63 out of a record total purse of $1,502,425.<span style=""> </span>Johnny’s Pennzoil Chaparral ground effects car was the fastest car during the time trials and lived up to its prediction as the race winner.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The second and third place finishers of Tom Sneva and Gary Bettenhausen will be something to remember for a long time.<span style=""> </span>Not only did Sneva come all the way from last starting position, but his car wasn’t even qualified to be in the race.<span style=""> </span>Tom had had only a mediocre year for him, and he qualified a disappointing 15<sup>th</sup> fastest time on the first day of time trials.<span style=""> </span>During a practice run the following week, he crashed into the wall in the first turn and damaged the car too much to be in the race.<span style=""> </span>As a result, he was forced to drive one of car owner Jerry O’Connell’s backup cars and start in last position.<span style=""> </span>His steady drive to the front of the field was a most pleasant surprise to everybody, and his second place finish was a highly commendable fete.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After eleven frustrating attempts, Gary Bettenhausen finally finished the Indy 500.<span style=""> </span>It was a most remarkable fete, considering that he started next-to-last, had the slowest qualifying speed, and had the oldest car in the field.<span style=""> </span>He may not have been in the race at all if it had not been for the late afternoon rain on the last day of time trials, which prevented anybody else from making a qualifying attempt.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gordon Johncock finished fourth in the North American Van Lines Pacesetter, 0.004 seconds behind Bettenhausen.<span style=""> </span>Gordon incurred a foot injury during a practice lap when he crashed into the south wall, but he qualified on the second day and drove a good race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Defending champion Rick Mears finished fifth but might have finished as high as second if it hadn’t been for his unscheduled pit stop to replace a flat tire.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sixth place finisher Pancho Carter might have finished in second place, too, if it hadn’t been for the pace car incident.<span style=""> </span>He and his chief mechanic, Johnny Capels, filed a protest about the incident, but it was denied by USAC officials.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Popular Danny Ongais took seventh place honors in his Interscope Panasonic car.<span style=""> </span>He was the fastest second day qualifier and moved up steadily during the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tom Bigelow, along with Bettenhausen and Tom Sneva, started in the last row and drove his Armstrong Mould machine to a fine eighth place finish.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rookie Tim Richmond was the ninth place finisher and unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year.<span style=""> </span>He was also the fastest rookie qualifier and had the fastest practice lap of anybody all month, a 193+ mph lap on the day before the beginning of time trials.<span style=""> </span>His fine accomplishments on the race track, plus his pleasing personality, made him popular with the fans.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another one of the ten rookies who qualified for the race, Greg Leffler, drove a good race and finished in tenth position.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The other drivers still on the track when the red flag ended the race were Billy Engelhart, Bill Vukovich, and Don Whittington.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One rather unpleasant, but memorable, highlight of the race was the large amount of caution time.<span style=""> </span>There were a total of thirteen caution periods which accounted for 56 of the 200 laps.<span style=""> </span>This accounted for Rutherford’s slow winning average speed of 142.882 mph, which was the slowest winning speed since the 140.293 mph average of Roger Ward in 1962.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was little controversy about this year’s race in contrast of last year’s activities.<span style=""> </span>After 18 months of separation, the USAC and CART factions had reunited, although many people were doubtful if it would last very long.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I hope future 500-Mile races will be run with as little controversy as possible.<span style=""> </span>It certainly makes it more enjoyable for the race fan.<span style=""> </span>Next year, once again, I plan to be in attendance to see “The Greatest Spectacle In Racing” – the Indianapolis 500.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pace Car – Pontiac Turbo Trans-Am</p> <p class="MsoNormal">500 Festival Queen – Joan Pearson</p> Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-66720813626325982682009-12-07T23:06:00.002-06:002009-12-07T23:10:51.854-06:00Indy Journal - 1979<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cpdalbey%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><link rel="themeData" 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mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16pt;">1979<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My silver anniversary year at the Speedway was highlighted by increasing controversy during the practice and qualifying periods, my first time of seeing time trials on Sunday, almost not being able to see the time trials in person, the first new race champion in five years, and a precarious gasoline situation.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Friday, May 4, Dixie was operated on for a ruptured disk in her back.<span style=""> </span>This had been unscheduled until the day before when she had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, and the doctor decided to operate the following day.<span style=""> </span>She was not released from the hospital until the following Friday morning, my scheduled leaving time for the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>My parents brought her home from the hospital and after I made arrangements with them to check on her while I was gone, she told me everything would be okay and to go on my way.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was between 10:30 and 10:45 when I left home.<span style=""> </span>I traveled old Route 36 all the way to its intersection with the new Route 36 a few miles west of Decatur, and then followed the old route to the Colonial Kitchen at Chrisman.<span style=""> </span>It was 1:00 when I stopped for a cup of coffee and a grilled cheese sandwich.<span style=""> </span>As usual, there were some farmers sitting at a table and drinking coffee, plus a few other customers.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I left shortly before 1:30 and about 10-15 minutes later, I was in Indiana.<span style=""> </span>When I reached the Route 63 intersection, I had to detour south for a few miles and then east.<span style=""> </span>The detour signs were few and far between, and several times I got upset thinking I might have gotten off the road.<span style=""> </span>Luckily I stayed on the route and it finally ended at the US 231 intersection.<span style=""> </span>From there I stayed on Route 36 until I stopped at the Amoco Service Station at Lynnhurst Drive.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I had the gasoline tank refilled and then drove to 16<sup>th</sup> St and turned right.<span style=""> </span>The further I drove the heavier the traffic was.<span style=""> </span>Traffic rules prohibited me from turning left into the tunnel, so I went to the Speedway Motel and turned around and went back w3est, paid my $1.00 and went through the tunnel and then to the museum parking lot.<span style=""> </span>It was 4:00 when I turned off the engine and locked the doors.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My first stop was the gift shop, where I spent a few minutes browsing, and then I walked to the Tower Terrace Area, via the hospital and garage area.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Several drivers were participating in the last two hours of practice; including AJ Foyt, Janet Guthrie, Johnny Rutherford, Pancho Carter, Tom Sneva, and several others.<span style=""> </span>Several hundred persons were in the Tower Terrace seats taking in the action.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the 6:00 gun went off, I left the grounds and stopped at the fried chicken place ½ block west of Georgetown Road on 16<sup>th</sup> St.<span style=""> </span>They didn’t have what I wanted, so I drove over to the Speedway Shopping Center.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My first stop was the MCL Cafeteria.<span style=""> </span>The line of waiting customers stretched almost to the door, but it moved quickly, and in a short time I was going through the serving line.<span style=""> </span>When I reached the cashier my tray was full, but I was hungry and it cost less than $5.00 so I didn’t mind.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With supper out of the way, I did some window shopping in the shopping center.<span style=""> </span>I was trying to get some ideas about what to get Dixie for Mother’s Day.<span style=""> </span>I finally stopped at a bakery which had many delicious looking items on display.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was hard trying to choose just one item, but I finally decided on a long cake with white icing and the words “Happy Mother’s Day” and three roses in pink icing.<span style=""> </span>Roses are Dixie’s favorite flower so I thought it would be appropriate.<span style=""> </span>From safekeeping, I put the cake in the car trunk and then went to the Kroger grocery store and bought my box of friend chicken for eating at the Speedway on Saturday.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By now it was almost 8:00 so I thought I’d better be on my way to the motel.<span style=""> </span>I took I-465 north to the I-65 intersection and followed it to the Holiday Inn at Lebanon.<span style=""> </span>My registration at the motel was easy because I had paid for my room at the Holiday Inn East in Springfield in January, and the desk clerk was waiting for me.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My room was on the south side of the motel and was one of the best I’ve ever had.<span style=""> </span>It had two double beds and was very clean throughout.<span style=""> </span>I unpacked some of my belongings and then watched TV for a couple minutes to see how the set worked.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With everything ok in my room, I decided to take a little walk and see what was going on elsewhere in the motel.<span style=""> </span>Business at the Holidome was good, with several people using the swimming pool, slide, shuffleboard, ping pong, and refreshment area.<span style=""> </span>The restaurant, bar, and lobby were also busy.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:00 I watched the news to see what had happened at the Speedway and what kind of weather was predicted for tomorrow.<span style=""> </span>After the news I watched a few minutes of the Tonight Show and a movie, and then did some reading.<span style=""> </span>About 11:00, I got ready for bed, set the alarm clock, turned off the lights, and retired for the night.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 5:30 when the alarm sounded and awoke me from my sleep.<span style=""> </span>I got cleaned up and then dressed and walked to the motel restaurant for breakfast.<span style=""> </span>It was shortly after 6:00 when I arrived.<span style=""> </span>The hostess seated me and gave me a menu, and a few minutes later the waitress took my order.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t know it, but the next hour or so was to be quite upsetting for me.<span style=""> </span>I ordered French toast, bacon, coffee, and orange juice, and thought I would be eating in fifteen minutes or so.<span style=""> </span>As it turned out, it was almost an hour before I received my food.<span style=""> </span>I was almost ready to take some action, but the waitress apologized and was quite upset herself.<span style=""> </span>I had my Readers Digest with me, so that helped pass the time.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Feeling better physically, but not emotionally, I went back to my room, brushed my teeth, and got ready to leave for the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>It was about 7:30 when I left the motel and 8:00 when I arrived at the Lion’s Club parking lot at Lynnhurst Drive and Crawfordsville Road.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I was walking to the Speedway, I felt something terrible hit me – rain.<span style=""> </span>I increased my pace and dashed into the White Castle for some shelter and a filling of my thermos bottle with coffee.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There weren’t many people walking around the Speedway grounds.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t a heavy rain, but certainly enough to prevent any cars from getting on the track.<span style=""> </span>The rain was a blessing for the gift shop and other vendors.<span style=""> </span>The gift shop could hardly keep up with the business.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I sat in the Paddock area and read my newspapers and Readers Digest, listened to the radio, ate chicken, and visited with some of the fans around me.<span style=""> </span>As the afternoon wore on, the rain eventually stopped, and the track dried out enough to be used.<span style=""> </span>The crowd was getting restless for some action, and at 4:19 it was announced that the track was open for 1 ½ hours of practice.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shortly thereafter, Danny Ongais lost control coming out of the fourth turn and crashed into the inside wall twice before stopping.<span style=""> </span>It took 22 minutes to extract him from the car, and by the time the debris was cleaned up and the practice period finished, there was no time for qualifying.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 6:30 when I arrived back at the parking lot and a few minutes after that, I was at the MCL Cafeteria.<span style=""> </span>I ate a big supper, and then took a little ride through the residential area of Speedway.<span style=""> </span>It was a real quiet and well-maintained neighborhood, and it was the first time I had seen that particular area.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I arrived at my hotel room, I sat down for a couple minutes to glance at my newspapers.<span style=""> </span>While I was doing so, the telephone rang.<span style=""> </span>I answered and to my surprise, Dixie was on the other end.<span style=""> </span>She had heard on television that the time trials had been washed out and urged me to stay over and see Sunday’s time trials.<span style=""> </span>Since she wasn’t going to work on Monday, I could stay another day and come home Monday morning.<span style=""> </span>I told her I would think about it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I went down to the front desk to see if I could get a room on Sunday night at the Holiday Inn in Danville, IL.<span style=""> </span>When I got that confirmed, I went back to my room and called Dixie to tell her my plans.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With that important job done, I walked around to see what was happening around the motel.<span style=""> </span>The Holidome, bar, and restaurant were all doing a good business.<span style=""> </span>I returned to my room in time to see the 10:00 news, and then watched a few minutes of a couple movies, did some reading, and around 12:00, I turned in for the night.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Because the time trials didn’t start until 12:00 and I didn’t think a huge crowd would be present, I didn’t set my alarm clock.<span style=""> </span>It was about 6:30 when I woke up, after which I took a bath, brushed my teeth, shaved, and combed my hair.<span style=""> </span>Feeling ready to face the world now, I left about 7:15 for the motel restaurant.<span style=""> </span>For breakfast I had pancakes, bacon, toast, coffee, and orange juice.<span style=""> </span>The service was much better than it was Saturday morning, and that made a better beginning of my day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I returned to my room to brush my teeth and to pick up my equipment, and then drove to the Standard Service Station about ½ miles north of the motel just off I-65.<span style=""> </span>I was real happy to find the station open and not limiting the amount of gasoline sales to their customers.<span style=""> </span>The gasoline situation throughout the United States was quite precarious at this time, with some stations closing at night and/or Saturday and/or Sunday, or all three.<span style=""> </span>The ominous feeling this situation caused me dissipated when the attendant filled the tank and I saw the needle go to the right side of F.<span style=""> </span>I felt I had enough to drive all the way back home if necessary.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had already decided to park in the same place I did Saturday, but I was quite surprised when I arrived and found no cars or people there.<span style=""> </span>I asked a state policeman if the place was open for business.<span style=""> </span>He said he didn’t know, but then added I could park there if I wanted to because he would be on duty all day and would watch my car for me.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I stopped at the White Castle to have my thermos bottle filled with coffee, and then proceeded through the main gate.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The size of the crowd was considerably smaller than I had expected, although it was almost three hours before qualifying started.<span style=""> </span>For a change, I sat in the lower deck of Grandstand E and watched most of the practice period from there.<span style=""> </span>The view is somewhat different than that from the Tower Terrace area.<span style=""> </span>You can see the entire front straightaway and south chute, plus all or part of the 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup>, and 4<sup>th</sup> turns.<span style=""> </span>Also, the cars are only a few yards from you as they go through the first turn.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">About 11:00, I walked over to the Tower Terrace area.<span style=""> </span>My seat was south of the tower and a few feet north of the photographers’ stand.<span style=""> </span>Practice ended at 11:30, and at 12:00, the engine of Joe Saldana’s car was fired up and he was pushed away to try to become the first qualifier for this year’s race.<span style=""> </span>The lady sitting next to me was by herself and a half hour or so later, we started talking to each other.<span style=""> </span>I discovered she knew quite a bit about racing, and eventually found out that she was the wife of Bobby Grim, who drove at the Speedway for several years beginning in 1959.<span style=""> </span>She made a real interesting companion as she told me about many drivers, mechanics, car owners, and Speedway officials, both present and from many years back.<span style=""> </span>Although Bobby doesn’t drive at the Speedway any more, she still maintains her interest in the race because her son-in-law is driver Sheldon Kinser.<span style=""> </span>When Sheldon qualified his car, she excused herself and left to join Sheldon and her daughter, Susan.<span style=""> </span>She seemed to be a real affable and unpretentious person, and I was glad to have been able to talk to her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The weather was ideal.<span style=""> </span>It was sunny and pleasant, warm but not hot, with little wind.<span style=""> </span>It was just as beautiful as Saturday was ugly.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There were 16 first-day qualifiers, and the front row provided the most excitement.<span style=""> </span>Shortly before 1:00, Al Unser qualified his Pennzoil Chaparral “ground effects” car at 192.503 mph, which was the fastest time until 4:00 when Tom Sneva pleasantly surprised everyone with a 192.998 mph run in his Sugaripe Prune Special.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For half an hour it seemed that he would be the first man in Speedway history to have the pole position three years in a row, but his dream ended when the last “first day” qualifier, Rick Mears, went out in his Gould Charge.<span style=""> </span>His first and fastest lap was a crowd pleasing 194.847 mph, and his four-lap average was 193.736 mph.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pancho Carter was the only second-day qualifier and his 185.806 average was faster than the slowest three first-day qualifiers.<span style=""> </span>During the last hour or so, there was little activity on the track, and at 6:00, the gun sounded ending the first weekend of qualifying.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had thought about eating supper at the MCL Cafeteria, but knowing they’re closed on race day night, I didn’t know whether they would be open tonight or not.<span style=""> </span>I was most happy when I arrived at the shopping center and saw it was open.<span style=""> </span>I ate a big supper and then left right away for Danville.<span style=""> </span>I arrived there about 8:45.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My motel room was a letdown after my two nights at Lebanon.<span style=""> </span>The condition of the room, particularly the bathroom facilities, was considerably poorer.<span style=""> </span>I took a bath, shaved, watched TV for a few minutes, and then went to bed.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>As I reviewed the day’s activities in my head, I decided I had been a most lucky fellow for several reasons: 1.) I had been able to get a full tank of gasoline at the first station I tried; 2.) I didn’t have to pay to park my car; 3.) I didn’t have to pay to get into the Speedway, because yesterday’s tickets were accepted; 4.) I sat next to a former driver’s wife who was a good racing conversationalist; and 5.) I was able to eat supper at the MCL Cafeteria.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I woke up about 6:30 Monday morning, checked out of the motel, ate breakfast at the Colonial Kitchen, and then drove home.<span style=""> </span>My trip turned out to be quite different than what I had planned when I left Friday morning.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The period between May 13 and race day was one of the most controversial ever at the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>It actually started several months earlier when a group of unhappy USAC car owners broke away and formed their own organization called Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART).<span style=""> </span>Before the track opened for practice on May 5, USAC rejected CART’s race entries because they were “not in good standing with USAC.”<span style=""> </span>CART took its complaint to federal court where the presiding judge said USAC was wrong and ordered it to accept the CART entries.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On May 19, the qualification attempts by Dick Ferguson (a rookie), Tom Bigelow, and Steve Krisiloff were disallowed because their turbochargers had been illegally altered.<span style=""> </span>The following day, rookie Bill Alsup’s qualification run was disallowed because his engine actually belonged in the car of his teammate, Bobby Unser.<span style=""> </span>Seven drivers who were bumped from the 33-car starting field filed protests, saying they were not given a fair chance at qualifying.<span style=""> </span>At first, USAC denied the requests, but on Friday, May 25, it changed its mind and announced that the 33 already qualified cars wouldn’t be bumped, but the following day, the seven protesting drivers would be given one last chance to make the field.<span style=""> </span>Roger McCluskey’s speed of 183.908 mph was the slowest in the field, and anybody qualifying faster than that would start the race behind the other 33 cars.<span style=""> </span>The seven affected drivers were Alsup, Bill Vukovich, George Snider, Al Loquasto, Jerry Karl, Larry Cannon, John Martin, and Duane Carter.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Saturday, May 26, the day before the race, the unusual qualifying session took place.<span style=""> </span>When it was over, only two of the seven drivers, Vukovich and Snider, had qualified and so for the first time since 1933, more than 33 cars would start the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">During the morning of this same day, I put all my equipment into my suitcase, said goodbye to Dixie and the boys, and at 11:33, I left and started my two-day trip.<span style=""> </span>I ran into light rain shortly after starting out but it had stopped when I reached Illiopolis.<span style=""> </span>I took old Route 36 all the way to Decatur and arrived there at 12:30.<span style=""> </span>The drive from here to Chrisman was real pleasant, as it usually is and at 2:05, I stopped at the Colonial Kitchen.<span style=""> </span>I had a cup of coffee and a sweet roll, and at 2:28, I left for Danville, where I arrived about 3:00.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Because of the gasoline situation, I decided to get my tank filled before I did anything else.<span style=""> </span>This didn’t happen, however, without my experiencing some anxiety.<span style=""> </span>The Standard station about three blocks north of the motel was closed because they were out of gas.<span style=""> </span>The same was true for the second and third Standard stations I tried.<span style=""> </span>Time was passing quickly and I was getting uneasy, so I finally stopped at an ARCO station and inquired about the station’s gasoline supply.<span style=""> </span>The attendant said they were having no problem getting fuel, so I told him to fill the tank.<span style=""> </span>With a feeling of relief, I drove to the Holiday Inn and checked in.<span style=""> </span>It was about 4:30 now.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br />I took a bath and then shaved, brushed my teeth, and combed my hair.<span style=""> </span>Now I was ready for supper at the motel cafeteria.<span style=""> </span>The cafeteria was almost empty when I arrived.<span style=""> </span>The waitress took my order right away, and while I waited for it to be cooked, I partook of some selections from the salad bar.<span style=""> </span>The main course consisted of hamburger steak, baked potato, salad, and bean soup.<span style=""> </span>The steak was tender and tasty, and the potato was large enough to cover the length of the plate.<span style=""> </span>It was about 6:00 when I finished eating.<span style=""> </span>When I left, the size of the crowd had increased, although there were several tables still empty.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With supper out of the way and feeling better because of it, I drove to the Famous Recipe chicken place, a few blocks from the motel, and bought my box of chicken for eating at the Speedway tomorrow.<span style=""> </span>I then returned to my room and caught up on some of the reading material I had brought from home.<span style=""> </span>My period of reading was broken by intermittent TV viewing.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Earlier in the evening, it started raining while I was taking a bath and cleaning up, and continued through most of the evening.<span style=""> </span>While it didn’t cancel any of my plans for the evening, I was more concerned about it affecting my plans for tomorrow.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:00, I watched the news which included a report of the day’s time trials, the drivers’ meeting, and a few other items of interest about the race.<span style=""> </span>When that was over, I made sure I had everything packed and ready to go in the morning, and then set my alarm clock for 4:30, turned off the lights, and retired for the night.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the alarm went off, I lay in bed about a minute, and got up and shaved, combed my hair, and then dressed.<span style=""> </span>It was a couple minutes before 5:00 when I left my room, and the sun had just risen to start another race day.<span style=""> </span>The cafeteria was just opening for business when I arrived, but there were already about a dozen customers ready to eat breakfast and get on their way to the race.<span style=""> </span>My breakfast included pancakes, hash brown potatoes, orange juice, and two cups of coffee.<span style=""> </span>It was a good breakfast, and when I finished I went back to my room, brushed my teeth, and then got my equipment and went to the car.<span style=""> </span>Several of the people I saw in the cafeteria were also leaving.<span style=""> </span>It was 5:38 when I left the motel parking lot.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I drove south about a mile, took the Indianapolis turnoff, and a few seconds later was on I-74 and driving to the race.<span style=""> </span>Almost every car I met looked as if its passengers had the same destination I did.<span style=""> </span>As I drove, I listened to an Indianapolis radio station, whose entire program pertained to the race.<span style=""> </span>It included several weather and traffic reports.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 7:00 when the traffic slowed down and it was bumper to bumper then.<span style=""> </span>This started just before reaching the I-465 interchange.<span style=""> </span>The traffic moved slowly, but there were no long, irritating waits, and at 7:33, I ended my trip at the Lion’s Club parking lot on the northwest corner of Crawfordsville Road and Lynhurst Drive, the same place I parked for the time trials.<span style=""> </span>I paid my $6 fee, made sure I had everything and that the car was locked, and then started my walk to the main gate.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before going to the Speedway, I stopped at White Castle and had my thermos bottle filled with coffee and then stopped at Rosner’s Drug Store for a couple minutes.<span style=""> </span>I looked at my pocket watch and it was 8:15 when I went through the turnstiles.<span style=""> </span>Just a few feet inside the gate, I bought a newspaper and four souvenir programs.<span style=""> </span>Then I took the long walk to the Gate 6 underpass and a few minutes later, I was on the infield.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I stopped briefly at the gift shop, used the men’s room for the last time until after the race, and then started walking to my seat.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was elbow to elbow in places now.<span style=""> </span>When I reached the far north end of the Tower Terrace seats, I handed my ticket to the gateman.<span style=""> </span>He tore off one of the stubs, and I proceeded in.<span style=""> </span>It was 8:50 when I arrived at my seat, the same one I’ve had since 1967 – Section 47, Row J, Seat 5.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It felt good to sit down and get off my feet for a few minutes, and to take in the panorama of sights and sounds around me.<span style=""> </span>After a few minutes’ rest, I took a walk along the pit area fence to see what was happening.<span style=""> </span>There were famous people walking through the pit area and being interviewed on the PA system while the pit crews made last minute checks on their cars.<span style=""> </span>Because there was little for the drivers to do now, almost all the personnel working on the cars were pit crews and car owners.<span style=""> </span>All of this pit activity, plus the sound and color of the numerous marching bands, provided fans on the main straightaway with plenty of action and excitement.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 9:40 when I arrived back at my seat.<span style=""> </span>Five minutes later, PA announcer Tom Carnegie directed the pit crews to push their cars onto the track and into starting positions as the Purdue University Band played “On the Banks of the Wabash.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:00, the parade of celebrities around the track began.<span style=""> </span>Among some of the celebrities this year were Peter Marshall, Kent McChord, and Loni Anderson.<span style=""> </span>While this was happening, my two race companions, Barbara and Malcolm McKean from church, arrived to occupy their seats.<span style=""> </span>We exchanged greetings and talked about the race, etc, and then watched the activity on the track.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:30, USAC officials made an inspection trip of the track and said it was ready for racing.<span style=""> </span>This was especially important this year since it had rained the night before and didn’t stop until 5:00.<span style=""> </span>Luckily the sun came out and stayed out to evaporate the moisture.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:45, the huge crowd rose in unison as the “Star-Spangled Banner” was played.<span style=""> </span>It remained standing for the pronouncement of the invocation and the playing of “Taps”, in keeping with the theme of Memorial Day.<span style=""> </span>It was now time for the last familiar song, as the pre-race excitement was reaching its peak.<span style=""> </span>About a minute later, the bank played “Back Home Again in Indiana” as the spectacle of balloons was released behind the control tower and rose skyward, to the pleasure of the crowd.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now it was time for the big moment.<span style=""> </span>Tom Carnegie excitedly introduced Mary Hulman, who gave her deceased husband’s famous command “Lady and gentlemen, start your engines!”<span style=""> </span>The roar of the engines filled the air as thousands of spectators, including Malcolm and me, cheered and applauded their approval.<span style=""> </span>One member of each pit crew raised an arm to indicate his car was ready to go.<span style=""> </span>About two minutes later, the black and silver Ford Mustang pace car, driven by former world racing champion Jackie Stewart slowly pulled away, followed by two additional pace cars which ran side by side behind Jackie to create a V-formation.<span style=""> </span>Jim McElreath’s car was the only one that didn’t start and it was still in the pits.<span style=""> </span>It finally started and Jim sped through the pit area to try to catch up with the field.<span style=""> </span>All eyes were on the fourth turn and a loud cheer came from the crowd as the cars went by us to finish the warm-up lap and start the parade lap. <span style=""> </span>As the pace car came through the fourth turn, the two secondary pace cars came through the pit area and left the one car to pace the last lap.<span style=""> </span>With the parade lap completed, the official pace lap began.<span style=""> </span>The 35 cars lined up in their 11 2/3 rows provided a spectacular sight for the fans to see.<span style=""> </span>Malcolm and I nervously cuffed our hands and tapped our feet as we waited out the last few seconds.<span style=""> </span>Another huge cheer came from the crowd as the pace car came though the fourth turn and sped through the pit area.<span style=""> </span>Row by row, the cars came out of the turn and slowly started picking up speed as everybody looked at starter Pat Vidan to see what would happen.<span style=""> </span>When the front row was within a few feet of the start-finish line, Pat waved the green glad and the race was on!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The front row of Mears, Sneva, and Al Unser stayed that way almost all the way to the first turn before Unser swung across to beat the other two there.<span style=""> </span>Sneva was second and Mears third.<span style=""> </span>As they came down to complete the first lap, Al had increased his lead to almost a full second over Sneva.<span style=""> </span>Mears was third and was followed by AJ Foyt, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser, Gordon Johncock, Johnny Parsons, Wally Dallenbach, and Lee Kunzman.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Al increased his speed by about a second on the second lap as the crowd let out a moan.<span style=""> </span>Janet Guthrie was going real slow and was the last car across the starting line.<span style=""> </span>The next time around, she pulled into her pit and was done for the day.<span style=""> </span>The cause of her departure was a broken piston.<span style=""> </span>It was a most stunned and disappointed crowd and pit crew that saw her pushed back to the garage area after only three laps.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Four laps later, George Snider was out with valve trouble.<span style=""> </span>This was George’s 15<sup>th</sup> race and he was in the race only because there was a fifth qualifying day.<span style=""> </span>Now, after having so much trouble getting in, he was finished after only seven laps.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At ten laps, Al Unser was still leading, and his 187.688 mph average was a new record for that distance.<span style=""> </span>Behind Al were Mears, Sneva, Rutherford, Johncock, Foyt, Bobby Unser, Dallenbach, Parsons, and Kunzman.<span style=""> </span>Johnny Parsons made his first pit stop on lap 15, but ran only two more laps.<span style=""> </span>His car had a burned piston.<span style=""> </span>Also out of the race after 17 laps with a burned piston was Jerry Sneva.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As twenty laps went by, Al Unser was still leading.<span style=""> </span>In fact, his lead over Mears had increased to six seconds.<span style=""> </span>The rest of the top ten behind Al and Rick were Sneva, Johncock, Rutherford, Bobby Unser, Foyt, Dallenbach, Sheldon Kinser, and Mike Mosley.<span style=""> </span>Al pitted on his 25<sup>th</sup> lap and had hardly gotten back on the track when the first yellow light of the race came out.<span style=""> </span>Cliff Hucul’s car had stalled on the track and needed a tow-in.<span style=""> </span>This yellow period initiated a new race procedure.<span style=""> </span>For the first time ever, a pace car would be used to police the “pack up” rule in which all drivers must close up in single file behind the leader.<span style=""> </span>The pace car was driven by 1960 race winner Jim Rathmann, with USAC registrar Bob Cassidy as his passenger.<span style=""> </span>He waved each car past him until the lead car was directly behind him.<span style=""> </span>Then the other cars followed in single file.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 30 laps, the top ten were Al Unser, Mears, Sneva, Rutherford, Bobby Unser, Foyt, Johncock, Dallenbach, and Kinser.<span style=""> </span>After three laps, the pace car pulled off the track and the green flag was displayed again.<span style=""> </span>Al Unser gradually increased his lead to 14 seconds at 42 laps, but then the yellow flag came out again.<span style=""> </span>Sheldon Kinser had stalled on the track, which brought out the yellow.<span style=""> </span>A couple laps later, Wally Dallenbach came bouncing through the pit area with his right rear tire missing.<span style=""> </span>His remarkable job of keeping the car under control evoked a large applause from the crowd.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 50 laps, ¼ of the race, nine cars were out of the race.<span style=""> </span>The first ten positions were held by Al Unser, Rutherford, Bobby Unser, Sneva, Foyt, Mears, Johncock, Mosley, Danny Ongais, and Vern Schuppan.<span style=""> </span>The only change in positions during the next ten laps came when Ongais passed Mosley for eighth place.<span style=""> </span>Al Unser made his third pit stop on his 69<sup>th</sup> lap and was away in 14 seconds.<span style=""> </span>Bobby Unser was the leader for four laps, and then Mears for three laps until he pitted and Al took the lead again.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With 80 laps gone, Al had set a new record for that distance with a 164.131 mph average.<span style=""> </span>Brother Bobby was second, and they were followed by Rutherford, Mears, Foyt, Sneva, Ongais, Mosley, Schuppan, and Johncock.<span style=""> </span>Shortly past the 90 lap mark, the third yellow light of the day came on when Larry Dickson stalled on the track and required a tow-in.<span style=""> </span>This brought on a real busy period in the pit area.<span style=""> </span>Among those who came in was Foyt.<span style=""> </span>He killed his engine and by the time his crew got it started again and pushed him out, he had fallen from 3<sup>rd</sup> to 6<sup>th</sup> position.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, after 66 laps, John Mahler was done for the day.<span style=""> </span>John was the last qualifier on the last regularly scheduled day of qualifying, but his hopes were ended now.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Larry Dickson’s stall was caused by a broken fuel pump belt, and he was credited with 86 laps for 24<sup>th</sup> position.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On his 90<sup>th</sup> lap, Eldon Rasmussen had to retire because of a broken exhaust header.<span style=""> </span>Eldon started last among the original 33 starters and was in last place when he retired.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about this time that one of the most dramatic events of the race occurred.<span style=""> </span>Al Unser made a routine pit stop, but two laps later, he returned to his pit.<span style=""> </span>Smoke was coming from the right corner of the rear of his car.<span style=""> </span>A couple laps later, a small fire could be seen as he came down the straightaway.<span style=""> </span>The crowd came to its feet and moaned in disbelief as Al’s speed dropped remarkably.<span style=""> </span>Starter Pat Vidan waved the black flag and a couple laps later, he came back to his pit.<span style=""> </span>He sat in the car about a minute, and then was told the car was done for the day.<span style=""> </span>A transmission seal had broken and ignited because of the heat.<span style=""> </span>It was a bitter disappointment to the man who had led almost every lap, except when he was in the pits.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 100 laps, or half the race, the first ten were Bobby Unser, Mears, Al Unser, Tom Sneva, AJ Foyt, Ongais, Mosley, Johncock, Howdy Holmes, and Pancho Carter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br />While Al Unser was still in his pit, the yellow light had come on again.<span style=""> </span>Phil Threshie had stalled on the track and had to be towed in.<span style=""> </span>The green light came on again on lap 107 and Bobby Unser was now the leader.<span style=""> </span>At 110 laps, Bobby was first, with Mears second, and Sneva four seconds behind him.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the 300 mile mark approached, Phil Threshie was able to get back into competition after a new magneto was put into his car.<span style=""> </span>The standings were now Unser, Mears, Sneva, Foyt, Ongais, Mosley, Johncock, Holmes, Carter, and Vukovich.<span style=""> </span>There was some good racing at the front of the pack and the close competition made the race interesting for the spectators.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another series of pit stops took place during laps 120-129.<span style=""> </span>Sneva made a real bone-headed move and waited too long to come in.<span style=""> </span>He ran out of fuel and had to coast to his pit.<span style=""> </span>This cost him valuable time, and he was in sixth position when he returned to the track.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby Unser remained ahead but Mears stayed within a couple seconds of him, thus giving Bobby no time to slow down a little bit.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, in the pit area, Vern Schuppan was forced out of the race after 111 laps with a broken transmission, and Pancho Carter had a wheel bearing go bad after 129 laps, ending his hopes for the day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unser and Mears continued 1-2, but Mosley, Ongais, and Foyt were putting on a good fight for third.<span style=""> </span>At the 150 lap mark, or 375 miles, Unser was still leading with a new track record of 163.135 mph.<span style=""> </span>He was followed by Mears, Sneva, Ongais, Foyt, Mosley, Johncock, Holmes, Bagley, and Vukovich.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">All of the front runners were making pit stops now, but Unser and Mears were the last ones to do so.<span style=""> </span>Just as they were coming into their pits, the yellow light came on, thus preventing anybody from gaining on them.<span style=""> </span>The yellow was caused by Larry Rice, who, while in the second turn, had his car spin into the infield and then spun again and crashed into the wall.<span style=""> </span>Larry was unhurt, but his car was damaged too much to continue. The green light came on again on Unser’s 163<sup>rd</sup> lap.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 170 laps, Unser was still leading, but Mears was only 1.8 seconds behind him.<span style=""> </span>Foyt was third, ahead of Ongais and Mosley.<span style=""> </span>The remainder of the top ten included Sneva, Johncock, Holmes, Bagley, and Vukovich.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The close battles among the leaders continued as they neared the 180 lap mark.<span style=""> </span>With less than 20 laps to go, the crowd came to life again when it was noticed that Unser was slowing down.<span style=""> </span>On the 182<sup>nd</sup> lap, Mears took the lead as Unser lost fourth gear in his car, which caused him to lose about six seconds per lap.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Foyt was averaging almost 190 mph and on the 185<sup>th</sup> lap, he was 23 second behind Unser as Mears increased his lead to 25 seconds. <span style=""> </span>The three front runners all pitted on the 187<sup>th</sup> lap, and as 190 laps became history, Foyt passed Unser to take second place.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then a strange, almost unbelievable event occurred.<span style=""> </span>Foyt started having car trouble.<span style=""> </span>He slowed down considerably going into the first turn as white smoke seemed to be coming from under the rear of the car.<span style=""> </span>Just as this happened, the yellow light came on.<span style=""> </span>On his 189<sup>th</sup> lap, and in sixth position, Tom Sneva lost the rear wing on his Sugaripe Prune Special as he was going through the third turn.<span style=""> </span>The car spun and crashed into the wall.<span style=""> </span>He was stunned by the impact, but wasn’t injured, although the car was badly damaged.<span style=""> </span>Jim Rathman took the pace car out again and the cars lined up behind it.<span style=""> </span>Four laps later, the track had been cleared enough for the green light to come on.<span style=""> </span>The pace car pulled in with five laps to go.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Because of the bunch-up procedure, Foyt was only six seconds behind Mears.<span style=""> </span>His car still wasn’t running properly, and as Mears took the white flag, he had fallen to twelve seconds behind.<span style=""> </span>About 45 seconds later, Mears came down the straightaway to receive the checkered flag and become the first new race champion since Johnny Rutherford in 1974.<span style=""> </span>As the remaining cars crossed the finish line, they were also given the checkered flag, which ended the race for them.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A few seconds later, everybody started wondering what happened to Foyt.<span style=""> </span>Pretty soon he came through the fourth turn and was hardly moving.<span style=""> </span>As he continued, there was increasing doubt as to whether he would make it to the finish line.<span style=""> </span>When he finally got there, the crowd gave him a tremendous ovation.<span style=""> </span>As he waved in response, Mosley was speeding toward the finish line and arrived there only 2.34 seconds after Foyt.<span style=""> </span>Mears took an extra lap around the track and then came slowly through the pit area on his way to Victory Lane, all the time waving to the fans as they gave him a warm applause.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For the first time in five years, since Johnny Rutherford won his first race in 1974, there was a new face in Victory Lane, and everyone, including me, was most happy about it.<span style=""> </span>He was only the fourth driver in the last fifty years to win the big race on either his first or second attempt.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the pit crews gather up their equipment and took it back to their garages, the huge crowd started its exit from the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>Since I had eaten hardly anything during the race, I took out my chicken, coffee, and napkin, and enjoyed a late dinner.<span style=""> </span>Barbara and Malcolm had brought some food too, and they likewise enjoyed their late dinner.<span style=""> </span>For the first time since the start of the race, we could relax and enjoy our food and converse with each other without being interrupted by some race action or the roar of the engines.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 2:30 when Barbara and Malcolm decided to leave.<span style=""> </span>We exchanged farewells and then I finished my dinner and put all my equipment into my tote bag.<span style=""> </span>I took one last look at the race track, the pit area, the control tower, and the thousands of spectator seats, and then left.<span style=""> </span>The mob of people heading for the tunnel was almost elbow to elbow, but they moved quickly through the tunnel, and then thinned out somewhat when it reached the back of the grandstands.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I went through the main gate, I crossed the street and stopped at the White Castle.<span style=""> </span>The place was doing a good business, but I only had to wait a few minutes to receive my order of two hamburgers and a small Coca-Cola.<span style=""> </span>The cold Coca-Cola really felt good.<span style=""> </span>As usual, I had to be careful while walking along Crawfordsville Road to avoid being hit by impatient drivers, stepping on or tripping over beer cans, and slipping on the rocks.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was between 4:00 and 4:15 when I arrived at the car.<span style=""> </span>Most of the cars were gone but a few hadn’t left yet.<span style=""> </span>I opened all the windows so that the hot air could escape and some new air could circulate.<span style=""> </span>I waited a few more minutes and then at 4:26, I drove onto Lynhurst Drive and joined the crowd waiting to get to the intersection.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The traffic was bumper to bumper for several blocks on both streets, but the policemen finally let the southbound traffic go, and it took only a few seconds to get onto Crawfordsville Road.<span style=""> </span>From there, the traffic moved pretty well, and in a few minutes I was on I-74 and heading for Danville.<span style=""> </span>I turned on the air conditioning and in a couple minutes I was feeling better as I drove along and listened to the radio.<span style=""> </span>It was a couple minutes before 6:00 when I crossed the state line, and at 6:10, my trip ended at the door of my room.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I took my equipment in with me and then I took off my shirt and shoes and lay on my bed for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>It really felt good to be on the bed in the cool room after being outside almost all day.<span style=""> </span>About 7:00, I walked to the Eisner store and bought some macaroni salad, potato salad, and baked beans from the delicatessen section, and some milk.<span style=""> </span>When I arrived back at my room, I turned on the TV set and watched it as I ate my supper.<span style=""> </span>One of the Indianapolis stations had a program about the 500 Festival Parade, which I found real interesting and watched until 8:00.<span style=""> </span>I wanted to watch the ABC-TV same day telecast of the race, but it wouldn’t come in, so I rushed over to the barroom and watched it there.<span style=""> </span>I had to stand all the time and I couldn’t hear real well because of the talking and laughing but I enjoyed it enough to make it worth watching.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I went back to my room, and at 10:30, one of the Indianapolis stations had a one-half hour program of the day’s activities at the track with Tom Carnegie as the narrator. <span style=""> </span>After the program, I did a little reading, and at 11:30, I turned off the lights and got under the covers, ending my race day in the exact spot it had started nineteen hours earlier.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Between 6:15 and 6:30 the next morning, I awoke and felt quite refreshed.<span style=""> </span>I got up, took a bath, shaved, and washed my teeth, and that made me feel even better.<span style=""> </span>I checked everything in my room to be sure I hadn’t left anything, turned in my room key, and at 7:28, started my trip home.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I stopped at the first Standard station that was open, which was in Georgetown.<span style=""> </span>The attendant said his supply was tight, but didn’t restrict me to a certain amount of gasoline.<span style=""> </span>I felt better with the tank full, knowing for sure I could go all the way home.<span style=""> </span>My next stop was the Colonial Kitchen.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 8:12 when I arrived.<span style=""> </span>There were a few other customers there, most of them being farmers having their Monday morning coffee.<span style=""> </span>I ordered pancakes, hashed brown potatoes, orange juice, and coffee.<span style=""> </span>It was a good breakfast, and at 8:45, I left and started the last part of my trip home on Route 36.<span style=""> </span>It was shortly after 10:00 when I reached Decatur, where there were many people making use of Lake Decatur.<span style=""> </span>At 11:28, I pulled into my driveway.<span style=""> </span>My 25<sup>th</sup> trip to see the big race was over, and like the other 24 before it, it provided me with many memories.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>EPILOGUE</u></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><u><o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Monday night at the Victory Banquet, the Speedway distributed a record purse of $1,271,954.54, of which $270,401 went to winner Rick Mears.<span style=""> </span>In only his second year, he had what might be called a perfect year, both starting and finishing first.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For maybe the first time in his racing career, AJ Foyt was happy to finish second in a race.<span style=""> </span>His spectacular, creeping finish provided the large crowd with one of its most exciting moments of the race.<span style=""> </span>One thing is certain – if the race had been one lap longer, he would have finished lower than second as he was only 2.34 seconds ahead of Mike Mosley when he crossed the finish line.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After 11 disappointing years, Mike Mosley was finally able to finish a race, and gave an excellent account of himself in doing so.<span style=""> </span>He is a fine driver, but usually had mechanical trouble or chased, thus preventing him from finishing the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Danny Ongais deserves special mention.<span style=""> </span>After his crash on the first scheduled day of time trials, it was with some difficulty that he obtained a medical clearance to qualify the second weekend.<span style=""> </span>When this problem was solved, he qualified on the last scheduled day at 188.099 mph and started 25<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>He moved up steadily during the race and finished a fine fourth.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby Unser led 88 of the 200 laps, but like brother Al, this was not the year for another Unser victory.<span style=""> </span>Bobby had the 4<sup>th</sup> fastest qualifying time in his Norton Spirit and appeared to be on his way to his third victory but when trouble struck late in the race, he had to settle for fifth place.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gordon Johncock finished sixth in his fifteenth race.<span style=""> </span>He drove the North American Van Lines car with master mechanic George Bignotti as his chief mechanic.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Seventh-place finisher Howdy Holmes was the only rookie in this year’s race and for doing such a good job, he was given the Rookie of the Year award.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bill Vukovich deserves special attention as well for starting in 34<sup>th</sup> position and rising all the way to eighth place when the red flag came out.<span style=""> </span>The veteran chief mechanic AJ Watson headed the pit crew.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tom Bagley finished ninth in his second year at the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>He was in that position after 130 laps and remained there for the rest of the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Spike Gelhausen finished tenth in his No. 19 Sta-On car.<span style=""> </span>He started in thirty-first position and gradually increased his position during the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The practice and qualifications periods were some of the most controversial in Speedway history.<span style=""> </span>The trouble started a week or so before the Speedway opened when USAC officials rejected the entries of six CART teams, involving nineteen cars.<span style=""> </span>An Indianapolis Federal Court judge said USAC couldn’t do this and the CART entries were reinstated.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">During the time trials, it was discovered that several teams had modified their turbocharger assemblies to override the allowable boost.<span style=""> </span>This brought about disallowed qualifying runs, leveling of fines, lawsuits, and an additionally qualifying session.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It made everybody unhappy, including the fans whose money keeps racing alive.<span style=""> </span>There were times when I wondered if there would be a 500-mile race this year.<span style=""> </span>The exciting and interesting race made the fans temporarily forget about the pre-race problems; however, the problems remain.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The CART-USAC war shows no signs of easing.<span style=""> </span>Nobody is predicting when, if ever, the two factions will come together again as one group.<span style=""> </span>I hope it is soon.<span style=""> </span>I hope that future races will be much less controversial than this year’s race.<span style=""> </span>In addition to ending the USAC-CART problem, there needs to be a greater application of fair and equal rules to everybody.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Indianapolis 500 has long been the greatest racing event in the world, and I, along with every other racing fan, hopes it continues that way for a long time.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pace Car – Ford Mustang</p> <p class="MsoNormal">500 Festival Queen – Carol Orem</p> Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-9213952847778162352009-11-24T20:51:00.004-06:002009-11-24T20:56:29.437-06:00Indy Journal - 1978<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cpdalbey%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cpdalbey%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cpdalbey%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 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font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16pt;">1978<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A first day of qualifying unlike any others I had attended and the contrast in weather of the first scheduled qualifying day and of race day were events to remember about this year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Friday, May 12, I left Mark and John, my two children, off at the house of Mrs. Frances Turner, their regular babysitter, and left for Indianapolis about 9:15.<span style=""> </span>I traveled old Route 36 to Decatur and arrived at the Colonial Kitchen about 11:45.<span style=""> </span>For dinner, I had a couple cups of coffee and a sweet roll.<span style=""> </span>The light lunch gave me a lift as I continued on Rt. 36 until I came to the I-465 interchange west of Indianapolis.<span style=""> </span>I went north on I-465 until it intersected with I-65, and then stayed on I-65 until I arrived at the Holiday Inn at Lebanon.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The desk clerk confirmed my reservation, and then I went to my room and got cleaned up.<span style=""> </span>It was about 3:30 when I arrived at the Speedway Museum parking lot.<span style=""> </span>After a cursory tour of the gift shop, I walked over to the Tower Terrace area and watched some of the drivers turn in practice laps.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I ran into a friend of mine from the Post Office, Ron Atkins, who was there with his wife and their two children.<span style=""> </span>He and his wife had passes to the garage area, but since she didn’t want to use her’s right then, she loaned it to me, and Ron and I took a quick tour of the area.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some good lap speeds were being turned, but the biggest cheer from the crowd came shortly before closing time when Mario Andretti turned a lap at 203+.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The track closed at 6:00, after which I drove to the Speedway Shopping Center where I ate supper at the MCL Cafeteria.<span style=""> </span>Feeling better now with a full stomach, I walked around for a few minutes and did a little shopping before returning to the car.<span style=""> </span>The car was our 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">About the time I reached the I-465 interchange, the radio station I was listening to started broadcasting the possibility of heavy rain and tornadoes hitting the Indianapolis area.<span style=""> </span>The unwelcome weather was scheduled to arrive about 8:00, which was when I would arrive at the motel.<span style=""> </span>When I reached Lebanon, I stopped at a Standard Service Station for fuel.<span style=""> </span>While I was there, the first drops arrived.<span style=""> </span>I went back directly to the motel and barely got my room door shut when the clouds opened up.<span style=""> </span>As the rain continued, the temperature dropped and the wind increased.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before settling down for the night, I took a little walk and saw some of the facilities of the motel.<span style=""> </span>The front end had a registration area, restaurant, bar, and dance hall.<span style=""> </span>There was a breezeway that led to the recreation area, which consisted of a children’s play area, a pool table, sauna baths, swimming pool, and snack area.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 8:30 when I returned to my room.<span style=""> </span>I did some newspaper and magazine reading, set the alarm clock for 5:00, and then about 10:00, retired for the night.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the morning, I woke up, got myself cleaned up, had a pancake and sausage breakfast in the motel restaurant, returned to my room for a few minutes, and then left for the Speedway about 6:45.<span style=""> </span>The weather was generally the same as the night before, although the wind speed had decreased and the rain was a steady, heavy drizzle.<span style=""> </span>The prospects of seeing any activity on the race track were dim, but of course, nothing is certain with the weather.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The traffic around the Speedway was so light that a person hardly knew anything unusual was happening in the area.<span style=""> </span>I parked in the bank parking area at Lynnhurst and Crawfordsville Road and then walked to the main gate.<span style=""> </span>The grandstands had a few people in them, but the uncovered seats were almost entirely empty.<span style=""> </span>The weather precluded any activity on the track, but it provided a gold mine for the gift shops, cafeteria, and anybody else selling anything.<span style=""> </span>I went to the photo shop to buy some batteries for my movie camera, and while I was there, I looked through a large collection of Speedway pictures that were for sale.<span style=""> </span>After that, I did something I had wanted to do for many years.<span style=""> </span>I got a look at the main straightaway from different angles, including the upper deck on the first turn, the upper deck at the start-finish line, and sections H and J.<span style=""> </span>It was an interesting experience, but of course it would have been more so if there had there been race cars on the track.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the hours slowly passed by, the weather showed no signs of improving, and at 3:15, Chief Steward Tom Binford announced that the track was closing for the day.<span style=""> </span>With three extra hours I hadn’t planned for, I decided to go to the Lafayette Square Shopping Center north of the Speedway on 38<sup>th</sup> Street.<span style=""> </span>It turned out to be a real pleasant time.<span style=""> </span>I bought Dixie a Mother’s Day gift and some toys for Mark and John.<span style=""> </span>Because of the bad weather, I didn’t expect many people to be there, but to my surprise, they were almost wall to wall everywhere.<span style=""> </span>It was one of the most enjoyable shopping trips I have ever had.<span style=""> </span>I had no children crying or fussing about anything or wanting me to buy them something.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t have to keep one eye on the clock to be sure to be somewhere by a certain time.<span style=""> </span>I could stay until closing time if I wanted and browse at my own leisurely pace.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I ate supper at the MCL Cafeteria in the shopping center between 7:00 and 7:30, and then went back and did some more browsing.<span style=""> </span>It was about 8:00 when I left for the ride back to the motel.<span style=""> </span>The weather hadn’t improved any, and now it was unpleasantly cool and windy.<span style=""> </span>I drove south on Georgetown Road to the three-way intersection at the main entrance to the Speedway, and then turned right onto Crawfordsville Road.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Upon returning to the motel, I took a little walk to see what was happening.<span style=""> </span>The restaurant was pretty quiet, but the bar was doing a good business.<span style=""> </span>The ballroom was occupied by what seemed to be a high school prom.<span style=""> </span>I went back to my room, did some reading, watched TV for a while, took a bath, and then went to bed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Sunday morning, I got up, got dressed, checked out of the motel, and started my trip home.<span style=""> </span>I took the same route returning as I did coming, and when I reached the Colonial Kitchen, I stopped for breakfast.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While I was sitting at my table, I looked over and saw two women sitting in one of the booths.<span style=""> </span>They looked familiar to me, but I couldn’t think how I knew them and I was too hesitant to go over and talk to them.<span style=""> </span>Two weeks later, in church, I saw the same two women.<span style=""> </span>This time I went over and talked to them.<span style=""> </span>I explained the situation and they said it was they whom I had seen two weeks earlier.<span style=""> </span>The remembered seeing me and they, too, were too hesitant to come over and talk to me.<span style=""> </span>It was about 12:45 when I arrived home and ended my enjoyable, but unforeseeable, trip.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A few days earlier, I had made my list of equipment to take with me, and on Saturday morning, May 27, I got out one of my suitcases and put everything in it that was on my list.<span style=""> </span>I ate dinner with Dixie and the boys, and then at 1:12, I said goodbye to them and started on my 24<sup>th</sup> trip to the big race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Due to sentimentality, I drove on old Route 36 to Decatur, instead of the new four-lane road.<span style=""> </span>As I drove on, I often thought of the many times I had traveled on this road to the big event, particularly with dad and Bobby.<span style=""> </span>It was 3:36 when I reached the Colonial Kitchen and decided to stop for a little break.<span style=""> </span>I had a couple cups of coffee and two dips of vanilla ice cream.<span style=""> </span>The cafeteria was crowded, but there were several farmers at one table having their afternoon coffee break.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 3:51, I left Route 36 and headed north on Route 1.<span style=""> </span>Traffic was quite heavy in some areas.<span style=""> </span>Many people were enjoying the warm weather and the beginning of the three-day weekend.<span style=""> </span>I reached Danville about 4:30 and it was 4:34 when I arrived at the Holiday Inn Motel.<span style=""> </span>I checked in at the registration desk, and then I went to my room and checked on things.<span style=""> </span>Everything looked good so I took a bath and put on some clean clothes, which made me feel considerably better.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 5:45 when I arrived at the Boston House for supper.<span style=""> </span>The hostess seated me and the waitress handed me a menu for me to look at.<span style=""> </span>I had hoped to have liver and bacon as I had the last two years, but I was disappointed to find a different menu this time – one without the liver and bacon listed on it.<span style=""> </span>I asked the waitress what was happening, and she said she was sorry, but the hostess had made the change.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t see much that appealed to me, but ordered roast beef and all the trimmings.<span style=""> </span>The trimmings included baked potato, coffee, ice cream, and whatever I wanted from the salad bar.<span style=""> </span>The food was good, but I still missed the taste of the liver and bacon.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I left the restaurant at 6:30, I drove over to the Famous Recipe chicken store and bought a box of chicken to take to the race for my lunch.<span style=""> </span>From there, I went to the Standard Service Station about a block from the motel and had the gas tank filled.<span style=""> </span>With those two important jobs done, I was ready to return to my motel room and retire for the night.<span style=""> </span>I had brought several newspapers and magazines I wanted to read, and with nobody to bother me, this was a good time to do it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:00, I turned on the TV set to see if there was any race news.<span style=""> </span>All of the Indianapolis stations had stories about the upcoming event, including the drivers meeting and the 500 Festival Parade.<span style=""> </span>It made for interesting viewing.<span style=""> </span>Sometime between 11:00 and 12:00, I turned off the lights for my night’s sleep, although I wasn’t as tired as I normally am at this time of the day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My alarm clock rang at 4:45.<span style=""> </span>I got dressed, washed my face, shaved, combed my hair, and then walked to the Boston House for breakfast.<span style=""> </span>For breakfast, I had pancakes, sausage, hash brown potatoes, coffee, and orange juice.<span style=""> </span>It was a good beginning of the long day.<span style=""> </span>When I finished I returned to my room to brush my teeth, and then checked to see that I had everything I needed for the long day ahead.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 5:56 when I drove out of the motel parking lot to start my trip to the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>The traffic on I-74 was fairly heavy and most of the people looked as if they were going to the big race too.<span style=""> </span>The traffic moved well until I reached the I-465 interchange, and then it seemed to stop almost at once.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">From here on the traffic moved slowly, but quite well.<span style=""> </span>Considering the large amount of cars, I thought the police did a good job of moving them.<span style=""> </span>As I approached Lynnhurst Drive, I moved into the left lane, made my turn, paid my $5.00 parking fee, and then was directed to my parking space.<span style=""> </span>It was 7:56 when I turned the engine off, two hours to the minute after I left the motel.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I locked the car, got my tote bag from the trunk, and started my walk to the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>The north side of Crawfordsville Road looked much the same as it had for the past 23 years – empty beer cans, vendors selling their merchandise, people sleeping in trucks, cars, cans, and on the ground, while some of the others were trying to either sell or buy tickets for the race, and everybody looking forward to a big day at the Speedway.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I took a few pictures of the entrance area and then at 8:30, I handed my ticket to one of the ticket-takers and made my entrance on the Speedway grounds.<span style=""> </span>The area behind the straightaway grandstands was bustling with activity as the size of the crowd seemed to increase.<span style=""> </span>At the end of the long walk, I turned right and walked through the tunnel to the infield.<span style=""> </span>I went into the gift shop behind the Control Tower but it was so hot and crowded that I only stayed a couple minutes.<span style=""> </span>The heat was getting bad and there were many cold drinks being consumed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By now, it was after 9:00 so it was time for me to get to my seat.<span style=""> </span>Before going to my seat, I bought a small cup of Coca-Cola at the concession stand behind the far north end of the Tower Terrace section.<span style=""> </span>It was between 9:15 and 9:30 when I arrived at my seat.<span style=""> </span>I put my equipment under my seat and then sat down for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>I again had the same row J, and the same seat (5), as I’ve had since 1967, but I was in section 47, instead of 43, as in previous years.<span style=""> </span>Actually all three were the same.<span style=""> </span>Since last year’s race, a new addition had been built on the south end of the Tower Terrace.<span style=""> </span>Consequently, all the old area had its section numbers raised by four.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The main straightaway was aglow with activity.<span style=""> </span>All the cars were in their pit area and being checked over by the pit crews.<span style=""> </span>On the track itself, several bands were performing for the spectators.<span style=""> </span>I took a walk along the fence down to the entrance to Gasoline Alley.<span style=""> </span>There was some last minute work being done in the pit areas.<span style=""> </span>As I was walking back to my seat, the announcement came over the PA system for all cars to be pushed onto the track and into their starting positions.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:00, the caravan of celebrities formed and drew cheers from the Tower Terrace fans as it headed for the track.<span style=""> </span>As the caravan moved, the Purdue University Band played the first of the traditional songs, “On the Banks of the Wabash.”<span style=""> </span>Among the celebrities touring the track was Louis Meyer, who won the race 50 years ago in 1928.<span style=""> </span>He drove the golden Miller Special with which he won the race, and received a warm ovation from everybody.<span style=""> </span>Among the celebrities were U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, country singer Roy Clark, and TV star Norman Fell.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By now, my two race companions, Malcolm and Barbara McKean, from Central Baptist Church, had joined me for the big race.<span style=""> </span>They are big race fans just as I am.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:30, USAC officials made their final inspection of the track and pronounced it fit for racing.<span style=""> </span>The huge crowd rose in unison at 10:45 for the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and remained standing for the invocation, which was given by a local minister.<span style=""> </span>A minute later, this was followed by “Taps” in keeping with the true meaning of Memorial Day.<span style=""> </span>It was now time for the final traditional song, “Back Home Again in Indiana,” sung this year by noted singer, Jim Nabors.<span style=""> </span>The prerace excitement reached its climax as the big moment was only a couple minutes away now.<span style=""> </span>There was much speculation about who would give the famous command this year.<span style=""> </span>This, of course, was the first race since the death of Speedway president Tony Hulman in October.<span style=""> </span>There had never been a public announcement about who was to do the honors.<span style=""> </span>At 10:53, the speculation ended as one of the track announcers, Jim Philippe, introduced Tony’s widow, Mary, who gave the command, “LADY AND GENTLEMAN, START YOUR ENGINES!”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The engines came to life and one member from each pit crew raised an arm to indicate his driver was ready to go.<span style=""> </span>In a departure from tradition, there were three paces cars this year instead of one.<span style=""> </span>The Chevrolet Corvette cars were driven by 1960 winner Jim Rathman, astronaut Frank Borman, and Tony Hulman’s grandson Tony George.<span style=""> </span>Rathman was in the lead car with Speedway president Joe Cloutier and was followed by Borman and George, who paralleled with each other and formed an upside-down V with Rathman.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thirty-two of the cars started right away, but John Mahler, starting in 17<sup>th</sup> position, had trouble with his car, but finally got started before the field completed the first parade lap.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The black and silver Corvette, along with a multitude of colors on the cars, made a beautiful sight for the fans to behold, and the steady, low roar or the engines in unison added to the pleasure.<span style=""> </span>Before the green flag had flown, Gary Bettenhausen stopped at his pit for a few seconds and then roared away to catch up with the rest of the field.<span style=""> </span>At the end of the second lap, Borman and George got off the track and left Rathman to pace the cars to the start.<span style=""> </span>Everybody on the straightaway stretched their necks to see the field come through the fourth turn.<span style=""> </span>A big roar came from the huge crowd as Jim Rathman pulled off the track and hurried through the pit area.<span style=""> </span>The front row of Tom Sneva, Danny Ongais, and Rick Mears led the field to the starting line, and just before they got there, starter Pat Vidan waved the green flag and the race was on!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ongais jumped into the lead with Sneva second, but Mears had trouble and fell behind somewhat.<span style=""> </span>As they came down the straightaway to the finish line, Ongais had a big lead over Sneva.<span style=""> </span>The remaining eight in the top ten were Johnny Rutherford, Gordon Johncock, Al Unser, Mears, Johnny Parsons, Wally Dallenbach, Larry Dickson, and Steve Krisiloff.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the end of the second lap, the yellow light came on, the reason being that Sheldon Kinser had stalled and was in the infield.<span style=""> </span>His car was towed back to his pit, and as Ongais came by to finish lap four, the green light came on again.<span style=""> </span>Along with Kinser in the pits were Gary Bettenhausen and Salt Walther.<span style=""> </span>Kinser’s crew worked on the car for a few seconds and then sent him out again.<span style=""> </span>As this happened, Cliff Hucul came in and was done for the day with a broken oil line.<span style=""> </span>He finished only four laps and was awarded 33<sup>rd</sup> finishing position.<span style=""> </span>Walther returned to the track after a four-minute stop, while the pit crew of Bettenhausen continued working on his car.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the end of ten laps, the first five positions were held by Ongais, Sneva, Johncock, Rutherford, and Al Unser.<span style=""> </span>The yellow flag came out for two laps for Kinser and when the green came out again on the 12<sup>th</sup> lap, Sneva jumped ahead of Ongais.<span style=""> </span>However, within a couple laps, the two positions were reversed again.<span style=""> </span>Kinser and his crew gave up for good after 15 laps and the car was retired with no oil pressure.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jerry Sneva, starting 32<sup>nd</sup>, was finished after 18 laps with transmission failure, and rookie Phil Threshie was done after 22 laps with no oil pressure.<span style=""> </span>After 20 laps, the leaders were Ongais, Sneva, Unser, Rutherford, and Johncock.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the 25-lap mark approached, the pit area became quite busy.<span style=""> </span>Sneva stopped and received fuel in only 13 seconds.<span style=""> </span>Two laps later, Ongais pitted and had luck riding with him.<span style=""> </span>The yellow flag came out again, this time because Spike Gehlhausen crashed in the second turn.<span style=""> </span>Spike was only slightly injured, but the car was pretty badly damaged.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Salt Walther returned to the pits for a third time and finally called it quits after 24 laps with transmission trouble.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 30 laps, there was a new leader, Steve Krisiloff.<span style=""> </span>He had really been moving and now led Sneva, Ongais, Johncock, and Bobby Unser.<span style=""> </span>One lap after Walther exited the pits, rookie Tom Bagley was through for the day with overheating problems.<span style=""> </span>After 40 laps, or 1/5 of the race, Krisiloff had dropped to 11<sup>th</sup> place because of a pacer light infraction, and Ongais had regained the lead with Sneva, Johncock, Al Unser, and Bobby Unser behind him.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Between the 40<sup>th</sup> and 50<sup>th</sup> laps, almost all of the drivers made their second pit stops.<span style=""> </span>Ongais and Sneva both were able to get in and out without losing their positions.<span style=""> </span>On the 48<sup>th</sup> lap, the yellow flag was displayed again because there was some debris on the track and officials removed it before it caused any trouble.<span style=""> </span>As Ongais completed his 52<sup>nd</sup> lap, the green light came on and full speeds resumed.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Danny increased his lead to 3.5 seconds over Sneva and Al Unser passed Johncock for third place.<span style=""> </span>Behind these four were Bobby Unser, Wally Dallenbach, Mears, Krisiloff, Rutherford, and A.J. Foyt.<span style=""> </span>In third place, Al Unser steadily moved up and on the 66<sup>th</sup> lap, he passed Sneva to take second place.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the 75-lap mark appeared, so did the third round of pit stops.<span style=""> </span>Ongais was the last of the leaders to stop.<span style=""> </span>As he exited the pit area, Al Unser came charging down the straightaway in pursuit of him.<span style=""> </span>The possibility of seeing a new leader brought the crowd to life.<span style=""> </span>They weren’t disappointed as Al went into the lead and then increased it slightly.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 80 laps, Al was 1.6 seconds ahead of Danny, and they, along with Sneva and Johncock, were the only drivers on the lead lap.<span style=""> </span>The remainder of the top 10 included Bobby Unser, Mears, Rutherford, Dallenbach, Krisiloff, and Foyt.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Al increased his lead to three seconds and then the yellow light came on again on the 84<sup>th</sup> lap, again because of debris on the track.<span style=""> </span>Several drivers took advantage of the slowdown and came in to top off their tanks.<span style=""> </span>Two laps later, the green came on again and Al increased his lead to 15 seconds as Sneva and Johncock fall 30 seconds behind.<span style=""> </span>He completed the first 100 laps in 1 hour, 37 minutes and was 21.6 seconds ahead of Ongais.<span style=""> </span>Behind him in the top ten were Ongais, Johncock, Sneva, Bobby Unser, Rutherford, Dallenbach, Krisiloff, Mears, and George Snider.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, back in the pit area, John Mahler had to quit after 47 laps because of a broken timing gear.<span style=""> </span>His pit area was directly in front of me and it was a disappointed crew and driver who had to admit defeat.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After 81 laps, veteran Roger McCluskey had to retire his AMC stock-block Eagle because of clutch failure.<span style=""> </span>This was his 17<sup>th</sup> race and it was a disappointment to his many fans that he couldn’t have done better.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The next retiree from competition was popular Pancho Carter.<span style=""> </span>Pancho was seriously injured while testing a car at Phoenix last year and was not expected to be racing for a long time.<span style=""> </span>Through exercise and determination, he made a strong comeback, and his 196.829 mph qualifying run was one of the highest in the field.<span style=""> </span>The cause of his trouble was listed as a broken exhaust header.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the second half of the race began, Ongais started decreasing Unser’s lead, as it had gone from 21 seconds to 15 seconds at 106 laps.<span style=""> </span>On the 108<sup>th</sup> lap, Al pitted for fuel and was gone after 13.6 seconds.<span style=""> </span>On the next lap, Ongais pitted for 16 seconds, and the first ten at 110 laps were listed as Ongais, Unser, Johncock, Sneva, Dallenbach, Bobby Unser, Krisiloff, Rutherford, Foyt, and Snider.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, some more drivers had been forced from the race.<span style=""> </span>Rookie Rick Mears was out after 104 laps with a blown engine.<span style=""> </span>Rick made a big name for himself in practice and qualifying.<span style=""> </span>He and Tom Sneva were teammates with the Penske cars.<span style=""> </span>He had an outstanding run of 200.078 mph, which enabled him to start in third position and become the first rookie to start in the first row since Eddie Sachs in 1957.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Larry Dickson pulled in after 105 laps and was done for the day when his car lost its oil pressure.<span style=""> </span>This was Larry’s first race since 1971, and he made a fine showing of himself.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Back on the track, Al Unser held a 15-second lead over Ongais.<span style=""> </span>The standings at 120 laps were Unser, Ongais, Sneva, Johncock, Krisiloff, Dallenbach, Bobby Unser, Rutherford, Foyt, and Snider.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(By now, the heat was really making itself felt.<span style=""> </span>Barbara, Malcolm, and I were all sweating and could feel it in our sticky clothes.<span style=""> </span>The cold drink vendors were doing a good business.<span style=""> </span>I had a thermos bottle of ice water, but I had to be careful and stretch it out over the full length of the race.)</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tom Bigelow was finished after 107 laps with a broken connecting rod in his Armstrong Wildcat.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ongais continued to cut Unser’s lead and at 135 laps, he was less than 2 seconds behind Al.<span style=""> </span>Two laps later, both of them came speeding through the pit area and stopped for fuel.<span style=""> </span>Al got away a few seconds before Danny and increased his lead to six seconds, but Danny started catching up again.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Veteran Jim McElreath left the race after 133 laps with a blown engine.<span style=""> </span>At 50 years of age, Jim was the oldest driver in this year’s race, and this was his 13<sup>th</sup> race.<span style=""> </span>A few laps later, Dick Simon pulled into his pit area, and got out of his car, which had been disabled by wheel bearing trouble.<span style=""> </span>This was Dick’s ninth race and one of his best finishes.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ongais had closed the lead to 5.2 seconds when a huge groan quickly built up in the large crowd.<span style=""> </span>Everybody jumped up to see what the trouble was.<span style=""> </span>A few seconds later, the answer became apparent when Danny came through the pit area with grayish-white smoke coming from the rear of his car.<span style=""> </span>His engine had blown and he was done for the day.<span style=""> </span>It was hard to believe because he was moving up on Unser and had sounded fine the last time he went by.<span style=""> </span>Everybody behind Danny gradually moved up a position, as Tom Sneva took over second position, 28 seconds behind Unser.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After 150 laps, there were fifteen cars left in the race.<span style=""> </span>They were Unser, Sneva, Johncock, Krisiloff, Dallenbach, Bobby Unser, Foyt, Snider, Mario Andretti, Janet Guthrie, Larry Rice, Johnny Parsons, Rutherford, Jerry Karl, and Joe Saldana.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Back in the pit area, Mike Mosley was done for the day after 147 laps with gear box failure.<span style=""> </span>This was Mike’s 11<sup>th</sup> race and he had yet to finish one, although most people agree he has the talent to do better.<span style=""> </span>Two laps later, Gary Bettenhausen was done with a blown engine.<span style=""> </span>He had trouble at the start of the race, but perseverance kept him in the race as he and his pit crew managed to go almost three-fourths of the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the race entered the last quarter, Unser maintained his lead over Sneva and the rest of the field.<span style=""> </span>At 170 laps, the difference between the two leaders was 28.86 seconds.<span style=""> </span>The advent of the 180<sup>th</sup> lap means the final pit stop for most of the cars.<span style=""> </span>The standings at this point were Sneva, Unser, Johncock, Dallenbach, Krisiloff, Bobby Unser, Snider, Foyt, Guthrie, and Larry Rice.<span style=""> </span>Sneva was given credit for 1<sup>st</sup> place because he crossed the starting line first while on his way to his pit.<span style=""> </span>Unser had trouble as he overshot his pit and almost ran over the fuel hose.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the two front runners started their last 20 laps, Sneva started gaining on the leader.<span style=""> </span>Was Al slowing down to save his engine or slowing down to conserve fuel?<span style=""> </span>At 189 laps, the difference was 23.26 seconds and Tom was driving 7 mph faster than Al.<span style=""> </span>The fans were getting a little excited.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the 193<sup>rd</sup> lap, Al’s speed was only 177 mph and the difference was 17.1 seconds.<span style=""> </span>At 195 laps, it was 14.6 seconds, which means Tom would have to gain three seconds on each of the remaining laps, a hard task to accomplish.<span style=""> </span>On the 198<sup>th</sup> lap, Al’s speed was again 177 mph, and Tom was only 10.7 seconds behind him.<span style=""> </span>The next time around, Al took the white flag and 9.9 seconds later, Tom did likewise.<span style=""> </span>The huge crowd was standing now in anticipation of the winner.<span style=""> </span>As he exited the fourth turn, they applauded, cheered, and waved as Al Unser came by and received the checkered flag in victory.<span style=""> </span>Eight seconds later, Tom took the same flag for a fine second place finish.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Start Pat Vidan waved the checkered and red flags together ending the activity on the track.<span style=""> </span>Unser rook an extra lap and pulled into victory lane for the celebration.<span style=""> </span>As the remaining cars returned to their pits and turned off their engines, a strange silence returned to the Speedway.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While the pit crews pushed their cars and equipment back to the garages and Al Unser was driven around the track and interviewed over the PA system, I talked with Barbara and Malcolm and ate some of the fried chicken I had brought with me.<span style=""> </span>Before they left, I went to the concession stand almost right behind section 47 and bought a Coca-Cola to drink with the chicken.<span style=""> </span>Because of the high heat and humidity, cold drinks were being sold faster than they could be chilled, so my warm drink did little to help my dry throat.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While I consumed my chicken and drink, Barbara and Malcolm decided to leave, so we said goodbye until we met again.<span style=""> </span>I took a last look at the almost empty seats along the straightaway and then started my exit from the Speedway.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before leaving the infield, I went to the gift shop behind the Tower Terrace, but it was so hot and crowded that I only stayed a couple minutes and didn’t buy anything.<span style=""> </span>As I got close to the main entrance, I heard what sounded like live music.<span style=""> </span>I looked to the right and there were four men playing clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and bass violin.<span style=""> </span>They were playing good music and attracting a sizable crowd.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was hot walking along Crawfordsville Road, so I stopped at the Standard Service Station at Auburn St. and bought a can of Sprite.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t as cold as I wanted, but it still felt good and relived my dry throat a little bit.<span style=""> </span>The heat and humidity were affecting everybody, as evidenced by the bedraggled appearances and short tempers.<span style=""> </span>It was between 3:30 and 3:45 when I arrived at the car.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My feet were hot and tired, so I thought I would take my shoes off and rest in the car for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>That rest period lasted only a few seconds because the humidity was so high that my face started sweating profusely.<span style=""> </span>I got out and stood by the car for a few minutes, then got back in, and at 3:55, I started the engine.<span style=""> </span>Then I drove a few feet and started the long job of getting onto Lynnhurst Drive.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was one of the most physically uncomfortable experiences I’ve ever had.<span style=""> </span>The Lynnhurst traffic wasn’t moving one iota, so I couldn’t get onto the street.<span style=""> </span>During this waiting period, the sweat on my back went through my undershirt, my shirt, and all of them stuck to the back of the seat.<span style=""> </span>The sweat on my face further aggravated the situation.<span style=""> </span>After several minutes, the traffic started moving, and I only had to wait a few seconds before some gentleman let me in the traffic.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was a long time until I reached Crawfordsville Road, and when I got on it, the traffic was still bumper-to-bumper, but at long last, at 4:30, I reached the I-74 intersection and was on my way back to the motel.<span style=""> </span>It had been an exasperating experience.<span style=""> </span>While I was waiting in the traffic, I heard a radio announcer say it was 90 degrees.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shortly after getting on I-74, I turned on the air conditioning.<span style=""> </span>In a few minutes, I felt better than I had since early that morning.<span style=""> </span>The car radio kept me entertained with different kinds of music and periodic stories of the race.<span style=""> </span>It was about 5:45 when I crossed the state line and 6:00 when I arrived at the motel.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first thing I did when I got to my room was to take off my shoes and shirt and rest on the bed for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>Then I walked over to the Eisner grocery store a half block north of the motel and got some food for supper.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My supper consisted of cold fried chicken, baked beans, macaroni, and a quart of milk.<span style=""> </span>While I was eating, I watched part of the TV program “60 Minutes,” and about the time I finished eating, between 7:30 and 7:45, the telephone rang.<span style=""> </span>It was Dixie.<span style=""> </span>She called to see if everything was okay and how everything had gone at the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>She told me that Springfield had received a heavy rain storm about an hour earlier, and then let me talk to Mark for a couple minutes.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we finished talking, it was 7:45, fifteen minutes before the ABC-TV telecast of the race.<span style=""> </span>I cleaned up my supper mess and then settled back to watch the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, the TV reception was poor.<span style=""> </span>The picture was in and out and the audio portion was also poor.<span style=""> </span>I still got to see portions of the action that occurred at places on the track I couldn’t see, so I was glad I was able to see at least part of the program.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the network program, I watched another race program on one of the Indianapolis stations, which was narrated by Speedway PA announcer Tom Carnegie.<span style=""> </span>By now, it was 11:00 and the eighteen-hour day was getting to me so I turned off the TV and lights and laid my head down to sleep.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 6:30 when my day after the big day began.<span style=""> </span>I took a bath, cleaned my teeth, shaved, combed my hair, and felt better for having done so.<span style=""> </span>I put everything in the suitcase and carrying bag, checked the room to be sure I hadn’t forgotten anything, took my belongings to the car, and then checked out of the motel.<span style=""> </span>It was 7:37 when I started my trip home.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The streets and highway had only real light traffic on this holiday morning.<span style=""> </span>I stopped at a service station in Georgetown and was the first customer of the day.<span style=""> </span>A few more miles of travel brought me to the Colonial Kitchen where I stopped for breakfast.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There were a few farmers having their early-morning coffee and a few other customers, but it wasn’t crowded.<span style=""> </span>My breakfast consisted of pancakes, hash-brown potatoes, toast, coffee, and orange juice.<span style=""> </span>The food made me feel somewhat better, and it was just about 9:00 when I left and started my western drive on Route 36.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The traffic remained light almost all the way, and it was 11:20 when I arrived home.<span style=""> </span>Another memorable trip to the big race was completed.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>EPILOGUE</u></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><u><o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the victory banquet on the day after the race, Al Unser received the highest purse ever received by a race winner - $290,363 – out of a record purse of $1,145,225.<span style=""> </span>This was Al’s third 500 victory and he became one of only four drivers to win that many races.<span style=""> </span>It was his 13<sup>th</sup> race but, ironically, the first for his car owner, Jim Hall</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tom Sneva finished 8.19 seconds behind Unser, which was the second closest finish in the race history.<span style=""> </span>For the second year in a row, Tom set new qualifying records, started on the pole position, and finished second.<span style=""> </span>His qualifying records were 203.620 mph for one lap and 202.156 mph for the four-lap average.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gordon Johncock made an excellent showing this year.<span style=""> </span>He started sixth, finished third, and was never lower than fifth during the race.<span style=""> </span>His car was tuned by six-time winning chief mechanic, George Bignotti.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In his best finish ever, Steve Krisiloff, a teammate or Johncock, finished in fourth position.<span style=""> </span>Both Johncock and Krisiloff were penalized one lap for rule infractions.<span style=""> </span>Had this not happened, the end of the race might have been even more exciting.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby Unser finished fifth.<span style=""> </span>Because of a misunderstanding with USAC officials, he started 19<sup>th</sup>, although he had the 8<sup>th</sup> fastest qualifying time on the first day of time trials.<span style=""> </span>Wayne Leary was the chief mechanic and the car was a Dan Gurney owned Eagle.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Popular Wally Dallenbach finished sixth in his 12<sup>th</sup> race.<span style=""> </span>His car was a McLaren Cosworth and had Jud Phillips as the chief mechanic.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Last year’s winner, AJ Foyt, had problems this year and was never a serious contender for victory.<span style=""> </span>Like Bobby Unser, he had his problems with USAC officials.<span style=""> </span>His 200.122 mph qualifying speed was second fastest (tied with Danny Ongais), but he started in 20<sup>th</sup> position because he qualified on the second day.<span style=""> </span>On race day, he got as high as sixth, but on three of his pit stops, his engine died, and this was costly.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Veteran George Snider finished eighth in his 14<sup>th</sup> race.<span style=""> </span>He was a teammate to Foyt.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Special mention must be made to ninth place finisher, Janet Guthrie.<span style=""> </span>For a long time, it looked like the first lady in Speedway history would not be present this year because of no sponsorship.<span style=""> </span>Texaco Oil came to her rescue and provided her with a car known as the Texaco Star.<span style=""> </span>She started in 15<sup>th</sup> position and ran a steady, consistent race all day.<span style=""> </span>Her fine showing was popular with the crowd and she received a tremendous ovation when she returned to her pit area at the end of the race.<span style=""> </span>In a post-race interview, it was revealed that she had driven the race with a broken wrist, which she claimed she received two days before the race while playing tennis.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finishing out the top ten was Johnny Parsons, who started in eighth position in his Lightning/Drake Offy.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In addition to Janet Guthrie, special mention must be made of Mario Andretti.<span style=""> </span>He was considered a contender for the pole position, but both of the first two qualifying days were washouts.<span style=""> </span>This was particularly difficult for Mario because he was scheduled to drive in the Belgian Grand Prix the following weekend.<span style=""> </span>Because of this situation, car-owner Roger Penske had driver Mike Hiss qualify the car.<span style=""> </span>According to USAC rules, Andretti had to start in last place.<span style=""> </span>He moved up several positions during the early part of the race, but was plagued with mechanical problems and two long pit stops, and he eventually finished in 12<sup>th</sup> position.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Larry Rice and Rick Mears were co-rookies of the year.<span style=""> </span>This was only the second time this ever happened, the other time being in 1961 when Bobby Marshman and Parnelli Jones shared the award.<span style=""> </span>Mears made a name for himself in practice and qualifying, while Rice started in 30<sup>th</sup> position and drove a steady race to finish 11<sup>th</sup>, higher than any other rookie.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On April 23, just thirteen days before the Speedway opened for this year, the auto racing world suffered a terrible loss when eight of its top officials lost their lives in an airplane accident.<span style=""> </span>The accident occurred that night about 30 miles southeast of Indianapolis when the officials were returning from the 200-mile championship race at Trenton, New Jersey.<span style=""> </span>Among those killed were Frank Del Roy, USAC technical director; Ray Marquette, VP for Public Affairs; Stanley Warley, registrar; Shim Malone, midget supervisor and championship car flagman; Don Peabody, sprint car supervisor; Judy Phillips, typographist; Ross Teeguarden, deputy technical director; and Dr. Bruce White, USAC physician.<span style=""> </span>They were all highly respected persons and their loss would be felt for a long time.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The 62<sup>nd</sup> 500-mile race is history now, and, like all other before it, provided many memories by which to remember it.<span style=""> </span>Come next year, on the last Sunday of May, I again plan to be present for the running of the “GREATEST SPECATACLE IN RACING.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pace Car – Chevrolet Corvette</p> <p class="MsoNormal">500 Festival Queen – Sherri Kallbrier</p> Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-31602043828435143842009-05-05T23:27:00.001-05:002009-05-05T23:38:44.827-05:00Indy Journal - 1977<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u>1977</u><br /></span></div><br />The main attractions among the drivers at the Speedway this year were Tom Sneva, A.J. Foyt, and Janet Guthrie. Tom Sneva became the first driver in Speedway history to drive an official 200 mph lap. A.J. Foyt made Speedway history by becoming the first four-time winning of the big race. Janet Guthrie put her name into the record books by becoming the first woman to drive in the race.<br /><br />On Friday morning, May 13, I left for the Speedway in my 1973 Chevrolet Malibu. I stopped at the Holiday Inn Motel in Crawfordsville, Indiana, and checked in. When that was taken care of, I drove on to the Speedway and visited the new museum and hall of fame. It was my first visit to the museum and a most interesting one.<br /><br />When I finished seeing the museum, I walked over to the Tower Terrace seats and watched the activity on the race track. There were several thousand fans in attendance and enjoying themselves.<br /><br />I ran into a friend of mine from the Post Office, Ron Atkins, who was there with his wife and two children, and sat with them until the 6:00 closing time.<br /><br />Before leaving for Crawfordsville, I stopped at the MCL Cafeteria in the Speedway Shopping Center and had a good supper, and then walked through the shopping center and went in a couple of the store. It was about 9:00 when I returned to the motel. I did some reading, watched the 10:00 news, and then retired for the night.<br /><br />My alarm clock went off at 5:00 Saturday morning. The motel restaurant had opened at 4:00 to accommodate early-leaving race fans, so I took advantage of the good opportunity. The breakfast was buffet style and was quite popular with the motel customers. For $2.45, a customer received scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hashed brown potatoes, milk, and orange juice. I was well pleased with the fast service and both the quantity and quality of the food.<br /><br />The breakfast gave the day a good start for me and it was about 6:00 when I left for the Speedway. It was shortly before 7:00 when I arrived at Bud Kramer’s house, our Indy “home” for so many years. I talked with Bud for a couple minutes and then walked to the Speedway.<br /><br />My first stop, after paying the $3.00 admissions charge and getting into the grounds, was the gift shop. I wanted something for Mark and John, but didn’t see anything that pleased me, so I went on to my seat.<br /><br />Instead of sitting in the grandstand area, as I had always done for the time trials, I sat in the Tower Terrace section. The section I sat in was the first one north of the tower, and it was 7:30 when I sat down for the beginning of a long, warm day.<br /><br />A.J. Foyt and Tom Sneva were the main attractions of the day. Foyt was the first qualifier and had a 193 mph average, which was not spectacular when considering that he had run as high as 200 mph in practice.<br /><br />An hour or so later, it was announced that due to a malfunction on his car, Foyt was entitled to a second chance to qualify. A.J. decided to take the opportunity again, but this run was 194+, still a disappointment to him and everybody else.<br /><br />When Tom Sneva went out to qualify, most people anticipated a good run, but they weren’t prepared for what happened. As track announcer Tom Carnegie announced the first lap at 200.401 mph, the fans went wild with joy. The 200 mph barrier had been broken. The second lap was even faster at 200.535 mph. His third and fourth laps were in the 197 range, and his four-lap average was 198.884, also a new record.<br /><br />At 6:00, the Speedway closed for the day, and it had been a day to remember. I stopped at the MCL Cafeteria for supper and then drove back to the motel.<br /><br />It was between 7:30 and 8:00 when I left the motel Sunday morning and started the trip home. I followed the route I used coming over and it was a few minutes after 9:00 when I arrived at the Colonial Kitchen for breakfast. That was my first and last stop until I arrive home at 12:00 sharp.<br /><br />On Saturday morning, May 28, I packed my suitcase and gave the car a good cleaning with the vacuum cleaner. I took the 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic. Since Dixie, Mark, and John were in Missouri for the weekend, I checked everything in the house before I left, and at 12:30, I left to see my 23rd 500-mile race.<br /><br />The traffic was rather heavy and it was 1:30 when I entered Decatur. It was a warm afternoon and there was a large crowd enjoying it. When I got out of the Decatur area, the traffic diminished somewhat, but there were many farmers working in their fields. It was 2:54 when I reached the Colonial Kitchen and stopped for a while.<br /><br />For a refreshment, I had a cup of coffee and a heated roll. When I finished my snack, I used the restroom and at 3:15, I was on the road again. I went north on Routes 1&150 and it was 3:52 when I arrived at the Holiday Inn in Danville.<br /><br />My room reservation had been made in January, so all I had to do was sign in and find out what room I had. The room was clean and cool, so I lay on the bed for a few minutes, did a little reading, and checked the TV set to see if it worked okay.<br /><br />I had decided earlier to have an early supper, so after I cleaned up a little bit, I walked over to the motel’s Boston Room for my supper. There were only a few scattered customers present and the waitress gave me a menu when I was seated. I ordered fried liver and bacon with baked potato and corn. While I waited for the main course, I partook of some of the choices at the salad bar. I was just finishing my appetizer when the main course arrived. The chef was most generous in the portions of food he served me. Everything tasted fine. It was about 6:00 when I finished eating and left, and by now, there were quite a few more customers than when I arrived.<br /><br />Before returning to my room for the evening, I drove to a fried chicken establishment a couple blocks from the motel and bought a box of chicken to eat while I was at the race. It was about 7:00 when I returned to my room.<br /><br />I was reading “The Chicago Daily News” newspaper about 7:45 when the telephone rang. I answered and on the other end was Clyde Simpson. He and Judy had driven down from their home in Milford and were waiting to see me in the motel lobby. The three of us sat and talked for about an hour, and then drove to a little drive-in restaurant a couple miles north of the motel, where we had some light refreshments. It was 10:00 when they returned me to the motel and left for Milford. I enjoyed visiting with them, since it had been nine months since I last saw them.<br /><br />When I returned to my room, I watched part of the 10:00 news on TV, finished reading the “Chicago Daily News”, set the alarm clock and retired for the night.<br /><br />At 4:45, my alarm clock sounded, and race day, 1977, had started for me. I lay in bed for a couple minutes to try to awaken a little bit, and then I got up and got myself ready. Feeling ready to face the day now, I left my room about 5:15 and walked to the motel restaurant, which I hoped was open.<br /><br />The restaurant was not only open, but doing a good business. Most of the customers were race fans and were fueling up for a long day, just as I was. It was a buffet breakfast for $2.25, and I had scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, orange juice, milk, and coffee. I had a couple helpings of everything and I was full when I left.<br /><br />I returned to my room to check and see that I had everything I needed, and at 5:47, I left the motel parking lot for my ride to the race. Unlike last year when I drove through rain part of the way, the sky was clear all the way. The traffic was quite heavy, and almost every car and its passengers looked as if it had the same destination as I had. Just before I reached the I-465 interchange, the traffic became quite heavy and slowed considerably. It was bumper to bumper for several blocks, but the police kept it moving quite well.<br /><br />For some time I had been thinking about parking farther from the Speedway than Kramer’s house. I thought that being farther away might reduce the cost, but in a few minutes I discovered I was wrong. I also thought I might avoid some of the heavy Crawfordsville Road traffic east of Lynnhurst Drive. There is a bank on the northwest corner of the intersection and it was here that I parked. The charge was the same as Kramer’s, $5.00, but I didn’t mind walking the extra blocks. It was 7:43 when I parked the car and turned off the power.<br /><br />I checked to be sure I had all of my equipment and then started my walk to the Speedway. The scenery along the way looked the same as in other years, highlighted by cold drink containers, empty beer cars, people sleeping on the ground and in trunks along the road, and the long line of east-bound traffic waiting to get into the Speedway.<br /><br />My watch read 8:05 when I walked through the turnstiles. A few steps further I stopped and bought four souvenir race programs, which had increased to $3.00 in price. I had also planned to stop at the first gift shop, but the line of customers was already formed outside the building, so I decided to try another one. There were several souvenir stands along the way before I reached the tunnel, but none of them offered anything I didn’t already have or which I thought cost too much.<br /><br />When I arrived on the infield, I turned right and walked toward the garage area. There was a gift shop along the way, so I went inside to see what they had. The only items I bought were a tote bag and a coloring book of race cars. The book was for Mark and the tote bag was handy for carrying the race programs.<br /><br />I walked around the infield for a few minutes, filled my thermos bottle with water, and then walked to the far north end of the Tower Terrace Section. It was 8:45 when I arrived at my customary seat of the past ten years, Section 43, Row J, Seat 5. It felt good to rest my feet for a few minutes and not to have my arms loaded with equipment. There was much activity both on the track and in the pit area. The pit area was busy with pit crews making final checks on their cars and hundreds of spectators walking through the area. On the track, several marching bands were doing their thing.<br /><br />By 9:00, my feet felt okay again, so I took a walk along the pit area fence with the hope of seeing some famous persons and getting pictures of them. A few of the drivers had their racing uniforms on, some were still in street clothes, and some were somewhere other than the pit area.<br /><br />I arrived back at my seat about 9:40, and at 9:45, the order was given over the PA system for the crews to push their cars onto the track and into their starting positions.<br /><br />By now, my two companions for the race had arrived. They were Malcom McKean and his sister, Barbara, racing friends of mine from Central Baptist Church. They had purchased my two extra tickets a few months earlier and they were fine race companions.<br /><br />Shortly after 10:00, the long procession of celebrities drove north through the pit area and onto the race track for their trip around the track so that all the fans could see them. At 10:34, USAC officials started their inspection lap of the track and returned a few minutes later and said it was ready for racing.<br /><br />Immediately after that, the PA announcer, Tom Carnegie, asked the huge crowd to stand for the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by the Purdue University Band. The invocation was given by the famous minister, Oral Roberts, and then a few moments of silence were observed by the crowd as “Taps” was played in honor of all the drivers who have lost their lives in racing over the years.<br /><br />The excitement and tension were reaching their climax now as record and television star Jim Nabors sang “Back Home Again in Indiana.” While Jim was singing, the thousands of balloons behind the Tower Terrace section were released and made a beautiful spectacle as they rose toward the sky.<br /><br />A few seconds after Jim finished his singing, Tom Carnegie introduced Speedway president Tony Hulman to give his famous order. This year, however, because of Janet Guthrie being in the race, Tony changed his order somewhat and said “In company with the first lady ever to qualify at Indianapolis, Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!”<br /><br />The air was immediately filled with that beautiful sound of racing engines as all thirty-three cars came to life. The fans responded with a huge roar of their own. About a minute later, the Oldsmobile Delta 88 pace car, driven by TV and movie star, James Garner, slowly started moving towards the first turn.<br /><br />One by one, the cars were pushed away by the pit crews to form the eleven rows of three each. A new procedure was started this year. There were two, instead of one, parade laps, making a total of three pre-race laps. The idea is to give the oil and tires more time to warm up to racing temperature. I like the idea very much because I get an extra change to see the field in their starting positions, which is a beautiful sight to see. The thousands of other fans seemed to feel the same way as judged by their applause when the cars were on the front straightaway. At the end of the third lap, the official pace lap, Jim Garner drove through the pit area and the field stayed closely behind on the track. A couple seconds later, starter Pat Vidan waved the green flag and the 1977 500-mile race was on!<br /><br />Al Unser, starting on the outside of the first row, took the lead into the first turn. He was followed by Sneva, Gordon Johncock, and Foyt. Al stayed in front for seventeen laps, when he was passed by Johncock. The first ten positions at the end of the first ten laps were held by Unser, Johnock, Foyt, Sneva, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Pancho Carter, Johnny Rutherford, Danny Ongais, and Johnny Parsons.<br /><br />A huge moan came from the crowd when Rutherford pitted on this 13th lap and was out of the race. His car wouldn’t stay in gear, and he decided to leave the race rather than destroy the engine.<br /><br />Johnny was a disappointment to many fans during the time trials. His qualifying speed was 197.325, third fastest in the field, but he qualified on the second day, and therefore started 17th instead of 3rd. He made a qualification attempt on the first day and was running well, but his pit crew wasn’t happy and brought him in.<br /><br />Sheldon Kinser was out after 14 laps with a burned piston and was given 32nd position. Ten laps later, Dick Simon retired with overheating problems and was followed to the garage area on the next lap by rookie Clay Regazzoni with a split fuel cell.<br /><br />Meanwhile, back on the race track, Johncock took the lead on his 18th lap and kept it through the 21st lap. By now, the first series of pit stops was taking place and there were several lead changes. Foyt led laps 22-23, George Snider on 24-25, Bill Vukovich on lap 26, and then Foyt regained the lead on lap 27. The first five drivers after twenty laps were Johncock, Foyt, Al Unser, Sneva, and Bobby Unser.<br /><br />The next driver out of the race was Al Loquasto, who completed only 28 laps when he was forced out with a faulty magneto. His pit area was directly in front of me and I was sorry I couldn’t see his pit crew at work anymore.<br /><br />Janet Guthrie’s first race was a big disappointment. After having much trouble all month, she qualified with a fine average of 188.403 and started in 26th position. She competed 27 laps, by which time she had spent 105 minutes in her pit. Her pit crew made several changed to the car, but none of them helped. It was a sad audience which heard Tom Carnegie announce her exodus from the race.<br /><br />The yellow flag came out for the first time on the leader’s 36th lap when sentimental favorite Lloyd Ruby crashed in the second turn. This was Lloyd’s 18th race and once again his sour luck raised its ugly head. He drove a Lindsay Hopkins car this year and started in 19th position with an average of 190.840 mph, which was the 11th fastest in the field. He was running in 15th place when he crashed and was credited with 34 laps. The cause of his crash is still not certain.<br /><br />The caution light stayed on for 16 minutes and then full speed resumed. At thirty laps, the top five were Foyt, Johncock, Sneva, and Al and Bobby Unser. These positions were the same at forth and fifty laps also.<br /><br />1969 winner Mario Andretti, who started in sixth position, made his exit from the race after 47 laps with a broken header. He had been running up front all day and was in ninth place when he was forced out. Mario’s departure was followed ten laps later by rookie Bobby Olivero, whose day ended because of a faulty valve.<br /><br />On the 52nd lap, Johncock regained the lead from Foyt, as the two former winners continued to battle for the race lead. At sixty laps, the leaders were Johncock, Foyt, Bobby Unser, Al Unser, and Sneva. After seventy laps, Bobby and Al were first and third with Johncock, Foyt, and Sneva between them.<br /><br />George Snider, driving in his 13th race, was finished after 65 laps with valve trouble, and then, after 71 laps, Jim McElreath was sidelined with waste gate problems.<br /><br />The standings at both eighty and ninety laps were Johncock, Foyt, Bobby Unser, Sneva, and Al Unser. Johncock had a 3.6 second lead on Foyt , and AJ seemed headed for trouble when he pitted on his 92nd lap with an empty fuel tank. His efficient crew went to work and had him running again after only 20 seconds. While Johncock and Foyt were making their fourth pit stops, Sneva led laps 94-96 before he also pitted.<br /><br />Meanwhile Cliff Hucul, Bubby Jones, and Danny Ongais, all rookies, had had mechanical problems serious enough to take them out of the race. They were soon joined by Mike Mosley, who left after 91 laps with a faulty timing gear.<br /><br />The race was approaching the half way mark, but before it got there, popular Bobby Unser, two time winner and second-place starter this year, was forced out of the running with a broken oil line. At 100 laps, Johncock had a 28.7 second lead over Foyt. Positions 3-10 were occupied by Sneva, Unser, Wally Dallenbach, Bill Vukovich, Johnny Parsons, Pancho Carter, Roger McCluskey, and Lee Kunzman.<br /><br />It was about now that Foyt began closing the gap between him and Johncock. At 120 laps, the distance had been reduced to 19.53 seconds, and then to 18 seconds when Foyt pitted on his 138th lap.<br /><br />The standings at 110, 120, and 130 laps were still Johncock, Foyt, Sneva, Unser, and Dallenbach. After Bobby Unser made his exit, the next driver out of action was Foyt’s teammate, Bill Vukovich, after 110 laps, and then Gary Bettenhausen, driving for J.C. Agajanian was out after 138 laps with clutch trouble.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Foyt continued to decrease Johncock’s lead. He made a pit stop on the 156th lap and lost time of course, but he expected to make it up a few laps later when Gordie pitted. On the 156th lap, Pancho Carter’s engine blew and this brought out the yellow flag. Foyt, but not Johncock, pitted and many people thought Gordie may have lost the race at this time. A few laps later, however, the yellow came out again when Johnny Parsons had to be towed to his pit, and this time the race leader made his pit stop. He left with a fifteen second lead.<br /><br />A.J. was still decreasing the lead and the excitement among the fans increased as track announcer Tom Carnegie did his usual fine job of keeping them informed of the action. The first five positions at 140, 150, and 160 laps were still held by the same drivers, but the exact position sometimes changes because of the pit stops. In the meantime, John Mahler, Eldon Rasmussen, and Bill Puterbaugh joined those drivers on the sidelines with various mechanicals ills.<br /><br />Foyt was now turning laps at 191 mph and was only eight seconds from the lead when Gordon made his final pit stop on his 180th lap. He had his fuel tanked filled and was on his way again. Three laps later, AJ made his final stop for fuel and two right tires, which took only fifteen seconds. The excitement was at a fever pitched now as the fans speculated among themselves what would happen. It should be a royal battle to the finish.<br /><br />Just as the excitement was accelerating, Johncock came down the straightaway slowly with smoke pouring from his engine. The crowd gasped in disbelief as Gordie pulled over to the side and into the first turn infield, a most disappointed fellow. A broken valve spring was the culprit. Hot and almost exhausted, he got out of his car and stepped into the water to cool off.<br /><br />With the crowd cheering and waving wildly, Foyt went back into the lead. Now the big question was “Can his car last seventeen more laps?” He had almost a forty second lead on new second place driver, Tom Sneva, and drove slightly slower to save his car.<br /><br />As 190 laps went into the record books, the first five positions were held by Foy, Sneva, Unser, Dallenbach, and Johnny Parsons.<br /><br />Foyt’s good luck continued as one by one the last few laps went by, and then, with starter Pat Vidan holding the checkered flag, he came out of the fourth turn on his last lap and sped towards the start-finish line as Pat waved the black and white flag. The crowd, estimated at more than 350,000, gave a tremendous ovation to the first four-time winner of the race. AJ took an extra insurance lap, and then slowly drove his last lap, waving all the time to his thousands of admirers all around the track. Although I didn’t want him to win, I too became engulfed in the euphoria of the moment and cheered and waved at him as he came through the pit area on his way to victory lane. The big smile on his face indicated that he was a most happy fellow.<br /><br />Twenty-eight seconds after AJ finished the race, Tom Sneva competed his 200 laps for second place, and then the red flag was displayed because some overzealous race fans had gotten onto the race track. It was the end of one of the most memorable races in Speedway history.<br /><br />A large part of the fans were leaving by now, but I stayed for several minutes and watched some of the drivers and pit crews father up their equipment and walk to their garages. When the pits were empty, I took one last look at the length of the straightway and started my walk to Gate 1.<br /><br />I shopped in one of the gift shops for a few minutes and then walked through the tunnel and south to Gate 1. I was hungry and thirsty and wanted to stop at the White Castle restaurant, but the customers waiting in line weren’t moving very fast, so I decided to move on and stopped at the Standard Service Station and bought a bottle of Coca-Cola. It wasn’t just what I wanted, but it greatly relieved my dry throat and made me feel better. The automobile traffic was bumper to bumper and going nowhere as usual, but the pedestrian traffic was moving okay and it was a few minutes before 4:00 when I arrived at the bank parking lot. I opened the windows to cool the inside a little bit and to get some air circulating. The soft car seat felt good after sitting on a wooden seat during the race.<br /><br />Traffic was moving fairly well on Lynnhurst Drive, so at 4:10, I left the parking lot and started my drive back to Danville. When I reached the intersection, the start police wouldn’t let me turn right, so I kept going south until I came to the first side street and then turned right. The traffic on this street moved real well and within a few minutes, I was back on Crawfordsville Road and then onto I-74. Within a few miles, the traffic diminished considerably and I had no trouble the rest of the way. I think this was the easiest time I ever had getting out of the post-race traffic congestion. When I arrived at the motel, I looked at the clock in my car and was pleasantly surprised when I saw it was 5:55.<br /><br />The cool temperature and soft chairs in my room felt good as I watched TV and relaxed for a few minutes. Little by little a feeling of hunger was coming over me, so I walked to a grocery store a block from the motel and bought a quart of milk for supper. I had not eaten any of the fried chicken I had taken to the race, so that and the milk made a good, tasty supper for me. While I was eating supper, I also had pleasant entertainment in the form of a television musical variety program which co-starred Robert Goulet and Julie Andrews. It was a fine program with little advertising and was most pleasing to me.<br /><br />When the musical show ended, I tuned in ABC-TV’s same-day telecast of the big race. It was a fine program, with good commentary by the announcers and excellent camera work. The cameras were located all around the Speedway and picked up several scenes I missed seeing, including fine coverage of Lloyd Ruby’s crash and Gordon Johncock leaving the race. There was also an interview with AJ Foyt at the end of the program.<br /><br />After the race program, I took a refreshing bath and then retired for the night. It had been a real pleasant day.<br /><br />When I awoke in the morning, I cleaned up somewhat, got everything packed and put into the car, checked out of the motel, and at 8:40 headed south for the Colonial Kitchen and breakfast. It was about 9:15 when I stopped for breakfast, which was eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, orange juice, and coffee. Most of the customers were farmers having their morning coffee, although there were a few late eaters like me having a full meal.<br /><br />The full meal made me feel better and it was a few minutes before 10:00 when I left the restaurant and started the last part of my trip home. It was a quiet holiday morning, with little traffic on the highway, but several farmers working in their fields. When I arrived in Decatur about 11:30, there were a lot of people watching the boat races as I went by the lake. About an hour later, I arrived home to complete another safe and enjoyable trip to the big race.<br /><br />EPILOGUE<br /><br />On Monday night, May 30, a record purse of $1,116,870 was divided among the 33 drivers who participated in the race, with Foyt receiving $259,791 for first place and Sneva $109,946 for second place.<br /><br />Foyt, of course, wrote his name into Speedway history by becoming the first four-time winner of the race. This was his 20th race and his first victory since 1967. He had now achieved his main goal in racing, and because of this many people expected him to announce his retirement in victory lane, but AJ says he had no intention of retiring now and will be back next year to try for number 5. His winning speed of 161.331 mph is about 1.6 mph slower than that of record-holder Mark Donohue’s 1972 average.<br /><br />By starting first, setting one and four lap qualification records, driving the first official 200 mph lap in Speedway history, and finishing second in the race, Tom Sneva came within 29 seconds of having a perfect year.<br /><br />Al Unser also had a fine year. He started and finished third and was never lower than fifth position.<br /><br />Wally Dallenbach finished fourth for the second year in a row, and again drove the STP Oil Treatment car.<br /><br />Johnny Parsons had his best finish in four starts by finishing fifth in another STP car.<br /><br />Tom Bigelow also had his best finish in four starts by placing sixth in the Thermo-King machine.<br /><br />Lee Kunzman made a fine comeback by placing seventh. This was his first Indy race since 1973, when he was seriously injured in a race later that year.<br /><br />Roger McCluskey finished eighth in his 16th Speedway race. He was a teammate of Lloyd Ruby and drove for veteran owner Lindsay Hopkins.<br /><br />Steve Kisoloff had the slowest qualifying speed this year, but completely 191 laps and was awarded ninth position.<br /><br />Jerry Sneva, brother of Tom, finished in 10th place and was given the “Rookie of the Year” award for his good work.<br /><br />Gordon Johncock finished eleventh but collected the fourth highest prize money because of his large lap prize winnings.<br /><br />A happy feature for everybody this year was the fact that a full 500-mile race was completed this year. Rain had shortened the race three out of the last four years and it was certainly a pleasure to see a full race again. In fact, it was unusually warm and dry almost all month, with rainfall almost non-existent and race day temperatures in the low and mid-eighties.<br /><br />The records established by Tom Sneva, Janet Guthrie, and AJ Foyt certainly made this year’s race a pleasant one to remember. There was also considerable sorrow at the Speedway this year caused by the loss of three of its most devoted and long standing figures.<br /><br />On May 3, “The Voice of the 500” for 25 years, Sid Collins, took his life. Sid had been in poor physical and emotional health for several months. A few weeks earlier, he had gone to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where it was discovered he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a steady degeneration of the spinal cord. With this knowledge and knowing that he would be unable to broadcast the race, it apparently was too much for him to endure and resulted in his suicide. It was a great shock to racing fans everywhere. The new anchorman for the broadcast of the race will be Paul Page.<br /><br />On July 31, the Speedway lost the man who, for 32 years, had been its Superintendent of Grounds, Clarence Cagle, by retirement. Under his guidance and direction since 1945, the Speedway had gone from weeds and shambles to one of the most outstanding structures in the world. He was in charge of all maintenance and construction work, and it was a job to which he devoted his life.<br /><br />The biggest shock of the year occurred on October 27 when the entire racing world was stunned by the death of Speedway president Tony Hulman. I gasped in disbelief when I saw the article in the newspaper the following morning. He had entered an Indianapolis hospital about noon on October 27 and died on the operating table that night of an aneurysm of the aorta. Tony was a multi-millionaire, but also had put millions of dollars of improvements into the Speedway. It was his money that turned the Speedway from a ramshackle mess in 1945 into what it is today. To millions of fans around the world, he was associated with those four famous words, “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES.”<br /><br />Two weeks later, it was announced that Speedway vice-president Joe Cloutier was the new president. I hope Joe will be able to continue the operation of the Speedway in the future just as Tony did for 32 years, and that the race will continue to live up to its reputation as the greatest spectacle in racing.<br /><br />Another year had come and gone, one to be remembered for a long time. Come next May, I plan to be there again to see “THE GREATEST SPECATACLE IN RACING.”<br /><br />Pace Car – Oldsmobile Delta Royal<br />500 Festival Queen – Kathy HeggPaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-1984602582926247642009-04-29T20:03:00.001-05:002009-04-29T20:04:58.893-05:00Indy Journal - 1976<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u>1976</u><br /></span></div><br />My return to the first day of time trials after a two-year absence, the comparatively slow speeds turned in by the drivers, the first laps ever run at the Speedway by a woman, my first appearance at a Goodyear Motor Sports Club open house, the third rain-shortened race in the last four years, and the shooting death of Speedway vice-president Elmer George were the memorable events of this year for me.<br /><br />On Friday afternoon, May 14, I drove to Crawfordsville, Indiana, in my 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle, where I had a reservation at the Holiday Inn Motel. I registered at the motel and then went to my room and took a bath and shaved. Immediately after that, I drove to the Speedway to attend the GMSC open house.<br /><br />It was 7:00 when I arrived at the Speedway Motel and parked my car. The open house was held at the Goodyear building just east of the motel. Speedway radio network announcer Sid Collins was the master of ceremonies and interviewed many drivers. The drivers were available to sign autographs and talk to club members, and this was a popular attraction.<br /><br />There was an abundant supply of doughnuts and Coca-Cola to be served, and since I hadn’t had any supper, I took full advantage of this part of the evening.<br /><br />Among the drivers present were Mike Hiss, Duane Carter, Larry Dickson, Lloyd Ruby, Bobby Unser, Wally Dallenbach, Dan Gurney, Gordon Johncock, A.J. Foyt, Jackie Stewart, Eldon Rasmussen, Tom Sneva, Sheldon Kinser, Janet Gutherie, Dick Simon, Jim Hurtubise, Parnelli Jones, John Martin, and Bill Puterbaugh.<br /><br />It was a fine event and everybody there seemed to enjoy themselves. It lasted until about 10:00 and it was about 11:00 when I arrived back at my motel and retired for the night.<br /><br />When I awoke about 5:30 on Saturday morning, I looked out the window and noticed that it had been raining for some time. I got myself ready for the day and left the motel about 6:15.<br /><br />I drove through a steady rain for several minutes and then stopped for breakfast. The restaurant was about a mile south of the highway. My breakfast was pancakes and sausage, with coffee and orange juice and a side order of toast. The service and food were both good and there were other customers also, most of whom I guessed to be on their way to the Speedway.<br /><br />As I drove to the Speedway, the rain fell in spurts and there were just a few drops coming down when I parked the car about two blocks from the Speedway.<br /><br />It was 8:00 when I entered the Speedway grounds. There weren’t many people walking in the rain so I went to the gift shop and bought a sweater for Mark.<br /><br />From here, I walked to where I wanted to sit and saw the race track was under water, so I turned around and walked to the new Hall of Fame to see if I could sell my two extra race tickets.<br /><br />Selling the tickets was no problem. There was another man who entered the building with me and when I saw him looking at the seating chart, I asked him if he would like to buy my tickets. He looked at the price and location and then gave me the $50. We talked for a couple minutes and then he left and said he’d see me at our seats on race day morning. I was happy to have the tickets sold and know there would be somebody sitting with me.<br /><br />By now, the rain had stopped falling, but it looked as if it could resume at any minute. I took the long walk back to the Paddock area and found a seat just a few feet north of the start-finish line. The grandstands were filling now and Speedway trucks were trying to dry the race track.<br /><br />The usual 10:30-11:00 festivities were conducted, with thirty-three small race cars and several marching bands attired in bicentennial uniforms being the main attractions. The festivities helped to alleviate the boredom of the crowd caused by not being able to see any race cars tour the track.<br /><br />There was no further rain and little by little, the track dried sufficiently to be used. Shortly before 2:00, a tremendous roar went up from the crowd as it was announced that the track was opened for practice. The applause increased in sound as the engines were started and the cars pushed away.<br /><br />Between 2:30 and 3:00, the track was opened for qualifying and Larry Cannon was the first driver on the track and the first one to complete a qualification run for this year’s race. Seven other drivers made qualification runs. The eight, in order of speed, were Johnny Rutherford, Gordon Johncock, Tom Sneva, Al Unser, AJ Foyt, Duane Carter, Wally Dallenbach, and Canon.<br /><br />Bobby Unser lost his oil and Mel Kenyon crashed on the backstretch. This not only killed their qualification attempts but closed the track for a long time.<br /><br />At 6:00, a long, frustrating day ended and I waited for about thirty minutes before leaving to allow some of the traffic to leave. The traffic was still heavy so I decided to stop at the MCL Cafeteria for supper and thought maybe by the time I left, the traffic wouldn’t be so bad.<br /><br />I had a good supper of breaded pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes, beets, corn, and bread. My only food since breakfast had been two hotdogs, so it really tasted good. I was only one of many race fans who ate there.<br /><br />It was 8:00 when I left the cafeteria and the traffic was still bad. It took a long time to get to the highway, and while I was waiting, it started raining again. It rained steadily off and on for the rest of the evening.<br /><br />I arrived at the motel shortly after 9:00, turned the TV set on, and rested on the bed for several minutes. I watched the 10:00 news and a special show which covered the day’s activities at the Speedway, and then retired for the night.<br /><br />The alarm clock rang at 6:00 Sunday morning, so I got up and left for home about 6:30. I had taken a bath Saturday night, so I shaved and brushed my teeth and was ready to go. I took U.S. 231 south to the Route 36 junction and went west. I stopped for breakfast at the Colonial Kitchen and then drove on home, where I arrived at 11:25.<br /><br />On Saturday morning, I put all of my travelling equipment in my suitcase and checked my list to be sure I had everything. The three of us had a good dinner, and after eating, I put my equipment in the trunk of our 1975 Chevrolet Caprice. Dixie took a picture of Mark and me together, and then at 1:28, I waved goodbye to them and started on my 22nd trip to the big race.<br /><br />The traffic was quite heavy in Springfield and most of the way to and in Decatur. About a mile or so after I crossed Lake Decatur, I glanced to my right and saw Bob Allen, one of our neighbors, and his three boys and one of their friends in their station wagon. Dixie had told me that they were going to the race, but I hadn’t thought about meeting them on the highway going over there. I honked a couple times and waved at them, and when they saw who it was, they did likewise. They stayed immediately ahead of me all the way to Tuscola, although most of the time there was a considerable distance between us. I finally caught up with them shortly before we reached Tuscola, and then, as we were driving through the city, they stopped at a filling station, and I didn’t see any more of them.<br /><br />It was 3:50 when I reached the Colonial Kitchen and stopped for a break. There were a few people having their mid-afternoon coffee, and I decided I would have the same thing, plus a heated sweet roll. I kept looking out the front window to see if Allens came by, but I didn’t see them. When I finished my second cup of coffee, I used the restroom, paid the bill, and at 4:18 left and drove to Danville. As is true with many small towns, the small towns on Route 1 were quite busy this Saturday afternoon. A few minutes before 5:00, I arrived in Danville, and after looking around for a few minutes, I found the motel.<br /><br />The first thing I did was to go to the check-in counter and register. There were several people waiting to sign in and I was glad I had a reserved room. My room was on the third level and after putting my suitcase on the bed, I checked the TV set to see if it worked. I didn’t want to have an inoperative TV set as I did last year. There was no response when I turned the set on, so I went back to the check-in counter and told one of the employees what my problem was. She said there was a switch inside the room door that turned the TV and radio off and on. I went back and discovered what she was talking about and happily for me the TV worked fine.<br /><br />With that problem solved, I decided to go to the Standard Service Station a block north of the motel and have the gas tank filled. With a full tank, I would be able to get to Indianapolis and back safely. It was about 6:30 now, and I decided it was time for supper. The only place I knew that served food was the motel restaurant. I thought it might be expensive, but I decided to have a good meal and spend some money.<br /><br />Luckily, when I arrived, there were a few empty tables and I was seated and given a menu right away. There was a wide variety of choices to choose from, and I chose beef liver with bacon. While my meal was being cooked, I partook of the salad bar. As I was eating my salad, there was a steady flow of people both entering and leaving the restaurant and I was surprised at the informal atmosphere of the customers’ attire. There were business suits, long dresses, work clothes, slacks, and shorts all mixing with each other. There was also a wide range of ages, from young couples with small children to others well along in years. My meal consisted of two plate-length pieces of liver and a plate full of tasty, crisp bacon, and a big baked potato. It was a delicious meal and when I finished I knew I wouldn’t be hungry for some time. My bill was $4.63, and considering the excellent food and service I received, I think it was a bargain.<br /><br />It was 9:00 when I returned to my room. I read three newspapers I had brought from home and, at 10:00, watched the news on the Channel 6 Indianapolis station. They had a 30-minute program about the race at 10:30, which I watched, and then shortly after 11:00, I retired for the day.<br /><br />I had set the alarm clock for 5:00, but I awoke a few minutes before that. I don’t know whether it was my usual night before the 500 excitement or the weather that awakened me. When I opened my eyes, I saw lightning and heard thunder. I looked out the window and saw the wind blowing the rain against the window, and there appeared to be a river of water rushing down the street.<br /><br />That was a bad way to start race day, but I knew it was six hours until the race started and it may not be raining at the Speedway. As the rain continued, I got myself cleaned up and checked to see that I had everything I needed for my day at the Speedway. When I left my room at 5:30, the rain had stopped, although the water was still standing in the streets. I had planned to eat breakfast at the same restaurant I did on the morning of the time trials, but then, just as I was ready to start the engine, a thought entered my mind. Maybe, just maybe, the motel restaurant was serving breakfast. I went back to check, and it was one of the smartest things I did all day. Not only was the restaurant open, but a buffet style breakfast was being served. I decided to join all of those people, most of who were going to the same place I was going to and who were taking advantage of the situation. The menu consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, orange juice, and tomato juice. For some reason, I had a hard time getting full. I ate several pieces of bacon, sausage, and toast, plus three helpings of eggs and three cups of coffee. The charge was only $2.75 per person, and I’m sure I ate more than that. At last, I got my fill, and after paying my most reasonable $2.75, at 6:03 I left for the Speedway.<br /><br />The rain started falling again shortly after I left the motel, and I drove in a steady rain all the way until I was 10 miles or so from the Speedway, and then it stopped. I was happy to see it stop, but I knew from experience not to get my hopes up too much. Until now, traffic had moved right along, but when I reached the I-465 intersection, everything came to a stop. I was prepared for a long wait until I parked the car, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover the traffic moved quite well – only a couple feet at a time, but it was never completely stopped for long. At Lynnhurst Drive, state policemen directed all traffic northward, so then I took the first street to the right and drove until I came to Fischer St. and then turned right again.<br /><br />I stopped at Bud Kramer’s house and asked him if he had a spot for me. He almost said no, but at the last second, he found a place in front of his front steps. It was one of the tightest spaces I ever squeezed a car into, and after much back and forth maneuvering, the car was parked. It took me several seconds to slither out of the car, but I made it. I paid Bud his $5.00, chatted with him for a few seconds, and then left for the Speedway. It was now 8:00.<br /><br />The sights along Crawfordsville Road between Kramer’s and Georgetown Road were much the same as in past years, with beer cans, Styrofoam coolers, people sleeping in ditches, and people selling and buying tickets, all in abundant supply.<br /><br />Because I had not been in the vicinity the night before to do so, I decided to take a quick trip through Risner’s Drug Store, at 16th and Main Streets. I wanted to buy something for Mark and Dixie, but I didn’t see anything that appealed to me. From the drug store, I walked to the Speedway entrance, and at 8:20, the ticket taker took my ticket as I entered the Speedway grounds. I walked only a few feet before I stopped and bought four Speedway souvenir race programs. With that important job done, I continued walking until I came to the tunnel entrance to the infield.<br /><br />As I started down the tunnel, I caught my first view of the race track and the pit area and it really brought a smile to my face. Before I went to my seat, I walked around in hope of finding something of interest for a camera fan but didn’t have much luck. I wanted to be in my seat by 9:00, so I put everything back into my carrying bag and left.<br /><br />The crowd was quite large now, and when I put my carrying bag down to get my ticket out of it, I had a hard time finding a place to do so. When I arrived at my seat, it felt good to sit down and get off my feet for a couple minutes. The multitude of activity also made me feel better, including the marching bands, the work in the pits, and all the other activity.<br /><br />Shortly after 9:15, I took a walk behind the pit area to look at some of the cars, pit crews, drivers, and anybody else I could see that I might recognize. The pit crews were making their last minute checks and adjustments as the starting time was now less than two hours away. My sightseeing lasted for about 30 minutes, and I was on my way back to my seat when the announcement came over the PA system for the pit crews to push their cars to their starting positions on the race track. While this was being done, the first of the traditional pre-race songs, “On the Banks of the Wabash,” was played by the Purdue University Band.<br /><br />With the zero-hour now less than an hour away, the many celebrities were driven around the track in official Buick cars for everybody to see. Among the celebrities present this year were Shirley Jones, Claude Akins, Clifton Davis, Jose Perez, Jo Anne Worley, Kent McChord, Ron Howard, Phyllis Diller, and Indiana University basketball stars Kent Benson and Wayne Radford. There was one celebrity who was driven around the track separate from the other celebrities. That was Bob Hope. He and Speedway owner Tony Hulman were driven around the track in their separate car and were given a warm reception by the huge crowd.<br /><br />At 10:30, top USAC officials made their final inspection trip of the track and announced it was okay for racing. About 10:40, the national anthem was sung by “Up With People” with Tom Sullivan as the vocalist. It was an offbeat arrangement of the song, and it was rather coolly received by many of the spectators.<br /><br />With everybody still standing, the innovation was given by Dr. Ray Montgomery, an Indianapolis minister, and then “Taps” was played in keeping with the true meaning of Memorial Day.<br /><br />To regress a little bit, my two race companions had arrived at 10:00. I had begun to wonder if they had forgotten what day it was, but he said he and his wife had gotten a late start from their home in Michigan and then got caught in the heavy traffic around the Speedway. Although I have forgotten their names, they were strong race fans and made interesting companions.<br /><br />After the playing of “Taps”, there was a pause of about a minute and then the last traditional song, “Back Home Again in Indiana” was played by the band and sung by Jim Nabors.<br /><br />The huge crowd was abuzz with noise now as the last few seconds passed away before the famous command. Chief announcer Tom Carnegie introduced Speedway president Tony Hulman, and Tony slowly and distinctly gave his famous order, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!”<br /><br />The air was charged with electrifying excitement as the 33 engines came to life and the fans responded with cheering and applause. A few seconds later, a member of each pit crew raised an arm to indicate his driver and car were ready to go. Another minute or two went by and then the Buick Pace Car, driven by country music singer Marty Robbins, slowly started away. One by one, the cars were pushed away and started getting lined up for the start of the race. Mike Mosley’s car was the last one to start but was soon in its proper position.<br /><br />All eyes were on the fourth turn and about two minutes later, a loud cheer came from the crowd as the pace car and the field appeared and came down the straightaway. It was a beautiful sight to see. The cars disappeared into the first turn but could be heard all the way around the track. Two to three minutes later, the pace car appeared and started through the pit area. The field stayed in good formation behind the pace car and then starter Pat Vidan waved the green flag and the race was on.<br /><br />From his pole position, Johnny Rutherford took the lead, but kept it for only three laps when AJ Foyt took over. He held the lead through the 13th lap. In the meantime, there was action occurring in the pits. Spike Gehlhausen, a rookie who started 25th, had oil pressure problems at the start and was unable to finish the first lap. On his second lap, Dick Simon was finished for the day with a broken connecting rod and his car stopped on the backstretch.<br /><br />About the same time, Bill Vukovich pulled into his pit, and after a wait of a minute or so took off his helmet and was done for the day. The trouble was diagnosed as a broken connecting rod. Bill’s good record of finishing in the top ten positions didn’t hold up this year.<br /><br />On the tenth lap, the yellow light came on when Roger McCluskey spun in some oil in the southeast turn and crashed into the wall. Roger had a good car and one of the highest qualifying speeds, but his bad luck of so many years returned to plague him again.<br /><br />While the yellow light was still on, David Hobbs, who started in 31st position as a teammate to Salt Walther, was finished after ten laps with a water leak.<br /><br />With only ten of 200 laps completed, five cars were out of the race. The attrition rate was terrible, but little did anybody know that it was almost over for the day.<br /><br />Meanwhile, back on the race track, there was much action. At the end of ten laps, the first ten were Foyt, Rutherford, Gordon Johncock, Tom Sneva, Wally Dallenbach, Duane Carter, Mario Andretti, Johnny Parsons, Gary Bettenhausen, and Mike Mosley.<br /><br />Foyt and Rutherford both made pit stops during the yellow period for McCluskey’s accident. Duane Carter led laps 14-16 before being passed by Dallenbach, who lead only 2 laps before being overtaken by Johncock. Gordon remained in front until the 37th lap when he made a pit stop. This put Sneva in front but only for one lap because he pitted on his next lap and Rutherford regained the lead.<br /><br />Further back in the field, Andretti, Lloyd Ruby, Tom Bigelow, and Jan Opperman had moved up several positions and were giving a good account of themselves. Rutherford remained in first until the 60th lap when he made his third pit stop and Foyt regained the lead. After 50 laps, or 125 miles, the first five positions were held by Rutherford, Foyt, Johncock, Carter, and Bobby Unser. On his 53rd lap, Gary Bettenhausen came into his pits and was done for the day with mechanical problems. His pit was in front of me and he and his pit crew were quite a dejected group when they discovered their problem.<br /><br />By now, the fans were noticing the low attrition rate and it made the race quite interesting. At this stage in the race, Foyt’s pit crew began to notice his lead over Rutherford was getting smaller and smaller, but they didn’t know why. AJ pitted on his 81st lap and Rutherford took over again.<br /><br />At the halfway mark, 100 laps, the standings were Rutherford, Foyt, Johncock, Dallenbach, Carter, Sneva, Al Unser, Andretti, Walther, and Bobby Unser.<br /><br />Everything was going fine at this point, but it was only minutes away from coming to a most unhappy ending. I saw and felt it coming down, but didn’t want to believe it. That ol’ culprit of the Speedway – rain – was here again.<br /><br />A huge moan arose from the crowd as the jackets, caps, rain scarves, and plastic covers were put into use. On the race track, the cars slowed down as the yellow flag came out, which was followed a couple laps later by the red flag, which stopped all activity on the track and brought the drivers into their pits.<br /><br />I sat in stunned disbelief and disgust, as did the thousands of other spectators, as the rain continued. Pretty soon it intensified and everybody scampered to get under dry protection somewhere. I went into the first men’s restroom behind the Tower Terrace section, made use of the facilities, and then stayed for several minutes to escape the rain, as did many other men.<br /><br />Eventually the rain diminished somewhat, although it was a long time before it stopped. By now, there were several trucks going around the track in an effort to dry it and get it ready for racing again. By 3:00, the track was dry enough to be used again and pit crew members were instructed to line their cars up in single file in the pit area for the restart of the race.<br /><br />Most of the fans returned to their seats and were eagerly awaiting Tony Hulman’s order to have the engines restarted. The cars were lined up, the drivers were in their cars and ready to go, and the starters were inserted into the cars. The only thing left to be done was for Tony to issue the order.<br /><br />Suddenly, the sky opened again and drenched the Speedway. Within the next couple minutes, the fans again rushed for shelter and the exits. A restart was out of the question now. It was all over for this year. This second rain was almost a downpour, and the mad rush for the exits made for a most unpleasant situation.<br /><br />I checked to be sure I had all of my equipment and then started the long walk to Gate 1. The pouring rain made the walk seem longer than it really was. At times while walking behind the Paddock area, there was no way to avoid walking through several inches of water, plus being soaked from above by water falling off the grandstand roof.<br /><br />When I passed through the gate, I walked across the street and stopped at the White Castle. I had eaten almost nothing since 6:00 so I ate a couple cheeseburgers and some French fries while I was getting out of the rain for a few minutes. The food didn’t fill my stomach, but I did feel somewhat better.<br /><br />The rain had stopped for a few minutes, so I left for Kramers’ and hoped I arrived before it started again. Along the way, I encountered some race fans whose frustration and unhappiness about the weather was further aggravated by the failure of the traffic to move. Two carloads of such people across the street from Kramers’ almost tangled with each other, but calmed down before any punches were thrown.<br /><br />Kramers’ yard had only two cars left on it when I arrive, so there was no problem about getting out. Bud was picking up trash left by some of his other customers, and when I arrived the two of us talked for quite a while about the weather, the people, the race, and several other matters. I think it was about the longest and friendliest conversation the two of us ever had with each other, because there was nothing or nobody to interrupt us. He finally excused himself to attend a birthday party for one of his grandchildren in the house and said I could sit on the front porch until I left.<br /><br />Shortly after 5:00, it started raining again and I went to the car so that I wouldn’t get any wetter. I was hoping the traffic would taper off somewhat before I left, but it didn’t and at 5:30, I decided I had to leave and would have to hope for good luck.<br /><br />It took a few minutes but finally somebody with a little compassion for me let me onto the highway. The traffic was so heavy that it took an hour and fifteen minutes to reach the I-74 junction. Next to the race being abbreviated by the rain, this was the most frustrating part of my trip. I encounter this same situation every year, and I have never been able to understand the necessity for this bottleneck. After what seemed like hours, about 6:45, I reached I-74, and finally started moving. I could tell by looking at some of the other people that I wasn’t alone in my thinking.<br /><br />It rained intermittently all the way to Danville, but the traffic moved well and it was between 8:00 and 8:05 when I arrived at my room. I turned on the TV set, took off my wet shoes, and watched ABC-TV’s same-day coverage of the race. It was a two-hour program and a good one, considering that only half a race was run and it wasn’t until 3:17 that the race was officially finished.<br /><br />At 10:00, when the program ended, I checked to see if the motel restaurant was open. It was closed for the night, so I returned to my room and, shortly before 11:00, retired for the night.<br /><br />I woke up between 6:00 and 6:30 Monday morning and felt much better. I turned on the TV set and watched it for a few minutes, and then took a bath, shaved, combed my hair, and put on clean, dry clothes. With that important job done, I checked to see I hadn’t left anything, took my equipment to the car, and then returned my motel key to the front desk and made sure I was checked out.<br /><br />Danville was now a quiet city with little automobile traffic and almost nobody walking the streets when I left it about 7:30 and drove south to Chrisman. I stopped at the Standard Station in Georgetown for gasoline, and then continued on and arrived at the Colonial Kitchen at 8:00.<br /><br />There were about a couple dozen or so customers in the restaurant. Almost every time I stop here, there is a group of farmers having their morning or afternoon coffee, and this time was no exception. I ordered pancakes, sausage, toast, hash browns, and coffee. It was a good, inexpensive breakfast, and when I left about 8:45, I felt refreshed and ready for the drive home.<br /><br />There was no doubt in my mind that this area of the state had received quite a bit of rain in the past several hours. There was water standing in many fields and the highway was wet in various degrees almost all the way to Decatur. In some places, it was completely wet and in other places only along the center line. A few miles east of Decatur, the rainy area seemed to end and from here on to Springfield it looked as if there hadn’t been any rain.<br /><br />It was about 10:00 when I reached Decatur. The city traffic wasn’t as heavy as it was Saturday afternoon and in about fifteen minutes, I was out of the city and on the last forty or so miles of my trip. Traffic was about normal most of the way and it was 11:15 when I drove into my driveway. I carried my equipment into the house and started the job of unpacking and putting everything away. Another safe trip to and from the big race was complete.<br /><br />EPILOGUE<br /><br />The official finish was posted by USAC on Monday morning and listed Rutherford first, Foyt second, and Johncock third, all with 102 laps completed.<br /><br />Wally Dallenbach had his best finish in his ten races when he finished fourth in the Sinmast Goodyear Wildcat. He was a teammate of Johncock and their mechanic was George Bignotti.<br /><br />Pancho Carter had another fine year and finished fifth, having started in sixth position. In his three years at the Speedway, he had placed seventh, fourth, and fifth.<br /><br />Tom Sneva had a fine year, starting third and finishing sixth. It was particularly pleasing after his spectacular crash of last year.<br /><br />Al Unser finished seventh in his car with one of the new Cosworth engines in it, after starting in fourth position.<br /><br />Mario Andretti made news at the Speedway this year when he had the fastest qualifying run. His average was 189.404 mph, but he started in 19th position because he didn’t qualify until the third day of time trials. He moved up fast during the race, but had two long pit stops which dropped him to eighth place at the finish.<br /><br />Salt Walther was running at the finish for the first time in his five races. In three of those five years, he finished last, so it was good to see him do so well.<br /><br />Last year’s winner, Bobby Unser, was tenth after starting 12th.<br /><br />Special mention must be made of 11th place finisher, Lloyd Ruby. Lloyd, the perennial sentimental favorite and hard luck driver of the Speedway, was almost unheard of this year until the last day of qualifying, when he really made big news. He didn’t have a car until that day, but then made an outstanding qualifying run of 186.480 mph. It was the seventh fastest time in the field, but Lloyd started in 30th position because he qualified so late. If he had qualified on the first day, he would have started in third position on the first row, a row he had never started from. This was Lloyd’s 17th race and he is second only to Foyt in that category. Once the race started, he advanced quickly and had worked up to 11th place when the rain ended the race. It would only be conjecture, of course, to say where he would have finished if the race had gone to completion, but he certainly gave a good account of himself in this year’s race. His many thousands of fans, including me, are still hoping to see him in Victory Lane some year.<br /><br />The purse for this year’s race was a record $1,037,775, of which Rutherford received $256,121, and Foyt $103,296. The purse was distributed at the Victory Dinner on Monday night. Also at the Victory Dinner, Vern Schuppan, one of four rookies in this year’s race, was named the Rookie of the Year. The other rookies were Billy Scott, Al Loquasto, and Spike Gehlhausen.<br /><br />Qualifying speeds were lower this year than they were in 1975 or 1974. The fastest four-lap average was 189.404 mph, compared to 193.976 in 1975 and 191.632 in 1974. The overall qualification average for the entire field was 183.785, compared to last year’s 185.057. Several reasons were given for the decrease in speed, including limited amounts of fuel and engine restriction mandated by USAC.<br /><br />One of the biggest stories of this year was the appearance of the first woman driver in the history of the Speedway. Her name was Janet Guthrie and every lap she ran and every word she spoke received much attention from the news media. As might be expected, she was not well received at first by some members of the racing fraternity. This negative opinion, however, changed considerably after she passed her rookie test with flying colors. Unfortunately, she was troubled all month long with a sour running car. Her Bryant Heating and Cooling Special, a teammate of Dick Simon’s car, encountered one mechanical problem after another, and when the qualifying deadline came, she was unable to qualify fast enough for the race. By this time, she had proven herself to be a race driver to almost everybody’s satisfaction, and her congenial personality won her many new fans.<br /><br />It is hard to believe that this was the third rain-shortened race in the last four years. Before 1973, many fans had never seen a drop of rain at the Speedway, and now it seems to be becoming an almost yearly occurrence. Unlike last year’s sudden downpour, this year’s rain was gentler but lasted much longer. It is only speculation, of course, as to what would have transpired had the full 500 miles been run, particularly in regard to the Rutherford-Foyt battle.<br /><br />This year’s activities came to an unpleasant ending with the shooting death of Speedway vice-president, Elmer George. George was the son-in-law of Speedway president, Tony Hulman, and was a former race driver, having driven in the 500 in 1957, 1962, and 1963. He and his wife were having marital problems and earlier in the month, she had filed for a divorce. He was killed at the Hulman farm in Terre Haute, apparently by a farm attendant. Both George and Tony Hulman were guests at the GMSC open house party on May 14. I had no idea George would be dead before the month was gone.<br /><br />Another year of activity at the Speedway was done. Like all others, it would have its outstanding events by which it would be remembered. When the time comes for the 1977 race, I plan to be in attendance to see “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”<br /><br />Pace Car – Buick Century<br />500 Festival Queen – Rebecca TippyPaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-59804659200912930462009-03-08T18:53:00.000-05:002009-03-08T18:55:21.736-05:00Indy Journal - 1975<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u>1975</u></span><br /></div><br />The winning of the pole position for a record-tying fourth time by A.J. Foyt, the close fight for the lead during the race, and the heat and rain on race day were highlights of this year’s activity at the Speedway.<br /><br />From a personal viewpoint, it was my first race since becoming a father and the first year I stayed at a motel while either going to or coming home from the race.<br /><br />On Saturday morning, May 24, I packed all of my belongings into our 1975 Chevrolet Caprice and then ate dinner. After dinner, I made a last check to be sure I had everything on my list and at 12:20, I said goodbye to Dixie and my boy, Mark, and started on my 21st trip to the race.<br /><br />The weather looked threatening when I left and I didn’t even get to Riverton before the first drops fell. It turned out to be a light short shower and when I reached Dawson, it had stopped.<br /><br />The traffic moved slowly in both directions and it took 55-60 minutes to reach Decatur, which I think is the longest time it’s taken to get there on any of my trips. The slow traffic continued for a few miles east of Decatur and then it improved considerably. It was 2:45 when I stopped in front of the Colonia Kitchen in Chrisman.<br /><br />I stretched my legs and arms for a few seconds and then went in and found a seat. The place was almost empty of people and there were no more than six customers at a time while I was there. I had a cup of coffee and a dish of vanilla ice cream, both of which tasted good. When I finished my coffee, I used the restroom and then, at 3:02, I started on the second part of my trip.<br /><br />Ten minutes later, at 3:12, I crossed the state line and started the up-and-down, twisting ride to the Speedway. The Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area is an attractive area and the lake was replete with boaters taking advantage of the good weather.<br /><br />I took Route 36 all the way to Lynnhurst Drive and stopped at the Standard filling station at the intersection of the two roads and filled the gasoline tank. Lynnhurst Drive is a four lane road now and a tremendous improvement from several years ago when it was only two lanes.<br /><br />The traffic on Crawfordsville Road was quite heavy and moved slowly but I managed to get to Auburn St. and at 4:53 pm, I arrived at the Bray house. It had taken four hours and sixteen minutes of travelling time to make the trip.<br /><br />Mrs. Bray was sitting in her front yard talking with two of her sons and some friends and race fans and seemed pleased to see me. I took my suitcase upstairs and then joined the people for some informal socializing. We talked for quite a while and then I went to the Speedway Museum.<br /><br />The scene around the museum was the same as in past years. There was a long line of people waiting to tour the museum and there were also a few persons still trying to buy tickets for the race.<br /><br />There didn’t appear to be any exhibits I hadn’t seen before so I went to the souvenir counter to see if there was anything I might want to buy. The souvenir programs for the race were being sold and I decided to buy mine now instead of at the race tomorrow. I gave the salesclerk a $10 bill for four programs and was thoroughly shocked when she said $8 and only gave me $2 in change. I could hardly believe that the price had doubled in just one year.<br /><br />I went back to the house and left my programs and then drove to the MCL Cafeteria in the shopping center on Crawfordsville Road. The cafeteria was doing a steady business, but I had no trouble finding a seat, which made me happy. For my supper, I had breaded veal cutlet, mashed potatoes with gravy, baked beans, roll and butter, and Coca-Cola. The cost was a few cents over $2, which I felt was reasonable. The food was good and the atmosphere was pleasant.<br /><br />It was between 8:00 and 8:30 when I left and I window shopped in some of the stores and then drove to the Dunkin Donuts shop and had a cup of coffee and a couple donuts for dessert.<br /><br />When I returned to the house, it was almost dark and I decided to take a walk around the area and see what was happening. Because of the trouble of recent years, I decided not to walk on Georgetown Road and just walked a short distance east on 16th Street and then came back. I went into the drugstore at 16th and Main Streets with the hope of buying a little souvenir for Mark. Most of the race and Speedway merchandise was either too junky or too old for Mark, so I didn’t buy anything. I also tried the drugstore a block south on Main Street but I had the same luck.<br /><br />It was about 10:00 when I returned to the house. Most of the people were sitting in the yard because it was cooler there than in the house, but I wanted to read the newspaper I had brought so I sat in the living room and did that. I had the house to myself, except for somebody coming in once in a while to use the bathroom or telephone.<br /><br />I decided to take advantage of nobody being in the house and used the bathroom without feeling I had to hurry because somebody was waiting to use it after me. Earlier I had decided that I would shave now instead of in the morning, and I was glad I did.<br /><br />It was a few minutes before 12:00 when my day came to an end. There was much noise coming from the wild activity on Crawfordsville Road and there was almost no wind to cool my hot, uncomfortable room, but after a couple minutes, I went to sleep and wasn’t awaked at all during the night.<br /><br />I had brought my electric alarm clock from home and set it to ring at 6:00. When I woke up and looked to see what time it was, it was between 5:55 and 6:00. I immediately turned the alarm off and lay in bed for a couple minutes and listened to the noise coming from downstairs and outdoors.<br /><br />When the couple minutes had passed, I got up, got dressed, made the bed, and combed my hair. Mrs. Bray was serving breakfast again this year so I went downstairs and joined some other people who were already eating. I sat at the dining room table and had it to myself until I was almost finished amd three young persons joined me. The meal was two eggs, two pieces of bacon, two pieces of toast, and either milk or coffee to drink. I chose the milk. The meal cost $2.50, tasted good, and was a fine way to start the day. When I finished, I washed my teeth, got all of my equipment put into my carrying bag, and left for the Speedway. It was about 7:00 now.<br /><br />The restaurant across the street from the main entrance to the Speedway was doing a good business and I stopped to have my thermos bottle filled. Because of the heat, I wanted to get Pepsi-Cola instead of the usual coffee. The person who waited on me told me they sold soda by the cup only and they couldn’t sell it in a thermos bottle. This didn’t make sense to me, but I didn’t want to argue and there were people waiting in line behind me, so I ordered coffee even though I felt that I wouldn’t use much of it.<br /><br />Before I went into the Speedway grounds, I took a few pictures with both of my cameras of the entrance area. It was about 7:30 when I went through the turnstiles. My reason for coming to the Speedway earlier than usual was to go to the gift shop and buy something for Mark. As it turned out, I was glad I didn’t get there any later then I did. There were several shoppers there when I arrived but before I left, a Speedway safety patrolman was needed. He would only allow as many persons to enter the building as there were leaving. If two persons left the building, then only two persons could enter. I didn’t see much of what I wanted, but I finally bought a white sweater with a picture of the Control Tower and the words “Indianapolis Motor Speedway” on it.<br /><br />There were several souvenir stands set up on my way to the tunnel and I stopped at one of them and bought a little beanie. I wasn’t sure of Mark’s head size so I bought one that I thought looked about right. When I got home and put it on Mark’s head, it was just the right size, so for once I guessed something correctly.<br /><br />There were several concession stands along the way to the Gate 7 tunnel, and because of the heat, I stopped at one of them and bought a Coca-Cola. This was the first time I could remember buying a cold drink before I arrived at my seat. The traffic was heavy but not to the extent that it was crushing.<br /><br />As I started through the tunnel, I looked up and saw the Control Tower and the pit area and heard the public address announcer and the sound of some of the engines being tested. That brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eyes.<br /><br />I didn’t go directly to my seat, but instead toured the infield area behind the Tower Terrace seats to see if there was anything or anybody that might appeal to me as a cameraman. I was there for a few minutes and then left to go to my seat.<br /><br />As I was walking, I came upon the information booth of the Goodyear Motor Sports Club. There was a man tending the booth so I stopped and we talked for a couple minutes. I had joined the new club earlier in the year and this was the first race I attended as a club member.<br /><br />It was about 9:00 when I entered the Tower Terrace area. The sight and sound of the cars and the crowd was pleasing and I decided to walk along the pit area and observe as much as I could. All of the cars were in their pit areas and were being attended to in one or more ways. Unlike most years, I didn’t see many drivers or celebrities that I recognized, although I felt sure there were as many as usual. I walked down to the entrance to Gasoline Alley and then walked back to my seat. It was 9:30 when I arrived at my yearly seat in Section 43, Row J, Seat 5.<br /><br />I sat down in my seat, put my equipment under the seat, and then relaxed for a couple minutes and rested my feet and legs. Then I introduced myself to my two companions for this year’s race, Willy Moats and his wife.<br /><br />Ted and Margaret had originally planned to use my two other tickets, but thirty minutes before I left home on Saturday, Ted called and said his father-in-law was getting remarried on Sunday, and therefore he and Margaret couldn’t go this year. He then told me that a friend of his at work, Willy Moats, and his wife would be happy to take their places. Ted and I were both disappointed that he couldn’t go, but I was glad he was able to find a last-minute substitute.<br /><br />Willy and his wife were both real quiet, shy persons, who neither smoked nor drank, and these traits made them real pleasant race companions.<br /><br />I watched the bands parade up and down the straightaway and the hectic activity in the pits as the 10:00 hour approached. At 9:45, the announcement came over the PA system for the pit crews to push their cars to their starting positions on the race track. This drew a cheer from the audience as they realized the zero-hour of 11:00 was getting close.<br /><br />Between 10:00 and 10:30, the many celebrities were introduced over the PA system. Most of them were TV names that I didn’t recognize, but I knew the names of Bob Barker, Jackie Cooper, and Jimmy Dean.<br /><br />The heat and humidity were quite high now and it made me thirsty for a cold drink. I asked my companions to watch my equipment for me and then I went to the nearest concession stand behind the Tower Terrace area and bought a large Pepsi-Cola. There were a lot of people still walking around and many of them also stopped for a cold drink. I drank it slowly and it felt real good.<br /><br />It was about 10:15 when I returned to my seat and at 10:20, the chief steward announced that the pit crews could run their engines for ten minutes for a final check.<br /><br />The testing period ended at 10:30 and then the chief steward and other USAC officials made the final inspection of the race track to see if it was ready for the race. Their trip ended with a cheer from the audience as they said it was ready for racing.<br /><br />Now came the part of the pre-race ceremonies that always increases my heartbeat and sometimes makes me cry. Between 10:40 and 10:45, the Purdue University Band played the “Star-Spangled Banner” and then Dr. Ray Montgomery, an Indianapolis minister, gave the invocation. This was followed immediately by the playing of “Taps”, in keeping with the true meaning of Memorial Day. A couple minutes later, the band accompanied Jim Nabors as he sang the traditional final song, “Back Home Again in Indiana.” The excitement was increasing with each passing minute.<br /><br />A few seconds later, a loud deep boom was heard from the infield area and in a couple seconds, hundreds of multi-colored balloons ascended over the Speedway in an awesome sight of beauty. While this was happening, Tom Carnegie, chief PA announcer, slowly and distinctly introduced Speedway president Tony Hulman, who a few minutes earlier had accepted a trophy on behalf of the Speedway upon its being listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Once again, Tony loudly, slowly, and distinctly gave his famous command “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES.”<br /><br />A mighty cheer came from the huge crowd as the 33 big cars roared into life. It was a wonderful sight to see and hear. A member of each pit crew raised one arm to indicate his car and driver were ready to go. The drivers continued racing their engines and about a minute later, the Buick pace car, driven by TV celebrity James Garner, slowly moved away toward the first turn, as the field began the first of two prerace laps.<br /><br />The cars could be heard moving down the backstretch towards the north end of the track. A minute or so later, the field moved through the fourth turn and down the straightway. The crowd responded with applause and cheering as the official pace lap began. Everybody was standing and looking at the fourth turn. A couple minutes later, the pace car appeared and quickly drove through the pit area. Pole position driver, AJ Foyt, brought the field down slowly, and then about the time the front row reached the starting line, started Pat Vidan waved the green flag and the race was on.<br /><br />Gordon Johncock, starting in second position, jumped into the lead and was the first driver to reach the starting line. He was several feet ahead of Foyt and third place started Bobby Unser. As they reached the first turn, it was Johncock, Foyt, and Unser.<br /><br />Johncock maintained his lead for eight laps before Foyt caught him on the ninth lap. Three laps later, Gordon pulled into his pit and was finished for the day, a victim of ignition failure.<br /><br />Before Gordon came into his pit, however, two other drivers were already in their pits. Salt Walther was finished after two laps with ignition failure and my perennial victor choice, Lloyd Ruby, had a short seven lap race. Salt has been in four races and finished last in three of them. Lloyd started in sixth position in one of the McLaren cars and seemed to be destined for a good day, but his traditional bad luck arrived early this year and there was a big moan from the crowd when he was finished after seven laps with a burned piston.<br /><br />Foyt continued to lead through the 21st lap when he made his first pit stop, as did most of the other drivers. This gave the lead to Johnny Rutherford, who led only two laps before pulling into his pit.<br /><br />At 20 laps, or 50 miles, the first five cars were those of Foyt, Rutherford, Unser, Wally Dallenbach, and Bill Vukovich.<br /><br />Rookie Larry McCoy’s first race was a dismal one as he was forced to the sidelines after 25 laps with a burned piston.<br /><br />The 1969 winner, Mario Andretti, was also having problems. He started 27th, and after making his first pit stop, his car stalled. He was pushed back to his pit, the car was restarted, and stalled again. On the third attempt, he kept the engine going and rejoined the field.<br /><br />On his 42st lap, Mike Hiss spun his car and hit the wall in the third turn. This brought out the yellow light for the first time in the race.<br /><br />At 40 laps, or 100 miles, the standings were Foyt, Rutherford, Unser, Dallenbach, and Al Unser.<br /><br />Andretti’s problems didn’t end when he was able to keep his engine from stalling. On his 49th lap, he crashed into the wall and brought out the second caution flag of the race.<br /><br />On his 59th lap, Wally Dallenbach moved to the front for the first time in his No. 40 Sinmast Wildcat Special. He proceeded to put on one of the finest individual performances in the race for several years. His car was running fine and little by little he was pulling away from the rest of the field. He led through the 69th lap, when he made a pit stop and yielded the lead to Foyt for one lap.<br /><br />The green flag was displayed again on the leader’s 71st lap after almost five minutes of caution time because of Andretti’s crash.<br /><br />After 80 laps, or 200 miles, the first five positions were held by Dallenbach, Foyt, Bobby Unser, Rutherford, and Tom Sneva.<br /><br />Dallenbach continued to run strong and almost seemed to be in a race by himself, as the rest of the field tried in vain to catch him. At the halfway point, he was still in first position, with the remainder of the first ten made up of Rutherford, Foyt, Bobby Unser, Sneva, Johnny Parsons, George Snider, Sam Sessions, Bobby Allison, and Bill Puterbaugh.<br /><br />Meanwhile, John Martin was forced to the sidelines on his 62nd lap with radiator trouble, and Mike Mosley, fifth place starter, left after 94 laps with engine failure.<br /><br />Shortly past the 100 lap mark, there was a series of pit stops by the leaders which resulted in the lead constantly changing. At 300 miles, the first five positions were held by Dallenbach, Foyt, Bobby Unser, Rutherford, and Sneva.<br /><br />On his 127th lap, Sneva made his exit from the race in a most spectacular, undesirable way. He was going through the second turn when he tangled with rookie Eldon Rasmussen. His car hit the outside wall and did a complete flip in the air. At the same time, the car seemed to explode and pieces of the car, including Sneva himself, were thrown in every direction. Luckily, the car landed right side up and miraculously Tom suffered only minor burns. The track emergency crew got him out of his burning car and he was able to walk to an ambulance. By a slight twist of fate, he could just as easily have been killed. For being such a terrible crash, it had a wonderful ending in that Sneva was not injured any more than he was.<br /><br />Sneva’s crash naturally brought out the yellow flag and it remained out for 25 minutes. Many drivers took advantage of the caution period and made pit stops, including Dallenbach, who retained his lead while making his pit stop. When the green flag was displayed on the 141st lap, the leaders were Dallenbach, Unser, Rutherford, and Foyt.<br /><br />Leaving the race were Bobby Allison on his 113th lap with a broken gearbox, Eldon Rasmussen on his 120th lap with a leaky O-ring, and Johnny Parsons on his 138th lap with a broken transmission shaft.<br /><br />The next round of pit stops came at about the 160 lap mark. Dallenbach stopped at his pit and in doing so relinquished the lead to Rutherford who in turn also pitted and yielded the lead to Unser.<br /><br />Then misfortune hit Dallenbach. Coming down the straightaway to complete his 161st lap, his car sputtered and sounded sick. The next time around, he came slowly through the pit area and was finished for the day with a brown piston. It was a big letdown for many of the fans, including me. I was beginning to hope he could win the race, not because I’m a Wally Dallenbach fan, but because he was the only one of the leaders who hadn’t won the race previously. Wally had the race to himself for several laps, but now his No. 40 Sinmast Wildcat was on the sidelines.<br /><br />On the 164th lap, Bobby Unser became the leader, with Rutherford second and Foyt third.<br /><br />As he was coming down the main straightaway on the leaders’ 170th lap, Gary Bettenhausen gave the fans in that area their biggest excitement of the day. Something broke on his car and caused him to crash into the outside wall almost directly in front of me. His right rear wheel came off and the tire tore into several pieces. I did not see his initial contact with the wall, but did see him hit the wall several more times as his car bounced wildly toward the first turn. It was a frightening sight to see but Gary did a masterful job of keeping the car under control and not getting in the way of any other drivers.<br /><br />Gary’s wreck brought the yellow flag out and this brought about more pit stops. Unser and Rutherford came in to top off their fuel tanks in preparations for the drive to the finish line.<br /><br />While the pit stops were being made and the debris from Bettenhausen’s crash was being cleaned up, that most unwelcome visitor – RAIN – arrived on the scene. I gasped and moaned in disbelief as I saw the first few drops, and then within just a few seconds, the clouds opened up and a gulley washer covered the Speedway. It had been cloudy for some time, but the rain was not predicted until late in the afternoon, well after the end of the race.<br /><br />The storm came so fast that almost nobody could escape it. My two companions, the Moats, had left a few minutes earlier in anticipation of the rain so that they could get to shelter. I had no rain protection at all with me, so I could do nothing but sit or stand there and take it. I got under my seat, but that provided no protection because it seemed to be coming from every direction.<br /><br />Meanwhile, on the race track, starter Pat Vidan waved the yellow flag, and then a few seconds later, did likewise with the red flag, thus ending all activity on the track. Several cars, including those of Steve Krisiloff, Bill Puterbough, Jimmy Caruthers, and Bentley Warren, got out of control because their tires lost all traction on the wet pavement. This caused several spins and minor crashes, but there were no injuries.<br /><br />After a few minutes the intensity of the rain subsided and then quit. By now, the water on the track and in the pit area was several inches deep. Although I didn’t see it, Bobby Unser drove his No. 48 Jorgenson Eagle to Victory Lane at a very slow pace but still threw water to both sides in doing so.<br /><br />Several minutes after the rain stopped, some of the pit crews returned and gathered up their equipment and took it back to their garages. The large amount of water made the job quite unpleasant.<br /><br />When the pit area was almost empty, I gathered up all of my equipment and walked to the garage area. The pedestrian traffic was still quite heavy, but was gradually diminishing. In the garage area, all of the cars were being given their post-race inspection by USAC officials, and therefore it was still off limits to everybody without a pass.<br /><br />While I was waiting to get into the garage area, I looked around and saw a postal colleague of mine, Rob Atkins, and his wife, walking to their car. I caught his attention and we stopped and talked for several minutes about what had happened so far. I knew he was at the race, but certainly hadn’t planned on seeing him.<br /><br />It was after 4:00 when all the cars were inspected and the gates were thrown open to everybody. The only drivers I saw were Johnny Rutherford and Lloyd Ruby. They were teammates and were wearing everyday casual clothes by now, but I had no trouble recognizing them when I saw them. There wasn’t much to see in the garage area so I made a quick walk around the place and then headed for the exit.<br /><br />I hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast so I stopped at the White Castle restaurant across from the Speedway entrance and had two cheeseburgers, french fries, and a cup of coffee. The cheeseburgers were quite small and cost only $0.24 each, but they tasted delicious. My hunger wasn’t completely satiated, but I felt better and now it wouldn’t seem so long until supper.<br /><br />Before I returned to the house, I went to see Bud and Helen Kramer. My knock on the door was answered by Mrs. Kramer and she seemed most happy to see me. Bud was asleep after being up all night parking cars, so Mrs. Kramer and I sat in the living room and had a friendly visit with each other. We talked for several minutes about the race, weather, and her customers, and she inquired about Bobby and dad.<br /><br />It was about 6:00 when I arrived at Mrs. Bray’s house. She was sitting on her lawn sofa and two of her other roomers and I joined her and rested our feet for a few minutes. We visited for a few minutes and then the other roomers and I got our equipment put into our cars, paid our bills, and went our separate ways. It was 6:25 when I left the house.<br /><br />Most of the race crowd was already out of the Speedway area, so I had no problem with the traffic. The traffic on Crawfordsville Road was almost back to normal. It certainly was a relief not to have to wait an hour just to get to I-74. When I passed through the last intersection with a stop light, I found an Indianapolis radio station that was playing enjoyable music and settled back for the ride to Danville.<br /><br />The ride was not without interruption. The weather was still unsettled, with dark skies and lightning and thunder a common occurrence. Despite all these ominous signs, there was little rain and only two or three times was it necessary to use the wiper blades.<br /><br />It was 7:45 when I reached Danville and a few minutes later, I arrived at the Holiday Inn. Two days before, on Friday morning, I had gone to the Holiday Inn South in Springfield and made a reservation for Sunday night. By doing that, I was assured of having a room when I arrived. I parked in the first parking lot of the motel and then went inside and registered. My room was on the second floor so I got my suitcase and went to my room.<br /><br />I was eager to see the ABC same-day telecast of the race, which was shown from 7:30 to 9:30. I turned the TV set on only to find, much to my chagrin, that the set didn’t work. I thought about asking somebody at the reservation desk about the trouble, but remembered it was Sunday night and there probably wouldn’t be anybody to fix it, so instead, I got out a newspaper I had with me and sat in a soft chair, took off my shoes, and read the newspaper.<br /><br />By 8:45, I was rather hungry so I went downstairs to the dining room. I was shown to a table by the hostess and given a menu. There were only eight other customers in the room. My table was only a few feet from the swimming pool, and as I looked out, I could see it was raining again, although only lightly. When I looked at the menu and saw the cheapest meal was $3.25, I was unpleasantly surprised.<br /><br />I looked over all the choices and prices and selected spaghetti and meatballs. It had been a long time since I had eaten that and it sounded good, so I ordered it. When the waitress brought the food, it didn’t look like much for $3.50, but I had a surprise coming. Before the main meal, she fixed me a huge round bowl full of mixed salad. It was one of the biggest servings of salad I had ever seen or eaten.<br /><br />When I finished the salad, the waitress brought a large, oblong-shaped dish of spaghetti and meat balls. It was a big serving and tasted delicious. If I hadn’t been as hungry as I was, I don’t think I could have eaten all of it. By the time I reached the end, I could hardly move off my chair. My previous unpleasant thought about the $3.50 charge had changed now as I realized I was getting all I could eat.<br /><br />At the table next to me was a young couple who were on their way home from the race and were spending the night at the motel before moving on on Monday. We talked for several minutes and then they left because they were done eating.<br /><br />It was about 9:45 when I paid my bill and left for my room. The light rain had stopped and now it was a real pleasant evening – not too hot, cool, or windy. The two cups of coffee and two glasses of water I had for supper didn’t relieve my feel of thirst, so I decided to buy some soda and see if that would help. I was out of luck, however, because all the machines at the motel were empty. There was nothing to do but return to my room and drink water.<br /><br />As I started to open the door, I noticed a note on the door handle. It was a memorandum saying my wife had called me and just wanted me to know she had called. The message aroused my curiosity so I went to the service counter to inquire about it. I talked to the man who took the message. He said she had called about an hour ago and, since I wasn’t in my room, said to leave a note to the effect that she had called but that it wasn’t necessary for me to return the call.<br /><br />I went back to my room and finished my reading and then took a leisurely, relaxing bath and then shaved so I wouldn’t have to in the morning. I felt clean but tired now and it was about 11:00, so I lay down on the soft, comfortable bed, pulled up the sheet and blanket, and thus ended a long and memorable day in my life.<br /><br />It was about 6:00 when I started the new day. I had set my alarm clock for 6:00, but since I woke up before then, I shut it off so it wouldn’t scare me. The soft bed and cool room felt fine so I lay in bed for a few minutes before arising. When I got up, I washed my teeth, combed my hair, got dressed, packed my suitcase, checked to see I hadn’t left anything, and then went downstairs and turned in my key.<br /><br />When I stopped outside, the air felt fresh and cool from the light rain of the previous evening, and I told myself it was going to be a pleasant drive to Chrisman. Because of the early hour and the day being a holiday, there was almost no traffic, which made for good driving. I met only a few cars on Route 1 and it was about 7:20 when I arrived at the Colonial Kitchen.<br /><br />There were several persons there, but it wasn’t crowded. I decided to change my usual way and ordered from the menu instead of going through the line and serving myself. The menu didn’t offer a big selection, but most of the choices sounded good. I ordered ham, hashed brown potatoes, and toast to eat, and coffee and orange juice to drink. It had been a long time since I had eaten hashed brown potatoes and I was anxious to try them again. The waitress was pleasant, the service was good, and the food tasted fine, all of which made a pleasant meal. When I finished, I used the restroom, paid the bill, and then left for home. It was one minute after 8:00 when I drove out of the parking lot onto Route 36.<br /><br />The flooding in the fields I saw on Saturday hadn’t subsided much, and about the only traffic I saw was an occasional farmer on a tractor or in a pickup truck. It was about 9:15 when I arrived at Decatur, which was the liveliest place I had seen yet along the way. There wasn’t much traffic the rest of the way. I had decided earlier to stop and see dad and Bobby and give them the details of my trip before I went to my house, so I turned south from North Grand Ave. and stopped at their house. When I saw the car missing, I thought they might be gone, but I decided to try anyway. I tried both the front and back doors, but couldn’t arouse anybody, so I went on home. It was between 10:30 and 11:00 when I arrived at my house. I brought in all of my equipment and put it away. Another trip to the big race was safely completed. Like all of my previous twenty trips, it was one that I would remember for a long time.<br /><br />EPILOGUE<br /><br />The official finish listed Unser, Rutherford, and Foyt as having completed 174 laps, or 435 miles. Nobody can say for sure who would have won the race if it had gone the full distance, but barring any mechanical trouble or other misfortune, it would have been a close race between the first three finishers.<br /><br />Sophomore driver Duane Carter finished fourth. This is remarkable in that it wasn’t known until shortly before the start of the race if he would be in the race. He severely damaged his car in the carburetion tests a couple days before the race and his pit crew worked around the clock to have the car ready by 11:00 Sunday morning.<br /><br />Veteran Roger McCluskey took fifth place honors. This was Roger’s 14th race and his second best finish. He was third in 1973.<br /><br />Finishing sixth was Bill Vukovich. This was Bill’s eighth race and the fifth time he has finished in the first ten, which certainly is a fine record.<br /><br />Seventh place was taken by Bill Puterbaugh. Bill had been trying for several years to qualify for the race, but this was his first year to do so. His fine performance earned him “Rookie of the Year” honors.<br /><br />For the first time in his eleven races, George Snider finished in the first ten with an eight place finish. He was probably one of the happiest drivers after this year’s race. In his other races, he was victimized by mechanical trouble, but this year he finally avoided it.<br /><br />Tough luck driver Wally Dallenbach led 96 laps, more than any other driver, but unfortunately for him, one of them wasn’t the 174th lap. He drove a great race and was a favorite with the fans, but he still hasn’t been around at the finish of any of his races at Indy.<br /><br />The combination of Bob Harkey and Salt Walther drove to the tenth place finish. Salt’s own car broke down after two laps and he replaced Harkey, who was his teammate. It was a tough break for Bob, but things happen that way some times.<br /><br />The weather, which played such an important role in the race, caused no trouble at all during the time trials. It seems strange, particularly after the mess of last year, that there could be four qualifying days without a drop of rain, but it happened this year. In fact, it was one of the driest and warmest Mays in Speedway history.<br /><br />The close battle for the lead, the spectacular crash of Tom Sneva, and the premature finish are certainly big factors for which many people will remember this year’s race.<br /><br />My overnight stay at the Holiday Inn in Danville was a memorable highlight of this year’s trip. It took the strain and fatigue out of making the complete trip home after the race, and it was close enough to home so that I didn’t have to worry about getting home in time to be at work at 3:00 on Monday. The television and radio sets didn’t work, but otherwise, the room was fine.<br /><br />As I was driving home on Monday morning, I was thinking about the motel room and I could not remember packing the little electric alarm clock in the suitcase before I left. When I got home and unpacked there was no clock in the suitcase. As soon as I finished unpacking, I called the motel and told the desk clerk what had happened and asked her if they could mail it to me. She replied that they would be happy to send it. It arrived eight days later, on Tuesday of the following week.<br /><br />Willy Moats and his wife were pleasant race companions. I was most thankful that they were quiet and non-drinking persons.<br /><br />Another month of May has come and gone at the Speedway. Like all those other Mays that have come before it in past years, it was different from any of the others. Next year will be the 60th 500, and once again I plan to be there to see the Greatest Spectacle in Racing – the Indy 500.<br /><br />Pace Care – Buick Century<br />500 Festival Queen – Kathryn BallPaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-61604368211097318742009-02-21T22:55:00.000-06:002009-02-21T22:57:19.101-06:00Indy Journal - 1974<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><u>1974</u><br /></span></div><br />The first year of my third decade at the Speedway was quite different from any of the twenty years that preceded it. There were changes not only at the Speedway and in the race, but also in some of my own personal habits.<br /><br />Because of last year’s tragic race, there were many changes made to the physical plant of the Speedway. The outer retaining wall and the inner wall along the main straightaway were raised to a uniform height of 32 inches. In connection with this wall project, about 1,800 chair seats in front of the Paddock and Grandstand A were removed. These two projects were done in an attempt to prevent a recurrence of Salt Walther’s fiery crash of last year.<br /><br />The pit area was extended 856 feet northward and this gives each pit crew about 35% more working area than they had previously. A new and wider pit entrance was also constructed just south of the fourth turn.<br /><br />An observation stand was built on the outside of the track at the start-finish line. It is a two-level stand with the starter on the lower level and the chief steward on the upper level. This was done to give both of these officials a better view of the action on the main straightaway, particularly for the start of the race.<br /><br />This was the first year in the history of the race that it was held on a Sunday. In previous years, when the race was on May 30th and that day came on Sunday, it was held on Monday, the 31st. I didn’t think the race would ever be run on Sunday, but now it has been and it may be the permanent day for the race. Next year’s race will be run on the last Sunday of May, also.<br /><br />From a personal viewpoint, there were three changes that made this year different than any previous year. This was the first year I didn’t see the first day of time trials since I started seeing them in 1966. There were two reasons why I didn’t go – 1.) I didn’t want to use any annual leave at work, which I would have to have done and 2.) The cost of lodging for two nights was too much, particularly since I would be doing the same thing again in two weeks.<br /><br />This was the first time I came home the day after the race instead of race day night. I decided I was tired of fighting the terrible traffic after the race and feeling worn out when I arrived home and also decided there was no reason why I had to tolerate these conditions.<br /><br />The third big personal change this year was driving over and back by myself. After twenty years of seeing the race, Dad decided that because of his poor health, it would be better if he stayed home. Bobby also decided that it had become too much of a strain on her and it was time to stay home.<br /><br />On Friday, the 24th, I packed as much of my equipment as possible and on Saturday, I finished the job. I decided to use our 1973 Chevrolet Malibu and it was the first time it had been to Indianapolis. On Saturday morning, I did a few little jobs around the house, got myself ready, ate dinner, put my equipment in the car, and at 1:35, I said goodbye to Dixie and started my trip.<br /><br />I stopped at the Standard Station for gasoline, but they didn’t have any regular gasoline so I had to go to another Standard Station and this time I was able to get regular gasoline.<br /><br />From the service station, located at Jefferson and McArthur Streets, I went north on McArthur to North Grand Ave., east on North Grand to 8th Street, north on 8th Street to Sangamon Ave., and then east on Sangamon Ave. until I left the city.<br /><br />This was the first year of the 55 mph speed limit and it was aggravating not to be able to go 65 mph as I had done in the past. One sight I observed as soon as I left Springfield and noticed all the way to Indianapolis was the enormous amount of farm land under water. It was certainly distressing to see and I hope that I wouldn’t see any rain at least until after the race.<br /><br />It was 2:30 when I arrived at Decatur, where everything looked about the same as it had in other years. I continued on my way and saw the same sights which I never tire of seeing. The Cardinals-Cubs baseball game was my listening entertainment as I traveled and then at 3:55, I arrived at the Colonial Kitchen at the 36-1-150 intersection.<br /><br />There was scarcely anybody in the place and I sat at a table and had a cup of coffee and a dish of orange sherbet. The refreshments tasted good and after using the restroom I paid my bill and at 4:15, I resumed my trip.<br /><br />For the first time since 1968, I continued on Route 36 instead of going north to I-74. I thought with the uniform 55 mph speed limit that there wouldn’t be much difference in the time. Also, I still enjoy seeing the little Indiana towns on the route and the pretty green scenery that is so prevalent at this time of the year in Indiana.<br /><br />It was 4:25 when I crossed the state line and I encountered almost no heavy traffic the remainder of my trip. It was about 5:45 when I reached the I-465 intersection and saw the sign saying “SPEEDWAY” pointing to the right. I followed the road and went north a couple miles until I saw the “U.S. 136 EAST” sign and took it. A few seconds later, I was on Crawfordsville Road and stopped at the Standard Station across the road from Mario Andretti’s tire store. This station was also out of regular gasoline so I bought the low-lead type. I was really amazed when it only took 7.4 gallons to fill the tank. That averaged out to an incredible 25.6 miles per gallon. With the good feeling of having a full gasoline tank, I continued on my way and at 6:10, I arrived at Mrs. Bray’s house.<br /><br />Mrs. Bray was happy to see me and said she thought I would be there earlier, but I told her I didn’t leave home as soon as I had planned and therefore I was late in arriving. We talked for a few minutes and then I took some of my equipment out of the car and carried it to the upstairs room, which was my home for about 1.5 days. I didn’t want to eat supper this early so I stayed for a few minutes in my room and read the newest edition of “National Speed Sport News”.<br /><br />About 7:30, after I finished my reading, I decided it was time for supper, so I got in my car and went to the MCL Cafeteria, about a mile from Mrs. Bray’s house. There were several persons in the cafeteria but the line of customers moved right along and it didn’t take long to receive my meal. My supper was Swiss steak, baked potato, corn, rolls, and coffee. All of the food tasted good and I was fortunate to have a quiet, pleasant area in which to eat.<br /><br />When I left the cafeteria, I did some window shopping at some of the sores in the shopping center and left about 9:00 because the stores were closing for the day. My stomach still didn’t feel quite full so I stopped at the Dunkin Donuts shop next to the Standard Service Station and bought four donuts, which I ate on my way back to the house.<br /><br />Mrs. Bray had the television set on when I went into the house and highlights of Saturday afternoon’s 500 Festival Parade were being shown, so I watched that for about an hour and then went to bed. It wasn’t real late yet but I knew I’d be getting up early in the morning, so I decided I’d better go now and get a good night’s sleep.<br /><br />It was about 5:30 when I opened my eyes and when I looked out the window, I was pleased with the weather. The sky was mostly blue with mo hint of rain. I lay in bed for a couple minutes and then got dressed and went downstairs to use the bathroom. It was a pleasant surprise when I found neither anybody in the bathroom nor anybody waiting to use it. I washed my teeth, shaved, combed my hair, and then took my cosmetics upstairs and put them away.<br /><br />The next order of business was breakfast so I went downstairs and found an empty table and sat down. One of the ladies helping Mrs. Bray brought me a cup of coffee to drink while I was waiting for my food and a couple minutes later, she brought my food. Breakfast was two fried eggs, four pieces of bacon, two pieces of toast, and a second cup of coffee. It was a good breakfast and I felt better when I was finished. I sat and talked to another couple at the table for a couple minutes, then paid my $2.00 and returned to my room.<br /><br />A few minutes before 8:00, I went to the car and gathered my belongings to take to the Speedway. These items included the movie camera, still camera, film for each camera, field glasses, thermos bottle, cupcakes from home, sunglasses, cap, and most important of all, my ticket. Somehow I managed to get all these items arranged in my carrying bag and at 8:00, I started my walk to the Speedway. Before I crossed Georgetown Road, I stopped at the White Castle eating place and had my thermos bottle filled with coffee.<br /><br />There was a large crowd of people going through the entrances but the lines moved steadily and within a minute or so I was inside the Speedway grounds. My first stop was just a few feet inside the gate where I bought four souvenir programs. Just a short distance from where I bought the souvenir programs was an attraction which interested me and several other persons. It was an F-104 fighter plane. I recognized it immediately because I had seen them several times when I was stationed at George Air Force Base. I don’t know how it happened to be on display here, but it was a popular attraction. A few minutes later, I arrived at the tunnel by the starting line and walked under the track and up into the infield.<br /><br />Instead of going straight to my seat, I decided to see what was happening in the area behind the control tower. There were a lot of people looking through the fence surrounding the garage area, although the cars were already in their pits. As I was walking toward the garage area, I happened to look to my left and just a few feet from me stood Tony Hulman, the president of the Speedway. He was talking to a couple men and signing his autograph for anybody who wanted it. He greeted everybody warmly and was popular with the fans.<br /><br />Another attraction was the Scottish marching band. They were rehearsing their marching routine before they went onto the race track and were attracting a large audience which enjoyed their entertainment. The two Scottish dogs at the front of the parade were a popular subject for persons with cameras, including me. The band stopped for a rest period and the two dogs were surrounded with persons who wanted to pet them and take their picture. The dogs seemed to enjoy the humans as well as the humans enjoyed their company. After its break, the band practiced a few more minutes and then went onto the race track.<br /><br />When the band left, I decided to go to the Tower Terrace area and see what was going on in the pit area and on the track. Instead of going to my seat first, as I had done in the past, I decided to do my sightseeing first and then go to my seat to stay for the rest of the day.<br /><br />The pit area was abuzz with activity as the marching units paraded on the track and pit crews made final repairs and checks on their cars. I recognized several drivers, both former and present ones. Among the former ones I recognized were Sam Hanks, Duke Nalon, and Mark Donohue. The many famous celebrities, drivers, officials, cars, and marching units were popular subjects of camera fans. I watched the activity for quite a while and then about 9:15, I went to my seat.<br /><br />This was the first time I met my two race companions. Since dad and Bobby did not attend the race this year, they asked my cousin, Ted Coy, and his wife, Margaret, if they would like to use their tickets. Ted and Margaret were real happy with the offer and bought the tickets within a few days. Because they left Springfield later than I did on Saturday and did not know where their lodging would be, I decided it would be easier for all of us if we met at our seats. Ted had gone to a refreshment stand to get some cold drinks for him and Margaret, so she and I talked for a few minutes until Ted returned.<br /><br />Ted was a real interesting person to sit with and talk to, both before and during the race. He was thoroughly familiar with the cars and drivers, plus all the activity that had been going on at the Speedway up to race day. This made it real easy for the two of us to talk to each other.<br /><br />Between 9:45 and 10:00, the P.A. announcer directed the pit crews to push their cars onto the track and into their starting positions. For those pit crews who were located near the center of the pit area, it was a long push to either end because of the increased length of the area this year.<br /><br />The various celebrities from different areas of life were introduced to the fans and then driven around in Hurst/Olds official cars for everybody to see. Most of the names were ones I wasn’t familiar with.<br /><br />The traditional first song played by the Purdue University Band, “On the Banks of the Wabash,” was played at 10:00 as the cars were being lined up on the track. At 10:30, the new chief steward, Tom Binford, and some other USAC officials took a final inspection trip of the track and pronounced it in excellent condition for racing.<br /><br />A few minutes after the USAC officials returned to the starting line, the PU band played “The Star-Spangled Banner” and then a new pre-race ritual was initiated. A minister from one of the Speedway churches gave the invocation. Although I don’t know for sure, I assume this was done in observance of the race being held on Sunday.<br /><br />To regress a little bit, at 10:30, the pit crews were allowed to start their engines and run them for a couple minutes. This was another new practice which was initiated this year. It was done in the hope that it might prevent any car from not starting at the regular starting time.<br /><br />After the invocation was given, “Taps” was played in keeping with the true meaning of Memorial Day and then about 10:50, Jim Nabors sang the familiar “Back Home Again in Indiana.”<br /><br />The long wait for the big moment was just about over. The crowd was noisy and restless as it waited out the last few seconds of quietude. Those few seconds passed quickly and then the P.A. announcer, Tom Carnegie, introduced Speedway president Tony Hulman, who pronounced those four famous words loudly and distinctly, “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!”<br /><br />A couple seconds later, that wonderful sound of the engines pervaded the air to the pleasure of everybody. I immensely enjoyed just standing at my seat and listening to the drivers race their engines. This is the only time this can be done and I always enjoy it to the utmost.<br /><br />One member of each pit crew help up one of his arms to indicate his car and driver were ready to go. A couple minutes later, the Hurst/Olds pace car, driven by 1960 winner, Jim Rathmann, slowly pulled away and one by one the cars were pushed away to start the parade lap. As is usually true, there was one car that wouldn’t start, and this year that unwanted honor went to Rick Muther, who started in the 24th position. His car was pushed to the inside retaining wall where his crew worked on it while the other 32 drivers lined up for the start. Rick finally got started as the field came into the fourth turn, and his crew immediately pushed him away.<br /><br />As the field came down the main straightaway for the start of the pace lap, fourth place starter Gordon Johncock came through the pit area and stopped for a quick talk with his pit crew. A few seconds later he was back on the track. At about the same time, Rick Muter came flying down the straightaway in an attempt to get into position before the start.<br /><br />A couple minutes later, the pace car appeared in the fourth turn and turned off into the pit area. Now it was up to pole position driver A.J. Foyt to pace the field to the starting line. The drivers had been told at the drivers meeting on Saturday that the end of the pace lap would not automatically be the start of the race. The field would have to be in correct formation or it would keep going until it was aligned correctly. As they approached the starting line, the drivers kept their good formation and just before the front row reached the line, starter Pat Vidan waved the green flag and the race was on.<br /><br />Most of the fans were surprised when second place starter Wally Dallenbach jumped into the lead ahead of Foyt. Sharing equal concern with who took the lead was the question of whether everybody got through the first turn okay. When the P.A. announcer announced that everybody had gotten through the first two turns without any trouble, a big sigh of relief went through the crowd. If there had been a fiery mishap such as happened at the start of last year’s race, it would have cast a cloud of gloom over the remainder of the race and perhaps over any future race.<br /><br />At the end of the first lap, Dallenbach held a big lead over Foyt and seemed to be pulling away from everybody else. His glory was brief, however, and on his third lap, he came slowly through the pit area and was finished for the day with a cracked valve.<br /><br />At the same time, Dick Simon, Mario Andretti, and Gary Bettenhausen came into the pits and were finished before the race hardly started. Simon had a cracked valve, Bettenhausen had a broken valve, and Andretti had a burned piston. It was certainly disappointing to lose these drivers so soon.<br /><br />Shortly after these four left the race, Mike Mosley had a blown engine after six laps, George Snider had valve trouble after seven laps, and on his eleventh lap, Rick Muther was finished with piston trouble.<br /><br />When Dallenbach left, Foyt took the lead and maintained it through the 24th lap. He lost it on his first pit stop for two laps but then regained it when he returned to the race track.<br /><br />Johnny Rutherford had started in 25th position, but was not fighting Foyt and Bobby Unser for the lead.<br /><br />Foyt was in the lead from laps 27-49 and then Unser for laps 50-52.<br /><br />In the meantime, Johnny Parsons, Jim Hurtubise, Larry Cannon, and Jimmy Caruthers had left the race. Cannon’s car stalled and this brought out the first caution flag of the day on the leaders’ 62nd lap. This was as far as anybody could remember the race going before the yellow flag was shown and was a good indication of how safe this year’s race was compared to last year.<br /><br />There were several times after this when the yellow flag was shown, but none of the incidents were of a serious nature, and only one involved personal injury. On his 115th lap, Jerry Karl crashed into the wall in the third turn and suffered only a slight leg injury.<br /><br />By now, Rutherford and Foyt were fighting for the lead with Foyt staying only a few seconds ahead of Rutherford. This battle continued for several laps and was a big crowd pleaser. On his 65th lap, Rutherford took the lead for the first time and held it through the 126th lap.<br /><br />During this same time, Steve Krisiloff, Jan Opperman, Tom Sneva, and Jerry Karl had left the race.<br /><br />Pit stops were more numerous this year than in any previous race. Each car was allotted a limit of 285 gallons of fuel, which meant the cars had to average at least 1.8 miles per gallon. This reduction in fuel also resulted in a reduction in speed.<br /><br />On the 127th lap, Foyt regained the lead and maintained it for ten laps and then Rutherford led for one lap. About this time, smoke started coming from the engine of Foyt’s car, to the great disappointment of many fans. He was black-flagged and a couple laps later came into his pit. His crew worked on the car for a while and then sent him back onto the track, but the problem wasn’t solved. He was again black-flagged, and this time he went straight to the garage area and quit for the day. His problem was later determined to be a broken oil line in the turbo scavenger pump.<br /><br />Rutherford regained the lead and I wondered if Lady Luck would finally smile on him and he could maintain the lead for the rest of the race.<br /><br />In addition to Foyt, Al Unser, Salt Walther, and Roger McCluskey had made their exit from the race. Al had worked his way up to third position. It was real pleasing to see Walther go 141 laps after finishing less than one lap in each of his other two races, and particularly after his wonderful comeback from his fiery crash in last year’s race.<br /><br />Rutherford’s good luck continued during the last ¼ of the race. Bobby Unser made a good effort at catching Johnny, but the fuel situation and the smooth operation of Johnny’s car prevented Bobby from getting into first place. Johnny was the first driver to cross the finish line and Bobby was 22.32 seconds behind him. The winner took an extra lap and then drove to Victory Lane and the audience gave him a tremendous ovation.<br /><br />Finishing in third position was Bill Vukovich and last year’s winner, Gordon Johncock, took fourth place honors.<br /><br />David Hobbs finished fifth, which is his best finish at the Speedway. He was the only foreign driver in the race and drove a good, steady race all day.<br /><br />Jim McElreath came from 30th starting position to finish sixth, and Duane Carter Jr. finished seventh, which earned him the “Rookie of the Year” award.<br /><br />Bob Harkey started 31st, in the last row, and moved up little by little to finish eighth.<br /><br />Ninth position went to the hard luck driver of the Speedway and my perennial favorite, Lloyd Ruby. Once more Lloyd’s hopes were frustrated by bad luck. He started 18th and steadily moved up and at one time was third. His car ran smoothly all day and he appeared to have fourth position locked up until he pitted on his 188th lap with a dry fuel tank and no more fuel to put into it. His pit was directly in front of me and when he stopped and shut off his engine, he had to put his arms on the steering wheel to prevent his head from falling down with dejection. He sat like a statue for a long time and his eyes stared into space. His pit crew felt bad because they were helpless to do anything for him. When I realized what had happened, I couldn’t believe it. Eventually Lloyd got out of his car and helplessly watched his certain fourth place finish drop to ninth.<br /><br />Jerry Grant finished in tenth place and completed 175 laps. Jerry had a sick engine for a long time and had to drive next to the inside wall in order to stay out of everybody’s way.<br /><br />A few minutes after Johnny Rutherford was given the checkered flag, the remainder of the cars were given the red flag which meant the race was finished. Since speed and timing were no longer important, the drivers came slowly to their pit area and then lingered around for a while and talked to their pit crews. The tension and worry were over now and the name of the game now was relaxation.<br /><br />Ted and Margaret stayed for a couple minutes and then decided to leave because they wanted to get on the road and started for home. I had really enjoyed having them for race companions.<br /><br />The winner and his wife were driven around the track in the pace car for everybody to see and then he was interviewed by the press at the starting line. After this was done, I walked south along the pit area fence to the control tower and then went back to the garage area.<br /><br />I had heard and read several times that the garage area restrictions are lifted after the race and anybody who wants to do so may go through the area. For many years, I had wanted to see this area but hadn’t been able to do so. Now my chance was here. There were several hundred other fans that had the same idea and the guards were only letting a limited number in so I waited a while and took in what action I could from behind the fence.<br /><br />About an hour later, the crowd had decreased considerably and finally the guards decided to let in anybody who desired to do so. I took advantage of the situation and enjoyed it immensely. Several of the drivers had already changed into their street clothes and were visiting with the fans. I toured several garages and recognized several drivers, among whom were Bill Vukovich, Lloyd Ruby, John Martin, Jim Hurtubise, Bob Harkey, Dick Simon, Gordon Johncock, Duane Carter, and Wally Dallenbach. Jim Hurtubise and Lloyd Ruby were the most popular attractions and were kept busy signing autographs and talking about their bad luck in the race. Lloyd was still the same picture of dejection he was when he pulled into his pit after 187 laps with an empty fuel tank, but this didn’t diminish his popularity with the fans, including me. I was one of several fans who received his autograph on their souvenir programs.<br /><br />By 5:00, the grounds were quite devoid of people, so I decided to take a couple more pictures and then leave. For the first time in all of my years at the Speedway, I was able to enter the pit area. Although there were no cars or equipment in the pits and the seats were almost empty, it was still a thrill to stand in the area and look north to the fourth turn and pretend there were cars coming down the straightaway. I took a picture of that scene and then returned to the infield where I took a picture of the high amount of trash on the inside of the first turn. It was between 5:00 and 5:30 now and I felt I had seen all I could see so I went back to the tunnel by the start-finish line and started my walk to the main gate.<br /><br />It was a much quicker walk than any of my other post-race walks to the exit. There were almost no people and only a couple Speedway maintenance trucks along the way. The traffic on Georgetown Road to Auburn St. was heavy but not as heavy as it would have been immediately after the race.<br /><br />When I arrived at Mrs. Bray’s house, I talked to Mrs. Bray for a few minutes and then went to my room and rested for a few minutes. I did a little reading and then dozed for a couple minutes. Shortly after 7:00, I was feeling hungry and decided it was time for supper.<br /><br />On my way back to Mrs. Bray’s house, I passed the Bonanza Steakhouse and thought it would be a good place to eat since the MCL Cafeteria was closed. From the minute I walked in the door, I wished I had gone elsewhere to eat. The waiting line extended back to the entrance and I had to wait thirty minutes before I reached the serving line. When I arrived there, I discovered the baked potatoes were gone and everybody had to eat french fries. The serving line moved no faster than the waiting line. Some of the employees didn’t seem to know what they were doing, and this added more fuel to my frustration. When I reached the end of the line, I was told to take a seat and my meal would be brought to me. After a few minutes wait, I received the food and the meat was not cooked the way I ordered it. It was partly raw and rather tough. There were about a dozen youths seated in booths across from me and their opinion of the food was the same as mine, but they were more vocal in their opinion than I was. I ate all the food on my plate and then left to return to Mrs. Bray’s house.<br /><br />I wasn’t full so I drove to the Dunkin Donuts shop and bought four donuts and ate them while I was returning to the house. Now I felt I could last until morning without getting hungry.<br /><br />Mrs. Bray, her son, and I were the only persons left at the house and we spend the evening talking about race day activity and watching their new color TV set. We watched “Mannix”, “Barnaby Jones”, a telecast of the previous night’s 500 Festival Parade, the 10:00 news, and a half-hour program on the race. After that, we decided it had been a long day for all of us and it was time to go to bed, so we said goodnight and went our separate ways.<br /><br />When I awakened on Monday morning, my watch said about 7:30. I lay in bed for a few minutes and then got up and used the bathroom. With a clean and freshly shaven face and clean teeth and mouth, I felt fine and was ready to face the day. I made my bed, got my equipment together, and then paid Mrs. Bray for my two nights’ lodging. As I was leaving, she said she hoped I would return next year. I assured her I planned to do so. It gave me a good feeling to know she enjoyed having me and wanted me back again.<br /><br />It was 8:35 when I left the Bray house and drove to the Speedway. The main gate parking lot was almost full with tourists’ cars, so I parked in front of the drugstore at 16th and Main Streets. The ticket office didn’t open until 9:00 so I shopped in the drug store for a few minutes. I took a real quick trip through the museum and then checked at the office to see about having the name on our tickets changed from dad’s name to my name. The lady who waited on me said that could be done, but dad would have to write a letter to them and ask for the change.<br /><br />I walked back to the drug store and tried to buy an Indianapolis newspaper, but they didn’t have any. I got into my car and drove east on 16th Street in search of a newspaper, but it proved to be a wasted trip. I stopped at the Holiday Inn, the shopping center, and a few other places, and then turned around and started back. The Speedway Motel seemed a sure bet for a newspaper, but they didn’t have any either. As I approached the entrance, I saw a familiar racing personality coming toward me. It was A.J. Watson. He was with another man but I didn’t notice where they were going.<br /><br />One of the things I wanted to be sure to do before I left for home was to visit with Bud and Helen Kramer. On Saturday and Sunday nights, I didn’t have time to see them so this would be my last chance. I parked in their driveway and knocked on the back door. Bud answered the door and was real happy to see me. The three of us talked for about thirty minutes. They asked about dad and Bobby and said it had been a long time since they hadn’t come to the race. They were real pleased I stopped be see them and that made me happy to have done so. They are really two fine people.<br /><br />I left Kramers at 10:15 and drove west to the shopping center where I stopped to check again on buying a newspaper. Because it was a holiday, almost every business was closed, but there was a grocery store that was open for business, so I decided to see if they had any newspapers for sale. I walked through the entire store but found nothing in the way of a newspaper. In frustration and puzzlement, I returned to the car. It was certainly puzzling as to why there were no newspapers anywhere. The only answer I could come up with was that there was no newspaper published because of the holiday.<br /><br />I fastened my seatbelt and at 10:30 left the shopping center, turned right, and about a minute later was on I-74 going west. It was a fine day for driving. There was hardly a cloud in the sky and the sun was shining, but it wasn’t bright enough to be distracting while I was driving. I encountered no problems along the way and at 11:53, I crossed the state line and returned to Illinois.<br /><br />When I reached the 150-1 intersection, I changed my usual route and went north into Danville instead of south to Chrisman. The reason for my going into Danville was to find a telephone and make a call to Clyde and Judy Simpson in Milford, which is a few miles north of Danville on Route 1. My effort was to end in frustration. I tried three times to call the operator and tell her what I wanted, but for some reason the operators and I couldn’t communicate with each other, so I decided to forget about the idea. I thought about driving up to Milford, but then remembered the day was a holiday and the Simpsons might be gone for the long weekend and I would have wasted a lot of time and money. I was disappointed that I didn’t get to see or talk to the Simpsons, but I figured I had done what I could and so decided to continue on my way home.<br /><br />I turned around and drove south on Route 1 and a couple minutes later came to the I-74 intersection and then I was on a familiar road. About halfway to Chrisman, I decided to play it safe and stopped at a Standard Station in Westville and had the gasoline tank filled. It was with a feeling of relief that I left that station with the needle resting on ‘F’. I continued on south and at 1:23, I stopped at the Colonial Kitchen for dinner.<br /><br />I had been looking forward to having a nice hot dinner, but my hopes plummeted when I saw the price of $3.95. I didn’t expect the dinner to be that high and was rather disappointed, so I changed my plan and ordered a pork tenderloin sandwich and french fries from the menu. Although not as filling as a complete meal, the food tasted good and it was enough to satiate my hunger until I arrived home. Before leaving, I used the restroom and then at 1:50, I drove out of the parking lot and started the last approximately 110 miles of my trip.<br /><br />Because of the large amount of water in the fields along the highway, there was almost no work being done in them by the farmers. It was a sunny, pleasant drive all the way. I was in Decatur from about 3:00 to 3:15, and at 4:15, I drove into my driveway at home. Another fine and enjoyable trip to the big race had been made safely.<br /><br />EPILOGUE<br /><br />I forgot to mention that after returning to Mrs. Bray’s house after eating supper Saturday night, I took a walk down by the Speedway. Since last year’s race, I had met a fellow postal employee who follows the race as closely as I do. His name is Ron Atkins and he and his wife are president of the Bobby Unser fan club. The club was having a meeting on Georgetown Road across from Gate 8 of the Speedway, and he had invited me to stop by and see him.<br /><br />I had no trouble finding the location. The members were viewing movie films of previous Indy 500 races. I found Ron and he asked me to sit down and watch the movies with him and the other club members. One of the films was of the 1964 race and it was one of the best race films I’ve ever seen. I stayed there for about an hour and then started back to the house.<br /><br />The crowd of young people on Georgetown Road was rather wild and I was glad when I could get away from them. Firecrackers were being tossed all around me and the street was littered with beer cans. Police patrol cars were cruising the street and were being heckled by some of the obnoxious and intoxicated young persons. The scene here and on 16th Street and Crawfordsville Road was the same as it is every year, and I was certainly thankful I had a house to sleep in and wouldn’t be kept awake by all the noise.<br /><br />As I mentioned earlier in this story, this year was certainly different from any of the previous twenty years. The many physical changes at the Speedway, the decreased allotment of fuel for each car, the first race on Sunday, the 55 mph highway speed limit, going to the race without dad and Bobby, and coming home the day after the race were all factors that made it a unique year.<br /><br />The race was certainly one of the safest in history. I think this was very helpful in restoring the status and reputation of this race as the greatest spectacle in racing, which was seriously damaged after last year’s trouble-plagued race. I hope there will never be a replay of that race. Some people have said it was a dull race, particularly after A.J. Foyt left and Johnny Rutherford led the race the rest of the way. I disagree with this opinion and thought it was an interesting race from start to finish.<br /><br />Although there was little criticism of the race itself, the story of the time trials was much different. They were plagued with trouble and controversy from beginning to end. The persistently inclement weather was the main offender. It was an unusually rainy month and it rained every day of the time trials. Because of the fuel situation, there were only two, instead of four, qualifying days, and those were the second and third Saturdays.<br /><br />When the trials ended, there were several cars and drivers which had not been given even one qualification attempt. Naturally this made the affected drivers, car owners, etc. very upset. Because of the chief steward’s strict, literal interpretation of the rules, the cars were ruled ineligible because another car made a second qualification attempt without a protest being made about it.<br /><br />The car owners were so enraged that they sued the Speedway and USAC in court. In their suit, they even tried to prevent the race from being run unless they were given a chance to qualify. Unfortunately for them, the court ruled in favor of the defendants. The cars were not allowed to qualify and the race was held as scheduled, but the bitter feelings and unhappiness remained. It really cast a pall over the pre-race activities and is certainly one area of activity that needs much improvement before next year’s race.<br /><br />Another race has come and gone, and like all its predecessors, it will be remembered for different reasons by different people. It will certainly be a memorable one for me. When Tony Hulman issues his famous edict “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES” next year, I plan to be there and I predict that, as has happened in all the past 21 years, the years will flow from my eyes as I once again get ready to watch “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”<br /><br />Pace Car – Hurst/Olds<br />500 Festival Queen – Andrea McCallPaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-32573746310710933632009-02-10T23:34:00.001-06:002009-02-10T23:36:43.343-06:00Indy Journal - 1973<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cpdalbey%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" 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{mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">1973<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This, my twentieth year of seeing the 500 mile race, was certainly unlike any of the other nineteen years.<span style=""> </span>It was, unfortunately, one of those years that will be remembered with sorrow and frustration.<span style=""> </span>The death of drivers Art Pollard and Swede Savage and pit crew member Amrando Teran and the persistently inclement weather combined to make it a year that most persons would like to erase from their minds, but can’t.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For me, there were two other events which made this an unusual year.<span style=""> </span>It was the first time I ever made a trip to the Speedway by myself and secondly, it was the first time the three of us slept in a private home and not in our car or in a garage.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After last year’s trips to the time trials and the race, I decided that some changed had to be made.<span style=""> </span>Getting up at 2:00 am and not getting to bed until about 12:00 midnight made a too long of a day.<span style=""> </span>It was particularly bad for me because I did the driving.<span style=""> </span>On a few occasions, I had almost gone to sleep at the wheel, sometimes going over there and sometimes on the return trip.<span style=""> </span>I talked to Dixie and Bobby about the subject, and both of them agreed that a better way had to be found.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I finally came up with the idea of asking Mr. and Mrs. Kramer if they knew of some of their neighbors who might have room for us in their home.<span style=""> </span>They gave us the name, address, and telephone number of a neighbor who they thought might be of help to us.<span style=""> </span>Her name was Mrs. Vivian Bray and she lived at 1804 North Auburn Street, a block east of Kramers and the first house north of Crawfordsville Road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We received Kramer’s letter in early April and on the first Sunday after receiving the letter, Dixie called Mrs. Bray to inquire about our getting a room for the race.<span style=""> </span>She said Kramers had talked to her about us and that she had a room for us if we wanted it.<span style=""> </span>Dixie said that was fine and asked her to reserve it for the three of us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The trip to the first day of time trials had two unusual features about it.<span style=""> </span>It was the first time I went to the Speedway by myself, and it was the first time I had ever not made the trip over and back in the same day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I mentioned earlier, I had decided that the one day trip was too strenuous.<span style=""> </span>I went over on Friday morning and returned Sunday afternoon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby and Dixie both had social functions to attend on Friday night and dad decided he didn’t care to go to the time trials this year, so I was left to make the trip alone.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">About two weeks earlier, I had written to Mrs. Bray and asked her if I could stay at her house on Friday and Saturday nights.<span style=""> </span>She replied that that would be fine.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I left house about 9:20 Friday morning, May 11, in our 1967 Chevrolet and drove to Tuscola where I stopped for a snack in a pizza parlor about 11:00.<span style=""> </span>When I left Tuscola, I took I-57 north to Champaign.<span style=""> </span>I had decided earlier to take a different route for part of the way and get out of the old routine for once.<span style=""> </span>I drove north on I-57 until it intersected with I-74 at Champaign and then took I-74 to Indianapolis.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 1:30 when I arrived at Mrs. Bray’s house. I introduced myself to her and she seemed like a real fine person.<span style=""> </span>I took my suitcase to my upstairs room and then she showed me the rest of her house.<span style=""> </span>We talked to each other for about thirty minutes and then I left for the Speedway.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This was another feature about this year which was different from any of my other years at the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>It was the first time I was there on a practice day.<span style=""> </span>I paid my $1.00 admission fee and went into Grandstand E.<span style=""> </span>It was the first time I had ever seen cars going around the track from a seat other than the Paddock or Tower Terrace Sections.<span style=""> </span>There were several hundred other persons in attendance including a large crowd of frolicking youths on the southwest turn infield.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I sat in Grandstand E for several minutes and then walked east behind the bleacher seats on the south side of the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>I discovered that it takes much walking to go just a short distance in the Speedway area, in this case from the first to the second turn.<span style=""> </span>I sat in various seats and got several views of the main stretch, back stretch, and short south chute.<span style=""> </span>It was interesting to observe the race cars from a viewpoint other than the main straightaway.<span style=""> </span>There weren’t many persons in the Southwest Vista, Grandstand G, or Southeast Vista, and almost all of them were trying to protect themselves from the strong winds which had started just since I arrived at the Speedway.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I walked as far eastward at I could and then walked back to the Speedway Gift Shop located behind Grandstand A.<span style=""> </span>There were many items on display but all I bought was a $1.00 pillow cover.<span style=""> </span>From the gift shop, I walked back to the Gate 2 viaduct and walked under the track and headed for the garage area.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There were a few cars in the garage area and some of them were having their engines tested prior to being pushed onto the track.<span style=""> </span>The roar of the engines attracted a large crowd of people</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">From the garage area, I walked to the Tower Terrace section and observed the activity from various seats and then walked south to the front of the Control Tower.<span style=""> </span>There were several cars practicing on the track, but there were also several in the pit area.<span style=""> </span>The race fans, pit crew members, and race officials made a large crowd of people.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I stayed in the pit area about half an hour and then walked north and got a view of the scenery from the Terrace Extension and then the North Terrace.<span style=""> </span>Our race seats were in the Terrace Extension seats in 1964 and 1966, but this was the first time I had been in the North Terrace.<span style=""> </span>From here, I could see the cars on the north chute and all the way down the main straightaway.<span style=""> </span>Both of these bleacher sections were in great need of repainting and general repair.<span style=""> </span>It was shortly after 5:30 when I left the North Terrace and went back to the Tower Terrace and pit area.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The 6:00 deadline was approaching rapidly and the pit area was abuzz with activity.<span style=""> </span>Many drivers were sitting in their cars with the engines running and were eager to get onto the track.<span style=""> </span>Some of them were still sitting when the 6:00 whistle blew, ending all practice on the track for the day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Right after the whistle blew, the drawing for the order of qualifications on Saturday was held in front of the Control Tower by the fence behind the pit area.<span style=""> </span>Among the drivers I recognized were A.J Foyt, Al Unser, and Peter Revson.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the drawing was finished, I went back to Mrs. Bray’s house.<span style=""> </span>It was about 7:00 when I got back to the house and I was ready for a good supper.<span style=""> </span>As I was coming into Indianapolis, I noticed, to my left, in the shopping center about a mile west of the Speedway, a cafeteria.<span style=""> </span>I kept it in mind and now decided to see what it had to offer.<span style=""> </span>The name of it was MCL Cafeteria and it had a pleasant but not necessarily expensive appearance.<span style=""> </span>I went on in and had a big supper.<span style=""> </span>I hadn’t eaten much since breakfast and now I was going to make up for that.<span style=""> </span>The food, service, and atmosphere were all good, and I left feeling better than when I arrived.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Since I didn’t have anything definite to do for the rest of the evening, I decided to do some window shopping in some of the stores in the shopping center.<span style=""> </span>I did this until about 9:00 when the stores closed and then I went back to my temporary home.<span style=""> </span>Mrs. Bray said I could watch her television if I wanted to, so I watched “Mission Impossible” and the 10:00 news.<span style=""> </span>There was quite a bit of news about the activity at the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>Because I planned to get up early in the morning, I went to bed when the newscast was finished.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saturday started unpleasantly.<span style=""> </span>About 5:45, Mrs. Bray called to awaken me and tell me that the Speedway city police were starting to tow my car away.<span style=""> </span>I immediately got dressed and rushed out to the car.<span style=""> </span>The tow truck driver was raising the back wheels off the street and a policeman was writing a ticket to me for parking in a no-parking zone.<span style=""> </span>The policeman said the signs had been installed Friday night, but I hadn’t seen them when I returned from eating supper.<span style=""> </span>He was a polite gentleman and let me retrieve my car, but still issued me a $2.00 ticket for parking in the no-parking zone.<span style=""> </span>I felt lucky to get off so easily, and owed much gratitude to Mrs. Bray and the friendly policeman for saving me from a possibly embarrassing situation.<span style=""> </span>I parked the car in front of Mrs. Bray’s garage.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With that incident settled, I was awake now and went back to get cleaned up and dressed.<span style=""> </span>Mrs. Bray told me on Friday that she would cook breakfast for me if I wanted her to, so I told her yes, knowing I wouldn’t get a good breakfast anywhere else very close.<span style=""> </span>It was a good breakfast of eggs, bacon, coffee, and milk.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 7:30 when I gathered up all my equipment and left for the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>Although it wasn’t 8:00 yet, the ticket lines were almost back to 16<sup>th</sup> Street, and it seemed like an eternity before I got my tickets, but I finally made it and got to my seat about 8:00.<span style=""> </span>My seat was in the Paddock section, less than a yard south of the start-finish line.<span style=""> </span>While I waited for the practice period to start at 9:00, I read the newspaper, listened to the radio, and observed the activity occurring around me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shortly after 9:00, the track was opened for practice and several cars and drivers went out for practice runs.<span style=""> </span>It was between 9:30 and 9:45 when tragedy struck.<span style=""> </span>Art Pollard was among those drivers taking practice laps.<span style=""> </span>As he was going through the first turn, his car got out of control, spun and hit the retaining wall, flipped several times, and slid upside down for several feet towards the second turn.<span style=""> </span>Art was removed from his car in critical condition, taken to the track hospital, and then transferred to an Indianapolis hospital.<span style=""> </span>News of the accident was not announced over the P.A. system for quite some time after it happened, and it was around noon when the sad news of Art’s death was announced.<span style=""> </span>It was unfortunate that the day had to start so tragically.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The demolished car and the debris it left on the track had to be removed and that took quite some time.<span style=""> </span>The practice period ended at 10:30 and was followed by several marching bands and other pre-qualifying activities.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 11:00, the track was opened for qualifying and Peter Revson was the first driver to qualify for this year’s race.<span style=""> </span>Several other drivers made good qualifying runs and Swede Savage brought cheers from the crowd when he became the first driver to break Bobby Unser’s qualifying record of 1972.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br />The biggest news of the day came when Johnny Rutherford made his qualifying run.<span style=""> </span>The crowd went wild when his third lap speed of 199.071 mph was announced.<span style=""> </span>That was only about ¾ of a second under the 200 mph mark.<span style=""> </span>His fourth lap was slightly slower and his four lap average was 198.413 mph.<span style=""> </span>He received a standing, cheering ovation when he returned to his pit area.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Several other drivers made their qualifying runs and by 6:00, four drivers (Rutherford, Bobby Unser, Mark Donohue, and Savage) had broken the qualification record.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I arrived back at Mrs. Bray’s home about 6:45 and talked for a while with a woman who had been at the Speedway and was lodging at Mrs. Bray’s house.<span style=""> </span>It was the first time I had seen her and she and her husband had arrived after I went to bed on Friday night and were leaving for their home in Davenport, Iowa, on Sunday afternoon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I left at 8:00 and had a good supper at the MCL Cafeteria.<span style=""> </span>After that, I stopped at a doughnut shop for a couple doughnuts and drove around Speedway for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>It was about 10:00 when I returned to Mrs. Bray’s house and I watched the 10:00 news on television.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Most of the newscast concerned the activity at the Speedway, and much of it was about Art Pollard and Johnny Rutherford.<span style=""> </span>After the race news was over at 11:00, I went to my room and retired for the day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Sunday, I ate breakfast at Mrs. Bray’s house and left for home about 9:30.<span style=""> </span>I stopped for gasoline on Lynnhurst Road just before reaching Route 36 and then took Route 36 all the way back to Springfield.<span style=""> </span>I stopped at the Colonial Kitchen for a few minutes, but it was too crowded so I went on my way and arrived home shortly before 2:00.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 1:28 pm on Sunday, May 27, Bobby dad and I left from Bobby and dad’s house in Bobby’s 1969 Chevrolet.<span style=""> </span>The drive from Springfield to Decatur was ideal with a pleasant temperature and cloudless skies.<span style=""> </span>A few miles east of Decatur, the good weather ended for the remainder of the trip.<span style=""> </span>The sky suddenly darkened and we were caught in a heavy downpour.<span style=""> </span>It lasted only a couple minutes and then the sun shone brightly again.<span style=""> </span>Pretty soon, it became dark again and we had to go through another downpour.<span style=""> </span>It was 3:33 when we arrived at the Colonial Kitchen for our break.<span style=""> </span>Each of us had a cup of coffee and a little snack to eat and used the restroom before we left.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 3:57 when we started the second part of our trip and at 4:32, we entered Indiana.<span style=""> </span>We encountered intermittent showers all the way to Indianapolis.<span style=""> </span>Because of the gasoline shortage and the possibility of being unable to get gasoline at Indianapolis, we stopped at Brownsburg and were able to get a full tank of gasoline.<span style=""> </span>That ended our worry of not being able to get back to Springfield when we wanted to.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we got into the heavy traffic on the outskirts of Indianapolis, we decided to go ahead and eat supper before going to Mrs. Bray’s house.<span style=""> </span>It was about 6:00 when we arrived at the MCL Cafeteria. There was a fairly long line of customers, but it moved well and pretty soon we had our food and were seated.<span style=""> </span>Before I ate, I called Mrs. Bray to let her know we had arrived and would be at her house in about half an hour.<span style=""> </span>Our food tasted good and it was definitely the best meal we had ever eaten at Indianapolis.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We left and drove east on Crawfordsville Road.<span style=""> </span>It seemed strange not to turn on Fischer Street and be at Kramers’.<span style=""> </span>As soon as we got out of the car, a loud siren started blowing.<span style=""> </span>I introduced Mrs. Bray to Bobby and dad and the four of us talked for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>She told us the siren was a tornado warning and that tornadoes were predicted all around central Indiana.<span style=""> </span>The weather was certainly unsettled and the prediction for race day wasn’t good.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We unpacked some of our belongings and then walked over to Mr. and Mrs. Kramer’s house and visited with them for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>They were happy to see us and showed no resentment over losing us as customers after eighteen years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Speedway museum was our next destination and it was a popular attraction.<span style=""> </span>Although we had seen most of the exhibits before, we enjoyed seeing them again.<span style=""> </span>We didn’t know it at that time but we had chosen just the right time to tour the museum.<span style=""> </span>While we were there, another shower passed over the area, but it was okay when we left the museum.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we arrived back at the house, it was a busy place.<span style=""> </span>The back yard was full of tents and some men were playing cards in the garage.<span style=""> </span>Inside, several persons were talking to each other and Mrs. Bray was watching television, so we joined her for a while.<span style=""> </span>It was about 11:00 when we retired for the day, and we hoped to get the first decent night of sleep we ever had on the night before the big race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although there was a lot of loud, unpleasant noise outside, it was many times quieter than sleeping outdoors or in the car.<span style=""> </span>Once we got to sleep, we didn’t awaken until about 5:30.<span style=""> </span>I got dressed immediately and went downstairs to wait my turn in line for the restroom.<span style=""> </span>Having only one bathroom in the house made it uncomfortable for everybody, but by 7:00 the three of us had used the bathroom, gotten dressed, and were ready for breakfast.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mrs. Bray did most of the cooking but she had two other ladies who did most of the serving.<span style=""> </span>We ate in the dining room and were served eggs, bacon, toast, coffee, and milk.<span style=""> </span>It smelled and tasted real good and provided a good beginning for the day.<span style=""> </span>When we finished, we got our equipment together and about 8:00 started walking to the Speedway.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before crossing Georgetown Road, we stopped at the White Castle hamburger shop and had our two thermos bottles filled with coffee.<span style=""> </span>Business was good but we didn’t have to wait long to be served.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The lines of race fans in line to get through the turnstiles were long, but they moved steadily and at 8:35, we entered the Speedway grounds.<span style=""> </span>I bought two souvenir programs and then we made use of the first restroom we saw.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The size of the crowd seemed about the same as that of other years but when we reached the tunnel entrance, we did not have to endure the extreme congestion of many other years.<span style=""> </span>The traffic moved slowly but steadily, and it didn’t stop once.<span style=""> </span>We were now on the infield and a minute or so later we were behind the Tower Terrace section.<span style=""> </span>By 9:00, we were in our seats.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We got our equipment situated and then sat down and rested our feet for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>I told Bobby and dad I was going to walk behind the pit area to get some pictures and then proceeded to do so.<span style=""> </span>Just about every car was having last minute work done on it by its pit crew and the roar of the engines sounded good.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 9:30, everything seemed to be going fine when I felt something hit me.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t want to believe it, but there was no escaping the fact that it was rain.<span style=""> </span>Although nobody knew it at the time, this was the beginning of one of the most frustrating, miserable, depressing, and saddest days in the history of the Speedway.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was not a hard rain at first, but after a couple minutes, pit crew members were covering their cars and the spectators used their umbrellas and plastic lap covers.<span style=""> </span>I was getting ready to return to my seat, so I didn’t linger any and got back in time without getting soaked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After a few minutes, the rain stopped and the sun came out, brightening everybody’s spirit and raising hopes that the race would still start on time.<span style=""> </span>These hopes, however, proved to be only dreams.<span style=""> </span>Unlike the steady, all day rain of 1967, there were intermittent periods of rain and sunshine.<span style=""> </span>At first, the showers were light but after a couple hours, they became regular downpours.<span style=""> </span>After almost every shower, the sun would appear and almost have the track dried out, when suddenly it would disappear and those cool breezes, dark clouds, and rain showers would appear again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The 11:00 starting time came and went with no indication of when the race would start.<span style=""> </span>With each shower, frustration increased and tempers became shorter.<span style=""> </span>It was highly frustrating for everybody and nobody could do anything about it<span style=""> </span>Pit crew members sat dejectedly by their cars while the spectators tried to keep dry with umbrellas, rain coats, and lap covers.<span style=""> </span>Many of them listened to their radios and consumed the food and drinks they had with them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before 11:00, during one of the brief dry periods, the caravan of celebrities was driven around the track for the fans to see.<span style=""> </span>Among the celebrities this year were Joey Bishop, Jim Nabors, Chad Everett, Jackie Cooper, Hank Stram, Burgess Meredith, Lucy Arnez, and Miss Teenage America.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 2:30, after five hours of great frustration and disappointment, chief steward Harlan Fengler gave the order for the cars to be pushed to their starting positions.<span style=""> </span>A huge cheer and applause came from the crowd.<span style=""> </span>Although the sun wasn’t shining, the track was dry, which was unusual.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In quite rapid succession, the Purdue University Band played “On the Banks of the Wabash”, “Star-Spangled Banner”, “Taps”, and then was joined by singer Jim Nabors for the singing and playing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.”<span style=""> </span>The multitude of balloons was released from behind the Control Tower and a couple minutes later, Tony Hulman once again gave his yearly command, “Gentlemen, start your engines!”<span style=""> </span>The roar of the engines elicited a huge applause and approval from the frustrated, but now happy, crowd.<span style=""> </span>Little did anybody know that was to be the happiest moment of the day for everybody.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After a minute or so, the cars were pushed away and the pit crews returned to their pit area.<span style=""> </span>Bob Harkey’s car, in 31<sup>st</sup> starting position, wouldn’t start and was pushed off the track for the time being.<span style=""> </span>1960 race winner Jim Rathmann drove the Cadillac pace car and the roar of the engines could be heard as the field moved through the two south turns and down the backstretch.<span style=""> </span>A few seconds later, the cars moved through the fourth turn and down the mainstretch to the applause of the fans.<span style=""> </span>They were now on the official pace lap and about two minutes later, the roar of the crowd increased as the pace car entered the main straightaway and headed for the pit entrance.<span style=""> </span>It flashed through the pit area, the green flag was displayed, and the race was on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I yelled “Unser took it” to indicate Bobby Unser beat Johnny Rutherford into the first turn, and at the same instant, it looked like the start of the 1966 race.<span style=""> </span>I screamed in terror as I saw cars going in every direction.<span style=""> </span>I also saw several parts from some of the cars flying through the air, and then I saw fire.<span style=""> </span>It was really a mess.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The race was immediately red flagged and rescue equipment was on the scene almost before the cars and debris had come to a rest.<span style=""> </span>Panic seemed to break out everywhere in the stands, in the pit area, with race officials, and of course at the accident scene.<span style=""> </span>The rescue squad went to work immediately and little by little, it was discovered who was in the wreck.<span style=""> </span>The P.A. announcer said the following drivers and cars were involved: John Martin, Jim McElreath, Mike Mosley, Wally Dallenbach, Mike Hiss, Salt Walther, Dick Simon, David Hobbs, and Lee Kunzman.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes later, it was determined that the main car in the wreck was that of Salt Walther.<span style=""> </span>His car had gone out of control, hit a couple other cars, got airborne, landed upside down, skidd a long distance, and then caught fire.<span style=""> </span>It was a miracle that Salt escaped with his life, but he was taken to a hospital and his condition was described as serious but stable.<span style=""> </span>Some of the other drivers also had injuries, but only minor ones.<span style=""> </span>Thirteen spectators were also injured by flying debris from Walther’s car.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the crowd sat or stood and waited in shocked disbelief, dark clouds appeared again and a couple minutes later, another heavy ran covered the area.<span style=""> </span>This was the coup de grace to a miserable day and sent thousands of the spectators heading for the exits as they knew the chances of seeing any more racing for the day were nil.<span style=""> </span>It continued raining steadily as the debris was being cleared from the track.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby and dad packed some of our equipment and went back to the house, but I stayed to see if there were any further developments.<span style=""> </span>It was about half an hour later when I decided I might as well leave.<span style=""> </span>As I walked behind the pit area, I looked up and down the straightway, and it was a sad scene.<span style=""> </span>There was only a trickle of people left, both in the stands and in the pit area, and that, along with the constant rain and bad start of the race, caused a feeling of pensiveness to come over me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The traffic going through the tunnel was not moving so I walked south to the end of the Tower Terrace section and was able to walk across the track to the area between Grandstands A and B.<span style=""> </span>This was the area of the wreck and there were visible marks on both the outer and inner walls.<span style=""> </span>I took some movie and still pictures of the straightaway and then continued on my way.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 4:30 when I arrived at Bray’s.<span style=""> </span>We visited with Mrs. Bray for a while and then put our equipment in the car and got ready to leave.<span style=""> </span>It was about 5:00 when we left Brays.<span style=""> </span>I was tired of waiting in the long line of cars on Crawfordsville Road as we had done every year, so this year I decided to try a different and hopefully quicker way of leaving the city.<span style=""> </span>I drove north on Auburn Street for several blocks until I came to a street that had one way traffic going west.<span style=""> </span>I moved into the flow of traffic and it moved quite well for several blocks and then slowed somewhat.<span style=""> </span>It was faster than Crawfordsville Road and gave us some new scenery to see.<span style=""> </span>We arrived back at Crawfordsville Road at the end of the shopping center and the traffic moved a little faster than in usually does.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes later, we reached I-74 and started getting somewhere.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 7:45 when we reached the U.S. 36 junction at Chrisman.<span style=""> </span>We stopped at the Colonial Kitchen for a good supper.<span style=""> </span>There were several other frustrated race fans there and I’m sure the good hot supper tasted good to all of us.<span style=""> </span>We hadn’t eaten a meal since 7:00 in the morning so we were ready for a big supper.<span style=""> </span>We ate all we wanted and took our time doing it, and when we left at 8:30, we felt much better.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We arrived in Decatur about 9:45 and, as it is every Memorial Day night, Eldorado Street was alive with activity.<span style=""> </span>It always seems to be a speedway for the young crowd.<span style=""> </span>Not quite an hour later, we arrived at Dalbey’s.<span style=""> </span>I helped Bobby and dad unload their equipment and then drove home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was the most frustrating and disappointing of all my trips and certainly a sad way to celebrate my twentieth year at the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>I would have to wait another year and hope that everything would be better.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>EPILOGUE</u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Monday afternoon, the race was rescheduled for 9:00 Tuesday morning.<span style=""> </span>9:00 came and so did the rain.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t until 10:15 that Tony Hulman again gave the signal “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.”<span style=""> </span>Before the cars could get through the third turn of the pace lap, rain began falling again and by the time they reached the front straightaway, the red flag was out to stop the cars.<span style=""> </span>It was about 2:00 when Harlan Fengler announced that the race had been postponed until 9:00 Wednesday morning.<span style=""> </span>It was the first time in the history of the race that it had been postponed for two consecutive days by rain.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 2:10 Wednesday, the race started again.<span style=""> </span>I listened to it in the living room of my house.<span style=""> </span>I was home recuperating from a chiropractic treatment I had received a couple hours earlier.<span style=""> </span>Rain had delayed the start until afternoon.<span style=""> </span>Many of the big-name drivers were out of the race before it was half finished.<span style=""> </span>This included Mario Andretti, Lloyd Ruby, A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Mark Donohue, and Bobby Unser.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On his 59<sup>th</sup> lap, Swede Savage was involved in one of the worst crashes in the history of the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>As he was coming through the fourth turn, the car somehow got out of control, crashed almost head-on into the inside retaining wall, and exploded into dozens of pieces which were thrown as far as 300 yards from the point of contact with the wall. <span style=""> </span>It was an impossible sight to believe, even to those persons who have seen many wrecks in many years at the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>The race was stopped immediately and rescue equipment was at the scene in a few seconds.<span style=""> </span>Swede was taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis immediately and was still conscious but in critical condition.<span style=""> </span>Once again, this year the race had been plagued by tragedy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Within seconds after the crash, one of Swede’s pit crew members stepped onto the pit apron to see the crash scene and was struck from behind by a rescue truck rushing to the accident.<span style=""> </span>He was rushed to a hospital and died less than an hour after he was hit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It took about an hour to clean the debris from the wreck scene and make the track usable again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Swede Savage remained in critical condition for four weeks, although at times he seemed to be improving slightly.<span style=""> </span>During the fifth week, his kidneys began malfunctioning and on Monday, July 2, he died from the malfunctioning and the complications of his other injuries.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Al Unser was leading the race at the time it was stopped and continued to lead when it was resumed.<span style=""> </span>He led until the 73<sup>rd</sup> lap when Gordon Johncock took over the lead.<span style=""> </span>Gordon maintained the lead until the 131<sup>st</sup> lap when, once again, rain started coming down.<span style=""> </span>Two laps later, Chief Steward Harlan Fengler ended the race as the rain gave no indication of stopping and it was now after 5:30.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Johncock was declared the winner and the remaining first ten positions went to Bill Vukovich, Roger McCluskey, Mel Kenyon, Gary Bettenhausen, Steve Krisiloff, Lee Kunzman, John Martin, Johnny Rutherford, and Mike Mosley.<span style=""> </span>Gordon completed 133 laps for 332.5 miles at an average speed of 159.020.<span style=""> </span>It was the shortest “500” ever run at the Speedway.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When starter Pat Vidan waved the red flag to end the race, it signaled the end of the most frustrating, disappointing, and certainly one of the most tragic years in the history of the race.<span style=""> </span>It was one of those years that many persons would like to forget and erase from the record books, but of course that can’t be done.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The combination of the deaths of two popular drivers and a pit crew member and the troubles caused by the uncooperative weather were almost too much for many persons to incur in one year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As was to be expected, there was much controversy and discussion about what caused all the trouble and what should be done to prevent its recurrence in future years.<span style=""> </span>During the summer, the length of the rear wings on the cars was reduced and the gas tank capacities were also reduced.<span style=""> </span>There were also changes made to the race track.<span style=""> </span>The outside retaining wall was raised fourteen inches, the pit area was extended further northward, and the inside retaining wall on the fourth turn was removed.<span style=""> </span>Nobody will know until next year whether these changes will be beneficial.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another subject that will be discussed is whether Gordon Johncock could have maintained his lead for the remaining 67 laps if the race had gone its full distance.<span style=""> </span>This is impossible to know because there are many situations that could have developed to change the course of the race.<span style=""> </span>Auto racing is one of the most unpredictable activities in the world and this race is an excellent example of that statement.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This will be a year to remember for several reasons.<span style=""> </span>It was the first year I went to the Speedway by myself, it was the first time at a house other than Kramers, and it was the first time I subscribed to an Indianapolis newspaper during May.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I look to the future, I hope that my third decade at the Speedway will begin much better than the second on ended…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pace Car – Cadillac Eldorado</p> <p class="MsoNormal">500 Festival Queen – Cynthia Foster</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-23607522201263667732009-02-09T22:00:00.001-06:002009-02-10T12:23:17.120-06:00Indy Journal - 1972<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cpdalbey%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cpdalbey%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cpdalbey%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> 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{size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16;">1972<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Probably the biggest news at the speedway this year was the tremendous speed increase from last year.<span style=""> </span>There was an increase of 17 mph between Peter Revson’s pole position speed of last year and Bobby Unser’s 195.940 mph pole speed of this year.<span style=""> </span>This is the largest single-year increase in speed in the history of the speedway.<span style=""> </span>Another qualifying record was established when the slowest car in the starting field qualified faster than the fastest car in last year’s race.<span style=""> </span>Other memorable features of this year were the death of Jim Malloy in a practice run on May 14<sup>th</sup> and the confusing start and finish of the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dad, Bobby, Dixie, and I saw the first day of time trials on Saturday, May 13.<span style=""> </span>We left Springfield at 3:00, stopped at the Colonial Kitchen for breakfast, and arrived at the speedway about 7:30.<span style=""> </span>It rained over half the time going over and it was coming down quite hard at the speedway.<span style=""> </span>We were lucky enough to get seats in the Paddock section by the start-finish line and under a roof.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was a long, frustrating day.<span style=""> </span>The rain came down almost all day long, and the sun didn’t shine until about 4:00.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t until 5:00 that the track was declared in racing condition and the cars were allowed to practice.<span style=""> </span>The caution light came on several times, and it wasn’t until after 5:30 that any qualification attempt was made.<span style=""> </span>A couple drivers started their trial runs but came in and didn’t finish.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes before 6:00, the crowd received its biggest thrill of the day when A.J. Foyt took the green flag and started his four lap run.<span style=""> </span>That thrill was short-lived, however, when a few seconds later, the P.A. announcer said that Foyt’s car had blown its engine and was coasting into the infield on the backstretch.<span style=""> </span>Before another car could get onto the track, the 6:00 deadline whistle blew, eliminating any qualification attempt and ending a frustrating day.<span style=""> </span>On the way home, we stopped at the Colonial Kitchen for supper and arrived home about 11:30.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Friday, May 26, I ate dinner at Dalbey’s and after eating, we loaded Bobby’s car and got everything ready to go.<span style=""> </span>I transferred all of my equipment to Bobby’s car and then put my car in her space in the garage.<span style=""> </span>We checked to be sure we had everything we intended to take and at 12:42, we said goodbye to mother and started on our trip.<span style=""> </span>I drove and Bobby sat in the front seat and Dad behind her.<span style=""> </span>I took the same streets we usually take, North Grand, 6<sup>th</sup> Street, 5<sup>th</sup> Street, and Sangamon Ave., and shortly, we were leaving town.<span style=""> </span>It was a warm, sunny day and there wasn’t enough traffic on the highway to make driving unpleasant.<span style=""> </span>We arrived in Decatur about 1:30 and the traffic was about the same as it usually is.<span style=""> </span>The traffic remained fairly light and about 2:15, we passed through Tuscola.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">About 10 minutes after we left Tuscola, I noticed a strange sight ahead of us and a few seconds later, we realized there was a wreck ahead of us and we would have to slow down.<span style=""> </span>We were the second car coming from the west so apparently we just missed by a few seconds being in the wreck.<span style=""> </span>I realized we might be there for a while so I stopped, turned the engine off, and got out to investigate.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It looked as if three cars were involved in the mess.<span style=""> </span>One car was going west and one car and a semi-trailer truck were going east.<span style=""> </span>The truck looked as it if had jackknifed to the right and into the utility pole by the truck, knocking the pole partly over.<span style=""> </span>The car going east was parked a few feet to the left of the truck.<span style=""> </span>The car going west was in the worst condition.<span style=""> </span>It was in two pieces on the north side of the road, with the truck in one place and the remainder of the car several feet west of the truck, lying upside down.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There were two men at the overturned part and when I arrived there, I discovered there was a woman in the car and the men were trying to free her.<span style=""> </span>The car was so smashed in that the men had to loosen the seat and open the door before they could get the woman out.<span style=""> </span>The woman was groaning quite a bit so we thought she might be in bad condition.<span style=""> </span>We finally got the car opened and the seat pushed back so that we could pull her out.<span style=""> </span>There was a blanket by the car so I spread it out and the two men placed her on it.<span style=""> </span>The woman had blood over a large portion of her body and small pieces of glass stuck in her skin in several places.<span style=""> </span>She was in considerable pain and particularly so in her left thigh, which she thought might be broken.<span style=""> </span>Despite her bad condition, she was conscious and wanted us to try to free her friend from the car.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The other woman’s head and neck seemed to be out of position and we were fearful some damage had been done to them.<span style=""> </span>We managed to get her out of the car and laid her down by the other woman. An ambulance had been called so while we waited for it, I surveyed the scene.<span style=""> </span>The damaged car was a Chevrolet and it had really been damaged.<span style=""> </span>There were pieces of glass and metal scattered over a wide area.<span style=""> </span>There was a bean field several feet from the highway and a trench between the field and the highway.<span style=""> </span>The trench was loaded with broken car pieces and some pieces had even gotten into the bean field.<span style=""> </span>In my survey, I also discovered several primary education books scatted about, so I thought maybe at least one of them was an elementary school teacher.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By now, a few other cars had stopped, although most of them continued on their way without stopping.<span style=""> </span>Although there were several people on the scene, nobody seemed to know just what had happened or any of the details.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, it had happened right in front of a house located on the highway, so it didn’t take long to get to a telephone.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While we were waiting for the ambulance, I took Bobby’s snow sweeper from the car and swept some of the metal, glass, rocks, and other debris from the highway.<span style=""> </span>It was a small broom for such a big job but it cleared a lot of the debris off the highway.<span style=""> </span>In a few minutes, the ambulance and the local sheriff arrived and the women were taken to a nearby hospital.<span style=""> </span>One of the men on the scene before we arrived directed traffic while I continued sweeping the highway.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After a while, I decided there was no need to stay around any longer so we decided to continue on our way.<span style=""> </span>Just as we were ready to leave, a state trooper arrived on the scene.<span style=""> </span>I thought he might want to talk to us so I waited a minute or so, but he didn’t come over to the car so we went on.<span style=""> </span>It was 2:55 now so we had spent thirty minutes at the accident scene.<span style=""> </span>All three of us were shaken up by the accident and we talked about it as we continued on to Chrisman.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 3:18 when we arrived at the Colonial Kitchen.<span style=""> </span>There were two customers when we arrived but a few more came after we did.<span style=""> </span>We each had a cup of coffee and Bobby and dad had a piece of pie and I had a dish or orange sherbet.<span style=""> </span>The refreshments felt good and when we finished, we used the restrooms, paid the bill, and continued on our way.<span style=""> </span>It was 3:44 when we left.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We drove north on highway 150/1 and at 4:13, we got onto I-74 south of Danville.<span style=""> </span>Five minutes later, we crossed the Indiana line, and from there on, it was smooth sailing until we arrived at the Route 136 & I-74 intersection on the west side of Indianapolis.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was heavy but it was moving and in a couple minutes, we arrived at the Standard Station and had the gasoline tank filled while we used the restrooms.<span style=""> </span>We continued east on Crawfordsville Road and at 5:25, we arrived at Kramer’s.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mr. Kramer is usually on the scene and directs all the traffic as it comes into his yard.<span style=""> </span>This time, however, he wasn’t there, so we backed in at about the location we wanted to park.<span style=""> </span>A couple minutes later, a woman came over and introduced herself and said Mr. Kramer had just left to go downtown but should be back any minute.<span style=""> </span>The four of us talked for a few minutes and then she excused herself to go talk to some other customers.<span style=""> </span>We wanted to park in front of the front porch but didn’t want to do so without Mr. Kramer’s approval, so we stayed where we were and got out lawn chairs out and sat on them for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>There were a few customers who arrived before us, but most of the yard was still empty.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A few minutes before 6:00, Mr. Kramer arrived home and started getting his customers located.<span style=""> </span>When he arrived at our car, he gave us a warm greeting and said he was glad to have us back again.<span style=""> </span>We asked him about parking in front of his porch and he said that would be fine with him, so I backed the car into our spot and parked it.<span style=""> </span>Bobby asked dad and me if we wanted to eat now or later, and we decided to walk down by the speedway and then come back and eat.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The pedestrian traffic wasn’t real heavy until we arrived at the Speedway Museum, and then it increased considerably.<span style=""> </span>There was a line of people extending outside the museum waiting to get in, but the patrolman at the door kept the line moving right along, so we didn’t have long to wait.<span style=""> </span>Many of the cars on display we had seen before, but there were a couple new displays sponsored by accessory companies which made for interesting viewing.<span style=""> </span>We spent about half an hour in the museum and then walked back to the car.<span style=""> </span>It was about 7:00 now.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By now, we were rather hungry.<span style=""> </span>Dad and I got the stove out and set it up while Bobby got the food out and prepared it for cooking.<span style=""> </span>For supper, we had hamburgers, baked beans, potato chips, salad, and coffee.<span style=""> </span>It tasted real good and the weather provided an excellent atmosphere for eating.<span style=""> </span>It hadn’t gotten dark yet, there was only a slight breeze, and the temperature was just right.<span style=""> </span>Bobby had brought along quite a bit of food, but we ate almost everything she cooked.<span style=""> </span>When we finished eating, we cleaned out our equipment and put it back in the car.<span style=""> </span>I had bought a newspaper shortly after we arrived so we sat in our chairs and read it while it was still light enough to see.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I finished reading the newspaper, I told Bobby and dad I was going to take a walk and see what was going on closer to the speedway.<span style=""> </span>They said they didn’t feel like going, so I went by myself.<span style=""> </span>The traffic, both auto and pedestrian, had increased considerably in the last few hours.<span style=""> </span>There was still a line of people waiting to go through the museum and there were several persons who either wanted to buy or to sell race tickets.<span style=""> </span>I walked east on the north side of 16<sup>th</sup> Street and it looked about the same as it does every year.<span style=""> </span>The cars were bumper to bumper for several blocks in both directions and many of the cars were convertibles with young, loud, offensive people in them.<span style=""> </span>It always disturbs me to realize how foolish these people are, both in their drinking and their reckless driving.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I continued on, I approached the Speedway Motel and noticed a few other walkers walking toward it.<span style=""> </span>I had always wanted to see the motel, but thought there would be policemen or other security personnel to keep me from doing so.<span style=""> </span>This time I decided to attempt it.<span style=""> </span>If I couldn’t get in somebody would tell me and I would leave.<span style=""> </span>There were two policemen directing the cars entering and leaving the motel parking lot, but they didn’t say anything to me when I walked by the, so I continued on my way.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I entered the lobby, I heard an organ being played and somebody singing.<span style=""> </span>I turned to the left and came upon the bar room.<span style=""> </span>A middle-aged woman was doing both the playing and the singing and she seemed to be quite happy doing it.<span style=""> </span>There was a large crowd present, most of whom were drinking and a few of whom were singing along with the music.<span style=""> </span>I stepped inside and took a look around the room and then stepped back out of the way so that I wouldn’t be in the way.<span style=""> </span>I listened to the music for a few minutes and then walked around and saw another room, the dining room.<span style=""> </span>From there I went outside and walked around the grounds.<span style=""> </span>The sidewalk by the lobby led to the rear of the motel and there I could see the outside wall of the southeast turn of the race track and some of the outside wall of the back straightaway.<span style=""> </span>In the distance, I could see the control tower.<span style=""> </span>Also in the rear of the motel was a large, revolving floodlight.<span style=""> </span>I turned back and walked west across the front sections of the motel.<span style=""> </span>There were several guests either leaving or entering their rooms.<span style=""> </span>When I reached the end of the motel, I turned around and went back to the lobby.<span style=""> </span>There was still a lot of noise coming from the bar room so I decided to check it out again.<span style=""> </span>The crowd was making quite a bit of noise, but I was able to shut them out enough so that I could hear the music.<span style=""> </span>I listened for several minutes and then decided it was time to leave.<span style=""> </span>As I walked back to 16<sup>th</sup> St, the policemen were still directing traffic, but they didn’t stop me so I went on.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wanted to cross the street and walk back on the other side, but the traffic was so heavy, and the drivers so wild, that I decided it would be best if I stayed where I was.<span style=""> </span>When I reached Georgetown Road, I used the pedestrian crosswalk and got across when the light changed to green.<span style=""> </span>I continued walking west and went into the drug store at the intersection of 16<sup>th</sup> and Main Streets.<span style=""> </span>I wanted to buy another Indianapolis newspaper but the only ones for sale were copies of the edition I already had.<span style=""> </span>With no luck there, I went south on Main St. another block and went into the next drug store.<span style=""> </span>They didn’t have any newspapers either.<span style=""> </span>The other drugstore was filled with customers but there was almost nobody in this one.<span style=""> </span>My feet were aching from all my walking so I sat down on the fountain stool and ordered a Coca-Cola.<span style=""> </span>It felt good to get off my feet and to have a cold drink.<span style=""> </span>There was only one other customer at the fountain when I sat down, but while I was there, a young couple came in and sat down a couple seats from me.<span style=""> </span>I took my time drinking my soda so that I could rest a little while and then I paid my bill and left.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">From the drugstore, I walked north on Georgetown Road to Gate 6.<span style=""> </span>There was a large crowd of pedestrians, mostly young, wild, drinking people, but mobile police wagons prevented any trouble from getting out of hand.<span style=""> </span>From here, I went back to the car, but on the way I stopped at the discotheque place to see what was happening.<span style=""> </span>It is located next door and to the rear of the White Castle hamburger shop.<span style=""> </span>Last year, I could stand in the doorway and watch the go-go girls for nothing, but this year everybody had to pay before entering the building, so I decided not to go in.<span style=""> </span>I stood outside and listened to the music for a few minutes and then went back to the car.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 11:15 now.<span style=""> </span>I opened the car trunk to get my sleeping bag and pillow and was real careful in so doing so that I wouldn’t wake Bobby.<span style=""> </span>I decided I would try sleeping on the ground this year because of the noise in the garage caused by men talking as they came in to use the restroom.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, my plan didn’t work so well.<span style=""> </span>Across the street from the garage was a group of boys who were drinking and yelling and racing the motor of their car.<span style=""> </span>This continued for a long time and precluded any sleep.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The main problem, however, in my being unable to sleep was my stopped-up nose.<span style=""> </span>Every year, around the end of May and the first part of June, something gets into my nose and causes it to get stopped-up.<span style=""> </span>I am constantly blowing my nose and have trouble sleeping because I can’t breathe.<span style=""> </span>I lay on the west side of the garage and every time I would almost get to sleep, I would wake up because I couldn’t breathe.<span style=""> </span>I tried sleeping in the garage and by the car, but it didn’t do any good. I had to remain standing because when I lay down, my nose would become stopped-up and I couldn’t breathe.<span style=""> </span>The condition also caused my eyes to water and I spent a good part of the night getting rid of my tears and blowing my nose so that I could breathe easier.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t get much sleep.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 5:00, I heard the opening bomb and decided to give up on sleeping.<span style=""> </span>I got up and walked around and found most of Mr. Kramer’s customers still asleep, some in cars, come in sleeping bags, and some on the ground.<span style=""> </span>I got up and walked around a little bit.<span style=""> </span>The cars were lined up on Crawfordsville Road, but weren’t moving very fast.<span style=""> </span>On my way back to the sleeping bag, I ran into dad.<span style=""> </span>He had awoken and was standing by the garage trying to get some fresh air and wake up.<span style=""> </span>The two of us talked for a few minutes about the terrible noise we heard all during the night and how it kept us from sleeping.<span style=""> </span>I went back and folded up my sleeping bag while he folded up his cot and blanket, and then we took them to the car to put them away.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby was awake, but not very much.<span style=""> </span>When she got out of the car, she said she had to use a restroom but didn’t want to go to the filling station because she didn’t want to have to stand in line.<span style=""> </span>She wondered if she could use Kramer’s restroom and when I asked Mr. Kramer about it, he said that would be fine.<span style=""> </span>That was really a lucky break for Bobby.<span style=""> </span>When she returned, we got our thermos bottles and took them to the filling station to be filled.<span style=""> </span>The filling station, however, wasn’t selling coffee this year, so we had to walk to the White Castle restaurant and have them filled there.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 7:00 when we arrived back at the car.<span style=""> </span>By now, we were hungry for breakfast, so dad and I got the stove ready to use while Bobby got out the food and eating equipment.<span style=""> </span>While Bobby was cooking, Dad and I read our newspapers and listened to the radio.<span style=""> </span>The aroma of bacon frying in the pan was real pleasant to our noses and made us hungrier than we were previously.<span style=""> </span>Bobby cooked quite a bit of bacon but we ate all of it she cooked plus the scrambled eggs and coffee.<span style=""> </span>When I finished, I felt fuller and more awake.<span style=""> </span>When we finished eating, we cleaned our equipment and stacked everything neatly in the trunk.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 8:00 now and we sat in the car a few minutes and listened to the radio and commented on the activity around us.<span style=""> </span>The pedestrian traffic going to the Speedway was getting heavier but the automobile traffic was not as heavy as it had been a couple hours ago.<span style=""> </span>Almost everybody in Kramer’s yard was awake now and getting ready for breakfast or to go to the Speedway.<span style=""> </span>We straightened things up in the car and then got all of our equipment gathered up and ready to go.<span style=""> </span>We checked to see if we had the most important item, the tickets, and then locked the car and started on our way.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although we had several items to carry, our load was light compared to that of some of the other race fans, particularly those carrying ice chests.<span style=""> </span>We saw several groups of persons who had to stop and rest because of the weight of the coolers.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Every year on our way to the Speedway, we come upon a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars who wants everybody to donate a quarter and buy a VFW pen.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes they get almost demanding, but we always ignore them and keep walking.<span style=""> </span>I noticed that most of the other fans were doing the same thing.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we reached the White Castle restaurant, Bobby and dad remained outside and watched our equipment while I went in and had the thermos bottles refilled.<span style=""> </span>There were four persons in front of me but the line moved fast and in a couple minutes, I had the bottles filled and was ready to go again.<span style=""> </span>While we were arranging everything, we decided to take an individual ticket so that, in case we got lost in the mob, we would be able to get into the grounds and to our seats.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was a huge crowd waiting to get into the main gate but the ticket takers were doing their job well, and in a few minutes, we were inside the gate.<span style=""> </span>We bought two official programs from the first vendor we saw and then walked on.<span style=""> </span>It was getting harder to walk because of the large crowd and the ice chests, but pretty soon, we came to the sign directing us through the tunnel under the track.<span style=""> </span>The traffic here moved real well, and in a couple minutes, we were on the infield and in daylight again.<span style=""> </span>We continued walking in the same direction and in another minute or so walked through the subway and then came back to the rear of the Tower Terrace and turned and went right to our entrance.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The ticket take took our tickets and we walked up the incline for our first view of all the activity on the straightaway.<span style=""> </span>Pit crews were making final checks on their cars, the bands were parading on the track, the pit area was filled with visitors, and the overall picture was really something to see and hear.<span style=""> </span>We found our seats in Section 43, Row J, Seats 5, 6, and 7, put our equipment under our seats, and sat down and rested for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>It was now 9:00.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For a few minutes, we just sat and watched the activity and commented about the bands, people, cars, etc.<span style=""> </span>We checked our programs to see what cars were stationed within our view.<span style=""> </span>When I felt rested, I took both the still and the movie cameras and walked along the pit area from the north end to the entrance to Gasoline Alley.<span style=""> </span>This is always interesting to me and there were many other persons doing the same thing.<span style=""> </span>It is really a thrill to get almost within touching distance of some of the drivers, cars, pit crew members, and any famous celebrities who might be walking through the pit area.<span style=""> </span>Among the drivers I recognized were Mel Kenyon, A.J. Foyt, and Mario Andretti.<span style=""> </span>I took both still and motion pictures of them as did many other camera fans.<span style=""> </span>The pit crews were working feverishly in this last hour of preparation for the race.<span style=""> </span>Many of the car engines were running and some pit crew members were still running back to the garage area of supplies.<span style=""> </span>The combination of noise from the engines and the sight of the thousands of persons in their seats along the straightaway and the sight and sound of the bands marching on the straightaway easily brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.<span style=""> </span>It was really magnificent.<span style=""> </span>I stayed in this area until about 9:45 and then walked back to my seat.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:00, the chief steward, Harlan Fengler, told the pit crew members to line their cars up on the track for the start of the race.<span style=""> </span>Within the next few minutes, more than a dozen cars were being pushed north through the pit area and out the entrance and then forward on the track to their starting positions.<span style=""> </span>While this was going on, the many celebrities were driven around the track for all the fans to see.<span style=""> </span>Among the celebrities this year were the recording artists, the Osmond Brothers, Colonel Sanders of fried chicken fame, singer Phil Harris, and TV personality Dick Clark.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:30, Harlan Fengler and a couple other USAC officials made their final inspection of the track.<span style=""> </span>Only thirty minutes remained and the tension was increasing.<span style=""> </span>Almost every seat in view was filled.<span style=""> </span>At 10:40, the Purdue University Band played the “Star-Spangled Banner” as the crowd rose to its feet, and a couple minutes later, at 10:45, the band played “Taps” in honor of those servicemen who had died in the service of the country.<span style=""> </span>By now, most of the drivers were in their seats and everybody but the pit crews were off the track.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:50, the last song, “Back Home Again in Indiana” was played while the pit crews inserted their starters into the cars and the huge display of balloons was released behind the Tower Terrace section.<span style=""> </span>When the band finished playing, a huge cheer went up from the crowd as the big moment was only seconds away.<span style=""> </span>The loud buzz of the crowd was broken when the PA announcer said the big moment had come and then introduced Speedway President Tony Hulman.<span style=""> </span>Tony, in a loud clear voice, said those four famous words that always send the fans wild, “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!!”<span style=""> </span>The roar of thirty-three engines came into the air and in a few seconds, one member of each pit crew put one of his arms up in the air to indicate his car and driver were ready to go.<span style=""> </span>About a minute later, the Hurst/Olds Pace Car slowly pulled away.<span style=""> </span>Former race winner Jim Rathmann was the driver and his passengers were Tony Hulman, Robert Draper, astronaut Pete Conrad, and Mrs. Dolly Cole, wife of the president and chief officer of General Motors Corporation.<span style=""> </span>She was the first woman ever to ride in a pace car.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thirty-two cars moved out for the start.<span style=""> </span>The one exception was none other than A.J. Foyt, who started in the middle of the sixth row.<span style=""> </span>A huge moan went up from the audience when the announcement was made.<span style=""> </span>His crew worked desperately to solve the problem while the field continued on its way.<span style=""> </span>As the field came through the fourth turn, Harlen Fengler almost screamed over the PA system for the crew to get the car to the inside wall immediately, which they did.<span style=""> </span>The field presented a beautiful sight as it went by and received the cheers and applause of the crowd as it finished the parade lap and started the pace lap.<span style=""> </span>Everybody was looking to the fourth turn now as the big roar was only a minute or so away.<span style=""> </span>As the pace car came out of the turn and headed for the pit area, Foyt’s car still hadn’t started.<span style=""> </span>There was the possibility of another trip around the track, so the field wasn’t moving too fast, but then, at the last second, starter Pat Vidan waved the green flag for the confused start.<span style=""> </span>It was confusing because the yellow caution lights were on all around the track at the same time the green flag was waved.<span style=""> </span>Whether the track condition was green or yellow, the field took off and the race was on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby Unser jumped into the lead from his pole position and put a considerable distance between him and the other cars.<span style=""> </span>Revson, Donahue, Bettenhausen, and the other front starters fought among themselves in a battle to catch Bobby.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first car out of the race was rookie Salt Walther, whose car coasted to a stop in the second turn on his fourth lap.<span style=""> </span>On his 10th lap, another rookie, Swede Savage, left the race with a broken rod bearing.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After seven laps, Mike Mosley had moved from 14<sup>th</sup> to eighth position, and Bobby Unser had started lapping the tail end cars.<span style=""> </span>He led Mark Donohue by seventeen seconds and Gary Bettenhausen was third.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the 18<sup>th</sup> lap, both Bettenhausen and Peter Revson caught Donohue and passed him. Meanwhile, Johnny Rutherford had pitted twice in the first twelve laps, but continued in the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">An unpleasant surprised occurred on the 23 lap when Reveson pulled into the infield between the first and second turn with a broken gear box and was out of the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The standings at twenty laps were Unser, Revson, Bettenhausen, Donohue, Mosley, Jerry Grant, Mario Andretti, Sam Posey, Bill Vukovich, and Foyt.<span style=""> </span>The average speed was 179.901 mph.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After 28 laps, Unser led second place Bettenhausen by 24 seconds, and only four other cars were on the same lap with them.<span style=""> </span>This situation, however, was about to change.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the 30<sup>th</sup> lap, much to everybody’s surprise, Unser very slowly came into the pit area and was hardly able to make it to his own pit area. His crew tried to fix the car, but it was no use.<span style=""> </span>An ignition rotor had broken and he was out of the race.<span style=""> </span>His car had been the fastest one all month long, but now with the race less than ¼ completed, he was out of the running, and the nature of the race changed tremendously.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While Bobby was in the pits, Mel Kenyon, Dick Simon, and Carl Williams made pit stops.<span style=""> </span>The first yellow flag of the race came out during this period but only for a couple laps and then the green flag came out again.<span style=""> </span>At 35 laps, the first five were Bettenhausen, Mosley, Grant, Donohue, and Vukovich.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 40 laps, or 100 miles, the standings were Bettenhausen, Donohue, Grant, Vukovich, Andretti, Mosley, Al Unser, Lloyd Ruby, Gordon Johncock, and Roger McCluskey.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bettenhausen pitted for the first time on his 42<sup>nd</sup> lap, and so did Andretti.<span style=""> </span>A big moan came from the fans as Andretti very slowly entered the pit area.<span style=""> </span>His engine wasn’t even running and everybody feared the worst but fortunately, as it was learned later, he was only out of fuel.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, Johnny Rutherford and Roger McCluskey had left the race and Carl Williams had to come into his pit twice because of being blackflagged.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bill Vukovich’s good luck also ended early.<span style=""> </span>He was in fifth position when he pulled into the south chute grass area on his 55<sup>th</sup> lap.<span style=""> </span>On the 56<sup>th</sup> lap, Foyt returned to the race after a long pit stop to install a new turbocharger.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the 55<sup>th</sup> lap, Mosley passed Bettenhausen for the lead, but his luck was about to go sour, too.<span style=""> </span>As he came through the fourth turn on his 57<sup>th</sup> laps, he crashed into the outside wall, slid across the track nearly hitting the inside wall, and then slid back and hit the outside wall again, and slid backward against the wall down the track.. The car caught on fire and Mike was out of the car and rolling around on the track trying to extinguish his burning clothes before the car had hardly stopped.<span style=""> </span>The caution lights came on and firemen were on the scene immediately.<span style=""> </span>He had second and third degree burns on his legs and minor burns on his hands and face.<span style=""> </span>This was almost the exact spot where Mike crashed last year with Bobby Unser, and his injuries were the same as last year.<span style=""> </span>Pieces of his car went flying in every direction and Gary Bettenhausen, running second behind Mike, just barely missed crashing into the mess.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With Mosley out of the race, Bettenhausen moved back into the lead, and at 60 laps, the first ten were Bettenhausen, Grant, Donohue, Johncock, Al Unser, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Sam Sessions, and Mel Kenyon.<span style=""> </span>Grant moved into second position and after seventy-three laps was less than five seconds behind Bettenhausen.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Grant and Bettenhausen both pitted a few laps later and Donohue took the lead, but he also pitted and that put Bettenhausen in front again.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Carl Williams was blackflagged again and this time his crew pushed the car to the garage area.<span style=""> </span>At the same time, Foyt’s car was also pushed back to the garage area.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the halfway mark, the standings were Bettenhausen, Grant, Donohue, Johncock, Unser, Leonard, Andretti, Hurtubise, Sessions, and Ruby.<span style=""> </span>The average speed was 162.112 mph.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jim Hurtubise’s car rolled to a stop on the backstretch after going 99 laps, and at 120 laps, Johncock was forced out of the race with a broken piston.<span style=""> </span>John Mahler and Steve Krisiloff also dropped out with mechanical problems.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bettenhausen, Grant, and Donohue continued to lead the field as new speed records were set and other cars dropped out of the running.<span style=""> </span>Denny Zimmerman, Mel Kenyon, and Lee Kunzman left the race for different reasons as the race approached the ¾ mark.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wally Dallenbach was the next driver to leave the race.<span style=""> </span>Wally started in last place and on two of his pit stops, his car caught on fire.<span style=""> </span>Now he was finished for the day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bettenhausen, Grant, and Donohue, continued to hold the first three positions, but then somewhere around the 180 lap mark, Gary’s car started misbehaving.<span style=""> </span>It had been running perfectly but all of a sudden, it sounded terrible and he slowed down considerably.<span style=""> </span>His change of luck evoked a great moan from the audience and a few laps later, Jerry Grant caught him and took the lead, although Gary stayed in the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although it was getting late in the race, there was still much excitement left.<span style=""> </span>Grant’s crew, headed by former driver Dan Gurney, was naturally happy with the change of events, but their joy was to be quite brief.<span style=""> </span>Jerry was in front and he seemed to be headed for victory, but then, with less than 15 laps to go, he had to make a pit stop for a new tire and fuel.<span style=""> </span>It was here that the race was lost for Jerry.<span style=""> </span>For some reason, his pit crew refueled the car from Bobby Unser’s regular tank.<span style=""> </span>It was a mistake which nobody probably will ever forget.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While Jerry was in his pit, Donohue passed him and took the lead.<span style=""> </span>With only about ten laps to go, there was plenty of action.<span style=""> </span>The Sunoco-McLaren crew, who were brooding over Gary Bettnehausen’s car, now made an about face as victory seemed imminent to Gary’s teammate, Mark Donohue.<span style=""> </span>Mark received the message from his crew and raised his hand in acknowledgment.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By the time Grant returned to the race track, there was too little time left for him to regain the lead, so he had to settle for second position behind Donohue, who finished the remaining few laps and received the checkered flag.<span style=""> </span>Mark took two extra laps around the track and then slowly drove through the pit area on his way to Victory Lane.<span style=""> </span>A few seconds later, Grant pulled into his pit area for the last time this year.<span style=""> </span>He had driven a tremendous race and received a big applause from the crowd.<span style=""> </span>Only a change of luck beyond his control had kept him from winning the big prize.<span style=""> </span>Little did he, or anybody else, know that in the next 24 hours, he would be involved in a big controversy over the finish of the race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After Donohue and Grant, the remaining cars either finished the 500 miles or were red flagged to their finish.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Behind Grant, in third position, was Al Unser. Al had gone almost unnoticed in the race because of the battle between Donohue and Grant, but at the end, he was right behind them. His car had not performed as well as expected all month long, but it did excellently when it counted the most.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One of Al’s two teammates, Joe Leonard, also did real well and was near the front of the field during most of the race.<span style=""> </span>His steady driving brought him fourth position.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sam Sessions made his best showing at the Speedway by finishing fifth.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finishing in sixth position was rookie Sam Posey.<span style=""> </span>Sam was the fastest rookie qualifier this year at 184.379 mph and started in 7<sup>th</sup> position.<span style=""> </span>He made an excellent showing of himself.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Seventh position went to the old pro and sentimental favorite to win the race, Lloyd Ruby.<span style=""> </span>This was Lloyd’s 13<sup>th</sup> race and his bad luck at the Speedway is one of the best known stories in auto racing.<span style=""> </span>Although he was in the first ten positions during the last half of the race, he didn’t lead the race at any time, unlike his last four races.<span style=""> </span>With each passing year, Lloyd becomes more and more the sentimental favorite to take the big prize, but Lady Luck has yet to say yes.<span style=""> </span>He certainly deserves to win this race.<span style=""> </span>If he ever does, there will be a huge multitude of very happy race fans.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mike Hiss, another rookie, whom many people expect to be a future star, made a good showing of himself in his initial 500 mile race and finished 8<sup>th</sup>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In ninth position was Al Unser’s other teammate, Mario Andretti.<span style=""> </span>Mario had an excellent qualifying speed of 187.617 mph and started in fifth position.<span style=""> </span>He twice ran out of fuel before he reached the pit area and this probably cost him a few positions in the standings.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another rookie, Jimmy Caruthers, made a good showing and finished tenth.<span style=""> </span>He had the second slowest qualifying time and started in the last row, but he moved up steadily to his final position.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Other cars still going when the red flag was displayed were those of Cale Yarborough, George Snider, and Dick Simon.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The pits of Sessions, Ruby, and Yarborough were in front of us, so we were able to see quite a lot of pit action this year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the last car pulled off the track, Bobby and dad decided they would go back to the car and rest for a few minutes, but I stayed and watched the activity for a while.<span style=""> </span>Mark Donohue was driven around the track in the pace car so that everybody could see him, and then held an impromptu press conference at the starting line.<span style=""> </span>He answered questions from newspapers, magazines, radio, and television personnel over the Speedway’s PA system.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lloyd Ruby and Sam Sessions were helped out of their cars by their pit crews.<span style=""> </span>Their uniforms were thoroughly wet and their faces were covered with grease, oil, and dirt, but they used a rag to get most of the mess off their faces.<span style=""> </span>Lloyd sat on the back of his seat and talked to his pit crew while Sam walked around and stretched his arms and legs.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When all the cars had been pushed back to the garage area, I gathered up my equipment.<span style=""> </span>As I was walking behind the pit area fence, I looked up and down the straightaway and at the thousands of seats for the last time until next May.<span style=""> </span>Since I was by myself, I decided to go over to the garage area and see if I could see anything.<span style=""> </span>I hadn’t done this for several years and since I didn’t have to be at the car at any specific time, I took advantage of the situation and joined several hundred other fans who wanted a close-up view of the cars.<span style=""> </span>There were only a few cars to see and the mob of humanity behind the fence was several rows deep, so it was hard to get a close view of the car.<span style=""> </span>I walked around for several minutes with hopes of seeing one of the drivers, but I didn’t see any, so I left and started my walk to the car.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The traffic moved right along through the tunnel and a couple minutes later, I was on the outside of the track.<span style=""> </span>I turned around and took my last look at the Control Tower for this year.<span style=""> </span>As I was walking behind the Paddock Section to the main gate, I heard some loud noise coming from Georgetown Road.<span style=""> </span>I looked to my right and saw two men, apparently under the control of liquor, having a shoving and shouting match.<span style=""> </span>Their language was unpleasant and a few seconds later, they started to throw punches at each other.<span style=""> </span>A couple race fans entered the scene and physically restrained the men, although they continued to shout at each other.<span style=""> </span>They finally went their separate ways, but not before making a nuisance of themselves with fans who were offended by the fighting and profanity.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I neared the main gate, I bought a copy of the Flash Final Edition of The Indianapolis News.<span style=""> </span>Its headline was “Donohue Wins 500.”<span style=""> </span>At the same time I heard some music in the distance.<span style=""> </span>Pretty soon, I saw a crowd gathered in a circle.<span style=""> </span>I stopped to see what the attraction was.<span style=""> </span>A quartet of musicians was providing post race entertainment for the fans.<span style=""> </span>There were a drummer, a clarinetist, trombonist, and a trumpeter.<span style=""> </span>They could play their instruments real well, and the race fans really enjoyed their music.<span style=""> </span>I stood for several minutes and watched them and then continued on my way.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The traffic on Crawfordsville Road was bumper to bumper with hot, tired, dirty race fans eager to get on the open road.<span style=""> </span>Some of the people in the cars were asleep, while the other waited, some patiently and some impatiently, for the traffic to move.<span style=""> </span>I managed to avoid getting hit by either a car or a pedestrian, and a few minutes later, I arrived at Kramer’s.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby and dad were sitting in their lawn chairs by the car and watching the cars and people go by.<span style=""> </span>I put my equipment in the car and then got my chair out of the car and took my shoes off.<span style=""> </span>Most of Mr. Kramer’s customers had already left, but there were a few left, including two young couples sleeping on the ground in front of our car.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It really felt good to have my shoes off and to sit in my chair for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>I told Bobby and dad about visiting the garage area, witnessing the fight between the two drunks, and listening to the musicians.<span style=""> </span>Bobby said there was some food and coffee still left and that I could have them if I wanted them.<span style=""> </span>The food consisted of a couple sandwiches and some potato chips.<span style=""> </span>I had eaten a couple sandwiches during the race, but I still had room for a couple more.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">About 4:30, we decided to start our trip home.<span style=""> </span>We got all the equipment packed into the trunk and back seat and then had to awaken the two sleeping couples in front of the car so that they could move out of our way.<span style=""> </span>Mr. Kramer was in his yard so we said goodbye to him and started our trip.<span style=""> </span>I drove out of the yard right onto the highway and was real lucky to meet a polite driver right away who let us get in front of him.<span style=""> </span>The next hour was one of great frustration as we moved very slowly and only in occasional spurts.<span style=""> </span>It took us almost an hour to reach the I-74 intersection and we were really glad to get on it.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was no problem now and about 6:30, we crossed the state line and a few minutes later took route 150/1 south from Danville.<span style=""> </span>It took us a little longer on this road but we still didn’t encounter any unusual problems and about 7:00, we reached the route 36 junction and pulled into the Colonial Kitchen parking lot.<span style=""> </span>There wasn’t a parking space anywhere, so we knew there were a lot of people there.<span style=""> </span>I had to make a space behind the restaurant and pulled off far enough to the side to allow traffic to go through.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We thought we might have a long wait ahead of us, but happily we didn’t.<span style=""> </span>There was a big party going on in the east room and that accounted for most of the cars in the parking lot.<span style=""> </span>The regular dining room wasn’t crowded and we got to serve ourselves right away.<span style=""> </span>I put my plate on our table and then went to the restroom to wash my hands.<span style=""> </span>When I returned, Bobby had ordered ice tea for all of us.<span style=""> </span>I don’t like tea, but I guess Bobby didn’t know this and I didn’t have the nerve to tell her, so I drank it.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t like the tea, but the cold ice really felt good in my mouth.<span style=""> </span>I liked almost everything there was to eat and I really stuffed myself, and dad and Bobby did likewise to themselves.<span style=""> </span>We took our time in eating and when we finished, we used the restrooms, paid the bill, and left.<span style=""> </span>I bought a Paris, Illinois newspaper as we were leaving because I wanted to see if it had information on the wreck we had seen yesterday.<span style=""> </span>When I got to the car, I discovered it was Friday’s newspaper, so I just wasted a dime.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Feeling quite a bit better than when we stopped, we started the second part of our trip home and headed west on Route 36.<span style=""> </span>When we reached the scene of yesterday’s wreck, I slowed down so that we could survey the area a little bit.<span style=""> </span>The debris had been cleared from the road, but the two parts of the car on the north side of the highway were still in the same place they were yesterday when we left the accident area.<span style=""> </span>We arrived in Decatur shortly before 9:00 and the city was filled with people having their Saturday night outing.<span style=""> </span>This made the traffic quite heavy, but we still managed to get through the city in about fifteen minutes.<span style=""> </span>It was a few minutes before 10:00 when we arrived at the Dalbey’s house.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I stayed for a few minutes and then put all of my equipment into my car and headed for home.<span style=""> </span>It was a couple minutes shy of 10:30 when I arrived home.<span style=""> </span>I brought my equipment in but didn’t put any of it away.<span style=""> </span>Unlike many other years, I didn’t feel dirty and tired, but I decided to go to bed anyway.<span style=""> </span>Once again, our yearly sojourn to the 500 mile race had been a safe one without any accidents.<span style=""> </span>Now, it was time to read and listen to all the stories that would be told about this year’s race.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>EPILOGUE<o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think this will be one of those years when a driver, other than the winner, received the most publicity.<span style=""> </span>The other drivers and years that come to my mind are Bill Vukovich in 1955, Eddie Sachs and Dave McDonald in 1964, and Parnelli Jones in 1967.<span style=""> </span>The driver this year was, of course, Jerry Grant.<span style=""> </span>When the record purse of $1,039,242.31 was distributed at the Victory Dinner the following night, he was probably the most frustrated and disappointed driver there.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the race, George Bignotti, crew chief for the team of Al Unser, Joe Leonard, and Mario Andretti, filed a protest with race officials.<span style=""> </span>In his protest, Bignotti claimed that when Jerry made his pit stop on his 188<sup>th</sup> lap, he was refueled from the tank of his teammate, Bobby Unser, instead of from his own fuel tank.<span style=""> </span>This is an illegal practice and when race officials checked into the matter, they discovered that Bignotti was right.<span style=""> </span>The following morning, the officials made public the announcement that Jerry had been refueled from his teammate’s tank, that this is an illegal procedure, and that therefore he was dropped from second to twelfth position because his last twelve laps did not count and this is where he would have finished if he had gone out of the race at that time.<span style=""> </span>It was certainly a cruel blow to Jerry, and even more so because he had nothing to do with it.<span style=""> </span>His pit crew chief, Dan Gurney, admitted that it was his fault, but that didn’t regain Jerry any of the $71,423.04 he lost by being dropped from second to twelfth position in the standings.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The incident received much attention and publicity during the next several days, and then general opinion seemed to be “Why did Gurney do it?”<span style=""> </span>This is a question for which I do not have the answer.<span style=""> </span>Maybe, in his haste to get Jerry back on the track as quickly as possible in hope of retaining the lead, he forgot about the refueling law.<span style=""> </span>Maybe he was aware of the refueling law, but thought maybe he would take a chance and hope no USAC officials or other pit crew member would notice it.<span style=""> </span>Dan is considered a smart and knowledgeable person in the field of auto racing, and this makes the question even harder to answer.<span style=""> </span>Whatever the reason, Dan got caught doing it, and Jerry Grant paid a terrible price for his error.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In view of all that I have said about Jerry Grant, I, in no way, mean to discredit the performance of Mark Donohue.<span style=""> </span>Mark drove a good race and was, undisputedly, the winner, but I think if one looks at the record, he will have to admit that Mark won the race largely, if not mostly, on good luck.<span style=""> </span>He was in the right place at the right time.<span style=""> </span>By that, I mean he was in second position when the leader had to make his unscheduled pit stop.<span style=""> </span>If misfortune hadn’t struck Jerry Grant, in the form of a pit stop or any other situation in the remaining twelve laps of the race, Mark would have finished in second position.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This, however, is another example of a “Breaks of the Game” situation, and that game can be auto racing, baseball, football, politics, driving a car, or any of a multitude of other situations.<span style=""> </span>I have seen many cases where an individual or a team had a certain victory for sure, only to have some unforeseen misfortune strike at the last minute and turn victory into defeat.<span style=""> </span>This was certainly true in the case of Jerry Grant this year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although it was Jerry Grant who was the newsmaker after the race, it was Bobby Unser who stole the speed show up until race day.<span style=""> </span>His Olsonite-Eagle was in a class by itself all month, and he was the overwhelming favorite to not only win, but run away with, the race.<span style=""> </span>His 195.940 mph qualifying speed was far above what anybody had thought possible.<span style=""> </span>The 17 mph increase over Peter Revson’s 179 mph record of last year was almost impossible for anybody to believe.<span style=""> </span>Peter, himself, came closest to Bobby’s qualifying mark, and his speed was more than three miles per hour below that of Bobby’s speed.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby, however, proved one point during the race that many other drivers have also proven in previous years.<span style=""> </span>That point is that although a driver may be far and away the fastest driver during the practice period and time trials, in no way does that guarantee that he will be the first one to receive the checkered flag.<span style=""> </span>Bobby certainly had the race to himself while he was in it, but then before anybody hardly knew what was happening, he was out of it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As a result of the Jerry Grant decision, all positions from third through twelfth were moved up one; therefore, the finishing positions I listed earlier in this story are incorrect and should be one position higher than I have them listed.<span style=""> </span>This includes the position of Al Unser through George Snider.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mark Donohue’s winning speed average was 163.465 mph.<span style=""> </span>This is almost six miles per hour faster than Al Unser’s record 1971 speed of 157.735 mph.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unlike last year, my movie camera worked fine this year and I took two good reels of the race and one of the first day of time trials.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I hope next year’s race will be as exciting and interesting as this year’s race.<span style=""> </span>I plan to be there once again to see one of the world’s greatest shows – the Indianapolis 500 – the greatest spectacle in racing.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Note:<span style=""> </span>This paragraph should have been part of the epilogue, but it was inadvertently omitted.<span style=""> </span>When we arrived home and I gathered up my equipment to put in my car, I couldn’t find my pillow.<span style=""> </span>I thoroughly checked Bobby’s car and everywhere in the house I had been, but couldn’t find it.<span style=""> </span>Luckily, when I arrived home, Dixie told me it was an old pillow and it didn’t matter if I had lost it.<span style=""> </span>I was quite angry at myself.<span style=""> </span>A couple days later, I wrote to Mrs. Kramer and explained the situation and asked her if she had found it and if she could return it to me.<span style=""> </span>I was doubtful if I would ever hear anything about it.<span style=""> </span>Two weeks later, I received the pillow well packed in a cardboard box and with a note from Mrs. Kramer.<span style=""> </span>She said she found it in the back yard by the garage and hoped somebody would write and claim it.<span style=""> </span>I was very happy to get the pillow back and wrote a letter of appreciation and sent the money for the postage to Mrs. Kramer.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pace Car – Hurst/Olds</p> <p class="MsoNormal">500 Festival Queen – Elaine Scher</p> Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-64999036500656483932008-11-17T21:54:00.000-06:002008-11-17T21:55:27.026-06:00Indy Journal - 1971<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u>1971<br /></u></span></div><br />The big names among this year’s drivers were Mark Donohue, Peter Revson, and Al Unser. Other highlights of this year’s activity included the pace car wreck at the start of the race, Al Unser becoming the first driver to win two consecutive races since Bill Vukovich in 1953-54, the return of Indianapolis to normal time, the seven mph increase in qualifying speed, the large number of race accidents, and the first time the race was run on any day but Memorial Day.<br /><br />On Saturday, May 15, Bobby, Dixie, and I went to the first day of time trials in Bobby’s 1969 Chevrolet. Dad couldn’t go because he couldn’t get off work.<br /><br />The weather was ideal and we got to our seats about 8:00. At 9:00, the track was opened for practice and that wonderful sight, smell, and sound came alive again.<br /><br />A.J. Foyt was the first driver to break the old record and by 6:00, ten others had done likewise. Mark Donohue was the overwhelming favorite for the fastest time, and when he left the pit area, he was given a huge applause. He did very well, but his 177.087 was still slightly disappointing after almost going 180 mph in practice.<br /><br />About midway through the afternoon, the biggest surprise of the day a\occurred when Peter Revson took another McLaren car out and qualified at the unbelievable 178.696 mph. Everybody was ecstatic. His fastest lap was over 179 mph.<br /><br />By 6:00 quitting time, sixteen drivers had qualified. The front row was made up of Revson, Donohue, and Bobby Unser and Joe Leonard’s three-year old qualifying record was out the window.<br /><br />It was the finest qualification day I had attended. The weather, our seats, and the activity on the track were all the best of my six trips.<br /><br />The traffic was very heavy in getting to I-74, but then it thinned out and it was good driving the rest of the way. We stopped at the Colonial Kitchen and ate a good supper. For breakfast, we stopped at the little restaurant across the road, because the Colonial Kitchen was closed. When we finished eating we left and arrived home between 11:00 and 11:30.<br /><br />On Friday morning, May 28, I got all of my equipment together, checked my list to make sure I had everything, and then loaded it into the car. When I arrived at Dalbeys’, all of their equipment was on the back porch and ready to be put into Bobby’s car. Mother had a good meal cooked for me, so while I ate dinner, dad loaded the car. When I finished eating, I put my equipment into the car. We got situated in the car, told mother and Susan goodbye, and at 12:40, we left for the race.<br /><br />Unlike last year, we didn’t have to contend with road repairing, so we got to and through Decatur a little faster than we did last year. The traffic west of Decatur was about the same as usual, but on the east side, it was quite heavy for several miles and it was quite a while before I could drive at full speed.<br /><br />At 2:47, we stopped at the Colonial Kitchen for a little break. We each had a cup of coffee while dad and Bobby had a piece of pie and I had a helping of orange sherbert ice cream. When we finished, we used the restrooms, paid our bill, and then left.<br /><br />At 3:12, we left the parking lot and went north on routes 150-1. Everything looked quiet and peaceful along the way. We came onto I-74 at 3:40. From there, it took us just one hour to get to the U.S. 136 intersection west of Indy. The traffic became much heavier but moved quickly, and a few blocks later, we stopped at the Standard station to fill the gas tank and use the restrooms.<br /><br />With that important job done, we drove to Fisher St. and into Krammer’s parking lot. His yard was mostly empty and it gave us a good feeling to know we’d have no trouble getting a space. Bud was outdoors and recognized us and guided us into a space. We got out, paid our $4.00 fee, and talked to Bud for a few minutes. He told us he already had a few customers and hoped they didn’t cause any trouble. I was surprised at the small amount of cars.<br /><br />Bud excused himself and the three of us got out our lawn chairs and sat down for a while. The west-bound traffic was heavy with people going home from work, but the east-bound traffic was quite light. A newspaper boy walked by and I bought a paper from him. That gave us something to read. As it is every year, the race was front page news.<br /><br />Around 6:00, we decided we may as well eat our supper. Bobby got the food out and dad and I got the portable oven out and got it started working. Our meal was baked beans and hamburgers, along with lettuce salad, potato chips, and coffee. It all smelled and tasted real good. It wasn’t as comfortable as sitting at a table, but that didn’t make the food taste any worse. When we finished, we wiped off our plates, glasses, and silverware, put everything else back in boxes, and took the oven apart and put it back in the trunk. It was still light so we sat in our chairs for a few minutes and watched the activity around us. Already, there were more cars and people than there had been just two hours ago when we arrived.<br /><br />About 7:30, we decided to leave and see what was going on closer to the speedway. The filling station and concession stands were doing a good business. The intersection at the main gate was quite busy but a policeman finally stopped the traffic long enough to allow a few persons to cross the street.<br /><br />There was a long line of people waiting to get into the museum, but the line moved right along, so we didn’t mind waiting. Some of the exhibits we had seen before, but there are always some different cars, pictures, etc. that weren’t there the previous year. It is always a thrill to me to stand so close to some of the cars that have been in various 500-mile Indy races. The women at the souvenir stand were selling the official program for the race so Bobby and I each bought one. That would save us some inconvenience at the speedway in the morning. They had many books, postcards, pennants, and other items for sale, and were doing a good business. The ticket office, located in the west end of the building, was also doing a good business. Every year some people wait until the last minute to buy their tickets and then have their choice of only a few seats.<br /><br />As we walked back to the car, the sound of loud music and unsteady, loud drunks and the smell of beer came more into evidence than it had anytime previously. When we arrived at the car, we read some parts of our newspapers before it became completely dark. The parking lot had a few more cars than it did when we left. We also talked and listened to the radio for a few minutes. A large part of the local news concerned the race – the weather report, traffic conditions, the drivers’ meeting, and other items of interest.<br /><br />About 9:30, I decided to go back and take in some of the free, informal entertainment that some of the fans always provide the night before the race. Bobby and dad decided they would stay behind and try to get a start on their night’s sleep.<br /><br />I decided to try something different this year. Instead of walking down Crawfordsville Road all the way, I went north on Fisher St. for three blocks and then right. I don’t remember the name of the street. It was different scenery and it was much quieter than all of the noise just a few blocks away. There were a few neighbors out in their yards talking to each other, but that was about all that was going on. The noisy revelers could be heard in the distance, but the noise was not enough to be a nuisance.<br /><br />When I reached Crawfordsville Road, I turned left and walked toward the speedway. There was a new discotheque with go-go girls on the north side of the street and I decided to check it out. There were a lot of other young people who were doing the same thing. The loud swinging music, audible from the street, had aroused their and my curiosities. The music seemed loud until I opened the door. Inside it was many times more so. The place was packed with young people seated at small, round tables for two. There were two girls on a tall platform dancing to record music which was so loud that it was almost impossible to talk to the person standing or sitting next to you. There was a $1 cover charge and the only form of food or drink was beer and hard liquor. This was enough to discourage me and several others from entering, so we stood in the hallway and enjoyed the free entertainment. We saw as much as any paying customer could see. After a while there was a break in the action. I waited several minutes for the action to resume, but when it didn’t, I left and went on my way.<br /><br />I went north on Georgetown Road to see what was going on there. The extra lanes of traffic, one in each direction, had made it a much better street. There was the usual large amount of young, beer-drinking people, but they weren’t causing enough trouble for the police to get into action, but the police were keeping a sharp eye on the activity and were equipped with riot helmets and big, thick clubs.<br /><br />I walked down to the Gate 6 underpass and then walked back on the east side of the street. The automobile traffic wasn’t real heavy but I had to be careful to avoid all the people who were so drunk that they couldn’t walk straight.<br /><br />At the main gate, I turned left and walked down the north side of 16th St., about half the length of the speedway grounds. Then I crossed the street and came back west on the south side. The Holiday Inn seemed to be doing a good business although I didn’t go inside the building. There were many concession stands on the south side and most of them were doing a good business.<br /><br />When I reached Main Street, I crossed the street and went in the corner drug store to see if I could buy any newspapers I didn’t have. I didn’t see any new papers, but walked around the store a little bit to see if I could find anything interesting. I thought I might buy a race souvenir for Dixie, but didn’t find any. I left that store and walked down Main St. to the next drug store. That store didn’t have any new newspapers either, so I turned around and went back to 16th St. At the intersection I turned left and walked a couple blocks. There wasn’t much activity so I turned around, crossed the street, and came back toward the speedway. I went into the store where 500-mile race magazines, books, and other items are sold, but didn’t see anything I hadn’t seen before or anything that interested me, so I went on my way and, with much caution, crossed over to the north side of Crawfordsville Road.<br /><br />Loud music was still coming from the discotheque, so I decided to stop and check it out. There was still a packed house and loud music, but no girls were performing. I waited a few minutes, but the girls didn’t do their thing, so I left.<br /><br />There were a lot of beer parties and wiener roasts taking place on both sides of the street as the carnival atmosphere reached a new high. The filling stations were doing a good business, particularly the ladies’ restrooms.<br /><br />About a block from our car, a large group of young drunks were making an unusually large amount of noise and making some risqué remarks. About a minute later, after I had passed them, I heard a police car siren and turned around. The policeman stopped and told the youths to disperse and stop the loud noise. At first, they gave the policeman a hard time and didn’t want to do as they were told, but they finally quieted down somewhat and went their separate ways. For a while, I thought there was going to be some ugly, unpleasant action, but the policeman was adamant and the youths apparently decided he meant what he said.<br /><br />It was between 11:30 and 12:00 when I arrived at the car and was as quiet as I could be in getting my cot and sleeping bag out of the trunk. I set them up in the garage a few feet away from dad. Although it was midnight, I couldn’t sleep, partly because I was excited about the race and partly because of the large amount of noise.<br /><br />Shortly after I crawled into the sleeping bag, a car load of young men pulled up and parked across the street from the garage. They got out of the car and proceeded to make fools of themselves. They drank beer and made loud profane remarks for a long time. In addition to these problems, there was also the problem of men coming and going all night long as they used the makeshift men’s room. I finally managed to get some sleep, but was awakened every once in a while by the noise. One time when I woke up, I checked and found that the young men across the street had gone elsewhere, so that was some help. There were also some drunks partying around the car so I knew Bobby couldn’t be getting much sleep. The large number of drunks always seem to be having a grand time, but they are a big headache to the sober people who want to spend a quiet evening and get a good night’s sleep.<br /><br />A couple minutes after 5:00, I heard a loud boom. I looked at my watch, saw what time it was, and knew that the opening bomb had just gone off. While I was still lying on the cot, dad woke up and went outdoors for a few minutes. A few minutes later, he came back and the two of us folded up our cots and sleeping bags and took them out to the car. Our abbreviated night’s sleep was finished. Most of Mr. Krammer’s customers were still sleeping in their cars and there were a few even sleeping on the ground. It was quite cool, and I thought the combination of noise and cool weather would make sleeping difficult, if not impossible, but it didn’t seem to bother most of the people. Bobby woke up shortly after we did and the three of us sat in the car for a while and tried to wake up while we listened to the radio and observed the activity around us. The long line of cars on Crawfordsville Road was already past us when we woke up, and now a lot of the drivers were futility honking their horns in an attempt to move the cars.<br /><br />Between 5:30 and 6:00, we went down to the Satellite Hamburger Shop and got our thermos bottles filled with coffee. We thought we would have to go down to the White Way shop at the Georgetown Road intersection, but we didn’t, so that saved us a lot of time. When we arrived back at the car, dad and I got the stove out while Bobby got the food, silverware, plates, and glasses out.<br /><br />For some reason, the stove wouldn’t work. We pumped the gas into the burner as we always did, but this time the fire wouldn’t start. We pumped it several times and used several matches, but it didn’t do any good. A group of men who had a Coleman stove just like ours came over to see what our trouble was and see if they could be of any help. They tried for a few minutes, but didn’t have any better luck than we did. Since they were finished with theirs, they offered to let us use theirs. They wanted us to try it first, as they seemed doubtful of theirs now. It worked fine, so we went right to work and got our breakfast cooked.<br /><br />Breakfast was scrambled eggs, bacon, and coffee. It really smelled and tasted good. Bobby had brought along plenty of food and we ate until we couldn’t eat any more. It was between 7:00 and 8:00 now and just about everybody was up and preparing or eating breakfast.<br /><br />When we were finished eating, we put our equipment away, cleaned up the strove, and returned it to the owner. We thanked him again for the use of it and he seemed more than happy to be of help to us. I don’t know what we would have done without it. I guess we would have had to stop at one of the hamburger stands and eat there. It was the first time I could remember having any trouble with the stove.<br /><br />With that job done, we sat in the car for a few minutes and read the newspapers and listened to the radio. Between 8:00 and 8:30, we decided we had better get on our way, so we made sure we had everything we intended to have, locked the doors, and started the walk to the speedway.<br /><br />The traffic was fairly heavy and almost everybody was carrying something. This included thermos jugs, field glasses, cameras, umbrellas, Styrofoam coolers, and many other items. We stopped at the Satellite Hamburger stand to get some coffee, but they didn’t have any right then, so we went on down to the White Way and had our thermos bottles filled there. It seemed to me that there was more than the usual amount of people trying to sell and buy tickets. I don’t know if there actually were, but it seemed that way. With our bottles filled, we crossed the street and got in line to go through one of the turnstiles.<br /><br />There was a huge crowd of people, but the lines moved right along and we didn’t have to wait very long. A couple minutes later, we were inside the main gate, and since we already had our souvenir racing programs, we didn’t have to make our usual stop to buy one. We decided to make one last use of the restrooms and then headed for the infield underpass. The traffic was getting heavier and heavier and the people were going everywhere – upstairs, back towards the main gate, toward the underpass, and north on Georgetown Road. This is the worst area to get through between the main gate and our seats because there are several hundred persons trying to get through a narrow passageway, although it wasn’t as bad this year as it has been some years.<br /><br />When we exited onto the infield, the crowd thinned out somewhat and we had more room in which to move and breathe. We went east to the underground steps and walked under the street which runs from Gate 6 to the infield. Our entrance was the far north end so we continued walking, glancing around every once in a while to see if we were still together. The gateman took our tickets and we walked to the fence separating the pit area from the spectator area. This first view of the long straightaway and all the activity taking place on it always thrills me immensely, and this year was no exception. Many of the pit crews were running the engines or their cars while several multi-colored bands were parading on the race track. It was a real pleasure to my eyes and ears. We stood there a couple minutes and then went to our seats, which were in Section 43, Row J, seats 5-7. It took a minute or so, but we finally got all of our equipment arranged either under or on our seats. The seats felt good after all the walking we had done. We watched the bands parade on the straightaway and used the insert pamphlet of the racing program to identify those drivers, cars, and pit crews within our viewing area. Among those we could see were Dick Simon, Mel Kenyon, Sam Sessions, Roger McCluskey, Larry Dickson, and Rick Muther.<br /><br />I decided to use my new movie camera and take some pictures of the activity. The pit crews were busy on their cars and I caught some of them at work on the camera. I spent quite a while looking at the cars and the crews working on them. The pit area was full of people walking around taking in everything. I arrived back at my seat about 10:00.<br /><br />Just a minute or so after I arrived at my seat, the announcement came over the PA system for the pit crews to push their cars into their starting positions. As they did this, the Purdue University Band played “On the Banks of the Wabash.” Only one hour remained until the start. With the help of our racing program, we identified each car as it was pushed by us.<br /><br />A few minutes later, the cavalcade of celebrities was driven around the track in official Dodge Challenger cars. Among the celebrities present this year were Clayton Moore, TV’s “Lone Ranger”, entertainment stars Bob Barker, Hugh Downs, and Amy Devine, Housing Secretary George Romney, Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes, Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, the Dodge Safety Sheriff and Miss Universe. Many of them were interviewed on the track PA system either before or after their trip around the track. Also in the parade were the 500 Festival Queen and the 32 members of her court.<br /><br />When the parade returned to the starting line, the Chief Steward, Harlan Fengler, and a couple other USAC officials made the final inspection lap of the track. The tension and excitement were greater than ever as only thirty minutes remained. Drivers and pit crew members stood around their cars and made last minute plans.<br /><br />At 10:45, the huge crowd rose to its feet and became very quiet as the band played the “Star-Spangled Banner.” When that was finished, the noise broke out again but only for a couple minutes. At 10:50, a solemn moment of reverence was observed in honor of the occasion of Memorial Day as the band played “Taps.” By now, most of the drivers were in their cars and all people who weren’t involved with the race were gone from the track. A couple minutes after “Taps”, Peter DePaolo, winner of the 1925 500-mile race, sang the final song, “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Pete is no singer and he certainly did a bad job of singing this song. The reaction from the crowd was the same as mine.<br /><br />A few seconds after that, colored balloons were released from the infield and received a big cheer as they rose into the air. It was now a matter of seconds until the big moment. The speedway was buzzing with noise and excitement. The drivers were in their seats with safety belts and shoulder harnesses fastened, and helmets, goggles, and gloves in place. The noise from the crowd was broken when the PA announcer broke in and introduced the president of the speedway, Tony Hulman. Tony took the microphone and slowly, but distinctly, announced his famous command “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES.”<br /><br />The air instantly was filled with the noise of both the cars and that of the audience. All the cars in our viewing area started as one crew member raised an arm to indicate his driver was ready to go and another member fanned away the obnoxious fumes. The roar of those thirty-three engines all at the same time is one of the greatest delights a racing fan can experience. About a minute after Tony Hulman gave his command, the Dodge Pace Car slowly started moving and then the cars were pushed away. I couldn’t see any car that didn’t start and in a few seconds, the PA announcer announced the good news that all cars had started and were moving into their starting positions. This brought a loud burst of cheer from the audience. We could hear them all the way around the track as they got into position. Everybody’s eyes were set on the fourth turn. The low buzz of noise from the crowd suddenly became a loud cheer as the field appeared in the fourth turn and headed down the straightaway. As they went by, the engines were roaring and some of the drivers were waving. It was a spectacular sight and the audience waved, cheered, and clapped as they went by. Field glasses and cameras were ready to catch the flying start. Everybody seemed nervous and tense as they waited again with their eyes glued on the fourth turn. Pretty soon, the pace car appeared and headed for the pit entrance. It was really moving as it went by us and a couple seconds later, the green flag was waved and the race was on.<br /><br />Second place starter Mark Donohue took the lead ahead of Peter Revson and Bobby Unser. His first lap speed was 169.651, a new record. Before ten laps were run, Steve Krisiloff and Dennis Hulme had spun, but there was no damage and both of them continued in the race.<br /><br />About this time, as we were listening to the radio, we heard something which greatly upset us. The pace car had crashed into a photographer’s platform at the south end of the pit area and injured several persons. The car, driven by auto dealer Eldon Palmer with Tony Hulman and astronaut John Glenn as passengers, came into the pit area at a high rate of speed, and as they started to slow down, the brakes apparently locked, sending the car into a skid. When it hit the platform, the impact upset about fifty photographers, injuring many of them. A speedway guard and several spectators were also injured, some of them quite seriously. The three of us could not see the action, but we knew from hearing the radio that something was going on. It didn’t sound very good and we hoped nobody had been killed. The front end of the pace car was heavily damaged.<br /><br />Meanwhile, back on the track, the action continued. On his 10th lap, Steve Krisiloff spun in the northeast turn. Mel Kenyon spun to avoid Krisiloff and crashed into the wall. Gordon Johncock hit Kenyon and then crashed into the wall. Mario Andretti then crashed into them and all four of them were out of the race. This brought out the yellow light for several laps.<br /><br />Before the four-car wreck, George Snider had made a pit stop on his sixth lap and he was done for the day. George has had real bad luck in every 500-mile race he’s been in.<br /><br />The standings at 20 laps were Donohue, Revson, Al Unser, Leonard, Ruby, Bobby Unser, Rutherford, Tinglestad, Foyt, and Mosley.<br /><br />On the 32nd lap, the green flag came out again. As Donohue continued to lead, the next few positions behind him kept changing. After 33 laps, Larry Dickson was out with engine trouble and Sam Sessions was finished after 43 laps with a broken valve.<br /><br />At 40 laps, Donohue was leading and he was followed by Al Unser, Joe Leonard, Bobby Unser, and Lloyd Ruby, in that order.<br /><br />Art Pollard pulled into his pit area and was done for the day with mechanical trouble.<br /><br />The crowd jumped to its feet on the 50th lap as Donohue came through the pit area for his first pit stop. Al Unser was almost right behind him, so now Joe Leonard was in the lead. Joe’s lead was short, however, as he pitted on the next lap and gave the lead to Bobby Unser. Several other drivers also made pit stops.<br /><br />Donohue was back charging for the lead and cutting down the time between him and Bobby Unser. His 57th lap was 173 mph. A few laps later, Unser made his pit stop and Mark took the lead again, but not for long. On his 67th lap, he spun on the north chute, pulled into the grass, stopped and got out of the car. The gear box had broken. The audience was unpleasantly surprised when it found out what had happened.<br /><br />Al Unser regained the lead and he and Leonard staged a terrific fight for the lead for several laps. Leonard passed Unser on the 72nd lap and held the lead for 10 laps until Unser got it back on the 82nd lap. Leonard got the lead on the 87th lap and the two of them were far ahead. Lloyd Ruby was third, 25 seconds behind.<br /><br />Leonard made his second pit stop on his 92nd lap and Unser went back in front. On the 97th lap, Al pitted and Lloyd Ruby took the lead for three laps. He had to make a pit stop and Bobby Unser went to the front.<br /><br />At the half-way point, the first ten were Ruby, Bobby Unser, Revson, Al Unser, Leonard, Foyt, Cale Yarborough, Bill Vukovich, Roger McCluskey, and Jim Malloy. The average speed was 159.471 mph.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Wally Dallenbach was out after 68 laps with mechanical trouble and Bob Harkey and Bentley Warren went out after 77 and 75 laps, respectively, with engine trouble.<br /><br />On his 108th lap, Bobby Unser made his second pit stop and Al Unser resumed the lead.<br /><br />Also, on the 108th lap, the main straightaway crowd jumped to its feet in terror as David Hobbs and Rick Muther collided with each other. The two were running close to each other just north of the starting line. Muther suddenly turned his wheels and the two cars collided and went into terrifying spins. They spun several times, hit the outside wall, and Muther’s car almost turned over. It was on the right side, almost perpendicular to the track. It skidded across the starting line, and came as close to turning over as it could without actually doing so. Parts of the cars scattered in all directions as race officials and pit crew members ran for safety. Only a few feet on the inside of the track were left for the other drivers to get through. Starter Pat Vidan went out onto the track and wildly waved the yellow flag in an effort to slow down oncoming cars and prevent more of them from crashing into the mess. The track was so littered with debris that the cars had to go single file right next to the inner wall in order to get by. Miraculously, neither driver was hurt and both immediately got out of their cars, but the cars were done for. The spectators were in a state of shock. I screamed as I saw the cars hit each other, crash into the wall, and almost turn over. Everybody, including dad and me, grabbed their radios to hear about the accident. I was shaking with fright and so were some of the other people around me. Luckily, there were no other cars real close and they were able to slow down enough to not cause any further trouble. A few minutes after the crash, the PA announcer announced that neither driver was injured, and that greatly reduced everybody’s apprehension. Speedway maintenance crews were immediately on the scene and went to work cleaning up the debris. There were big black skid marks from in front of us to the starting line.<br /><br />At 120 laps, Al Unser and Joe Leonard were running first and second, but then Leonard’s car developed turbocharger trouble and he was forced out of the race. It was a real bad break for Joe, who had been running near the front the entire race.<br /><br />Johnny Rutherford’s car quit after 128 laps with engine trouble and Dennis Hulme’s car did likewise after 137 laps.<br /><br />At 140 laps, or 350 miles, the first ten were Al Unser, Bobby Unser, Revson, Ruby, Foyt, Vukovich, Fullmer, Hulme, Malloy, and Allison.<br /><br />Cale Yarborough was finished after 140 laps with engine failure and George Fullmer’s car went out after 147 laps with a broken piston. Many people were surprised at how well George had been doing and it was a shame he couldn’t have continued.<br /><br />At 139 laps, Al Unser led with Bobby Unser 32.6 seconds behind and Revson 14.6 seconds behind Bobby.<br /><br />Revson, Foyt, and Bobby Unser all pitted on the 151st lap, Al Unser on the 159th lap, and Ruby on the 160th lap. All made good quick stops except Ruby. Lloyd killed his engine and it was a minute and 33 seconds before he got back onto the track.<br /><br />Dick Simon was forced out with engine trouble after 151 laps.<br /><br />At 160 laps, the standings were Al Unser, Ruby, Revson, Bobby Unser, Foyt, Vukovich, Mosley, Tingelstad, Malloy, and Allison.<br /><br />A few laps later, the yellow light came on again as fire and skidding cars were seen in the fourth turn. Once again, everybody jumped to their feet with fear and turned on their radios. Mike Mosley spun and hit the outside wall, then shot across to the infield and hit several cars involved in earlier wrecks. Bobby Unser spun to avoid Mosley and also hit the wall. Unser was unhurt but Mosley had a fractured leg, fractured arm, and burns. The fires were put out and then track personnel got Mosley out. Crashing into the other cars had crumpled his car in on him and it took a while to get him out.<br /><br />The yellow light was on for several laps and during this time Lloyd Ruby was black-flagged because his engine was on fire. He came in, had the fire put out, and went out again, but not for long. He came in again and was finished for the day. A deep groan went up from the crowd as the announcer sadly gave the news that Lloyd was out of the race. His unbelievable bad luck had struck again. For the fourth consecutive year, he had led the race at one time or another, but was forced out with mechanical trouble. It was a sad moment for many people, including me.<br /><br />The yellow light stayed on until the 188th lap when the green came on again.<br /><br />At 180 laps, the standings were Al Unser, Revson, Foyt, Vukovich, Malloy, Allison, Tingelstad, McCluskey, Zimmerman, and Bettenhausen.<br /><br />As the race neared its end, the crowd came to its feet and observed the last few laps. They were counting the laps and pretty soon Al Unser received the white flag and then the checkered flag. He had won his second consecutive 500-mile race. He took two extra laps and then pulled into victory lane in front of the Control Tower.<br /><br />About the same time Al pulled into Victory Lane, second place finisher Peter Revson pulled into his pit for the last time. It had been a very good month for Peter. He started in first position with a record-breaking qualifying run and then ran with the leaders during the entire race and finished in second position, only seventeen seconds behind Al Unser.<br /><br />A.J. Foyt finished third. This was his 14th race and his name and records are legendary by now.<br /><br />Bill Vukovich finished fourth in his fourth race. He finished seventh in his first race, but had had bad luck the last two years, so it was good to see him come back strong.<br /><br />Jim Malloy finished fifth in his fourth 500-mile race and this was his first time at going the full distance.<br /><br />Last year’s “Rookie of the Year”, Donnie Allison, was sixth and Bud Tingelstad, in his 10th race, finished seventh. Bud missed last year’s race, but made a good comeback.<br /><br />Roger McCluskey’s rotten Indianapolis luck finally ended as he finished in eighth position. This was his 10th race and the first time he was still running at the finish.<br /><br />Denny Zimmerman won “Rookie of the Year” by finishing ninth and Gary Bettenhausen made his best showing by finishing 10th, although he completed only 179 laps.<br /><br />When all the cars were off the track, Bobby and dad left to go back to the car, but I stayed to take in some of the post-race activity. Al Unser was interviewed in Victory Lane and then driven around the track for everybody to see. While I was waiting for the announcement of the winning time, the wrecked cars of Kenyon, Johncock, Andretti, Krisiloff, Unser, and Mosley were towed through the pit area. It was a horrible sight to see, particularly Kenyon’s car. It was a complete wreck and I thought to myself that Mel was lucky to get out of it alive.<br /><br />It was announced that Al Unser’s winning speed was 157.735 mph, and his time was 3 hours, 10 minutes, and a few seconds.<br /><br />I took a last look around the track, stands, and pit area, and then started back to the car. The traffic was real heavy, but not as bad as I have seen it some other years, and it moved pretty well. Just before I reached the main gate, I bought a “Flash Final” edition of the Indianapolis News.<br /><br />When I got to the car, dad and Bobby were sitting in their lawn chairs so I got mine out and did likewise. It felt good to take my shoes off and relax for a few minutes. I drank some of the remaining coffee while we sat and talked about the day’s activities and listened to the radio. We were hoping the traffic would thin out a little bit before we left, but it remained bumper to bumper and hardly moved.<br /><br />It seemed like a hopeless situation so we got everything arranged in the car, said goodbye to Bud Kramer, and at 3:57 drove to the highway and waited to get in line. After a couple minutes, a courteous driver stopped a few seconds and let me get in ahead of him. I was very thankful for his kind deed. It would be a long time now before we would reach I-74. We sat for several minutes and didn’t move an inch. We moved only a few feet at a time and then we waited some more. It was real frustrating and we felt the traffic should be moving better. When we reached Lynnhurst Drive, we moved only slightly faster, but we finally made it to I-74 at 4:40, forty-seven minutes after leaving Kramers’. The traffic thinned out considerably, and we didn’t have much trouble from then on until we stopped at the Colonial Kitchen at 6:15.<br /><br />There were several race fans already there, but there was still room for us, so we went through the serving line and helped ourselves. Since we hadn’t eaten a meal since about 8:00 that morning, it tasted real good. We had free entertainment while we ate. There was an anniversary party going on in the large room on the east side. The room was filled with people and there was live organ music. It was a pleasure to sit and listen to the organ music and look at all the people. Dad and I helped ourselves to seconds with some of the food, but we finally filled up. We paid the bill, used the restrooms, and at 7:00 headed west again.<br /><br />We hardly got started until we were stopped by a train at the first railroad crossing we came to. This was the first time I could remember being stopped by a train while driving home. The stop was only for a few minutes and then we were rolling again. We arrived at Decatur about 8:15 and the city was alive with wild drivers. In about 15 minutes, we were out of the city and on the last forty miles to Springfield. It was about 9:15 when we arrived at Dalbeys’.<br /><br />We didn’t unload but went right into the house. Dixie was there so all of us watched the last 15 minutes of the race on TV. ABC had taped the entire race and ran portions of it on prime time that night. We were sorry we couldn’t have seen the entire show, but what we saw was real good. After the telecast, we talked for a few minutes and then Dixie and I went home. It had been a fine trip and now it was all over but the talking.<br /><br />EPILOGUE<br />A record purse of $1,001,604 was distributed to the drivers at the Victory Dinner, and Al Unser received $238,454 of that amount.<br /><br />The McLaren cars were, for the most part, a disappointment in the race. Peter Revson’s car was the only one that finished. Donohue lead almost the entire time he was in the race, but the broken gear box ended his chances. Dennis Hulme’s quit with engine trouble and Gordon Johncock was in a crash.<br /><br />The three big accidents, which were responsible for most of the caution time, were unfortunate, but also unpredictable, and it is fortunate that they weren’t worse.<br /><br />The pace car mishap will be an unpleasant reminder of this year’s race in future years. I do not know if it has been decided just who or what was responsible for the accident, but I feel sure there will be a thorough and complete investigation conducted in order to prevent such an occurrence from happening again.<br /><br />This was the first year I used my new movie camera at the race. Unfortunately, the automatic lens wasn’t working correctly and all my pictures of the race failed to develop, although all the still pictures I took turned out fine. I’m hoping for better luck in future years.<br /><br />Despite the race crashes, bad movie camera, and cool weather, it was a real fine year and we’re looking forward to 1972 when, once again, we plan on seeing one of the greatest events in the world – the INDIANAPOLIS 500.<br /><br />Pace Car – Dodge Challenger<br />500 Festival Queen – Candace ClusterPaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-74580777411605208822008-08-21T21:52:00.002-05:002008-08-21T21:54:37.017-05:00Indy Journal - 1970<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1970</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Probably the most memorable event of 1970 was the difficulty in getting the race started.<span style=""> </span>This was the first time in my 16 trips that the race started at some time other than 11:00.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Saturday, May 16, Bobby, dad, <st1:place st="on">Dixie</st1:place>, and I saw the first day of time trials.<span style=""> </span>We left <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Springfield</st1:place></st1:city> 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.<span style=""> </span>We had to wait a few minutes because the food wasn’t available until 5:00.<span style=""> </span>All four of us ate a good breakfast and then resumed our trip.<span style=""> </span>It was dark when we stopped but now it was light.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We arrived at the Standard Station on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street> a couple minutes after seven and had the gas tank filled and used the restrooms.<span style=""> </span>Instead of going straight on, we went to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lynhurst Drive</st1:address></st1:street> and went north a couple blocks, turned right, and drove to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Fischer Avenue</st1:address></st1:street>, and then right to Kramer’s house.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bud was glad to see us and we talked a few minutes before leaving for the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was a huge crowd of people going through the main gate so it took a while to get the tickets.<span style=""> </span>We sat in the Paddock Section and had real good seats.<span style=""> </span>Before the time trials started, Tony Hulman, <st1:city st="on">Speedway</st1:city> president, was honored for his 25 years of service to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>Twelve of the drivers in Tony’s first race (1946) drove a lap around the track.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was not the most exciting time trials day I had attended, but there was still the usual excitement.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>He had not done anything spectacular in practice runs, but his qualifying speed was 170.213, only 0.007 mph slower than Unser’s.<span style=""> </span>It really took everybody by surprise and was good enough for the second starting position.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shortly after 3:00, rain started coming down.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>As it turned out, we were right.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although less spectacular than <st1:place st="on">Rutherford</st1:place>’s performance, another memorable event to remember about this year was the fact that for two consecutive years, the qualifying record was not broken. <span style=""> </span>This is the first time this has happened since I have been seeing the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We walked back to the car, got everything arranged, and started our trip home.<span style=""> </span>It took a while to reach I-74, but when we did, the traffic moved much quicker.<span style=""> </span>We took the same route home and stopped at the same place for supper.<span style=""> </span>We had eaten sandwiches during the day, but the hot meal really tasted good.<span style=""> </span>Our arrival time at home was a little earlier than usual, but we had had a good time anyway, despite the frustrating rain.<span style=""> </span>In our five years of attending the time trials, only once (1968) have we had good weather.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I got all of my equipment packed on Friday morning and left for Dalbey’s about 10:45.<span style=""> </span>I ate dinner there while dad and Bobby put everything into the car.<span style=""> </span>When I finished eating, we checked to make sure we had everything and then at 11:53, we started our trip.<span style=""> </span>We went in Bobby’s 1969 Chevrolet as we had done also for the time trials.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The traffic between <st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on">Decatur</st1:city> was rather heavy and there was work being done on the highway in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Macon</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place>, so it wasn’t too good of a drive.<span style=""> </span>There was also work being done on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Eldorado Street</st1:address></st1:street> in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>Because of the work, there was only one lane of eastbound traffic, so that slowed us down some more.<span style=""> </span>After stopping for a few red lights, we at last got out of town and into lighter traffic.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style=""> </span>It was a fine afternoon for traveling, and we continued on until 2:07 when we stopped at the Colonial Kitchen.<span style=""> </span>It took us 2 hours and 14 minutes, quite a bit longer than when going to the time trials.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There were only two other persons there so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.<span style=""> </span>Dad and Bobby had a piece of pie and a cup of coffee and I had a cup of coffee and a sweet roll.<span style=""> </span>It felt good to drink the coffee and later to use the restroom.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We left again at 2:35 and went north on route 1 and 150 until we reached I-74 just south of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Danville</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>This was about 3:00.<span style=""> </span>The traffic wasn’t real bad and we were able to travel 70 mph most of the way.<span style=""> </span>When we got close to our destination, we took US Route 136 East until we arrived at the Standard Station.<span style=""> </span>There, we filled up with gas and used the restrooms.<span style=""> </span>We went about another mile until we came to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Fischer Ave.</st1:address></st1:street> and then we turned left and stopped at Kramers’.<span style=""> </span>Dad and Bobby got out while Bud guided me into a spot in his front yard, between the highway and his front porch.<span style=""> </span>It was 4:24 pm.<span style=""> </span>Our travel time was 4 hours and 3 minutes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bud talked with us for a few minutes as we discussed the weather, the crowd, race, etc.<span style=""> </span>He then excused himself and we got out our lawn chairs and sat for a while.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was enjoyable just to sit and take in the racing atmosphere.<span style=""> </span>The race fans were coming into the city and many of the city people were getting off from work and going home.<span style=""> </span>The only factor keeping the weather from being perfect was the slightly-too-strong breeze; otherwise, it was a very pleasant afternoon.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>Some of them were already drinking beer.<span style=""> </span>A young couple was lying on the ground and enjoying each other’s company, oblivious to anybody else around them.<span style=""> </span>Several men were sitting in lawn chairs and watching a portable TV which one of them had brought.<span style=""> </span>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 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>This was the first time I’d ever seen TV in Kramers’ lot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">About 5:30, we decided to eat our supper.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>Our supper consisted of baked beans, hamburgers, salad and cookies, sweet rolls, and potato chips if we wanted them.<span style=""> </span>All of it tasted real good.<span style=""> </span>Maybe the idea of cooking over an open fire in the outdoors made it taste good.<span style=""> </span>It is a popular way of eating with race fans.<span style=""> </span>While we were eating, we could listen to the radio, watch TV, and watch all the activity around us all at the same time.<span style=""> </span>The perfect weather was another positive factor.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we felt we couldn’t eat anymore, we cleaned up our mess and put our equipment back into the car.<span style=""> </span>Since it was still fairly early and still light, I thought it would be a good idea to take our walk down by the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> to take in the sights.<span style=""> </span>The service station restrooms and eating establishments between Kramers’ and the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> were doing a good business and the ditches and parking lots were filling with cars.<span style=""> </span>There was a long line of people waiting to go through the museum, but it moved steadily, so that was a big help.<span style=""> </span>As it had been for several years, Jack Brabham’s 1961 Cooper Special was parked right inside the front door.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>I bought some picture post cards and also some paintings of race cars and drivers at the sales desk, and then we left.<span style=""> </span>I bought a newspaper from a newsboy and then we walked back to the car.<span style=""> </span>We always enjoy reading the special race editions of the Indy newspapers.<span style=""> </span>They are loaded with race data and information.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby and Dad read the paper while I joined the TV crowd and watched reruns of the time trials.<span style=""> </span>They were particular interesting to watch because a camera was on each car all the way around the track.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>When the show was over, I went back and joined dad and Bobby.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We read the paper, commented on interesting features we read, listened to the radio, and just watched the activity around us.<span style=""> </span>One of the radio broadcasts everybody is interested in is the weather prediction.<span style=""> </span>It sounded good although there was a possibility of rain later in the afternoon on Saturday, but that shouldn’t affect the race.<span style=""> </span>By now, it was dark.<span style=""> </span>I wanted to take another more extensive walk down by the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>, but dad and Bobby decided to stay in the car, so I took out on my own.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The revelry was going strong by this time.<span style=""> </span>Bonfires, beer bottles, singing, and laughing abounded.<span style=""> </span>I walked east on the north side of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:address></st1:street> to the viaduct and then walked back west on the south side.<span style=""> </span>As usual, it was the real young people who were making the biggest fools of themselves.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>Controlling them is a difficult job for the policemen, which was proven in 1967 when a riot almost erupted on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street> between a group of drunks and helmeted, club-carrying state policemen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I continued on to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main Street</st1:address></st1:street> and then went into the comer drugstore.<span style=""> </span>I thought I might find another newspaper but I didn’t, so I walked on south a couple more blocks.<span style=""> </span>I went into another drug store for the same reason and had the same luck, so I turned around and walked back to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:address></st1:street>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I decided to do something I’d never done before.<span style=""> </span>I walked west on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:address></st1:street> and crossed over to one of the side streets and walked back to the railroad tracks.<span style=""> </span>It looked like a big camping area, with all the pickup trucks, bonfires, drinking, laughing, etc.<span style=""> </span>I had always thought about walking through this area and this year I finally made it.<span style=""> </span>Everybody seemed to be having a grand time.<span style=""> </span>I walked down several side streets, which I’d never been on before.<span style=""> </span>There were a few people sitting on their front porches, but it was real quiet.<span style=""> </span>I walked back to the main gate and then north on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>There was much activity taking place, most of it not pleasing and desirable, but not any worse than I had seen in most years.<span style=""> </span>Because the crowd was so heavy, I didn’t go all the way to Gate 6.<span style=""> </span>Instead, I turned around and walked back to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street> and from there to the car.<span style=""> </span>The eastbound lane of the street was filling up with cars waiting to go into the infield.<span style=""> </span>The drunks and street parties were going full blast and the filling stations and eating places were doing a good business.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I arrived at the car, the scene wasn’t much different.<span style=""> </span>Bud Kramer was still awake and every once in a while he would get another customer.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>I had decided beforehand that it might be a little quieter in the garage.<span style=""> </span>I had to use a flashlight to see but I finally got set up and was the only person sleeping in there.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 5:00, the opening bomb went off and the gates of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> opened to receive the thousands of cars that would be passing though its gates in the next few hours.<span style=""> </span>By now, the eastbound lane of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street> was lined solid with cars for several blocks past us.<span style=""> </span>I lay in bed for a few minutes but then got up and folded my bed and blankets and went back to the car.<span style=""> </span>As I was walking, I met dad, who was coming over to see if I was awake yet.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>Some of the radio stations had helicopter reports every few minutes of the traffic conditions around the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Speedway</st1:city></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style=""> </span>I went over and washed my face in the cold (there wasn’t any hot) water and that made me feel a little better.<span style=""> </span>The water faucet was a popular place because it was the only source of water.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dad and Bobby went down to the hamburger restaurant by the Standard Station and got the thermos bottles filled with coffee.<span style=""> </span>When they returned, dad and I got the stove fire started while Bobby got the other equipment out.<span style=""> </span>It was between 6:00 and 7:00 and the activity was steadily increasing.<span style=""> </span>The long line of cars was moving, although not always to the satisfaction of the drivers.<span style=""> </span>They frequently showed their impatience by blowing their horns, which, of course, did nothing to move the traffic.<span style=""> </span>The pedestrian traffic going to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> was increasing also, as was the amount of equipment being carried, such as coolers, field glasses, cameras, etc.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The aroma of eggs and bacon frying in the open morning air really smelled good.<span style=""> </span>The scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, and hot coffee made a fine breakfast.<span style=""> </span>Bobby cooked plenty of food, and we ate all we could hold.<span style=""> </span>When we finished, we wiped the cups and silverware off, but didn’t wash them.<span style=""> </span>Bobby said she would do that when we got home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style=""> </span>By now, most of the people in the yard were awake and out walking around or eating breakfast.<span style=""> </span>Two of the people eating their breakfast were a couple from <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state> who have also been staying at Kramers’ for several years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Around 8:00, we decided we may as well join the crowd going to the <st1:city st="on">Speedway</st1:city> so we checked to be sure we had all of our equipment, locked up the car, and started for the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>Bobby stopped at the Standard Station and used the restroom.<span style=""> </span>Luckily for us, there were only a couple other women waiting, so that saved some time.<span style=""> </span>When we reached the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">White</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Castle</st1:placetype></st1:place> eating place across from the pedestrian entrance, dad went in and got the thermos bottles filled with coffee.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was a huge mob of people going through the gates and also a little pushing and much crowdedness, but we got through okay.<span style=""> </span>We stopped at the first vendor selling race programs and bought three of them.<span style=""> </span>It is a long walk from the main gate to the Gate 6 viaduct, but we finally made it.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>We continued straight ahead until we came to the underpass going under one of the infield streets.<span style=""> </span>We walked under and then came back to the Tower Terrace section.<span style=""> </span>Since this would be out last chance, dad and I decided to use the restroom.<span style=""> </span>Bobby took care of our equipment while she waited for us.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>The sound of engines, the smell of fuel, and the beautiful sight of the marching bands brought a smile to my face.<span style=""> </span>We walked down one section and then up to our seats.<span style=""> </span>We were in Section 43, Row J, Seats 5, 6, and 7.<span style=""> </span>We put our equipment under our seats and sat down and rested our feet.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It had been worth waiting a year to see.<span style=""> </span>I had that special feeling I get only on race day morning and it would be almost two hours yet before the race started.<span style=""> </span>The many different colors of the uniforms of the high school and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Purdue</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place> bands made a beautiful sight to see.<span style=""> </span>The pretty majorettes performing with their batons made it even more enjoyable.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I decided to take a walk along the pit area fence to take in the sights, and so I stepped out on my own.<span style=""> </span>There were many other persons who had the same idea.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>Some of the drivers had their uniforms on while others still had on street clothes.<span style=""> </span>Most of the pit crews were making final adjustments and checkups.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>Among the familiar faces I recognized were Andy Granatelli, car owner, and Sid Collins, the radio announcer for the race.<span style=""> </span>The pit area was really a beehive of activity with hundreds of people everywhere doing many different jobs.<span style=""> </span>I went back to my seat between 9:30 and 9:45.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the midst of all the activity, there was one factor that was making everybody uneasy.<span style=""> </span>That was the weather.<span style=""> </span>Unlike the night before the sun was not shining and there was a possibility of rain.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 9:45, the chief steward directed the pit crews to push their cars to their starting positions on the track.<span style=""> </span>This usually isn’t done until 10:00 and some of the spectators were wondering what caused the change.<span style=""> </span>Slowly, one by one, the cars were pushed onto the track and we used our speedway program to identify each car and its driver.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:00, the <st1:placename st="on">Purdue</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype> band played the first of the traditional songs, “On the Banks of the <st1:place st="on">Wabash</st1:place>”.<span style=""> </span>Between 10:00 and 10:30, many famous celebrities were driven around the track for everybody to see.<span style=""> </span>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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">About 10:30, a moan went up from the crowd as a few rain drops were seen and felt.<span style=""> </span>It lasted only a few seconds and didn’t even get the concrete completely wet, but it was disturbing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style=""> </span>The sun didn’t come out, so therefore the water didn’t evaporate very quickly.<span style=""> </span>There was nothing anybody could do but wait and hope.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style=""> </span>In the meantime, the chief steward made another inspection and said the track still wasn’t ready.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">11:00 came and for the first time in my seventeen years there was no roar of engines or green flag waving.<span style=""> </span>It seemed strange.<span style=""> </span>Instead of looking at race cars everybody was looking at the sky and wishing the sun would come through.<span style=""> </span>It sprinkled a few more drops, but not enough to do any damage.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The aggravating delay upset some of the fans and they started clapping in unison, hope to get the race stated.<span style=""> </span>There was nothing for the pit crews and drivers to do but pace back and forth by their cars and talk to each other.<span style=""> </span>Some sat in their cars and others didn’t.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally, about 11:30, after a couple more inspections, the chief steward announced the track had dried sufficiently and the race could begin.<span style=""> </span>The atmosphere changed from gloom to joy as everything started stirring again.<span style=""> </span>The band slowly played “Back Home Again in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state>” and a couple minutes later, the colored balloons were released from the infield.<span style=""> </span>In addition this year there were 25 golden balloons released in honor of Tony Hulman.<span style=""> </span>A couple minutes after that, Tony was introduced over the PA system and gave his famous command, “Gentleman, Start your Engines!!!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Instantly, engines came to life and the fans let out a tremendous roar.<span style=""> </span>Pit crews fanned the exhaust fumes away and driers adjusted their helmets, gloves, goggles, handkerchiefs, and seat belts.<span style=""> </span>The loud roar of the engines was sweet music to everybody’s ears.<span style=""> </span>The pace car, with Rodger Ward driving and Tony Hulman beside him, slowly pulled away and one by one the cars were pushed away.<span style=""> </span>Pit crews hurried to get themselves and their equipment off the track and back to their pits.<span style=""> </span>Everybody was standing and looking anxiously at the fourth turn.<span style=""> </span>Pretty soon the pace car appeared and moved down the straightaway with the eleven rows behind it.<span style=""> </span>They presented a beautiful sight as they went by and the crowd responded with whistles, cheers, waving, and clapping.<span style=""> </span>Now they were on the pace lap and the next time by would be the start of the race.<span style=""> </span>There was another long wait and then they pace car appeared and sped toward the pit area.<span style=""> </span>The cars increased their speed but just as they reached the starting line, the yellow, instead of the green flag, was displayed.<span style=""> </span>Confusion and excitement reigned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ninth place starter, Jim Malloy, lost a radius rod and hit the outside wall twice and slid across to the inside wall<span style=""> </span>The remaining cars made another trip around the track but were red flagged on the straightaway.<span style=""> </span>Now there would be another delay.<span style=""> </span>Jim was uninjured but his car was too damaged to be in the race.<span style=""> </span>The drivers stopped near the starting line, turned off their engines, and got out.<span style=""> </span>It took the track crew about twenty-five minutes to get the mess cleaned up, and once again, disgust and frustration came over everybody.<span style=""> </span>Never before had there been such a difficulty in getting the race started.<span style=""> </span>During the twenty-five minute wait, pit crews were allowed to put two gallons of fuel into their cars.<span style=""> </span>About 12:00, the track was pronounced in shape for racing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tony Hulman said “Gentlemen, restart your engines,” and once again, we got to hear that wonderful sound.<span style=""> </span>They lined up in their starting positions with the ninth spot left vacant.<span style=""> </span>The pace car made one trip around, pulled into the pit area, and at 12:07, 67 minutes late, the race started.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Al Unser jumped in front but going through the first turn, Jonny Rutherford was first.<span style=""> </span>His lead was short, however, and Unser regained it on the back straightaway and was leading at the end of the first lap.<span style=""> </span>His speed was 160.427.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on">Rutherford</st1:place> was second, A.J. Foyt third, Mark Donohue fourth, and Mario Andretti fifth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The big news was Lloyd Ruby.<span style=""> </span>After three laps, he was 16<sup>th</sup>, having started 25<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>I had predicted he would be near the front shortly after the start, and he was proving me right.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After five laps, Art Pollard passed Foyt for fifth and after 10 laps, Jim McElreath had moved from 33<sup>rd</sup> to 18<sup>th</sup> place.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rookie Greg Weld was finished after 11 laps when his engine quit running, and on his 21<sup>st</sup> lap, George Follmer retired with a blown oil gasket.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After 20 laps, the first ten were Unser, <st1:place st="on">Rutherford</st1:place>, Pollard, Bobby Unser, Andretti, Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Donohue, Dan Gurney, and Ruby.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 22 laps, Unser lead <st1:place st="on">Rutherford</st1:place> by three seconds and Ruby was in seventh position.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the 27<sup>th</sup> 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.<span style=""> </span>Art was given 30<sup>th</sup> position.<span style=""> </span>The green came on again on the 32<sup>nd</sup> lap and Ruby moved into third place.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ruby was now third and when Unser and Rutherford pitted, he moved into the lead.<span style=""> </span>He was the star of the race so far, but his glory was short-lived.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>This brought a groan from the crowd.<span style=""> </span>Lloyd has had a lot of bad luck the last few years, and just when he seemed to be conquering it, it returned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The standings at 40 laps were Unser, <st1:place st="on">Rutherford</st1:place>, Ruby, Bobby Unser, Foyt, McCluskey, Donohue, Leonard, Gurney, and Mike Mosley.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 60 laps, it was Unser, Foyt, Rutherford, Bobby Unser, Leonard, McCluskey, Donohue, Jack Brabham, Mosley, and Peter Revson.<span style=""> </span>The average speed was 159.744 mph.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gary Bettenhausen dropped out on his 55<sup>th</sup> lap with valve trouble and tough luck man Roger McCluskey quit after 62 laps with a broken suspension.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Joe Leonard was running well when a magneto failed after 73 laps and finished him for this race.<span style=""> </span>Five laps later, the clutch on Bill Vukovich’s car failed and it was all over for him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 80 laps, the first ten were Unser, Foyt, Donohue, Mosley, Bobby Unser, Andretti, <st1:place st="on">Rutherford</st1:place>, Revson, Brabham, and Gurney.<span style=""> </span>Revson had moved from 16<sup>th</sup> starting position to eighth, but his good luck ended on the 87<sup>th</sup> lap when his engine blew and he was awarded 22<sup>nd</sup> position.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Al Unser maintained his steady lead as the 100 lap mark neared and his car seemed to be running perfectly.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mike Mosley was another victim of Lady Luck’s absence.<span style=""> </span>He had moved from 12<sup>th</sup> to 4<sup>th</sup> position, but on his 97<sup>th</sup> lap, his radiator broke down and he had to settle for 21<sup>st</sup> position.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style=""> </span>His pit area was right in front of us and he had been in his pit several times.<span style=""> </span>Each time the crew sent him back onto the track thinking they had the problem solved, only to find out that they didn’t.<span style=""> </span>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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Al Unser continued in front while the other front runners tried in vain to catch him.<span style=""> </span>The next car out of the race was <st1:place st="on">Rutherford</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>It is a shame that in seven races, Johnny has yet to finish a race.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>Maybe someday Johnny will get the break he deserves and finish high up in the final standings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cars were dropping out at a steady pace, which was disappointing, although not unusual.<span style=""> </span>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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On his 144<sup>th</sup> lap, Wally Dallenbach was forced out when a magneto failed.<span style=""> </span>Things were going smoothly until the 172<sup>nd</sup> lap when Roger McCluskey, driving relief for Mel Kenyon, and Ronnie Bucknum collided with each other in the north chute.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>It was a great relief to learn that nobody had been hurt.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The caution light was on for seventeen minutes, during which no driver could change position.<span style=""> </span>This was a good break for Al Unser, but bad for the other drivers.<span style=""> </span>It certainly slowed down the speed.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Australian Jack Brabham retired after 175 laps when his engine conked out.<span style=""> </span>As it turned out, he was the last driver to drop out of the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The green light came on again on the 190<sup>th</sup> lap and fast speed resumed.<span style=""> </span>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<sup>th</sup> lap had been completed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style=""> </span>He took two extra laps and then drove slowly through the pit area to victory lane for the winning celebration.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thirty-two seconds behind in 2<sup>nd</sup> place was Mark Donohue. This was his second year and last year he finished seventh, which is a real fine record.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dan Gurney was third, after finishing second the two previous years, which is certainly a good record.<span style=""> </span>I thought Dan might move up to first, but third place is an excellent finish.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rookie Donnie Allison was fourth, and that is an excellent performance for any rookie.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jim McElreath, 33<sup>rd</sup> starter, finished 5<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>His great rise from the rear was exceeded in history only by Johnny Thomson in 1955, when he started 33<sup>rd</sup> and finished fourth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first five drivers completed the 200 laps.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style=""> </span>Foyt almost had to crawl around the track near the end of the race because of a broken transmission gear.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eleventh place finisher Bobby Unser was in a similar situation because of a broken transmission.<span style=""> </span>Both he and Foyt had to go extremely slow and keep to the inside of the track.<span style=""> </span>They seemed to be in a race by themselves as the other cars whizzed by them.<span style=""> </span>It was a bad break for the two former winners.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sam Sessions finished 12<sup>th</sup> with 190 laps and rookie Dick Simon had 168 laps when he was red flagged.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The traffic moved right along until we were behind the Paddock Stands and then it slowed down some.<span style=""> </span>Many people went out to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street> and walked, so we followed them.<span style=""> </span>There were a couple of tie-ups but nothing bad and a few minutes later, we reached the highway.<span style=""> </span>Before we got there, I bought a helicopter edition of the “Indianapolis News.”<span style=""> </span>The pedestrian traffic on the highway moved steadily, but we had to be careful of cars dashing onto the highway from the parking lot.<span style=""> </span>It was about 4:00 when we arrived at the car.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The weather had turned out okay.<span style=""> </span>The sun came out about 12:00, just in time for the restart of the race, and it had stayed out since then.<span style=""> </span>We put our equipment into the car, got out the lawn chairs, and relaxed for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>I took the remaining pictures on the roll and then drank some coffee and ate some cookies and potato chips.<span style=""> </span>We also listened to the radio and watched the cars and people leaving the area.<span style=""> </span>Most of the cars had left Kramers’ so we wouldn’t have any trouble getting out.<span style=""> </span>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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 5:23, I drove forward a few feet and then drove right over the yard to the highway.<span style=""> </span>I was very lucky and drove up just as a friendly woman driver came from the east.<span style=""> </span>She stopped and let me get right in front of her.<span style=""> </span>This was the first time we had not had to wait a long time at the stop sign.<span style=""> </span>When we got onto the highway, we had to wait a while, but then we moved fairly well.<span style=""> </span>We moved in three or four spurts to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lynnhurst Road</st1:address></st1:street>, and then, for some unknown reason, the police wouldn’t let traffic continue west, but routed it south on Lynnhurst.<span style=""> </span>We followed the crowd and took the first street going west.<span style=""> </span>We went several blocks and then went north until we reached <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street> by the Holiday Inn, and then turned left onto the highway.<span style=""> </span>A couple minutes later, we reached I-74 and we made much better time.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was such that we could travel 70 mph almost all the way to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Danville</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>Upon reaching <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Danville</st1:city></st1:place>, we took the 150-1 turnoff south and headed toward the Rt. 36 intersection.<span style=""> </span>The towns we passed through were quite similar to the ones we had seen on Rt. 36 in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state> prior to last year.<span style=""> </span>We didn’t make the time we did on I-74, but that was to be expected.<span style=""> </span>After leaving Chrisman, we went about half a mile and then right off the highway to the Colonial Kitchen.<span style=""> </span>It was 7:23 when we stopped, two hours to the minute after we started.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We used the restroom first and then went through the serving line.<span style=""> </span>There weren’t many people ahead of us, so that was a help.<span style=""> </span>All three of us filled our plates and then slowly and enjoyably ate our supper.<span style=""> </span>There were several other race fans eating supper too, and they looked happy too.<span style=""> </span>It was nice to be able to eat all we wanted and to take our time doing it.<span style=""> </span>When we had eaten all we could, we used the restroom again, paid the bill, and started the last part of our trip home.<span style=""> </span>It was 8:13 when we started.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As we traveled, we tuned in the St. Louis Cardinals ballgame and listened to it for awhile.<span style=""> </span>Between 9:15 and 9:30, we arrived at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span><st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Eldorado St.</st1:address></st1:street> looked the same as it usually does on the evening of May 30<sup>th</sup> – busy.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes later, we were leaving the city and were on the highway again.<span style=""> </span>The traffic is always heavier west of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city> than it is on the east side, and it was the same way this year.<span style=""> </span>We reach <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Camp Butler Road</st1:address></st1:street> 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.<span style=""> </span>It was an interesting program and we saw some action we couldn’t see at the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When that was over, I left and went to my own home.<span style=""> </span>Once again, we had a safe and enjoyable trip, one that would give us many pleasant memories for years to come.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>EPILOGUE</u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the awards banquet on Sunday night, a record purse of $1,000,000.22 was distributed.<span style=""> </span>It was the first time in auto racing history that there was a million dollar purse.<span style=""> </span>For his victory, Unser received $271,697.<span style=""> </span>33<sup>rd</sup> place finisher Jim Malloy received $13,677.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unser’s winning speed was 155.749 mph, compared to Andretti’s record of 156.867 of last year.<span style=""> </span>His time was 3:12:37.04</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Like every race before it, this race had its surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant.<span style=""> </span>Al Unser, Johnny Rutherford, and Lloyd Ruby were the big names this year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> 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.<span style=""> </span>On next Memorial Day, I plan to be in attendance when those famous words, “Gentlemen, start your engines” are spoken to begin another <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> 500, the world’s greatest single day sporting event.</p> Pace Car - Oldsmobile 442<br />500 Festival Queen - Ann BalleiPaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-50730866470564398342008-08-07T22:10:00.001-05:002008-08-07T22:19:51.230-05:00Indy Journal - 1969<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u>1969</u></span><br /></div><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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’.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />At 10:30, USAC officials made their final inspection of the track in the pace car. Only thirty minutes remained.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />To my surprise, Andretti jumped into the lead ahead of Foyt, and after one lap, it was Andretti, Foyt and Roger McCluskey.<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />At 20 laps, the standings were Foyt, McCluskey, Andretti, Gary Bettenhausen, Unser, Leonard, Lloyd Ruby, McElreath, Donohue, and Dan Gurney.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />At the same time, Dallenbach spun in the northwest corner and was out of the race after 82 laps.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Meanwhile, George Snider, Bud Tingelstad, Roger McCluskey, Mike Mosley, Sam Sessions, and Jim Malloy had left the race within a span of thirteen laps.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />EPILOGUE<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Andy Granatelli missed by a narrow margin of winning in 1967 and 1968, but lady luck finally found him and this was his year.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />This was the first time in Speedway history that the starting field was lined up in exact order of qualifying speed.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Andretti’s prize money was $205,727 out of a total $804,627, both of which are records.<br /><br />The Speedway management continues to build additional seating area, which proves the popularity of the race with the fans.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Pace Car – Chevrolet Camaro<br />500 Festival Queen – Janet FairesPaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-29933324833539547582008-07-16T20:55:00.001-05:002008-08-07T22:20:18.149-05:00Indy Journal - 1968<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u>1968</u></span><br /></div><br />Record qualification runs by two turbine cars, a large amount of rain, fine showings by several rookies, and a three way battle for the race lead were among the highlights of this year’s activity at the Speedway.<br /><br />On Saturday, May 18, Bobby Dad, wife Dixie, and I dove over in our 1967 Chevrolet, to see the first day of the time trials. It was somewhat different from the two previous times we had gone. The crowd was the largest ever for a qualifying day, and as a result, we had a hard time finding seats, as did many other people. After much walking, we finally sat in Grandstand C. It was a warm, sunny day and we were in the open, whereas the other two years, it was cold and windy and we were under a roof.<br /><br />We sat down just as the practice period ended and we were hardly settled when Graham Hill went out in the No. 70 turbine car and set a new qualifying record of 171.208. He was also the first driver to ever turn a lap over 170 mph. Several other drivers qualified and then Joe Leonard went out in the No. 60 turbine car and broke Hill’s record with a four-lap average of 171.559 and a one-lap average of 171.953. Art Pollard qualified the other turbine car at 166.297 to make the day a memorable one for Andy Granatelli and his crew. Fifteen cars qualified for the race and at 6:00, the gun sounded and track activity was completed for the day.<br /><br />The heavy traffic made it difficult to get going, but we finally made it. We stopped at Chrisman for a good supper and arrived home shortly after 11:00, to complete a day that had begun at 3:30 that morning for me.<br /><br />The morning of Wednesday, May 29, was dark, windy, and cool, with rain threatening to come down at any moment. It was about 11:45 when I arrived to pick up Dad and Bobby. I ate a quick dinner while dad and Bobby got everything packed into the car.<br /><br />We just barely got away from the house when rain drops started falling. I stopped at the Lincoln Center to buy film for the camera and then we were on our way. The rain was coming harder and harder and after going through Dawson, we were forced to slow down because of poor visibility. It didn’t rain in Decatur but started again a couple miles out of town. It rained lightly, off and on, until we stopped at Chrisman. The large amount of land under water along the way was an indication of what the weather had been like. At Chrisman, we had a sweet roll and a cup of coffee, used the restroom, and then resumed our trip. We ran into an occasional shower in Indiana, but nothing real heavy.<br /><br />We stopped at the filling station for gas and arrived at Kramer’s at 4:30. The traffic on Lynnhurst Drive had been quite heavy. We talked with Mr. Kramer for a few minutes and then walked down to the speedway museum and went through it. There was a long line of people, but it moved pretty well. There are always a few changes in the displays and this year was no exception. It’s always interesting to see the old race cars.<br /><br />There was plenty of food for supper and we were full when we finished. Our meal included hamburgers, potato chips, bananas, salad, sweet rolls, and other goodies. As we were eating, we noticed that some of the people around us were eating too and that the crowd was getting larger.<br /><br />When we finished eating, we cleaned up our mess and then read some of the newspapers we had. I wanted to go take a walk down 16th Street to see what was happening, but dad and Bobby remained at the car. They thought it would be too wet and cool for walking around.<br /><br />Many people were wrapped up in blankets, trying to keep warm, while others kept warm by bonfires. The dirt sidewalk along 16th Street was wet and muddy, and that left little room for walking.<br /><br />The high school and college students were making big fools of themselves as they always do with their drinking and reckless driving. It’s an unpleasant situation that mars a good time for other people. I walked down to the Firestone Building and crossed the street. The traffic was bumper to bumper and the sound of squealing tires was quite common due to the sudden stops caused by the traffic. There were a couple rear-end collisions, but they were minor.<br /><br />I shopped around in the drug store at 16th and Main Streets for some newspapers and something to take home to Dixie, but I didn’t have much luck. I tried a couple other drug stores, but they didn’t have much either.<br /><br />I lived dangerously and managed to get back across Crawfordsville Road and onto Georgetown Road. Because the traffic was so bad and there was so much mud and water, I walked only a short distance and turned around and started back to the car.<br /><br />As I neared a filling station, I heard pleasant organ music coming from somewhere. I looked around and saw it was coming from the service area of the filling station. They had set up an organ there and a young girl was doing a good job of playing it. There were a dozen or so onlookers and as she played, they sang the words. Everyone had a good time and I stayed there about half an hour, when the girl quit playing. Then I walked on back to the car.<br /><br />The car was locked so I had to wake Bobby so that she could give me the keys. I got the cot out of the trunk and then retuned the keys and locked the car. I put one blanket under me and two on top of me, enough to protect me from the cool weather, cover my head, and shut out a little noise. I slept behind the car.<br /><br />To our right, there were some men having a beer party, and the noise they made made sleeping a hard job. In addition to that noise, I couldn’t go to sleep also because of my “night before the 500” excitement. The fact that I was trying to sleep made no difference to the men.<br /><br />I lay for a long time with my eyes closed but I couldn’t shut out the noise. A couple times the men quieted down for a minute or so, but then they would start over again. Somehow I managed to get 2-3 hours of sleep, but that was all. I looked at my watch and it read 4:30, so I knew my sleep was probably over for the night. I sat up and looked around a little bit. There were people sleeping in cars and on the ground, and there were also those were very much awake and were letting everybody know it. At 5:00, the opening bomb from the Speedway went off, ended our sleep for the night and opening the gates of the Speedway to the thousands of cars and fans.<br /><br />The bomb awoke Bobby and dad, and when that happened, I joined them in the car. We turned the radio on to hear the weather prediction and any reports there might be from the Speedway. Good weather was predicted for the race, but we had our doubts.<br /><br />The traffic on Crawfordsville Road was bumper to bumper past us and it was several minutes before it started moving. A popular form of transportation this year was buses. Because of the muddy infield many people who usually drive into the infield did not do so and took a bus instead to the speedway.<br /><br />About 5:30, Bobby and I walked down to the Speedway to watch the cars go through gate 6 onto the infield. It also gave Bobby a change to stop at a filling station and use the restroom. We watched the long line until about 6:30 and then went back to the car.<br /><br />Breakfast was the next order of business so we got the food and equipment out. When dad got the oven ready for use, Bobby put the eggs and bacon on to fry. The sound and smell of food cooking on a cool morning made me hungrier than I had been. Bobby had brought quite a bit of food and when we finished eating, we were full. I think it also woke us up a little and made us feel better. As we ate, we listened to the radio and a large portion of the news was concerned with the race. This included helicopter reports, weather information, and other reports concerned with the days activities. We also read the newspapers and commented to each other about interesting articles we read.<br /><br />Little by little, the people around us were waking up, getting themselves cleaned up, eating breakfast, and leaving for the race. Some of them cooked their breakfast just as we did.<br /><br />We got our breakfast mess cleaned up, straightened up the interior of the car, made sure we had everything we needed, checked again, locked the car, and started for the Speedway. We stopped at the filling station and were disappointed to find out the people were not selling coffee as they had always done. We were looking forward to drinking a cup of coffee to warm us up and we were unhappy at being unable to get some. Bobby used the restroom and then we continued on our way. The Disabled veterans were selling their poppies and as we neared the main gate, we were approached by other vendors trying to sell us something.<br /><br />The huge crowd waiting outside the main gate to get in thinned out quite a bit when it got past the ticket takers, as they spread out in several directions. I bought three souvenir programs and then dad and I used the restroom for the last time until the race was over.<br /><br />The further we walked, the heavier the traffic became and by the time we reached the passageway to the underground tunnel, we were being crushed on all sides. The walk through the tunnel was slow but it kept moving and didn’t stop once. At last, we reached the end and saw daylight again. We kept walking until we came to the underpass for the north end of the track. There was water in the underpass but we got by okay. We walked up the steps and then turned left to go to our seats.<br /><br />The entrance on the north end of the Tower Terrace was our entrance so we gave the ticket taker our tickets and walked on in. I stepped up to the retaining fence and a big smile spread across my face as I looked up and down the track and saw the crowd and heard the cars being fired up. It was a wonderful feeling. We found Section 43 and walked up to Row J and over to seats 5, 6, and 7. It took a few seconds to get ourselves and our equipment situated, but we managed.<br /><br />Pit crews were busy making final checks on their cars as photographers, reporters, USAC officials, and hundreds of other people observed the action. The pit area was a busy place as the zero hour neared. The Purdue University and some other bands were putting on a fine show as they paraded on the front straightaway. The sound of the music and the many pretty colors of the band uniforms were big hits with the audience. The three of us made comments to each other about the cars, drivers, officials, celebrities, and other activities taking place. The temperature had risen considerably and we took off our jackets to be more comfortable. The sun hadn’t appeared yet.<br /><br />Some of the pit crews within our view included Larry Dickson, George Snider, Bobby Grim, Bill Vukovich, and Gary Bettenhausen. At 10:00, the Purdue Band played “On the Banks of the Wabash” and then Chief Steward Harlan Fengler told the pit crews to push their cars to their starting position on the track. Only one hour remained. When the cars were on the track, the parade of 500 Festival Princesses and entertainment celebrities got under way. They were driven around the track in Ford Torino official cars.<br /><br />Between 10:00 and 11:00, many drivers, former drivers, officials, and celebrities were interviewed over the PA system. About 10:30, USAC officials made their track inspection as the tension increased with each passing minute.<br /><br />At 10:40, the huge crowd stood for the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and at 10:45, a moment of slience was observed as “Taps” was playing in keeping with the meaning of Memorial Day.<br /><br />The track had been cleared of all but essential personnel and then suddenly the sun broke through the clouds, bringing a big cheer from the crowd. The mood went from one of solemnity to one of gaiety and tenseness as the final song, “Back Home Again in Indiana” was played. The tension was peaking. Only a minute or so remained until the big moment.<br /><br />The PA announcer introduced Speedway president Tony Hulman and Tony distinctly announce those four electrifying words, “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!!” Within seconds, the air was filled with the roar of racing engines and the loud cheers of the crowd. Pit crews fanned away the gas fumes from the exhausts while the chief mechanic held up one hand to indicate his car was ready to go. A few seconds later, the pace car started moving and one by one, the cars were pushed away. All cars got away okay and that brought a cheer from everybody. Everybody was standing and listening to the field tour the track and also looking at the fourth turn to see them. It seemed like a long time but pretty soon, the Ford Torino Pace Car appeared and, one by one, the rows behind it. The sound and color of the cars coming down the straightaway was beautiful and they were well applauded as they went by. Now, the official pace lap was underway, and once again we followed the sound around the track and watched the fourth turn. The noise increased as the field moved into the turn and picked up speed for the start. William Ford drove the pace car into the pit area, Pat Vidan waved the green flag, and the race was on!<br /><br />Pole man Joe Leonard in the No. 60 turbine car was the first one into the turn, followed by Unser, Andretti, Ruby, Al Unser, and Graham Hill. As the first lap was completed, Andretti and Unser had changed positions.<br /><br />A big grown came from the crowd on the next lap as Andretti pulled into his pit area. His car was smoking and was out of the race. It was a bad break for one of the Speedway’s most popular drivers.<br /><br />Jocken Rindt, George Snider, and Jim Hurtubise soon joined Andretti on the sidelines. Hurtubise was driving the only roadster in the race and both it and Hurtubise were big favorites of the fans.<br /><br />Leonard was still leading but not by as much as he was expected to. Bobby Unser and Ruby were close behind him. After 20 laps, Unser moved to the front, to the delight of the crowd. Roger McCluskey, Larry Dickson, and Gordon Johncock were the next three drivers out of the race. With 1/8 of the race completed, seven cars were out. Mario Andretti tried to get Dickson’s car back into the race, but he had rotten luck also.<br /><br />The standings now were Bobby Unser, Leonard, Ruby, and Hill. On the 41st lap, the yellow flag came out for the first time when Al Unser lost his right front tire and hit the wall in the first turn. Al was unhurt, but parts of his car were thrown on the track and Arnie Knepper, running along behind, ran over a tire and wheel and this caused him to leave the race. Another part of Unser’s car cut Gary Bettnhausen’s foot and he was forced to retire for the day.<br /><br />As the laps went by, pit stops became more numerous. Ruby woked his way into the lead by the 90th lap. Unser moved to the front and stayed there until lap 113 when Leonard took over again. At the 100 lap mark, Jerry Grant, Jim Malloy, Ronnie Bucknam, and three time winner A.J. Foyt were also out of the race.<br /><br />One the 111th lap, Graham Hill, in the No. 70 turbine car, crashed in the south straightaway. The car hadn’t been running right and was never in the first for the lead.<br /><br />The batter for the lead continued and at 120 laps, Unser was leading again. Ruby passed Unser but then Lloyd had to make an unscheduled pit stop which, in the end, prevented him from winning.<br /><br />Johnny Rutherford, Wally Dallenbach, and Bud Tingelstad were the next three drivers out of competition, leaving fifteen cars in the race.<br /><br />One the 164th lap, Carl Williams crashed on the back straightaway and then brought out the yellow flag for a long time. Jim McElreath retired after 179 laps because of front end damage caused by hitting another car.<br /><br />When Ruby made his unscheduled pit stop, Leonard took the lead and Unser moved into second. The yellow light was on and it looked like a sure victory for Leonard and his unlucky car owner, Andy Granatelli, as cars are required to maintain their positions during caution periods.<br /><br />The fans were getting irritated at the long caution period and were anxious to see the green flag again. Finally, on the 191st lap, just as Leonard reached the starting line, Pat Vidan waved the green flag as a loud cheer came from the crowd.<br /><br />I had my eyes on Leonard’s car as the green flag was displayed and, like all the other fans, could hardly believe what I saw. Leonard was pulling off the track alongside the inner retaining wall. Everybody was going wild. I grabbed dad’s arm and screamed in his face, “Leonard’s out of the race.” He looked at me in disbelief and immediately turned on the radio. Leonard’s crew ran to his car, but they were too late. The engine was dead and the car was through for the day. While the front straightaway fans were watching Leonard, those on the backstretch were watching the same misfortune occur to Art Pollard in the remaining turbine. It seemed unbelievable, but it was true.<br /><br />Everybody was wild with elation as Unser took charge again. If lady luck was present, there was no way he could lose. I was one of those happy fans and each time Bobby completed another lap, a big smile came across my face as victory came closer and closer. As Bobby completed his 200th lap to win the race, he received an ovation from the crowd and made a safety lap around the track. As he came slowly down the straightaway and into the pit area on his way to Victory Lane, he was given a standing ovation. He was a popular winner and he had just won the biggest race in his life.<br /><br />Dan Gurney, always a favorite with the fans, drove his finest race and finished second. Dan is one of the best drivers in the world, but only once before had he been able to finish in the first ten at Indy.<br /><br />Mel Kenyon also drove a fine race and finished third. He has only one hand but in his three Indy races, he has a 5th and a 3rd.<br /><br />Last year’s “Rookie of the Year”, Dennis Hulme, finished fourth again this year.<br /><br />Despite his unfortunate pit stop, Lloyd Ruby finished fifth. Lloyd certainly drove one of his best Indy races ever and with just a little bit more good luck could have won the big money. He has been in the first ten several times and certainly deserves to win.<br /><br />Ronnie Duman has had real bad luck every year he’s been at the speedway but this year the luck finally changed, and he took sixth place.<br /><br />Seventh place went to Bill Vukovich, a rookie this year, and son of a former Speedway immortal, the 1953 and 1954 winner, Bill Vukovich. Bill gave the fans some uneasy moments about half way through the race when he spun in the fourth turn. Johnny Rutherfod and Mike Mosley also spun but fortunately, there were no bad results. Bill’s pit area was right in front of us and it was pleasing to see him do so well in the race. His crew gave him a warm welcome when he pulled in after finished the race.<br /><br />Rookies Mike Mosley and Sam Sessions finished eighth and ninth. Sessions came all the way up from the 31st starting position.<br /><br />Veteran Bobby Grim, whose pit was also within our view, finished tenth. Bobby drove a good steady race and only the red flag stopped him from going the 200 laps.<br /><br />When the last car pulled off the track, everybody began the big job of getting out of the Speedway. We remained in our seats a few minutes to hear the drivers on the PA system and get our paraphernalia together and ten we started our long walk back to the car.<br /><br />We followed the same route we took in getting to our seats. The traffic through the tunnel moved very slowly and it was good to see light again. Instead of walking behind the grandstand, we walked down Georgetown Road, and I was sorry we did. There was only a small gate to the street and it took a long time to get through it. There was a little more room on the street but soon we came upon more trouble. All the buses going to the Speedway in the morning were trying to leave. With horns blasting and motors racing, they moved out. They had no regard for the thousands of persons around them. They didn’t wait for the traffic to thin out, and if anybody got in their way, it was too bad. The noise of the engines and the smell of the exhaust made everybody quite angry. At long last, we reached Crawfordsville Road and then turned right. There were cars coming from the side streets and the parking lots, but they weren’t as bothersome as the buses were. As usual, the cars were bumper to bumper and some of them were impatient to get moving. It had taken us quite a while, but we finally reached the car.<br /><br />It was good to set down on a soft seat and rest a while. I took off my shoes and turned on the radio. The stations were alive with race news and traffic information. Most of the people around us were doing likewise. Looking at the traffic gave us little hope of leaving soon. I walked around in my stocking feet and it felt good. I also took some pictures and at a little of our food. Mrs. Kramer was on the scene and chatted about the day’s activities.<br /><br />We waited quite a while for a break in the traffic but it didn’t come. In other years it had let up a little by this time, but this time it wasn’t even moving. There was something definitely wrong somewhere, and everybody was impatiently waiting to go. The situation didn’t improve, so we decided to leave anyway. At 5:10, about an hour later then usual, we made a final check and I tuned the key.<br /><br />We moved a few feet to Fischer Street and then stopped. I slowly squeezed into the line and then had to do the same thing on Crawfordsville Road. Then we sat for a long time without moving. This was about the worst we could remember it ever being. Several minutes passed before we moved and then we had no trouble getting onto Lynnhurst Drive. The traffic moved slowly but much better than it had been moving. When we got onto the highway, it moved pretty well and that was certainly a relief.<br /><br />The scenery along the highway and in the cities was the same as in other years, but I still enjoy it. Shortly before 7:00, we crossed the state line and at 7:10, we stopped at the Colonial Kitchen.<br /><br />We used the restroom first and then got ourselves a good, hot meal. Looking around at the other people and hearing them talk, we could tell a lot of them had come from the race. We took our time in eating and ate until we were full. It made us feel better to eat something and get out of the car for a while. When we finished eating, we used the restroom, paid the bill, and prepared to start the last part of our trip. It was 7:55 pm when we left, and we had stopped for 45 minutes.<br /><br />Traffic was normal for Memorial Day night and soon we reached the big chemical plant at Tuscola and commented, as we always do, about its huge size. The miles rode by as darkness descended and we talked about the race and listened to the radio. Shortly after 9:00, we drove through Decatur, the largest city on the trip, and then at almost 10:00 sharp, we arrived at dad and Bobby’s house. They checked to see that they had everything of theirs and then I went on home, arrive there about 10:15.<br /><br />Our 1968 trip to the big race was over for another year and once again, we arrived home safe and sound. We had seen a fine race, and there would be much to talk about for 1968 besides the race.<br /><br />EPILOGUE<br /><br />Each year at Indianapolis is different from every other year and 1968 was no exception. The rain caused trouble all month long. On the second day of time trials, one car qualified, and the last day ended with the starting lineup still incomplete. It was filled the next day. Strangely enough, the first and third days were fine.<br /><br />Parnelli Jones made the news when he announced he would not compete for this year’s race. He was dissatisfied with the power reduction of the turbines and felt they didn’t have a chance.<br /><br />It was another bad year for the turbines. During the practice period, rookie Mike Spence was killed instantly when his turbine crashed into the car in the first turn. Also during practice, Joe Leonard hit the wall with the No. 40 turbine that Parnelli Jones drove last year. The car was too damaged to be repaired in time and owner Andy Granatelli announced it was being permanently retired. The excellent qualification runs of Leonard and Graham Hill renewed hope for the silent cars, but when Leonard retired with only nine laps to go in the race, the bad luck continued. The turbines have caused much controversy and there is much doubt whether they’ll ever race again at Indy.<br /><br />This was the most exciting race in several races, due to the small amount of caution time and the three way battle for the lead.<br /><br />The race continues to be as popular as ever as attested to by the fact that the speedway management continues to build more permanent seats each year and the following year every seat is filled.<br /><br />Another year has come and gone, and this one had its share of frustration, disappointment, excitement, and happiness, but come May 1969, it will be repeated again in connection with the greatest single day sports event in the world – the Indianapolis 500-mile race.<br /><br />Pace Car – Ford Torino<br />500 Festival Queen – Marice LittlejohnPaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-62388562975151459892008-07-07T22:28:00.003-05:002008-08-07T22:21:01.753-05:00Indy Journal - 1967<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u>1967</u></span><br /></div><br />The prerace activities of Mario Andretti, the performance of the turbine car during the race, and the inclement weather were the main highlights of this year’s 500-mile race.<br /><br />Although we ordered our tickets in July, 1966, we did not receive them until the following May. We were apprehensive as to when we would receive them, but on Friday, May 5th, our worries ended.<br /><br />On Saturday, May 13th, Bobby, dad, my girlfriend, Dixie Mohr, and I saw the first day of time trials. We left Springfield at 5:05 Saturday morning and traveled in my 1965 Chevrolet. We stopped at Chrisman for breakfast and at 9:05, exactly four hours to the minute after leaving our house, we stopped at our usual refilling place for gasoline. We arrived at the Speedway between 9:30 and 10:00. The weather was similar to that of last year, quite cold, cloudy, and windy. Our seats were a couple sections north of where we sat last year.<br /><br />It rained slightly before we arrived and this caused a delay in opening the track for practice. About noon, the officials decided the track had dried sufficiently for practice and the green lights were turned on. For some reason, several drivers had trouble controlling their cars and for quite a while, the yellow light was on as much as the green light was. Everything finally got straightened out but the drivers got only about one half hour of good practice time before the trials started.<br /><br />The trials got off to a dismal start but by the time 6:00 arrived, the fans had had enough excitement for all four days of trails. Mario Andretti’s year-old record of 165.899 was broken by six drivers, including Andretti himself. Joe Leonard was the first driver to break the old record with a four-lap average of 166.098. Dan Gurney brought a tremendous roar from the audience when he qualified with an amazing average of 167.224 mph. Gurney hadn’t arrived at his pit yet when Andretti went out for his qualifying. The crowd was wild with excitement. Mario didn’t disappoint. His first lap was 168 plus, the second 169 plus, and then the third was 169.799, and the entire Speedway ground was almost shaking from the noise of the crowd. Everybody was thinking the same thing – could the next one be 170? It wasn’t. Somewhere he slid slightly and his fourth lap speeded dropped a little. His four-lap average was an unbelievable 168.982 and when he drove to his pit, he received a standing ovation which left my ears ringing and my body shaking for several minutes afterwards. Andretti’s run made the remainder of the qualifying runs anti-climatic, although A.J. Foyt had a 166,289 and Parnelli Jones qualified the controversial turbine car at 166.075. Defending race champion Graham Hill made an attempt just seconds before the closing gun went off, but was too slow and pulled in before taking any laps.<br /><br />It was the end of a day that everybody who was there would remember for a long time. With Andretti, Gurney, Foyt, and Jones starting in the first two rows, the start of the race promised to be interesting and exciting.<br /><br />We left for home about 6:15, stopped at the Colonial Kitchen at Chrisman for supper, and arrived home at 11:15.<br /><br />Despite my optimistic prediction of perfect weather, a new attendance record, and one of the best races in history, Monday, May 29th, was a bad day, weather-wise, and was an omen of what was to follow. On Saturday, I wrote my yearly list of items to be taken on our trip, and on Monday morning, we assembled all of them for the trip. As usual, it looked like a lot of equipment for such a short time, but we used about everything we had. Bobby handled the food, drinks, silverware, and table service, while dad and I tended to the cots, blankets, coats, etc.<br /><br />We finished eating dinner about 12:30 and then packed the car. The weather was not improving and by now, a light sprinkle was coming down. We checked to see if we had everything we were supposed to have, and then at 12:55 we said good-bye and started off, in my car, for Indianapolis.<br /><br />I thought the weather might clear off after we left Springfield, but it didn’t. When we arrived at Decatur, about 1:45, everything seemed normal, except the weather. Because I couldn’t open the windows for getting wet, I used the air-conditioner frequently to provide us with fresh air. I kept it on low and it made the trip more pleasant. At 3:05, we arrived in Chrisman and stopped for a few minutes. It had taken us ten minutes longer than it had when we come over for the time trials, but the inclement weather was responsible for the slowdown. A cup of coffee and a little bit to eat refreshed us somewhat and at 3:25, we resumed our trip. The weather in Indiana was no better than it was in Illinois. At 5:05, we arrived at Lynnhurst Drive and stopped at the Standard station for refueling. Traffic on Lynnhurst Drive was heavy, as usual, but about 5:30, we arrived at Kramer’s safe and sound.<br /><br />We talked with Mr. Kramer for a while and then sat in the car and watched the activity around us. I still thought the rain would go away and race day weather would be good. There were several pickup trucks with young people and they already appeared to have had too much to drink. It was supper time so we got everything out and fixed ours. Dad got the stove warmed up and Bobby put the beans on. While they were cooking, we got the other equipment out. Bobby had provided a variety of food and we ate some of all of it. The hot coffee felt good in the cool weather. The radio was on during supper and the weather predictions were sounding better and better.<br /><br />When we had eaten all we could, we cleaned up the mess and put everything away. We listened to the radio and talked for a while and decided to walk down by the Speedway. The ditches along the street we filled with cars and most of them had occupants who were eating, sleeping, or trying to keep warm.<br /><br />Our plans of touring the Speedway museum were squashed when we saw the line of people extended quite a ways back from the entrance. We walked east on the north side of 16th Street and saw the back of the new South Vista Grandstand. As we passed Gate 2, I saw the new Chevrolet Camper which had been given to Larry Bisceglia, the first person in line every year on the first day of time trials. After we walked under the railroad tracks and came to the stop sign, we crossed the street and walked back west. The high school and college students, who are always present in large numbers, as usual made fools of themselves by their drinking and unpopular behavior. Some of them had no consideration for anybody, and we had to be careful to stay out of their way. As we were nearing Georgetown Road, we heard a loud crash and looked to our right where one car had run into the rear of the one in front of it. The driver of the car in the rear looked like one of the college students. He was yelling and showing off in his open convertible. The driver of the other car was a quiet citizen minding his own business.<br /><br />When we reached Georgetown Road, Bobby and dad decided to return to the car but I wanted to shop in a couple drug stores. I wanted to buy some souvenirs for Dixie Mohr but neither store had much selection to choose from. Last year they had a large selection. Even the selection of newspapers, usually so wide, was small. I bought what few items I could find and then took a walk down Georgetown Road.<br /><br />This walked turned out to be one of the most memorable, thought unpleasant, events of this year’s trip. Somewhere between Gates 5 and 6, my eyes started to itch and I immediately recognized the smell of tear gas. It had been almost six years since I had smelled tear gas, during my Air Force basic training, but one whiff of it and I had no doubt as to what it was. As I continued walking, the smell became more pronounced and there seemed to be more noise than usual. As I neared Gate 6, I realized that a near riot was taking place. I saw state police jeeps with their red lights revolving and state troopers standing beside the jeeps. Almost all of the troopers had German Shepherd dogs with them. A crowd of unruly youths were tormenting the troopers and dogs by throwing various objects at them and shouting insulting and profane remarks. The police were wearing gas masks and riot helmets and were carrying large clubs. Some of the dogs were snapping at the trouble makers and the over-all scene was frightening. It was another example of drunken college students making fools of themselves and life unpleasant for everybody. I stayed a few minutes and it was apparent that a riot was imminent. The situation didn’t seem to be improving so I decided it would be best if I turned around and went back to the car before I became involved in the trouble.<br /><br />I walked back to Crawfordsville Road and then back to the car. Everybody was trying to keep warm, either by wrapping themselves in blankets or by building fires and sitting around them. There were several all-night street parties going on, replete with beer drinking, group singing, and warm fires.<br /><br />I arrived at the car but found it locked and had to wake Bobby in order to get in. I took one of the cots from the trunk, then put one blanket on the cot and wrapped another one around me. I also put two more under the car in case I needed them. All the noise around us, plus my usual excitement the night before the race, prevented me from going to sleep right away. It was not raining when I lay down, but shortly after that, I felt a few drops coming down. I put a blanket over my head, a move which kept the rain out, but not all the noise around us. Most of the noise was provided by several noisy boys on the other side of the street. It was quite a while before I could go to sleep and the rain continued to fall, although only lightly. Once I fell asleep, I didn’t awake until 4:30. Dad woke up, and seeing that it was raining, opened the car and said I should get in out of the rain. I wasn’t wet but got in the car anyway. I tried to sleep some more but was unable to do so and at 5:00, the opening bomb went off.<br /><br />I was already awake and a couple minutes later, Bobby and dad ended their intermittent sleeping. It had been a cold, wet, windy night, but despite the elements, I thought I had slept more than I usually do. Dad and I used the restroom and when we returned, Bobby walked down to the service station to use the ladies’ room. When she returned, the three of us read our newspapers and listened to the radio. The weather report still didn’t sound good, but it was as good as any we’d heard so far.<br /><br />Shortly before 6:00, Bobby and I decided to walk down to Gate 6 and watch the cars go into the infield. Dad wanted to sleep some more, so just the two of us went. The cool weather hadn’t diminished the size of the crowd. The two lanes of traffic on the south side of Crawfordsville Road were bumper to bumper from the Speedway to a point beyond my range of vision. The same state policeman who has been at Gate 6 for several years was at his same post this year. There is always somebody who tries to sneak in from the north and he must contend with those people as well as all the other people who are going in correctly. There is a wide variety in the age of the cars as well as the passengers in them. At times, it seems as if they’ll never stop coming, but after two or three hours, it decreased a little. As we stood watching the cars, we could hear the Speedway P.A. announcer testing the P.A. system and some of the bands performing on the track. It was a wonderful sound. About 7:30, we decided we’d better go back to the car and eat breakfast.<br /><br />We had to fight our way through the huge mass of cars and humanity but we finally got back to the car. Dad looked fully awake and was reading the newspapers and listening to the radio. Bobby got the food out and ready to use while dad got the oven ready. The sound and smell of eggs and bacon cooking on an outdoor grill on this cold and rainy morning was very pleasing to the senses. Besides bacon and eggs, we had coffee, sweet rolls, bananas, potato chips, cookies, and a few other items. Bobby and I sat in the front seats while dad used the back seat. The food was savory and as we ate, we listened to the radio and watched the people around us. The main news items in connections with the race were the possibility of rain for the race and the small disturbance at Gate 6 the night before. The news reports said scores of unruly revelers had been arrested and placed in paddy wagons, some of them in such bad condition that they were almost naked. The authorities had decided that the lawbreakers would spend Memorial Day in jail instead of at the Speedway. In my opinion, the authorities had taken the correct course of action.<br /><br />When we finished our hearty breakfast, we cleaned up our mess and straightened things up somewhat in the trunk of the car. It was nearing 9:00 now so we decided it was time to leave for the Speedway. We gathered up our paraphernalia to take to the Speedway and then double checked to see if we had everything and that the car was locked. The amount of equipment we carried was small in comparison with those persons who were carrying large coolers filled with beer, soda pop, and food.<br /><br />The crowd at Gate 1 was large and we were almost pushed though the entrance gate. I bought three souvenir programs right inside the gate and a little further on, we made our last use of a restroom until the race was over. As we approached the tunnel going under the track and to the infield, the size of the crowd increased immensely. By the time we came within a few feet of the entrance, we were being crushed by the huge mob of people. We were almost separated but when we started walking downward, we were still together. Traffic in the tunnel was heavy but it moved right along. When we arrived on the infield, we walked through the first gate and on northward until we arrived at the back of Section 43 of the Tower Terrace Section. The gateman tore off a section of our tickets and we went on. Our seats were Row J and were numbers 5, 6, and 7. Because of the unsettled weather, most people had brought blankets and raincoats.<br /><br />The Purdue University Band, along with several other bands, was parading on the main straightaway. Pit crews were giving their cars a final check and the public address announcer was interviewing drivers, mechanics, car owners, and celebrities from the entertainment world.<br /><br />At 10:00, the P.U. Band played “On the Banks of the Wabash” as pit crews were given the directive to push their cars onto the track and into their starting positions. The pre-race tension and excitement was beginning to build. Between 10:00 and 10:30, the many celebrities were driven around the track in official Chevrolet Camaro cars. At 10:30, USAC officials made their final inspection trip of the track. At 10:40, the enormous crowd stood en masse as the “Star-Spangled Banner” was played, and five minutes later, a solemn moment of silence was observed as “Taps” was played in keeping with the meaning of Memorial Day. A loud, steady buzz pervaded the Speedway as the pre-race excitement neared its apex. I could not sit still nor keep my arms and legs from shaking. Bobby and dad were excited too. At 10:50, the last song, “Back Home Again in Indiana” was sung. This was it. Drivers were situated in their cars and ready to go, starters had been inserted into the cars and were ready to be turned on. The pace car was in its place. Pit crew members patted their drivers on the back and wished him the best of luck. At 10:52, Speedway president Tony Hulmam said, loudly and clearly, “Gentleman, start your engines!”<br /><br />A huge explosion of noise filled the air as the engines came to life. We were seated across from the last four rows. One member of each crew held on of his arms in the air to indicate his driver was ready to go. While the drivers were revving up their engines and waiting to go, I noticed that the crew of Graham Hill, starting in the 31st position, seemed to be having trouble and the car wasn’t running.<br /><br />The pace car moved out and one by one, so did the race cars, but sure enough, Graham Hill wasn’t moving. His car wouldn’t start and after a minute or so, his crew was ordered to move it off the track so that it would be out of the way of the other cars. It seemed like a long time, but finally I saw the pace car move onto the straightaway with the thundering 32 cars behind it. It was a beautiful sight as they went by us and started the official pace lap. Graham Hill’s car finally came to life and he got into position before the race started. Everybody’s eyes were stationed on the northwest turn and a few seconds later, the pace car appeared and headed for the pit apron. As the field approached the starting line, starter Pan Vidan waved the green flag and the 500-mile race was on!<br /><br />Mario Andretti immediately jumped into the lead as they headed for the first turn. As they left the backstretch, Parnelli Jones, in the STP turbine car, took the lead. The field completed the first lap with Jones leading by a couple car lengths over Andretti. Rookie Wally Dallenbach’s car was smoking before the race started and continued to worsen. Jones continued in first as Andretti began having car trouble and lost ground. Gurney and Foyt moved into second and third positions. Lloyd Ruby had the unhappy distinction of being the first car out of the race. Mechanical trouble wrote the end to his 1967 race as his car was pushed to the garage area.<br /><br />While he was in the pits, the crowd was saddened by the sight of Andretti coming into his pits. His crew went to work to find the malfunction and Jones continued to lead.<br /><br />While the leaders were on their 17th lap, the red flag came out, indicating the race was stopped. For a while, nobody knew what had happened, but then the P.A. announcer said it was raining on the backstretch and was heading westward. A few seconds later, we felt the first drops on us and the sky opened up. The cars came creeping down the track and braked to a stop as the reached the starting line. Pit crews rushed out to put plastic covers on the car as the drivers turned off the engines and activity on the track came to a halt.<br /><br />For the first time in my thirteen races, it had rained on race day. Tony Hulman’s luck with the weatherman had run out. Everybody was dejected but there was nothing anybody could do except wait and hope it ended real soon so that the show could get on the road again. The rain continued and pretty soon, many fans took out their box lunches and ate their dinners. The three of us had a couple sandwiches and some coffee. We spread a blanket over our legs and put on the rain coats we had brought with us. It was unpleasant sitting in the rain but there was nothing we could do. Some of the fans left to find overhead shelter, but most of them sat it out in the rain. After an hour or so, Speedway maintenance trucks drove around the track in an attempt to dry it out, but their efforts were futile as the rain continued. After about two hours, dad decided it wasn’t going to stop raining for a while so he and Bobby gathered up most of the equipment and went back to the car. I remained in my seat a little longer and then walked down to the entrance to Gasoline Alley. Mel Kenyon was still sitting in his car but had a covering over him to keep the rain out of the cockpit.<br /><br />At the south end of this section of the Tower Terrace, there was a large crowd of people gathered and when I arrived there, I saw that it was Andretti’s pit. The crew had the back end of the car jacked up so that they could replace the faulty part that was causing the trouble. Andretti was standing on the sidelines and using his charm and sense of humor on everybody he talked to. He has a magnetic personality and is always surrounded by people, all of whom seem to enjoy his company. He was thankful for the rain, because if the race hadn’t been stopped, he would have been out of it. Now he still had a chance.<br /><br />I watched Andretti and his pit crew work on the car for awhile and then I took a walk up to the northwest area of the Speedway, an area I had not seen before. The infield was filled with cars which were filled with race fans who were sleeping, eating, or just sitting with unhappy looks on their faces. The large area was a quagmire and my shoes, stockings, and the bottom of my pants were thoroughly soaked. I watched the cars entering and exiting through Gate 8 and the traffic was fairly heavy.<br /><br />Walking back to the Tower Terrace section was a wet, dirty job. The rain continued as everybody’s frustration grew. In addition to the rain, the fans were also upset because USAC officials wouldn’t make up their minds as to what they would do. The rain showed no signs of stopping and it was obvious that, even if it did, it would be a long time before the track was dry enough to race on. I took another walk behind the pit area to see what was going on and activity was just about nil. Race officials and members of the news media were huddled in front of the control tower, but there was still no announcement as to what actions would be taken. I waited awhile longer and then decided it would be impossible to do any more racing, so I sadly started my trip back to the car. It is always sad for me to take that last look up and down the straightaway and realize I won’t see it again for a year, and this year I had the same feeling.<br /><br />It was about 3:45 when I arrived at the car. I thought maybe dad and Bobby would be angry because I hadn’t returned earlier, but they didn’t seem to be. They were listening to the radio to see what would happened, but USAC officials still hadn’t made up their minds. We read our newspapers, ate a modicum of food, and talked about the activity of the day.<br /><br />Finally, at 4:30, Sid Collins, chief announcer for the broadcast of the race, came on the air and said that race officials had called the race off for the day and it would be resumed tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10:00. This was the news everybody was waiting for, because now they could decide whether to stay for the continuation of the race or pack up and go home. We were among those people.<br /><br />I had Wednesday off from work and dad and Bobby had all week off, so that was one problem eliminated. Dad, however, thought we should return home because of our accommodations. He and I didn’t have any way of shaving and if we stayed, we’d really look bad. We also faced another night without sleep which was an unpleasant thought. The weatherman was predicting continued rain until late Wednesday. We talked it over for a few minutes and decided to go home, although we really wanted to see the remainder of the race.<br /><br />We checked to see that we had everything and then, shortly after 4:30, started the trip home. We had trouble getting onto Crawfordsville Road, but when we did we took the first turnoff to the left and didn’t have any trouble getting onto Lynnhurst Drive. The traffic was heavy all the way to Route 36, but it moved quite well. After a few miles, the traffic diminished but the rain became heavier. This was the first time I could remember it raining like this as we were just starting home. The downpour continued until we crossed the state line and then it gradually stopped. When we reached the Colonial Kitchen, it had stopped but the sky was very black and the possibility of more rain seemed imminent.<br /><br />Our smorgasbord supper tasted good and we partook heartily. Because of the cool, wet weather, we weren’t as hot, tired, and sweaty as we normally were. There were several other race fans there, and I heard several of them express their frustration with the weather. When we had eaten all we could eat, we used the restrooms, paid the bill, and then resumed our trip home.<br /><br />The sky was still very black and we had hardly started when I noticed rain drops hitting the windshield. It rained the rest of the way to Springfield, but I had one important factor working for me – I didn’t get sleepy. I was surprised to be feeling that way. Every other year, I was quite sleepy by the time I arrived home, but this year I was as alert and awake all the way home as I was going over. It was a tremendous help to me because, with the rain, it was much harder to see the road and drive. If I had been sleepy, as I was coming home from the time trials, our trip may have ended in disaster.<br /><br />We arrived home at 9:15 and mother had a look of disappointment and frustration when she met us. She had heard the broadcast of the race so she knew what had happened. I left everything in the car and decided to do the unpacking the next day.<br /><br />Thus ended a trip which was certainly unlike any of the other we had taken. We have had many experiences in our thirteen trips to Indianapolis, but this was the first time a race had ever been stopped because of rain. We had had to contend with rain before, but not as much as we had this year or during the race. Strong disappointment prevailed among the three of us, but Mother Nature had intervened with our plans and we would just have to wait until next year.<br /><br />EPILOGUE<br /><br />On Wednesday, May 31st, and 10:00 am, the race was resumed from where it was stopped on Tuesday – the 18th lap. Parnelli Jones maintained his lead as the rest of the field tried vainly to catch him. Mario Andretti’s car was running properly again and he was making progress in making up lost time and positions when he lost his left front tire. He safely guided the car into the infield on the south short straightaway and was finished for the day.<br /><br />Graham Hill and Jim Clark, the two previous race winners, were plagued with troubles and left the race early.<br /><br />There were several spinouts and the yellow light was on quite a bit, but there were no injuries.<br /><br />Roger McCluskey and Jackie Stewart were near the front of the field for a long time, but both of them were stopped by mechanical trouble.<br /><br />Jones’ dominance of the race made the first place battle almost nil. A.J. Foyt was the only other driver to lead the race and that was only during Jones’ pit stops. With the race nearing its end and Jones making a runaway of it, it was just a question of who would finish in the other positions. Then suddenly, without any warning, the action started. Some people had noticed that it was taking a long time for Jones to complete his 197th lap. The red number 40 came down the main straightaway very slowly. Something was wrong as it headed for the pit area instead of on down the straightaway. Everybody was startled into numbness. Andy Granatelli didn’t know what to do. At the same time, Foyt’s crew went wild with joy and rushed out to cheer their driver onto victory. As attention was focused on Jones’ misfortune, suddenly there was action further up the track. On Foyt’s 200th lap, there was a mishap at the north end of the main straightaway involving Carl Williams, Bob Veith, Bobby Grim, Bud Tinglestad, and Larry Dickson. All the cars were damaged but the drivers were okay. The track was so littered with debris that USAC officials waved the red flag just as Foyt completed the race. Foyt himself had to drive into the infield on the fourth turn to avoid the pileup.<br /><br />There was more excitement in the last four laps than there had been in the other 196 combined.<br /><br />The first ten finishers were A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Joe Leonard, Dennis Hulme, Jim McElreath, Parnelli Jones, Chuck Hulse, Art Pollard, Bobby Unser, and Carl Williams.<br /><br />Dad, Bobby, and I listened to the race on the radio and wished we were there in person, as the sun came out and everything went off fine.<br /><br />The big news at this year’s race was Jones’ turbine car and what its future at the Speedway will be. Only a broken ball bearing prevented it from making a rout of this year’s race. Car owners and drivers complained that their piston engine cars could not compete successfully with it. Since then, USAC has made rules restricting it, against Andy Granatelli’s protest, but the results of the rules will have to wait until next year.<br /><br />The rain made 1967 a rather disappointing year, but I’m happy I went and saw what I could. The inclement weather didn’t dampen my love one iota for the greatest sporting event in the world – the Indianapolis 500.<br /><br />Pace Car – Chevrolet Camaro<br />500 Festival Queen – Janice CruisePaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-37999324652068580382008-07-02T22:52:00.005-05:002008-08-07T22:21:30.978-05:00Indy Journal - 1966<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u>1966</u></span><br /></div><br />The month of May, 1966, at Indianapolis was highlighted by my first trip to the time trials, the activities of Mario Andretti, cool weather, and one of the oddest and most frustrating races in history.<br /><br />I, along with Bobby, dad, and my girlfriend, Dixie Mohr, saw the first day of time trials on Saturday, May 14th. We went in my 1960 Chevrolet, leaving Springfield at 5:00 that morning and arriving home at 11:15 that night. It was a cool, windy day and we struggled all day long to keep warm. As was expected, Mario Andretti won the pole position with a record four lap average of 165.899 mph. The day was saddened somewhat by the death of driver Chuck Rodee. Chuck was on the second lap of his trial run when he lost control of his car and crashed into the outer wall on the southwest turn. He died shortly afterwards of head injuries. At 6:00, activity ended and the front row was made up of Mario Andretti, Jim Clark, and George Snider.<br /><br />On the evening of May 28th, dad gave me the bad news that he wouldn’t be able to go to the race because mother was sick and he didn’t want to leave her here by herself when she felt that way. I couldn’t picture myself going to the race without him and he later said he might be able to make it after all. It all depended on how mother felt when we were ready to leave on Sunday.<br /><br />On Sunday, mother felt better and dad decided that he would be able to go. That really made me feel a lot better. We ate a good dinner and then put our usual large amount of supplies into the car. This was the first time that we used dad’s 1963 Chevrolet, which he had bought just a couple weeks before. We checked to make sure we had everything we needed and at 1:40, we started on our annual Memorial Day trip<br /><br />As always, we took Route 36 and arrived at Chrisman at 3:40. We ate at a new establishment called the Colonial Kitchen. The four of us had eaten breakfast and supper there two weeks before when we went to the time trials and were pleased with the food. This time we had just a cup of coffee and I had a dish of orange sherbet ice cream.<br /><br />At 4:10, we started the second part of our trip. I always enjoy seeing the pretty green trees along the highway in Indiana and this year was no exception. We stopped at the Standard Service Station at Route 36 and Lynnhurst Drive and had the gas tank filled and then continued on our way. We arrived at Kramer’s at Crawfordsville Road and Fisher Street at 6:00 pm. Once again, we had made the trip over without any trouble.<br /><br />We talked to Mr. Kramer for a few minutes and then decided to eat a little bit of the food we had brought. It seemed quite cool and windy and dad remarked that if this continued, it was going to be a cold night. His prediction was right. One of the first things I noticed was a beer party of several young couples a little to our right. They seemed to have a pretty good start on getting drunk and I become concerned for fear of what they would be like later in the evening. All of the other people in our parking lot were quiet and well behaved. Although we had eaten a big dinner just before we left and had a snack at Chrisman, the food still tasted real good. When we finished eating, we cleaned up and put everything away and then got ready to take a walk down by the Speedway.<br /><br />The view on Crawfordsville Road was different than that of two years ago. There were no long lines of cars stretching for several blocks, although there were several cars parked in the ditches by the road. When we reached the intersection of Crawfordsville Road, 16th Street, and Georgetown Road, the traffic was quite heavy. We managed to reach the sidewalk leading to the museum. There was a long line of people but the line moved well and before too long we had gotten inside the museum.<br /><br />The contents of the museum looked about the same as usual, although I noticed a few changes. I always enjoy looking at the old cars and all the other displays. I bought a couple postcards at the sales counter. The ticket office was open and there were several people either trying to buy or sell tickets for the race. When we left there was still a long line of people waiting to get into the museum.<br /><br />As we walked back to the car, we noticed that the crowd was becoming larger and larger and it was looking more and more like the night before the 500. Among the scenes were the usual beer parties, musical jamborees, and high school and college students making fools of themselves.<br /><br />We arrived back at the car and got ready to eat supper. Our meal consisted of baked beans, bacon, salad and dressing, bananas, potato chips, with coffee and milk to drink. It was a good meal and it was enough to last me until breakfast the next morning. We washed the dishes, put everything away, and got ready to take a walk down by the Speedway. The Standard station, just a block from our car, was doing a good coffee business due to the cool weather. When we reached the Speedway, we continued walking east of the north side of 16th Street. The drunkards, rowdies, and other undesirables were out in full force now. The Speedway Motel looked as if it was doing a good business. We went under the viaduct, stopped at the stop light, and then crossed over to the south side of the street. As we started walking the other way, I noticed that the traffic was bumper to bumper in every lane and that many of the people in the cars were behaving just as badly as many of those on feet. Fire crackers were going off all over and beer bottles and cans were being thrown everywhere. The sober pedestrians had to be real careful about where they were walking and be constantly on the lookout for pickpockets, etc.<br /><br />As we approached the Holiday Inn, I noticed a large amount of white smoke rising in the air. A car had stopped at a filling station and it was overheated and losing its water. The huge amount of smoke had attracted a large crowd and the car was so hot that the crowd had to stand several feet away to avoid the heat.<br /><br />As we continued walking, we observed the many concession standing selling cold drinks, hot dogs, hamburgers, hats, sweaters, toy race cars, and several other items. One item which we couldn’t remember from previous years was the outdoor toilets. It was necessary for me to use one and while I did get a feeling of relief, they left much to be desired in the way of cleanliness and smell.<br /><br />When we reached Crawfordsville Road, dad and Bobby decided to return to the car and went their separate way, while I took a walk down Georgetown Road. After I walked quite a while, I decided I’d seen enough of the drunkards and walked back. I walked west to Main Street, which I crossed, and then went into the drugstore on the corner.<br /><br />I wanted to buy Dixie Mohr some souvenirs and thought this would be a good place to find some. I bought a change and cosmetic purse, a head scarf, and a yellow pennant, all with pictures of race cars, drivers, the Speedway, and the state of Indiana on them.<br /><br />I walked a short distance down Main Street but there was nothing going on so I headed back to where I started. I walked west on 16th Street but there wasn’t much activity there either. When I reached Crawfordsville Road, I decided to return to the car.<br /><br />It was rather quiet in the area of the car, but the noise from a short distance away was plainly audible. I didn’t want to wake dad and Bobby, but the noise of the door opening and the bright light did wake them. I took of my shoes, put one blanket under me and one around me, and tried to go to sleep. In addition to the nose and the cramped quarters, we had the cold weather to contend with in trying to sleep.<br /><br />I slept off and on until 4:00 when I woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep. I made the best of the uncomfortable situation, but I just couldn’t sleep. At 5:00, with the brighter part of the day just beginning, the opening bomb went off and the Speedway officially opened for race day. In a couple minutes, Bobby and dad ended their brief sleep as well.<br /><br />I got out of the car to loosen up a bit and noticed that the cold weather was still with us. Most of the people around us were still trying to sleep and looked just as cold as we were. I had bought several newspapers so we turned on the radio to hear what was going on in the world and read the newspapers at the same time. A majority of the news in the newspapers pertained to the race and the radio stations were giving periodic reports of traffic conditions at the Speedway.<br /><br />About 5:30, Bobby and I decided to take our walk down to Gate 6 and watch the cars go into the infield parking lot. Dad wanted to get some more sleep so he didn’t go with us. We stopped at the Standard Station so that Bobby could use the restroom. While she was in there, I had a cup of coffee and a doughnut. Every year the station sells coffee and with the cold weather this year, the coffee business was real good. By the time Bobby got out of the restroom, I was ready for my second cup, so I bought two cups and we drank them as we continued walking toward the Speedway. We turned onto Georgetown Road and walked the long distance to Gate 6. The same policeman was directing the traffic into the infield as had been doing it for the past several years. At one time, the traffic got held up quite a ways back and the policeman, unhappy with the proceedings, took a walk to find the cause of trouble. For several minutes, the traffic didn’t move, but we didn’t know why. After a long time, the trooper returned and they traffic moved again. By 7:00, the biggest rush was over and the traffic thinned out a little. When this happened, we walked back to the car and got ready for breakfast.<br /><br />Dad and I helped set up the outdoor oven while Bobby selected the food we were to eat. The smell of eggs and bacon cooking on an outdoor grill increased my appetite and made the food more enjoyable. In addition to the eggs and bacon, we had coffee, bananas, potato chips, salad, sweet rolls, and a couple other items. The cold weather must have made us hungrier than usual because we ate everything we cooked and quite a bit of the other food. When we felt we had had enough, we cleaned up our mess. Bobby had brought some liquid soap so she used that plus water from the faucet on the side of the house to wash the dishes. It was a little confusing trying to arrange the oven, blankets, cots, pillows, and picnic baskets neatly but we managed to do so and have room for everything.<br /><br />With that big job done, we started on the next job of rounding up everything we were taking to the Speedway. Our equipment included the camera, film for the camera, field glasses, sun glasses, a thermos jug of coffee, a few sandwiches, and most important of all – the tickets. We wore our head gear and jackets. We double-checked to make sure we had everything, then locked the car and started walking to the Speedway.<br /><br />If we thought we were loaded down with equipment, it was almost nothing compared to what many of the people had with them. Some of them would not be hungry or thirsty for a long time. As we got closer to the three-way intersection, there seemed to be a larger number of people trying to sell and buy tickets than any year I could remember. We got into the crushing mob of people, presented our tickets to the gateman, and walked inside the Speedway grounds.<br /><br />I bought three speedway souvenir programs and then we resumed our walking. Dad and Bobby used the first restroom we came to while I watched our equipment and when they finished, we switched jobs. Because of the cold weather, the many concession stands along the way were doing a good coffee business and a poor cold drink business. As I observed the thousands of people along the way, I wondered how those who were wearing shorts could wear them on such a cold day. At the end of our long walk, we reached the viaduct, turned right, and walked underneath the track to the infield. The traffic moving through the viaduct moved right along, which it hadn’t always done in previous years. We walked up into daylight again and turned left to go to our seats.<br /><br />It was at this time that dad made a horrible discovery. He reached in his back pocket for his billfold and discovered it wasn’t there. He checked the ground in the immediate vicinity but didn’t find anything. Neither Bobby nor I had it and dad thought maybe he had left it in the car, although he knew of no reason why he would do so. He told us to go on to our seats and he would try to find somebody who could help him. He talked to a speedway patrolman who in turn gave dad’s name and address to the speedway office. They told dad they would notify him if they learned anything about his billfold but that was the last he heard about it.<br /><br />While dad went to report his billfold, Bobby and I found our seats in the Tower Terrace Extension, Section 1, Row R, Seats 11, 12, and 13. They were the last three seats on the left end of our row. The weather was still uncertain. It was still cool and windy and the sun broke through only occasionally.<br /><br />Pit crews were busy working on their cars as the time slowly ran out. Some of the engines were being run. Some of the drivers who had pits near us included Eddie Johnson, Larry Dickson, Bobby Unser, Jim Hurtubise, and Mel Kenyon. A look up and down the main straightaway presented a panorama of humanity, beauty, and sights unmatched anywhere. Many high school and college bands were parading on the straightaway.<br /><br />At 10:00, the Purdue University band played “On the Banks of the Wabash.” This was an indication that there was only one hour left before the start of the race and the time had come for the cars to be lined up. As the cars were pushed back through the pit area entrance and forward to their starting positions, a big smile came across my face as it does every year at this time.<br /><br />While all of this was happening, the many entertainment celebrities were being driven around the track in official Mercury cars. Among the famous people were astronaut Frank Borman, newscaster Walter Cronkite, Miss U.S.A. Susan Downey, 500 Festival Queen Suzi Harrison, singer Ed Ames, and TV actress Barbara Eden.<br /><br />At 10:30, chief steward Harlan Fengler and other USAC officials made their final inspection trip of the track. The band played the “Star-Spangled Banner” at 10:40 and at 10:45, the purpose of Memorial Day was remembered as the band played the solemn “Taps”. At the end of “Taps”, the speedway announcer paid tribute to those past 500-mile race winners who had died while racing. The enormous crowd of 300,000 persons rose to its feet against at 10:50 as the band played “Back Home Again in Indiana.”<br /><br />As the band finished playing, the tension reached its peak as everybody knew it was only a matter of seconds until the big roar. The first series of balloons was released from a tent behind the tower as the speedway announcer announced that it was time for Speedway president Tony Hulman to say those four famous words. Tony pulled the mike to his mouth and said loud and clear “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!” A huge roar came from the crowd as the thirty-three engines came to life. The smell of gasoline and the roar of the engines filled the air with excitement. The drivers continued to rev up their engines and then the Mercury Comet pace car, with Benson Ford driving and Tony Hulman accompanying him, slowly started moving.<br /><br />One by one, the cars moved out until only one was left. That one was rookie Carl Williams, whose car wouldn’t start. His crew borrowed a starter from another car and within seconds, his engine had turned over. When he was pushed away, he received a big ovation from the crowd and then had to hurry to get into his 25th starting position.<br /><br />Everybody was standing and nervously waiting for the field to come out of the 4th turn and down the straightaway. As usual, it seemed like ages until it did and when the pace car appeared, a big cheer went up from the crowd. Within a few seconds, the eleven rows of three each were moving by us and starting the official pace lap. The chatter of the crowd increased as the last row went by. The field disappeared into the first turn and then the announcer followed them around the track. About two minutes later, the pace car sped out of the fourth turn and headed for the pit area. The roar of both the crowd and the cars increased as the field approached the starting line. As the first few rows zoomed by us, starter Pat Vidan waved the green flag and the race was on.<br /><br />Mario Andretti took the lead, but had hardly reached the first turn when one of the biggest pileups in the history of the Speedway occurred. We could see smoke, fire, tires flying through the air, and many cars spinning wildly. The yellow flag came out immediately and about a minute or so later, the red flag was displayed. For the second time in three years, the race was stopped before it had hardly started. Early reports said the mess started when Billy Foster’s car made contact with that of Gordon Johncock. Forster may have been trying to advance too quickly.<br /><br />The drivers eliminated from the race by the pileup included A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Billy Foster, Arnold Knepper, Cale Yarborough, Bobby Grim, Al Miller, Larry Dickson, Don Branson, Ronnie Duman, and Gary Congdon. Gordon Johncock, Joe Leonard, Carl Williams, Bud Tingelstad, and Mel Kenyon had their cars damaged, but not enough to be eliminated from the race. They returned to their pits and had their cars repaired. Al Miller’s car caught on fire, but he was already out of it. Foyt’s car hit the outside car but he was out of it before it stopped and jumped into a front row grandstand seat for protection. Miraculously, he was the only driver injured, and that included only a cut finger and bruised knee.<br /><br />The track maintenance crew went to work immediately and spread lime over the area of the mishap. It was a horrible sight to see and I was frightened by the thought of what could have happened. Andretti was the first one out of the fourth turn and had his left arm raised high to indicate he was aware of what had happened. He stopped at the starting line, turned the engine off, and got out of the car. Those drivers behind him did likewise. The race had gotten off to a horrible start and the reaction of the crowd was a mixture of fright, frustrations, and restlessness. The restlessness was caused by not having anything to do during the hour and fifteen minutes it took to clean up the track. At 12:07, USAC officials took an inspection tour of the track and at 12:17, the remaining cars were started. They were lined up in single file and the race was restarted after one pace lap under the yellow flag.<br /><br />The yellow flag remained out until the fire fighting powder had settled. When the officials were convinced that everything was alright, the green flag came out. One his first lap under the green flag, Johnny Boyd slid in the first turn, hit the outside wall, lost two wheels, and was out of the race.<br /><br />Following Boyd’s accident, Jim Hurtubise was black-flagged and Bud Tingelstad left the race with radiator trouble. Hurtubise left his pit but returned later and left the race after 27 laps.<br /><br />The race had hardly restarted when smoke started coming out of the rear of Andretti’s car. He was in the lead but dropped to second behind Jim Clark and left the race after 27 laps. It was a big disappointment to the fans. He had put on a one-man show all month long but had failed when it counted the most.<br /><br />Before Andretti left the race, Chuck Hulse and George Snider tangled with each other in the southeast corner and both of them were out of the race.<br /><br />At the end of 40 laps, 100 miles, the first ten were Clark, Ruby, Jones, McElreath, Ward, McCluskey, Grant, Hill, Kenyon, and Stewart.<br /><br />Clark came into the pits on the 64th laps and Lloyd Ruby became the leader. Ruby pitted on the 74th lap and Clark regained the lead. A few laps later, Ruby took the lead from Clark and at the half-way mark, it was Ruby, Clark, Stewart, McCluskey, McElreath, Al Unser, Hill, Eddie Johnson, Kenyon, and Johncock.<br /><br />After 150 laps, Carl Williams, Rodger Ward, Parnelli Jones, and Roger McCluskey had left the race with mechanical problems and only twelve cars were left. Any driver whose car held up was certain to finish high in the standings.<br /><br />Gordon Johncock and Al Unser had been running side by side for a good part of the race, but near the end of the race, Unser crashed into the outer wall as he was coming down the main straightaway and was out of the race. He lost a tire and it started rolling down the track. A couple drivers hit the tire and almost lost control of their cars. Luckily, the tired landed up against the outer wall and didn’t cause any more trouble.<br /><br />On his 166th lap, Ruby joined those who had to leave the race. Lloyd led several laps of the race but was unable to go all the way.<br /><br />Later on, Joe Leonard and Eddie Johnson departed from the activity with faulty running cars. Eddie’s car had been running badly for several laps but he couldn’t go any further.<br /><br />As the 190th lap approached, it looked as if the first three finishers were going to be foreigners. Rookie Jackie Stewart was leading with Graham Hill and Jimmy Clark in second and third places. Then it was noticed that Stewart was late in completing his next lap. A few seconds later, he coasted to a stop in the northwest turn, got out of the car, and walked down the straightaway to his pit. It was a tough break, but he had made an excellent showing in his first 500-mile race.<br /><br />Graham Hill took the lead and was able to stay ahead of Jim Clark for ten laps to win the race. When Hill received the checkered flag, it did not end the confusion of the race. Clark thought he was the winner and upon receiving the checkered flag, he drove down the pit apron to Victory Lane. It was, of course, already occupied, so his pit crew pushed him back to his pit.<br /><br />By this time, Jim McElreath had finished third and Gordon Johncock fourth. Hill, Clark, McElreath, and Johncock were the only drivers to go the complete 500 miles. Mel Kenyon was fifth but did not get to run his last two laps. Bobby Unser was Jerry Grant were the only other drivers still running, but they were too far behind to complete the 200 laps and were given the red flag. Jackie Stewart was awarded sixth place, Eddie Johnson seventh, Bobby Unser eighth, Joe Leonard ninth, and Jerry Grant tenth.<br /><br />By the time the last car pulled off the track, many of the fans were already leaving. Dad went to check on his billfold again and Bobby left for the car, but I stayed a few minutes longer. We agreed to meet at the car.<br /><br />When the Victory Lane ceremony was finished, Graham Hill was driven around the Speedway in the Mercury Comet pace car for the acclamation of the fans. By the time he returned to the pit area, the other cars were being pushed to the garage area, so I gathered up my belongings, looked up and down the straightaway, and said goodbye to the track for another year.<br /><br />I left the Speedway the same way I entered it. I was pleasantly surprised at how fast the traffic moved through the viaduct. My joy ended when I left the viaduct and arrived behind the grandstands. For some reason, the crowd stopped moving and it became a crushing mass of humanity. For some reason, nobody moved at all. Already tired, upset, and frustrated by the race, several people lost their patience and profanity become prevalent. I, too, was becoming impatient and was wondering if dad and Bobby were worrying about me. The exodus from the race is always bad, but this was the first time I could remember the people not being able to move for such a long time. A few climbed over the fence that parallels Georgetown Road. The long frustrating wait finally ended and the crowd started moving again. I don’t know what the bottleneck was, but I was real happy when it was removed and I could walk again.<br /><br />From this point on, the traffic moved real well. Before leaving the Speedway grounds, I bought a copy of The Indianapolis News. It was the latest edition and had the story of Graham Hill’s victory, in addition to several other good stories about the race. I fought the usual battle with the auto traffic on Crawfordsville Road and finally managed to get back to the car.<br /><br />The first thing I did was explain to dad and Bobby why I was so late. Then I took off my shoes and relaxed my hot, tired feet. We read some of our newspapers, listened to the radio, and ate some of the food we had left. I hadn’t eaten much since breakfast and it really tasted good. We were waiting for bumper-to-bumper traffic to thin out so that we could get started home, but it wasn’t doing so. Usually, by this time after the race, the traffic has let up, but not this year. We finally decided we’d have to get going and just inch our way through it if necessary.<br /><br />We made sure we hadn’t left anything behind, locked all the doors, and then I started the car. The traffic on Fisher Street was also real heavy, so my first job was getting into it. Inch by inch, I finally got into it and then had a hard time getting onto Crawfordsville Road. The policemen were directing the traffic going west, but were ignoring the cars trying to get onto the main road. Several minutes passed until I got into the westbound traffic. Then, somehow, I had to get into the left-hand lane so that I could turn. One driver was courteous and let me in, but then I made a mistake and turned too soon. I realized what I had done, but it was too late to turn back, so I just kept going. We were going in the right direction and the traffic moved real well. When we reached 10th Street, I turned right and went back to Lynnhurst Drive. I turned left and we were on the right road again. The traffic the rest of the way to Route 36 was bad but no worse than it usually is. At the intersection, we turned right and were on the road home.<br /><br />The traffic from here on moved faster than it normally does. It had thinned out considerably and we were hitting most of the green lights at stop lights. We were pleasantly surprised at how well the traffic moved all through Indiana. We crossed the state line shortly after 7:15 and about 10 minutes later arrived at the Colonial Kitchen.<br /><br />It felt good to walk around a little bit, sit in an air-conditioned building, and eat a good supper. We went through the serving line and picked out as much as we thought we could eat, and then sat down. There were several other people there who had been to the race too. They were easy to identify. The food was real good and we ate until we couldn’t eat anymore. Before we left, we used the restrooms and then we decided to be on our way. It was between 7:55 and 8:00 when we left.<br /><br />As we continued on Route 36, we saw some of the same sights we see every year coming home – a few farmers still working in their fields, children playing among themselves, and some people sitting on their porches or in their yards watching the traffic go by. The traffic became heavier and the lights brighter as we approached Decatur. We arrived in the city shortly after 9:00. There is always much activity there. The traffic moved well and within a few minutes, we left the city and were on the last stretch of the drive home. We covered the distance in 30-45 minutes and arrived at the back door to our house at precisely 10:00. It took us two hours to get from Chrisman to Springfield, which is several minutes less than it usually takes.<br /><br />We didn’t feel like unpacking everything right then so, since it was unnecessary, we left everything in the car and unpacked it the next day. We came on in the house and Bobby and dad talked to mother and Susie about the activity of the last two days and I got washed up and prepared to go see Dixie Mohr. The big event was finished for another year.<br /><br />EPILOGUE<br /><br />The 1966 500-mile race is history now, but many events happened this year which will cause it to be remembered for a long time. Two drivers, Mario Andretti and Graham Hill, were the big names this year. From the day the track opened until race day, Andretti dominated the scene. His speed was consistently higher than anybody else’s and his record qualifying speed labeled him the man to win the race on Memorial Day. Unfortunately, Lady Luck was absent when Mario needed her the most and he finished a disappointing 18th. Whether he would have done better if the first lap pileup hadn’t occurred is a debatable subject.<br /><br />Graham Hill made big news not only because he won the race, but also because he was a foreign driver and was the first rookie to win the race since 1927. He led only ten laps of the race, but he was in front on the important 200th lap. If Jackie Stewart had remained in the race, the first three finished would have been foreigners.<br /><br />The first lap pileup is the most talked about feature of this year’s race. At first, Billy Foster was blamed for it, but now there seems to be the opinion that no one driver was responsible. Graham Hill suggested that a new method of starting the race might help. I don’t think that is necessary. They have used this kind of start in every other race and I think they can continue to do so.<br /><br />Another disappointing feature of the race was the large number of cars forced to leave the race because of mechanical trouble. There are always some cars that break down but this year it was irritating to see one car after another drop out.<br /><br />On the personal side, there were reasons that made this year one to remember. The possibility of dad not going to the race put a damper on everything before we even started packing. It was hard for me to picture myself going to the race without dad. On my dates with Dixie Mohr on Saturday night and Sunday morning, that unpleasant thought was hanging over me and it was with great relief that I came home Sunday afternoon and found dad packing some of his belongings into the car. I was so relieved that I called Dixie and gave her the good news.<br /><br />The weather was another factor that made us uneasy this year. The threat of rain existed from the time we left home through the end of the race. The cool air and the steady breeze made it a cool trip. I put my jacket on when I got out of the car upon arriving at Kramer’s and didn’t take it off until we left for home. I slept in it and wore it through the entire race. The sun was in and out of the clouds all day Monday and I kept hoping that if it was going to rain, it would wait until the race was finished.<br /><br />The loss of dad’s billfold was another unpleasant feature of this year’s trip. I think from now on, he will follow my practice of keeping his billfold in one of his front pockets.<br /><br />Despite the several unpleasant events that occurred this year, I’m still glad we went. The unpleasantries weren’t great enough to prevent us from having a good time as we always do. The 500-mile race still has a unique atmosphere of beauty and excitement that cause thousands of persons to return to it year after year. It is an atmosphere unlike anything else in the world and I am one of those thousands of persons who return year after year. I plan to continue doing so.<br /><br />Pace Car – Mercury Comet<br />500 Festival Queen – Suzy HarrisonPaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-65687706445534528302008-07-01T21:29:00.008-05:002008-07-02T22:59:27.091-05:00Indy Journal - 1964<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1964</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <br />A.J. Foyt and Eddie Sachs, the big names in the 1961 500-mile race, were, along with Dave McDonald, the big names in the 1964 race. Foyt repeated his first place finish of 1961 while Sachs and McDonald were killed in the second lap fire which some people claim was the worst wreck in 500-mile race history.<br /><br />We received our tickets on May 5. In February, dad mailed his annual request for our tickets in the Tower Terrace section. A few days later, he received a letter informing him that due to an unusual request for tickets for this year’s race, all Tower Terrace tickets were already all sold out. The letter also stated what tickets were available, so dad immediately mailed his second ticket request, and on May 5, we received our tickets in the Tower Terrace Extension, Row B, seats 6,7, and 8.<br /><br />For the third consecutive year, I came home from George Air Force Base in California to see the big race, arriving home on Saturday, May 23.<br /><br />Friday morning, May 29, our house was its usual madhouse as Bobby, dad, and I got ready for the big event. Bobby prepared the food and dad and I gathered up all the other paraphernalia and got it ready to put into the car. We had blankets, pillows, sunglasses, camera, film, medicine pills, cooking utensils, plus all of the food that Bobby prepared.<br /><br />Shortly before 12:00, I backed the car out of the garage and parked it in front of the back entrance to our house. Dad starting putting our equipment in the trunk while I went upstairs and brought some of Bobby’s food preparations down to the car. We put as much as we could, comfortably, into the trunk and then put the rest on the back seat.<br /><br />We checked to make sure we hadn’t forgotten anything and I checked the glove compartment to make sure we had the most important item of all – the tickets. Assuring ourselves that we had everything, the three of us got into the car. At the last minute, dad decided to change the seating pattern of the three previous years by sitting in the back instead of the front seat. With me driving, Bobby on my right, and dad occupying the right rear seat, I turned on the ignition, we waved good-bye to mother, and at 12:15, we left on our annual journey to the Indiana capital.<br />We went north on 3rd St. to North Grand Ave., east on N. Grand to 5th St., north on 5th St. to Sangamon Ave., and then east on Sangamon.<br /><br />When we crossed by-pass 66, we came upon Interstate 55 highway. Not being real familiar with the new highway, dad mistakenly directed me to turn left, which was Route 54 going to Chicago. I was rather confused and, although I knew I was going the wrong way, turned left anyway. I told dad we were on the wrong road and then he realized what he had done. I turned back at the first chance I had, and pretty soon we were on the right road again.<br /><br />In about five minutes, we reached Route 36 on the outskirts of Riverton. We went through Dawson, Buffalo, Lanesville, and around Illiopolis, Niantic, and Harristown. When we reached the four-lane highway, I knew we were getting near Decatur. The traffic seemed about the same as it was every other May 29th afternoon. About 1:15, we passed the sign saying “Indianapolis – 150” and a short time later, we passed over Lake Decatur – on the open highway once again.<br /><br />The first towns after Decatur were Long Creek and Casner, and from then on until just a few miles from the state line, the road was absolutely straight. As we traveled, the three of us talked about many things – the farmers plowing their fields, the condition of the crops, the small towns we passed through, the people we saw in the towns, the nature of the towns, how many miles we had traveled, and most certainly the big race we were going to see.<br /><br />About 1:45, we arrived at Tuscola. It’s easy to remember Tuscola because of the big chemical factory on Route 36 just west of the city. I’ve always been intrigued by the size of this factory and always enjoy driving by and seeing it. When we were clear of the chemical factory, we resumed our normal highway speed of 60-70 mph.<br /><br />As always, when we passed through Hume, I was reminded of that first year I went to Indianapolis, 1954. That was the first and only year we stopped there. I could tell by the time and the mileage on the car that we were getting close to Chrisman, our usual rest stop. When we went under the famous viaduct about a mile or so west of the junction of Routes 36, 150, and 1, I knew the first half of our trip was about over. A short distance later, I discovered the restaurant on our left and started easing up on the accelerator. I turned left at the intersection, drove a few feet to the first turnoff, and then came back to the restaurant. There is a Standard Service Station immediately adjacent to the restaurant, so dad said to stop there first and get the gas tank filled up and the windshield washed. When we stopped at the pump, I looked at my watch and it read 2:21. It had taken us 2 hrs. and 6 min. from the time we pulled out of the driveway until the time we stopped at the gas pump.<br /><br />While I sat in the car and waited for the attendant to fill the tank, dad used the restroom and Bobby waited outside for her chance to do likewise. Dad returned to pay for the gas and then I drove the car into the parking lot in front of the restaurant. I got out, locked the car, stretched a little, and made use of the restroom while dad and Bobby went on in into the restaurant. With that important job completed, I went in and joined Bobby and dad.<br /><br />We sat in a booth at one end of the restaurant. Dad ordered coffee and a hamburger, Bobby decided on a dish of salad and a cup of coffee, and I had a cheeseburger, french fries, and coffee. Our waitress wasn’t real speedy, but the best part, or maybe I should say worst, was yet to come. I sat on one side of the booth while Bobby sat directly in front of me, with dad to her right. When the waitress brought Bobby her coffee, I immediately noticed there was a fly in it. When I asked Bobby if she was going to drink her coffee like that, she gave me a funny look and said, “huh?” When she looked at her coffee she saw what I was talking about. Dad asked the waitress to exchange it for a good cup. She did so but was indifferent about what had happened. When we finished eating, we felt better and decided to be on our way again.<br /><br />We took the same seats we had before we stopped, and at 2:55, I turned the ignition key and once again we were on our way. Our rest stop took up 34 minutes of our time, which was longer than we usually stop.<br /><br />At 3:04, we left Illinois and entered Indiana. As usual, the pretty green trees provided attractive scenery as we traveled through the west central part of the Hoosier State. The straight highway we had in Illinois soon became a series of hills and curves and the yellow centerline became a common site. As we drove through the towns of Hillsdale, Montezuma, Rockville, Bainbridge, Danville, and Avon, we observed the same tranquil life of Indiana that we had noticed in Illinois. As we traveled through the Wabash Valley and over the famous river, I commented about how pretty and cool it always was when we traveled through here.<br /><br />A few miles from Avon the traffic started getting heavier, so we knew we were getting close to our destination. As appears true every year, the western outskirts of Indianapolis seemed more modern than it did last year. Dad remarked about how modern and attractive this part of the city always looks every year when we go through it. We came to the intersection of Route 36 and Lyndhurst Drive and turned left. The traffic on Lyndhurst Drive wasn’t heavy until we reached 10th St., the first stoplight. From then on, it was quite heavy. We crossed 16th St., then the railroad tracks, and stopped at the stop sign. We turned right and went about four or five blocks to Fisher St. and turned left. I stopped and backed into our temporary home.<br />When we stopped and got out of the car, the owner of the house whose property we were on, Mr. Kramer, came out and extended his annual welcome to us. He asked me if I could drive the car up and park it more to the right, which I did. When I shut off the engine the first time, I checked the time and it was 4:37. It had taken us 1 hour and 42 minutes to go from Chrisman to Crawfordsville and Fisher. The entire trip took 4 hours and 22 minutes. It had taken us six more minutes of traveling time than it did last year, but for the eleventh consecutive year, we had made the trip without a wreck and without car trouble.<br /><br />We talked to Mr. Kramer for a few minutes and then decided to take our initial walk down to the speedway. The scenery was similar to that of the past years. There was the heavy traffic, cars parked on the shoulder of the road on both sides, people sitting and eating in their cars, and the overall carnival atmosphere that prevailed. When we reached the speedway museum, we talked about taking a tour through the building, but decided that since the crowd was so large and we were getting hungry for supper, we would skip the tour for this year.<br /><br />As we started walking back to the car, I bought a couple of newspapers. As always, most of the news in the papers was about the big race. The intersection of 16th St., Georgetown Road, and Crawfordsville Road was real busy with the 5:00 traffic plus all the traffic going into and coming out of the speedway. A person really has to keep his eyes and ears open to avoid being caught in the traffic. When we managed to get across the busy intersection, we continued on our way back to the car. As we were walking, we remarked to each other that despite the many years we had seen this same scene, we still are amused by it. Although it was about 5:30 in the afternoon, some people were already full of liquor and showing it. The many outdoor grills being utilized, the enormous amount of beer cans and bottles, many people sleeping in the cars, and the thousands of people all together in the same place having such a good time, is something I see only once a year.<br /><br />When we arrived back at the car, we glanced at our newspapers and then got our supper ready. Dad got the cooking grill assembled and working while Bobby got the hamburgers out and ready to put into the skillet. When we started out from home, it looked as if Bobby had prepared enough food for us to stay for a week. While the hamburgers were cooking, we got the rest of our equipment out, including plates, cups, glasses, silverware, and napkins. In addition to hamburgers we ate backed beans, potato chips, cookies, deviled eggs, salad, and bananas. We drank coffee to help wash everything down. A nutritionist might have said that we weren’t eating a well-balanced meal, but our meal had some nutrition in it and it tasted real good. As we sat in our car and ate our supper, we sat and watched and talked about everybody and everything around us. At the same time, we listened to the radio. Every newscast on every station mentioned something about the 500-mile race tomorrow. The drivers’ meting that afternoon, the 500 festival parade the night before, and the weather prediction for tomorrow were the big stories. When we felt we had enough supper in our stomachs, we cleaned up our mess. We washed our silverware, plates, cups, and glasses, and put all of our scraps into a paper sack for later disposal.<br /><br />With the supper dishes done, we sat in the car for a little while and relaxed. While listening to the radio, we read our newspapers and pointed out articles of interest concerning the race to each other. There is so much variety of activity connected with the 500-mile race that it takes a long time to read and talk about it.<br />When it became too dark to do any more reading, we decided to take our usual nightly stroll down to the 16th St. and the surrounding area to take in the activity that makes up “The Night Before the 500.” The “Night Before the 500” was somewhat different this year than it had been in years past. The many long lines of cars extending back several miles on 16th St. and Main St. were absent this year. Under a new ordinance, all the cars which in past years would have been parked on these streets, were directed to park in the parking lot at the north end of the speedway. Although this new law took the cars off the streets, it still left all of the pedestrians with all the noise that they make.<br /><br />We walked along the south end of the speedway and took in everything that was going on. We passed one of the few remaining wooden grandstands, grandstand D, and a little farther down, grandstand G. At the southwest turn, we saw the speedway motel and clubhouse. Business seemed to be good at the motel. We crossed the street, walked by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company race headquarters, walked under the viaduct, and stopped at the first intersection. The traffic was bumper to bumper on this night, and the drivers were most unpredictable, but somehow we managed to get across to the other side of the street without getting hit or causing any crackups. The first person we saw was a drunk who had had more than just one too many drinks. As we continued walking west, we saw more and more of the high school and college kids that we see every year. As usual, they were drinking their beer, taking up more than their share of the sidewalk, and by their noise, letting everyone know they were around. The shopping center parkway was empty but the Holiday Inn was alive with activity. The concession stands were receiving a lot of attention from the hundreds of people walking by them. They were selling hot dogs, soda pop, pennants, model racecars, and several other items. A couple of minutes later, we came to the intersection of Main St. and 16th St. With the help of a policeman we crossed the street and went into the drugstore on the corner. The place was crowded as it is every May 29th evening. We walked around for a few minutes and bought a newspaper before we left. We noticed that the traffic on Main St. was almost nil compared to previous years, but little by little it was getting heavier. Now there were four lanes lined up back to the next intersection. We continued walking for another block, but everything seemed pretty quiet, so we turned around and walked back.<br /><br />Bobby and Dad decided they wanted to go back to the car and try to get some sleep, but to me that night was still young and there was a lot I hadn’t seen yet. I turned left and walked west on 16th St. The traffic, like that on Main St., was small compared to previous years, but it was beginning to get heavier. The usual large amount of cars was missing but as usual the street was infested with college kids drinking beer and having a jolly, good time. I continued walking for three more blocks, then crossed the street and walked towards the speedway. I somehow managed to get across the three-way intersection without getting hit or causing an accident and then took a walk down Georgetown Road. It was just as lively as it had been in other years. It was about midnight now and all the activity was really in high gear. One has to stay awake to avoid the drunks, the crazy drivers, and the empty beer cans and bottles all at the same time.<br /><br />Shortly before reaching Gate 6, an Indiana State Police jeep with two officers in it approached me and suddenly stopped a few feet in front of me. They sprung from their jeep and immediately stopped two boys who were drinking beer. The policemen asked them for proper identification of their ages. When the boys replied that they didn’t have any identification, they were immediately escorted into the jeep and hauled away.<br />When I reached Gate 7, I turned around and started walking back. The light coming from the huge beacon behind grandstand C could be seen a long distance from the speedway. Parking lots and concession stands all along the road were vociferously advertising their presence. When I reached Crawfordsville Road, I turned right and headed toward Fisher St. The pre-dawn activities were going full blast. At 1:00 in the morning, some of the amateur cooks were applying their culinary skills. The aroma some of the food emitted was very pleasing to my sense of smell. In addition to the cooking, there were several small dance parties enlivening the scene. In some cases, there were several people in one car, those people had a little fire going and were singing and playing their banjos around the fire. Despite all of the noise around them, there were still many people sleeping in their cars or in sleeping bags on the ground.<br /><br />I reached Fisher St. about 1:00. When I got to the car, I found dad sleeping on the cot by the right rear tire and Bobby sleeping in the back seat. As quietly and carefully as I could, I opened and closed the door, took of my shoes, shirt, and watch, pulled a blanket over me, and tried to go to sleep.<br /><br />As usual, I was too excited to be sleepy so I just lay on the seat for a while and thought to myself and listened to all of the noise around us. I was quite cramped and kept moving around to get comfortable, but somewhere around 2:00, I dozed off for a while. When I awakened I looked at my watch and it read 3:15. The revelers were still going strong with their merriment. I wanted to go watch them but thought the noise of the car door might disturb what little sleep Bobby and dad were getting, so I moved around some more and finally managed to doze off again. The next time I woke up, it was 4:30, so I decided that was the end of my sleeping. I put on my shirt, shoes, and watch, and went out and walked along Crawfordsville Road for a short distance. The cool morning air made me shiver a little, but it wasn’t cold enough to keep me from watching all the activity in the area. There was quite a bit of giggling, especially from those cars with both boys and girls in them. The dancing and drinking hadn’t stopped yet. About 4:50, I went back to the car and lay down again.<br /><br />At 5:00, the big explosion occurred. The traditional opening bomb had gone off and Memorial Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was underway for 1964. A minute or so later, Bobby woke up and then sat up in her seat to see what was going on. Dad gave the impression of being still asleep so Bobby and I watched and talked about the activity around us. The cars lined up on Crawfordsville Road hadn’t begun to move yet, but one by one the people in the cars were waking up. It wasn’t very long until some nit-wit in the line started honking his horn in an apparent attempt to get the traffic moving. As Bobby and I were talking, dad woke up, folded his blankets and cot, and then put them in the trunk of the car. When I knew for sure that dad was awake, I got out to get some fresh air and stretch my arms and legs. Most of the people around us were still trying to sleep so the three of us tried not to disturb them.<br /><br />About 5:30, we started our annual early morning walk down the Gate 6 to see the many hundreds of cars go under the track and into the infield. We stopped at the Standard Service Station a block from the car and got us a good hot cup of coffee. It was still pretty cool so the coffee felt real good. The closer we got to the Speedway, the better the traffic was moving, and by the time we reached Georgetown Road, all three lanes were moving. The scenery along the road was the same as it had been at 12:30, except that the traffic was all moving in the same direction now. About the time we reached the bridge, we saw our first ticket seller. A couple minutes later, we reached our destination. One thing I noticed this year was that the same Indiana State Policeman and Speedway Patrolman were working here at Gate 6 as had been working here for the past several years. We stood a few feet from the street and watched the activity. As we were watching the passenger cars, every once in a while we could hear the loud crackling roar of the engine of one of the race cars as its pit crew was testing it out to see if it would start. It was a wonderful sound.<br /><br />If a person ever wanted to see every make of car there is, all at the same time and place, he should stand where we do, at Gate 6, for a few minutes. We see just about any make and year of car a person could think of. The policemen have no trouble with most of the people, but there are always a few who stand up in or sit on the back of convertibles. These people are not allowed to go through the gate until they are seated in their cars as they’re supposed to be. After watching all the cars for a while, you begin to wonder where in the world they’re all coming from. I’ve never tried to count all of them, but I’m sure we see several hundred cars and people pass through this gate every year. It’s a lot of work for the law enforcement officials, but they always do a real good job of directing the traffic.<br /><br />About 7:00, the bumper to bumper traffic began to diminish slightly, so we started walking back to the car. When we reached Crawfordsville Road, the traffic between the intersection and Fischer Street had thinned out considerably. We arrived back at the car shortly before 7:30 and got all of our cooking utensils out. Dad got the cooking grill assembled and ready to use while Bobby got out the cups, coffee, silverware, plates, eggs, bacon, and a few other items. A few minutes later, the bacon and eggs were sizzling, the coffee was boiling, and we were ready to eat breakfast. In addition to the bacon and eggs, we had fruit salad, oranges, bananas, cookies, and sweet rolls to eat. Some people may not have liked the way we were cooking and eating our food, but the food was good, we were having a good time, and we didn’t care about what anybody else thought. When we felt as if we had eaten enough, we cleaned up our mess and washed the plates, silverware, glasses and cups.<br /><br />It was shortly after 8:00, so we decided it was time for us to leave for the speedway. We took all of the equipment we would need out of the car, which included camera, film, field glasses, transistor radios, sunglasses, jackets, and most important of all, the race tickets. I gave the tickets to dad and then locked and checked the car. The pedestrian traffic between Fischer Street and the Speedway was heavy now. Many people were carrying sack lunches, seat cushions, and small coolers full of beer and other cold drinks. As we passed the Standard Service Station, we noticed that the two restrooms and the coffee counter were all doing a real good business. If a person’s bladder isn’t ready to rupture, he would save money and much time by waiting until he arrived at the Speedway, where the use of restroom facilities is free. About halfway during the walk, we met some people we see every year at the same location – members of the VFW selling their little pins for whatever donation you wished to give them. We always give them a donation so that they’ll quit pestering us. A short distance later, we arrived at the entrance to the Speedway. The pedestrian traffic was really heavy now. Dad took the tickets out of his pocket, gave them to the ticket-taker as we entered the speedway and the ticket-taker returned part of the tickets to us A few feet inside the gate, I bought three official souvenir programs, selling for seventy-five cents each. Now came the long walk to the viaduct which leads to the inside of the track. All along the way, there were concession stands selling soda pop, coffee, hot dogs, Floyd Clymer yearbooks, plastic model racing cars, speedway pennants, and other items. The enormous mass of people was making it difficult to walk comfortably and we were beginning to wonder if we had missed our turning off point, but I knew from previous experience that we hadn’t arrived there yet. Shortly thereafter, we saw the sign directing us to go under the viaduct and onto the infield. When we left the viaduct on the infield, we turned right toward the garage area. One of the first things we did was to make use of the restrooms. Then we walked a little farther down to Gasoline Alley. All of the cars were in their pits, so all we could see were some of the pit crews milling around and waiting out the last couple of hours.<br /><br />It was after 9:00 now and since we weren’t sure just how to get to our seats, we decided we’d better do so. We walked down a flight of steps, under one of the roads going through the infield, and up another flight of steps. We went a few steps farther and then entered a gate behind the Terrance Extension seats. An usher led us to our seats, which were in Section 4, Row 3, seats 4, 5, and 6. We were seated right at the entrance to the pit area, which gave us an excellent view of the cars as they came into the pit area. We also could see the north most three or four pit areas. The seats were not as comfortable as those we’ve had in the Tower Terrace Section. The bottom was narrower and they didn’t have any back. The rows were closer to each other which made it hard to move around. As we looked up and down the straightaway, we noticed that the seats were rapidly filling up, and I thought to myself that by the time the race started, there wouldn’t be an empty seat in sight.<br /><br />At 10:00, the P.A. announcer, Tom Carnegie, announced to all pit crews that they were to line up their cars in their respective starting positions. Only one hour remained until the green flag fell. Tom Carnegie had to make the second announcement before the pit crews went to work. As I watched the cars being pushed out of the pit area and into their starting positions, I got that tense and excited feeling I get every year during the last hour or so before the start of the race.<br /><br />As the cars were being lined up, the Speedway turned the clock back fifty years when a 1914 Stutz and Delage made a one lap tour around the track. Former driver Earl Cooper drove the Stutz, which started out right in front of us.<br /><br />As usual, there were several movie and television stars in attendance who rode around the track for the acclamation of the crowd. Among those who were there this year were Art Linkletter, Vic Damone, Marilyn Maxwell, Keely Smith, and Phil Harris. Marilyn Maxwell received a big applause for her presence from the men in the audience. In addition to all of these people, the 500 Festival Queen, Donna McKinley, and her court each rode around the track in separate automobiles.<br /><br />At 10:05, the Purdue University band played the first of the traditional yearly songs, “On the Banks of the Wabash.” The Purdue University band was doing its usual excellent job of marching up and down the straightaway. To the men, of course, the main attraction was the glittering golden girl, who marched in front of the band. At 10:30, Sam Hanks, and Harlan Fengler, chief steward for the race, made the final inspection tour of the track. At 10:40, the massive crowd rose to its feet as the band played the second of the traditional songs, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Five minute later, the crowd paid its respects to those former 500-mile race winners who lost their lives while racing as the band played “Taps.” At 10:50, the song that sends chills of excitement up everybody’s back, “Back Home Again in Indiana” was played as the pre-race ceremonies reached their climax. While the band was playing, thousands of colored balloons were released skyward from behind the Control Tower.<br />While the crowd was watching the balloons, Tom Carnegie announced loud and clear that the big moment had come. Drivers were seated in their cars and ready to go, the portable starters had been inserted and were ready to go to work, and pit crews were ready. Tom turned the microphone over to Speedway president, Tony Hulman, who pronounced slowly and distinctly those four famous words – “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES.” A big roar arose from the audience, but that cheer was soon drowned out by the tremendous road of the thirty-three engines all being charged up at the same time. The sweet sound of those thirty-three engines brought a big, wide smile to our faces. The chief mechanic of each pit crew raised his hand to indicate that his car and driver were ready to go. About a minute later, the Mustang pace car slowly started moving, with Benson Ford doing the driving and Tony Hulman sitting in the right front seat. The front row of Jim Clark, Bobby Marshman, and Rodger Ward moved out and the other ten rows followed behind them. Tom Carnegie announced that all thirty-three cars had started and were moving, which evoked a big cheer from the audience. I’m always happy when nobody has any trouble starting.<br /><br />The field moved through the first and second turns, and then onto the back straightaway as the drivers moved into their eleven rows of three each behind the pace car. The deep, low roar of the engines could be heard from where we were as the field moved toward the number three turn. Everybody seated on the front straightaway was standing and stretching their necks to catch sight of the field as they came through the number four turn and down the front straightaway. It seemed like a long wait, but a few seconds later the pace car was coming toward us as the buzz of the crowd turned into another cheer. The pace car and the eleven rows behind it presented a breath-taking sight of beauty and precision as they moved down the straightaway and past us. Whistling and arm waving erupted as the thirty-three cars moved by us. Many of the drivers waved back to the audience as they went by. As they crossed the start-finish line, the parade lap ended and the official pace lap started. The cars disappeared into the southwest turn as once again the long wait started. Many of the people kept track of the cars by listening to the broadcast of the race with their transistor radios right by their ears. Again attention focused on the northwest turn as necks and eyes were stretched to catch sight of the pace car. We could hear the field moving down the backstretch and then into the short north chute. A few seconds later, a big cheer went up from the crowd as the pace car came out of the turn, moved down the straightaway and headed for the pit area. The roar of the crowd increased as the thirty-three drivers increased their speed and waited for Pat Vidan to wave the green flag. As the front row went by us, Pat dropped the green flag and the big race was on!<br /><br />Pole position man Jim Clark jumped into the lead. As he went through the first turn, he was followed by Parnelli Jones, Bobby Marshman and A.J. Foyt. The noise of the crowd diminished somewhat but started rising several seconds later when the cars came out of the fourth turn and came down the straightaway to complete the first lap. As they crossed the line, it was Clark, Marshman, Ward, Foyt, and Jones. Clark had set a new first lap record with a speed of 149.775 mph. The race was off to a fast start. As they completed the second lap, it was Clark, Marshman, Ward, Dan Gurney, and Foyt. And then it happened…<br /><br />As Clark crossed the starting line and began his third lap, rookie Dave McDonald came out of the fourth turn and went into a long slide. He fought to gain control of the car but it continued sliding and hit the inside retaining wall, and on contact with the wall, it exploded into a huge inferno. The car was sliding across to the outside wall when it was hit on the left side by Eddie Sachs in the American Red Ball Special. Like McDonald’s car, Sachs’ car immediately exploded into a huge fire. The two fires together, plus the black smoke from the fires, created an enormous horrible site that could be seen several miles from the track. Sachs was killed instantly although it hasn’t been established whether the fire killed him or he was killed when he was crushed inside his car. His car made such a terrific impact with McDonald’s car and the outer wall that it pushed the front end of the car heavily against his chest. Because the fire was so large and hot and because the cockpit was squeezed so hard, it took rescue workers a long time to reach him, and by the time they did, he was dead. A white sheet was put over his body. When his body was finally extricated from the car, it was wrapped in the white sheet and taken to the Speedway funeral home. When McDonald was pulled from his car, his entire body was burned badly. Much of his uniform was burned off and as he was taken in an ambulance to the infield hospital, his arms, legs, and head dangled loosely. From the infield hospital, he was flown to Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis, where he died at 1:20 pm.<br /><br />The approximate location of the holocaust was the extreme northern end of the Terrace Extension Seats. Needless to say, it was one of the worst crashed in the history of the 500-mile race. As I looked to my right and saw what had and was happening, I was overcome with a feeling that I’ve never experience before. I could feel my face flushing as my moth fell open and the rest of my body started shaking. Everybody was standing up, but Bobby was so shaken by what was happening that for a long time, she couldn’t look at what was happening. Dad had the look of death on his face as he immediately turned the radio on and put it to his ear. I was panic-stricken, but I don’t know if either one of them noticed it. Dad didn’t say anything for several minutes.<br /><br />Besides Sachs and McDonald, other drivers involved in the mess were Chuck Stevenson, Norm Hall, Bobby Unser, Johnny Rutherford, and Ronnie Duman. The cars of Stevenson and Hall were damaged enough to have to leave the race, but neither driver was hurt. Unser’s car was hit in the rear by either Sachs or McDonald. He lost control of his car and spun around several times before crashing into the outer wall, directly across from us. The car was damaged considerably, but Bobby immediately jumped out of the car and walked around and waved his hands to show everybody he was unhurt. Rutherford was riding behind Sachs when McDonald’s car hit the wall and exploded. He tried to steer clear of the wreck but went over McDonald’s engine and came down with his car on fire. He kept going and the wind put the fire out. His only injury was a burn on the back of the neck. Before Rutherford went over McDonald’s car, he was hit by Ronnie Duman. Duman’s car caught on fire and crashed into the inner wall, as I watched the horrible event. It was facing north and was a mass of twisted, burned metal, beyond repair. Duman got out of his car and climbed over the wall to safety, but not before receiving extensive burns. He was taken to the infield hospital and then transferred to Methodist Hospital for care of his injuries.<br /><br />One of the tires on Sach’s car caught on fire and came off the car. The ball of fire sailed high into the air, over the fence, and landed in front of Grandstand H. In addition to the tire, there were other parts of cars all over the place. Large puddles of oil also covered the track.<br /><br />Immediately upon seeing what had happened, chief steward Harlan Fengler directed starter Pat Vidan to display the red flag, which he did. For the first time in the history of the race, it was stopped because of an accident. The wreckage covered the entire width of the track. It was impossible for the other drivers to get through. When the remaining drivers reached the fourth turn, they were notified that the race had been stopped. One of the questions that kept running through my mind while the wreckage was being clear was “How in the world did they manage to stop all of those cars before they ran into the wreckage?” I couldn’t see beyond the fire and therefore was unable to see the cars stop. Ambulances, trucks, and people with fire extinguishers immediately started running toward the fire. Fire extinguishers from every pit crew were rushed to the scene. When the fire was finally put out, one of the tow trucks picked up McDonald’s car and drove through the pit area to the garage area. As the trucked passed in front of us, the race fans stared and moaned in disbelief at the remains of what was once No. 83, the MT Sears Allstate Special. I don’t think any of them had ever seen such a horrible mess.<br /><br />While the fire was being fought, several of the drivers walked back to their pits. At this time, we were uncertain just what and how many drivers had been hurt, so each driver we saw was one more who wasn’t involved in the accident. Don Branson and Rodger Ward walked down the pit apron together talking about what had happened. Other drivers we were able to identify were Len Sutton, Bob Veith, Jack Brabham, and Jim Clark. There were all ashen faced. There was nothing funny to laugh or smile about. All of them had seen death before in an auto race, but they were all shaken to the bone by this wreck. Clark appeared to have a bandage on his nose and this aroused fear that he had been in the wreck. This fear was later proved groundless.<br />The huge fire eventually was put out, the damaged cars were removed from the track, and the track maintenance crew cleaned up the pieces of race cars scattered all over the track and then went to work on getting rid of all of the oil on the track.<br />There was nothing for the spectators, drivers, pit crews, and race officials to do except to wait until the mess was cleaned up. During this long waiting period, I wondered what would happen when the mess was finally cleaned up. Would they start from where they stopped? Would they start the race from the beginning again with what cars were left? Would they start from the position they were in at the end of the second lap? Or would they call of the race altogether? The huge crowd was very quiet as it watched the cleanup operation and wondered what would happen when that was finished.<br /><br />The silence of the Speedway was broken when the P.A. announcer said, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is with deepest regret that we make this announcement. Driver Eddie Sachs was fatally injured in the accident on the main straightaway.” The audience was stunned into unbelievable, deathly silence. One of the trumpet players in the Purdue University Band played “Tap” as the crowd stood in quiet reverence. After “Taps” was finished, everybody remained standing for one minute in honor of the man who had just given his life to auto racing. It was astonishing how quiet everything became. There was not a sound heard from anywhere – just absolute, deathly silence. One of auto racing’s biggest names no was gone forever. My and Bobby’s eyes were both filled with tears as I tried desperately to refrain from coughing and crying. A day which started out to be one of my happiest ever now had become a horrible nightmare come true. When the crowd was seated again, I said to myself silently, “Let’s call this race off. This is too much. I’ve had enough for one day.”<br /><br />The question of what to do about the 26 remaining cars was still unanswered. USAC officials finally decided that the cars would line up at the starting line in single file in the position they were in at the end of two laps. The race would be restarted beginning with the third lap. Bobby Grim and Bill Cheesbourg were both in the pits during the long wait. Both of them had skidded to a sudden stop to avoid the wreckage, and in doing so had ruined one of their tires. This necessitated their pit stops, but the USAC officials said no mechanic could do a thing until the green flag fell. Harlan Fengler announced the lineup for the restart of the race by the numbers on the cars. The pit crews pushed their cars to their starting positions as the maintenance crew put some white powder on the track to dry up what remaining oil spots there might be.<br /><br />Harlan Fengler directed the engines of the cars to be started and once again, Benson Ford and Tony Hulman led the field on its way. They went around the track in single file for one lap and then Pat Vidan dropped the green flag. It had taken an hour and 45 minutes to get the wreckage cleaned up and the race was started again. As soon as the green flag fell, the pit crews of Bill Cheesbourg and Bobby Grim changed the damaged tires on their cars and the two drivers were back in the race.<br />At the drop of the green flag, Jim Clark again took the lead and Bobby Marshman was right behind him. Clark led until the 7th lap when Marshman and his Pure Oil Firebrand Special overtook Clark. After ten laps, Marshman led Clark by four seconds with Gurney third, Ward fourth, Jones fifth, Foyt sixth, and Walt Hansgen seventh. Eddie Johnson was the first driver to leave the race after it was restarted. He ran six laps. Engine trouble was the cause of his exodus from the race.<br />With twenty laps completed, Marshman had a fourteen second lead over Clark. Marshman’s fifteenth lap speed was 157.646 mph, fastest ever run in the 500-mile race. Ward moved into third when Gurney made a pit stop on his fourteenth lap. Bob Veith, driving one of the MG Liquid Suspension Specials, had moved up from 11th to 8th position.<br /><br />At 30 laps, Marshman had increased his lead over Clark to 26 seconds, but when he went through the second turn on his 36th lap, he went too low and the under part of his engine was ripped, spilling oil and water onto the track. He continued for three more laps and then came to a slow stop in the fourth turn. He got out and joined the other drivers who had been sidelined.<br /><br />With Marshman out, Clark again was the leader, but his luck, like Marshman’s, was about to turn sour. Jim led for eight laps until his left rear tire started chunking, which caused vibrations to rip the universal joints to pieces. When this happened, the bottom of the wheel sprung out to the left and almost came off as Jim came down the main straightaway. He kept it under control and drove it into the infield on the first turn.<br /><br />Jones, who had been second behind Clark, was now in first place and led Foyt by 1.06 seconds. For the next seven laps, these two drivers put on the most exciting battles of the entire race. During these seven laps, they drove wheel to wheel with each other and there was never more than a few feet separating them. Jones made a pit stop on his 56th lap and as he started to leave the pits, his car caught on fire. He was unaware of what was happening, but several persons in the pits ahead of him waved frantically to him and he finally felt the heat. He steered the car into the pit wall and at the same time, jumped out of the right side of the car onto the concrete. He rolled over several times trying to extinguish his uniform, and then was taken to the infield hospital and then to Methodist Hospital where he was treated for burns on the arms and legs and then released. With the race less than one-third completed, three of the first four starters were finished for the day.<br /><br />Foyt was now the leader. Ward had made pit stops on laps 40, 55, and 60, but was still second behind Foyt. Bob Veith was eight seconds behind Ward, and he was followed by Don Branson, Jim Hurtubise, Lloyd Ruby, and Len Sutton. Rookie Johnny White was running well in 9th position. On lap 77, rookie Bob Mathouser had brake failure, Jim McElreath had mechanical failure, and Jack Brabham had a leaking gas tank, as all three of them departed from the race. At 80 laps, Hurtubise was running third after starting in the 11th position. Veith was four seconds behind in fourth, and was followed by Sutton, Gurney, Ruby, Branson, White, and Johnny Boyd.<br />On the 88th lap, Veith’s luck turned rotten when one of his pistons burned out and he was sent to the sidelines. Ten laps later, 1952 winner Troy Ruttman ran over something on the backstretch and developed a leak in one of his tires. Troy kept the car under control and steered it into the grass on the third turn.<br /><br />At the half-way point, 100 laps, or 250 miles, Foyt was still leading the pack in his Sheraton-Thompson Special. Ward was second and trailing Foyt by only 11 seconds. The standings at 100 laps were Foyt, Ward, Hurtubise, Sutton, Ruby, Branson, Boyd, White, Bud Tingelstad, Gurney, Dick Rathman, Bob Harkey, Art Malone, Grim, Bob Wente, Cheesbourg, and Walt Hansgen.<br /><br />On the 106th lap, Ward made his fourth pit stop. By now it was evident that the reason for his many pit stops was the poor gas mileage he was receiving from his Ford-powered car. Wente, Harkey, Malone, and Grim were right together with each other. This four car battle continued for several laps as they shuffled between positions 11 through 14.<br /><br />Art Malone was the only Novi car left in the race. All three cars had started, but Bobby Unser was involved in the second lap mishap and Jim McElreath had gone out after 88 laps because of mechanical trouble.<br /><br />On lap 110, Gurney was called into his pit by his crew when a Dunlap Tire Company representative decided the tires were unsafe. The tires on both Gurney’s and Clark’s car had been performing badly all day long. From our seats we could see pieces of rubber on the track that had come from the two cars. Both Lotus-Fords were out of the race now.<br /><br />The next driver to be forced to retire to the sidelines was Bill Cheesbourg. Bill’s Apache Airlines Special developed trouble on the 131st lap and was finished for the day.<br /><br />Ward, only 11 seconds behind at 100 laps, was now 49 seconds behind Foyt. Hurtubise was still third with Branson fourth and Ruby fifth. Len Sutton, driving the Bryant Heating and Cooling Special, was sixth, but had to drop out after 140 laps because his fuel pump stopped working. On the next lap, Hurtubise pulled into his pit. His Tombstone Life Special had developed mechanical problems and was out of the race.<br />At 150 laps, three-fourths of the race, Foyt led Ward by 56 seconds. Branson was third with Ruby fourth, White fifth and Boyd sixth. After 160 laps, Ruby was only 19 seconds behind Branson. Only 14 seconds separated Harkey, Grim, and Wente. A few laps later, Wente passed Grim to take over 10th place behind Harkey.<br /><br />Branson’s Wynn’s Friction Proofing Special was misbehaving and on the 188th lap, while running very slowly, Don had to retire from the race. On the same lap, Ward made his fifth and final pit stop for fuel.<br /><br />The crowd was on its feet now as it awaited the end of the race. Unless something unusual happened real quickly, Foyt would be the winner. As Foyt finished his 199th lap, he was given the white flag by starter Pat Vidan, indicating he had one more lap to go. The next time around, Pat waived the checkered flag. Foyt made one more lap around the track and then drove into Victory Lane. There he was greeted by his wife, Lucy, 500 Festival Queen, Donna McKinley, and his crew.<br /><br />Ward finished second, one minutes and twenty-five seconds behind Foyt. He undoubtedly would have finished closer had it not been for his excessive amount of pit stops.<br />Lloyd Ruby drove the Forbes Racing Team Special to the third place finish. Lloyd did an outstanding job and wasn’t out of the top ten during the entire race. This was his fifth race and four out of those five times, he had finished in the first ten.<br />Rookie Johnny White did another outstanding driving job. He started in 21st position, was 10th by lap 50, 5th at 150 laps, and finished fourth. Johnny’s pit was a short distance south of us and he received a big applause from the fans around us as he pulled into his pit, having driven one of the best races of his career. For his outstanding performance, he was awarded the “Rookie of the Years” award.<br /><br />Veteran Johnny Boyd, piloting the Vita Fresh Orange Juice Special, drove one of his best races to finish fifth. Johnny started thirteenth, dropped to 18th position by lap 30, was 10th at 80 laps, and kept advancing until he was fifth at the finish. He was the last driver to go the complete 500 miles.<br /><br />Bud Tingelstad, in the Federal Engineering Special, had his best year at the Speedway this year and finished sixth. Dick Rathman finished seventh, Bob Harkey eights, Bob Wente ninth, Bobby Grim tenth, Art Malone eleventh, Don Branson twelfth, and Walt Hansgen thirteenth.<br /><br />Although Foyt was happy with his victory, he was painfully aware of the second lap tragedy. He knew Eddie Sachs was dead, but the announcement about Dave McDonald’s death was not made until after the race had been restarted. The winner, along with his wife and pit crew, was driven around the track in the Mustang Pace Car to receive the applause of the huge crowd. When Foyt returned to Victory Lane, it ended all activity on the track. The pit crews gather up all the paraphernalia and took it back to the garage area. Likewise, we gathered up everything we had and started our trip back to the car.<br /><br />In going from our seats to the main gate, we followed almost the same route we had taken in getting to our seats. The mammoth crowd, which a few hours ago had pushed and shoved its way into the Speedway, now was doing likewise in getting gout of the Speedway. The people were much more somber than after last year’s exciting race. The stunning second lap mishap was still on everybody’s mind. We decided not to visit the garage area this year and instead went directly back to the car. When we reached the driveway behind the grandstands, I bought an Indianapolis newspaper which told about the race. A short distance later, I bought another newspaper with the headlines, “Foyt Winner in 500, Sachs, McDonald Die”. A couple minutes later, we passed through the turnstiles and left the Speedway grounds. We turned right and started our walk down Crawfordsville Road. The traffic was bumper to bumper as everybody was in a hurry to get on the road and get home.<br /><br />When we arrived at the car, we opened the doors and windows so that the hot, stuffy air could escape. Then we sat down and took off our jackets and shoes. We didn’t realize until now that we had sat through the whole race with our jackets on. There were probably three reasons why we didn’t take our jackets off – 1.) The weather wasn’t hot enough for us to be really uncomfortable with them on, 2.) We had no place to put them except our laps, if he had taken them off, and 3.) Our minds were on the second lap tragedy so much that we may not have paid any attention to them.<br />When we felt rested a little, we decided to eat some of the food we hadn’t eaten yet. We still had some baked beans, potato chips, salad, sweet rolls, and cookies to eat. While we ate our food, we sat in the car and watched the traffic on Crawfordsville Road. It hadn’t let up any since we had gotten back to the car. While we were eating, Mr. Kramer came out and talked to us for a few minutes. He had listened to the race on the radio so was aware of the bad news. We talked about the race for a while and then Mr. Kramer told us good-bye until we saw him again. The heavy traffic deterred us from starting our trip home, so in the meantime, I took a few more pictures to complete the roll I had started. It felt real good to walk around in the grass in my stocking feet. Eventually, the traffic began thinning out somewhat so we put everything away and got ready to go.<br /><br />Due to the long delay of the race caused by the second lap tragedy, everything was running about two hours behind time. I put my shoes back on and then we got seated and ready to go. Bobby sat on the left rear and I on the right front seat, and Dad did the driving. With everything and everybody ready to go, Dad turned the key and the engine came to life. He let the engine idle for a few seconds and then at 6:08 pm, we started our journey back to Springfield.<br /><br />We turned right to Crawfordsville, right on Crawfordsville to Lynnhurst Drive, and left on Lynnhurst. The traffic on Lynnhurst was heavy, but there was a policeman directing traffic at 16th Street and also one further down at 10th Street. Beginning at 10th Street, the traffic moved in spurts. At various spots along the road, there were boys selling newspapers. We were becoming angry and frustrated at spending so much time in the traffic and getting almost nowhere, but at last we reach the intersection of Lynnhurst Drive and Route 36. We turned right onto Route 36 and headed toward Springfield. The traffic was moving a little better now, but it was still quite heavy. Right away, we ran into the slow drivers who impede the flow of traffic. We, along with most of the people, wanted to move faster than we were, but we couldn’t because of the slow drivers and the heavy traffic coming from the other directions. Along with the slow traffic, we were hitting almost all the stop lights just as they were turning red. The farther we traveled, the thinner the traffic became, but then we ran into the problem of hills, curves, and no passing zones. When we reached Danville, there were still boys standing in the streets and selling Indianapolis newspapers. The traffic, most of which was race fans, was moving bumper to bumper.<br /><br />At 7:45, we left Indiana and entered our home state. Another 10 miles were registered on the odometer and at 7:54, we stopped at Chrisman for supper. Dad and Bobby used the restroom while I had the car filled with gas. With the tank filled, I parked the car in front of the restaurant and then got out and stretched a little. Business was good and we got the last booth available. 8:00 was rather late to be eating supper, but this was not an ordinary day. I looked the menu over and ordered meat loaf, potatoes, corns, and coffee. I could tell by looking at the other people that most of them were on their way home from the race. They looked tired and dirty, just as we did, and many of them were wearing white, straw caps which seem to be a trademark of the 500-mile race. The hot, cooked food felt good to all of us. When we had eaten all we had, we paid the bill and at 8:43, we started traveling again.<br /><br />It was dark now and for the first time in our eleven years, we drove part of the way in the dark. Unlike previous years, we couldn’t see the farmers working in their fields. While we passed the miles away, I nibbled away on the potato chips and cookies that were still left. Shortly before 10:00, we began seeing light in the distance and a few minutes later, we crossed over Lake Decatur and entered Decatur. Ten to fifteen minutes later, we were on the other side of town and on the last leg of our trip home. It seemed different to be driving in complete darkness. The towns of Illiopolis, Lanesville, Buffalo, and Dawson were soon behind us, and then we saw the sign directing us to Camp Butler Cemetery. We turned right and drove until we came to the intersection at Interstate 55. Dad wasn’t familiar with all the new roads here and after stopping, started out again. A sure collision was averted when I yelled “STOP” and the oncoming car honked its horn. Dad hit the brakes just in time. I said to myself, “We’ve had enough tragedy today without getting killed this close to home.” We proceeded on to the bypass, crossed it, and went on into town on Sangamon Ave. We turned left onto 5th Street, right onto North Grand, and then left onto 3rd Street to home. When we stopped at the back door, it was 10:50. It had taken us 4 hours and 42 minutes to go from Kramer’s to home. It was by far the latest we had ever gotten home.<br /><br />Susie was asleep but mother came into the kitchen to greet us. She had listened to the race on the radio so she knew why we were so late in getting home. We took everything out of the car and into the house and then I put the car away. We were too tired to put everything away so we waited until Sunday to do that. Our big event was finished for this year.<br /><br />POSTSCRIPT<br />It is unfortunate that the memory most people have of this year’s race is probably the second lap mishap. This was supposed to be the year the rear-engine cars outclassed the traditional Offenhauser roadsters and pushed the roadsters into obsolescence, but this certainly didn’t happen. Roger Ward drove a wonderful race to finish second, but his was still the only rear-engine car to finish in the first ten. Jim Clark started out as if he was going to run a race of his own, but apparently there was something wrong with the chassis of his car. It seemed strange to me that Clark and Dan Gurney had tires that performed so poorly. Another unusual feature of this year’s race was that of the first ten finishers, three of them were rookies. They were Johnny White, Bob Harkey, and Bob Wente.<br /><br />There has been much discussion about what to do in the future to prevent another accident such as that that happened on the second lap. Among the solutions suggested have been those of increasing the speeds during the rookies’ drivers’ test, requiring gas tanks to be only partially filled, and requiring a specified number of pit stops for every car. It’s difficult to say if McDonald would have crashed if he had had more experience at the Speedway. A veteran driver may have done the same thing. It was fortunate that there weren’t more cars involved than there were.<br />The deaths of Eddie Sachs and Dave McDonald put a damper on this year’s race, but it hasn’t dampened my enthusiasm for the race. The 500 Festival, with more activities this year for more people, was bigger than ever. The 500-mile race gets bigger and better with each passing year and I hope to be a fan of it for a long time to come.<br /><br />Pace Car – Ford Mustang<br />500 Festival Queen – Donna McKinleyPaul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-61159670617202651782008-06-15T09:11:00.001-05:002008-06-15T09:15:45.976-05:00Indy Journal - 1963<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">1963<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Record breaking performances by Parnelli Jones, the magnificent showing of the Lotus-Fords, the qualification of all three Novi-powered cars, the diversified starting field, and the oil controversy were highlights of the 1963 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> 500 mile auto race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We received our tickets on May 8, which is the latest we’ve ever received them.<span style=""> </span>Dad ordered them at the same time as in previous years, about the middle of February, but this was the first year we didn’t get the tickets until May.<span style=""> </span>In other years, it was either March or April.<span style=""> </span>When the tickets hadn’t arrived by Friday, May 3, Dad decided to call the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City> and see what had happened.<span style=""> </span>One of the ladies in the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City> ticket office talked to him and told him that the tickets were late arriving from the printers.<span style=""> </span>In addition to this delay, our tickets were in the section that was being mailed out last.<span style=""> </span>The lady told dad that if we hadn’t received our tickets within a week to call back again, but that proved unnecessary.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once again, like last year, I came home from George Air Force Base in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">California</st1:place></st1:State> to see the big Memorial Day Classic.<span style=""> </span>I arrived home on Saturday, May 25.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Wednesday morning, May 29, we did all of our packing.<span style=""> </span>As usual, it looked as if we were going to stay for a week instead of a day.<span style=""> </span>We packed blankets, pillows, jackets, caps, field glasses, camera, film, sunglasses, medicine pills, and raincoats.<span style=""> </span>In addition to these articles, we took cooking utensils and food.<span style=""> </span>The food included hamburgers, hamburger buns, mustard, ketchup, bananas, fruit salad, apples, cup cakes, potato chips, deviled eggs, pears, eggs, bacon, coffee, milk and water, plus a few other items I may have forgotten.<span style=""> </span>Our utensils included knives, forks, spoons, plates, glasses, napkins, plus liquid soap and a washrag for washing the dishes.<span style=""> </span>The most outstanding utensil was a new cookout stove we had bought since last May 30.<span style=""> </span>It came in handy and worked real well.<span style=""> </span>We cooked our baked beans, eggs, and bacon on it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">About 12:00, after we had eaten dinner, we started putting our equipment in our 1957 Chevrolet.<span style=""> </span>The equipment pretty well filled the trunk and about half of the back seat.<span style=""> </span>All three of us checked and rechecked everything two or three times before we left.<span style=""> </span>At the last minute, I discovered that I didn’t have my traditional, old, paint shoes on so I rushed up to my room and made a quick change.<span style=""> </span>With that important job done, we were ready to go.<span style=""> </span>With Bobby in the right rear seat, Dad in the right front, and me in the driver’s seat, I turned the ignition on, we waved good-bye to mother and Susie, and at 12:29, we started on our annual trip to the <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:State> capital.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We went to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">3<sup>rd</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:Street> and North Grand, turned right onto North Grand and went to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">5<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:address></st1:Street>, turned left onto <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">5<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:Street> and went north to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Sangamon Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>, turned right onto <st1:place st="on">Sangamon</st1:place> and west east out of town.<span style=""> </span>After we crossed the Route 66 bypass, we went over the new Interstate Route 55 for the first time.<span style=""> </span>We arrived in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:City> about 1:15.<span style=""> </span>The city seemed about the same as every other May 29<sup>th</sup> afternoon that we had seen it.<span style=""> </span>At 1:30, we went over <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Lake</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename st="on">Decatur</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> and were on our way out of the city.<span style=""> </span>We had gone through the first and only big city on our way.<span style=""> </span>We traveled east on Route 36 and at 2:30, we arrived at our familiar stopping place, Chrisman.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A surprise was waiting for us.<span style=""> </span>Our traditional resting place was no longer there.<span style=""> </span>It had been torn down and only a vacant lot was there now.<span style=""> </span>Last year, it was closed but not torn down.<span style=""> </span>We stopped at the coffee shop across the road from the former one.<span style=""> </span>It was 2:33 when we stopped.<span style=""> </span>The shop left a lot to be desired as far as cleanliness is concerned.<span style=""> </span>The first thing we did, before we went inside, was use the restrooms.<span style=""> </span>I always feel better after that.<span style=""> </span>I had a cup of coffee, dad had a chocolate milkshake, and Bobby had two dips of vanilla ice cream with strawberries on them.<span style=""> </span>She couldn’t eat all of it so I ate what she couldn’t eat.<span style=""> </span>Because of my coffee, I had to use the restroom again before we left.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 2:56, we were on our way again.<span style=""> </span>In 10-15 minutes, we were in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:State>.<span style=""> </span>The long straight road I had become accustomed to in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State> now came to an end, and from now on, it would be mostly curves and hills.<span style=""> </span>We saw the same things we had seen for the past nine May 29ths, but I never tire of seeing them again.<span style=""> </span>The many small towns we go through are just like the small towns around <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Springfield</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>I was unlucky and got behind a driver who had nowhere to go and all day to get there.<span style=""> </span>To further add to my trouble, there was an almost endless yellow line on the highway.<span style=""> </span>The line behind me continued to get longer and longer.<span style=""> </span>Finally, the highway became two lanes in each direction.<span style=""> </span>He was nice enough to move over to the right hand lane.<span style=""> </span>I released some of my frustration onto the accelerator and in a short while, we had left our source of frustration far behind.<span style=""> </span>For a while, I drove 70-75 mph to make up some of the time I had lost.<span style=""> </span>When I felt I had made up the time, I slowed down a little.<span style=""> </span>The traffic began getting heavier so we knew our time was getting short.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As we were nearing <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City>, we encountered something new.<span style=""> </span>We came upon a sign that said “<st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">SPEEDWAY</st1:place></st1:City>” and had an arrow pointing to the right.<span style=""> </span>We were taken by surprise and didn’t know what to do.<span style=""> </span>Should we stay on the regular road as we always had done or should we take the new road?<span style=""> </span>At the last second we decided to take the new road.<span style=""> </span>All three of us were apprehensive as to where we were going.<span style=""> </span>The road curved to the right for a distance and then straightened out.<span style=""> </span>We were going north.<span style=""> </span>Pretty soon, we saw another sign and it said “<st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">SPEEDWAY</st1:place></st1:City>” with an arrow pointing to the right, so we turned.<span style=""> </span>It curved to the right, and then straightened out, and then we came to our first light on the new highway.<span style=""> </span>There was a big overhead sign that said Crawfordsville with the arrow pointing straight ahead.<span style=""> </span>We thought it probably meant <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street>, but we weren’t sure.<span style=""> </span>We were going south now.<span style=""> </span>I was beginning to wish we had taken Route 36 all the way in.<span style=""> </span>None of us knew for sure what we were doing, but we kept going anyway.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes later, Dad’s and my faces lit up with joy as we recognized a familiar landmark.<span style=""> </span>The two of us discovered the famous, tall, black smoke chimney located across the street from the south end of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City>. <span style=""> </span>Now we knew we were on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lyndhurst Drive</st1:address></st1:Street>, our regular turning off place, and pretty soon we came to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Fisher Street</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span>We turned left and stopped at the house on our left.<span style=""> </span>Our worry and apprehensions were over.<span style=""> </span>The new road had led us right to the front yard of our “home.”<span style=""> </span>From the time we turned off Route 36, we felt uneasy as to where we would land up, but in the end, worry and apprehension turned to jubilation as the new highway had led us to the exact place we wanted to go to.<span style=""> </span>I stopped on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Fisher St.</st1:address></st1:Street> and backed the car into the yard and turned the engine off.<span style=""> </span>The time lost behind the slow driver had been made up, the new highway had been conquered, and now we were safe and sound at our temporary home.<span style=""> </span>It had taken us 4 hours and 5 minutes to complete the trip.<span style=""> </span>It was now 4:34 pm.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We got out and walked around the yard a little bit.<span style=""> </span>A minute or so later, Mrs. Kramer came out and welcomed us for the 9<sup>th</sup> time to their home.<span style=""> </span>Dad paid her the $2.00 fee and then the four of us talked for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>She said her husband wasn’t home now, but would be a few hours later after he got off work.<span style=""> </span>While we were talking, Mrs. Kramer received another customer so we had to say good-bye.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby asked dad and me if we wanted to eat supper now, but we decided we didn’t want to.<span style=""> </span>We decided, instead, to take our first walk down by the speedway.<span style=""> </span>We saw the usual things we always see – the long lines of cars beginning to form, the five o’clock rush traffic, vendors selling their wares, and all the other events traditional with the 500-mile race.<span style=""> </span>When we reached the speedway we decided to tour the speedway museum.<span style=""> </span>As usual, the place was crowded with people, both looking at the racecars and trying to buy tickets.<span style=""> </span>We walked down one aisle and up the other, looking at all the many racecars on display.<span style=""> </span>We had seen most of them before but we always enjoy seeing them again.<span style=""> </span>In the middle of the aisle, there are pictures of the winner of every race.<span style=""> </span>After touring the museum, we decided it was suppertime.<span style=""> </span>As we were leaving the museum grounds, we bought our first newspaper from a paperboy.<span style=""> </span>While walking back to the car, we noticed that both the cars and the people were becoming more numerous.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We were curious to see how our new outdoor oven would work, so we got it out and cooked hamburgers and baked beans on it.<span style=""> </span>Dad got the fire started and then Bobby put a couple of hamburgers on one side and the baked beans on the other side.<span style=""> </span>When we tasted our cooked items, they tasted just like they do when cooked at home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As mentioned earlier in this story, there was no shortage of food.<span style=""> </span>About the only thing we didn’t eat was some of the eggs and bacon.<span style=""> </span>It was quite different from eating at a table with a roof over our heads, but we had a lot of fun.<span style=""> </span>I like to sit and watch all the cars and people going by as we’re eating.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we decided we had had enough to eat, we cleaned up our mess.<span style=""> </span>Bobby had brought some liquid soap and a washrag, so now she had her chance to use them.<span style=""> </span>While she was washing the plates, silverware, and cups, dad and I put some of the food away.<span style=""> </span>We couldn’t do too much because Bobby had everything arranged a certain way and we weren’t sure just what that way was.<span style=""> </span>Bobby finished what we couldn’t do.<span style=""> </span>All three of us thought it was a good meal.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we had all of our food put away, we sat in the car and read the newspapers we had bought.<span style=""> </span>As always, the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> newspapers were full of information on the big race.<span style=""> </span>It made for interesting reading because there was a lot we didn’t know.<span style=""> </span>I came across one article and called it to Bobby’s attention.<span style=""> </span>It said that Internal Revenue Service agents would be at and around the speedway to keep an eye on the scalpers.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was beginning to get dark now, so we decided to take a walk down by the speedway to see what was going on.<span style=""> </span>The area was becoming more and more infested with the 500-mile race spirit.<span style=""> </span>Most of the ditches on the sides of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street> were filled with cars.<span style=""> </span>Most of the people were taking life easy and having a good time doing it.<span style=""> </span>Some were eating supper, while others slept, played cards, drank beer, listened to the radio, and found other ways of entertaining themselves.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we arrived at the intersection of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street>, <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:Street>, and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:Street>, we decided to go east on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span>There was no shortage of vending stands and venders.<span style=""> </span>I’m sure some of the items being sold were junk, but the people were buying them anyway.<span style=""> </span>The religious radicals made their annual appearance and handed out their handbills, about 100% of which went straight to the ground and stayed there.<span style=""> </span>As usual, there were the high school and college youngsters pushing and running their way through the crowd.<span style=""> </span>Most of them were drinking beer and their talk showed it.<span style=""> </span>The quiet person is out of place here.<span style=""> </span>There was a plentiful supply of firecrackers this year and every few minutes one would explode.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we reached the southeast corner of the speedway, we came upon the new Indianapolis Motor Speedway Motel.<span style=""> </span>It was on the other side of the street, but we could tell that it was really a fancy motel.<span style=""> </span>In addition to the motel itself, there was a restaurant as part of the motel.<span style=""> </span>Business seemed to be real good. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">After viewing the motel and all the crazy people, we started walking back. <span style=""> </span>Although I’d seen this same scene for the last nine years, I still couldn’t keep from laughing at everything that was going on.<span style=""> </span>The traffic, which consisted largely of sightseers, was almost bumper to bumper and going nowhere fast.<span style=""> </span>Open convertibles full of young people having a joyful time were plentiful.<span style=""> </span>The sound of empty beer cans being kicked around abounded everywhere.<span style=""> </span>On the speedway side of the street, the lines of cars extended back eastward indefinitely.<span style=""> </span>In addition to being high, the drunks used some language that most people wouldn’t consider normal.<span style=""> </span>One vendor along the street was demonstrating how to operate some household item and his audience extended back into the street.<span style=""> </span>Pretty soon, we came to the First Aid Station located across the street from the main entrance to the speedway on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:Street> When we went by, there were no casualties being worked on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our first stop was the usual one at the corner drugstore.<span style=""> </span>The store was overflowing with customers and all the employees were busy trying to keep up with things.<span style=""> </span>I bought a couple of newspapers.<span style=""> </span>We looked around the store for a few minutes and then left.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We continued on down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span>A couple of doors south from the drugstore, we were attracted by a window display.<span style=""> </span>Several people were looking at something in the window, so we decided to see what it was.<span style=""> </span>A television set had been installed in the window and it was in operation.<span style=""> </span>A discussion program was in progress.<span style=""> </span>Among those on the program were Freddy Agabashian, Al Dean, Dan Blocker, Jose Jeminey, and three or four other people who were connected with this year’s race.<span style=""> </span>Naturally, the topic of conversation was tomorrow’s race.<span style=""> </span>It was an interesting program and we watched most of it.<span style=""> </span>Then we walked on down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:Street> a little farther.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Like every other year, there were four lanes of traffic on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:Street> extending southward farther than the eye could see.<span style=""> </span>Just like on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:Street>, the people on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:Street> were having their street parties.<span style=""> </span>Beer was being consumed by the caseload.<span style=""> </span>There was no shortage of singing.<span style=""> </span>The drunkards didn’t confine themselves to the street area.<span style=""> </span>They were staggering all over the sidewalks too.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we had gone a couple of blocks, we decided to turn around and go back.<span style=""> </span>We stopped at the television set again.<span style=""> </span>This time another racing program was on.<span style=""> </span>It was a film of that afternoon’s drivers’ meeting in front of the tower.<span style=""> </span>It showed all the drivers in their respective starting positions, plus the race officials giving the drivers their final instructions before the race.<span style=""> </span>The officials included Harlem Fengler, Sam Hanks, Tony Hulman, Paul Johnson, and a few others.<span style=""> </span>When the drivers’ meeting was concluded, the program changed, so we continued on down to the intersection of <st1:place st="on">Main</st1:place> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was after 11:00 now and Dad and Bobby decided they had seen all they wanted to see, so they went back to the car.<span style=""> </span>I walked west on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span>The high school and college kids were having some of the best times of their lives.<span style=""> </span>Beer drinking and loud talking were the favorite pastimes of the young crowds.<span style=""> </span>Most of the girls were as bad as the boys.<span style=""> </span>Many of them were sitting on tops of cars.<span style=""> </span>Some had set up chairs and tables in the street and were playing cards.<span style=""> </span>There was both live and radio music.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pretty soon, a couple of girls in short shorts came walking down the street.<span style=""> </span>About a half dozen boys started to follow them, making some improper remarks.<span style=""> </span>The girls tried to ignore them but before long the boys had encircled them and the girls’ forward progress was stopped.<span style=""> </span>The girls tried to get out of the circle, but the boys became adamant and moved in closer, much to the disgust of the girls.<span style=""> </span>The girls began fighting back.<span style=""> </span>Fearful that something serious might break out, I continued walking slowly down the street.<span style=""> </span>Judging from the way they were being treated, I think the girls should have done something to get the attention of a law enforcement officer.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I continued on down the street and took in some more sights.<span style=""> </span>The many bocks filled with cars extended farther back than I could see.<span style=""> </span>At the end of four blocks, I crossed the street and walked back toward the speedway.<span style=""> </span>Most of the people who lived in the houses along the street were taking in all the merriment.<span style=""> </span>Many of the yards by the street curbing were littered with beer cans and bottles thrown by some of the intoxicated party-goers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I got to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:Street>, I decided to go back and see everything again.<span style=""> </span>In my mind, I was thinking I only get to see this show once a year, so I’d better see as much as I can.<span style=""> </span>Every once in a while, I would stop for a minute or so and just look around me to see what was going on.<span style=""> </span>Although I was by myself, I couldn’t refrain from laughing aloud at some of the activity that was taking place.<span style=""> </span>Some of the residents were in the same situation.<span style=""> </span>I walked three blocks and crossed over to the other side of the street and started walking east again.<span style=""> </span>Many of the people walking down the street were giving the revelers quizzical looks.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A couple blocks later, I came upon the girls in the short shorts.<span style=""> </span>By now, the boys had them in one of the front yards halfway between the sidewalk and the house.<span style=""> </span>The girls were quite angry and were showing it.<span style=""> </span>They were using physical force to try to free themselves and they were also using audible profanity.<span style=""> </span>Apparently, the boys couldn’t understand what the girls were telling them because they were drunk, or else they chose to ignore the girls’ wishes.<span style=""> </span>It didn’t look good.<span style=""> </span>I kept a close watch on what was happening, but at the same time I maintained a safe distance to stay out of trouble in case a fight broke out.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I kept walking, real slowly, and at the same time kept an eye on what was going on behind me.<span style=""> </span>When I reached <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:Street>, I crossed over to the other side of the street and continued walking east.<span style=""> </span>In between streaking people and cars, I managed to cross the dangerous intersection of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street>, <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:Street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:Street>, without getting hit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When my heart started beating normally again, I walked north on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span>In a couple minutes it was 12:00 midnight, so now it could honestly be said that it was Memorial Day at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>It seemed as if I was stepping on or kicking a beer can with every other step I took.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was bumper to bumper and it moved in spurts.<span style=""> </span>Squealing tires and noisy horns were common sounds.<span style=""> </span>The drunks were alternating between the road and the yards.<span style=""> </span>Walking was difficult because I had to watch out for both people and cars.<span style=""> </span>If you didn’t get out of the way of some people, you might find yourself on the ground.<span style=""> </span>After what seemed an eternity, I finally came to Gate 6, which is located approximately at the starting line and is where many of the cars go underground to get to the infield.<span style=""> </span>I could plainly see the stream of light being emitted by the huge spotlight inside the speedway.<span style=""> </span>There was also quite a bit of light coming from the garage area.<span style=""> </span>I observed the lights, cars, and people from this spot and then started the long walk back.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As was true of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:Street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St</st1:address></st1:Street>, there were plenty of young people having a frolicsome time.<span style=""> </span>Every once in a while, a carload of girls would drive by and receive aggressive attention of a group of boys walking by, especially if they were in a convertible.<span style=""> </span>The boys’ efforts were in vain, however, as most of the girls continued on their way and paid little attention to the boys, other than to curb their aggressiveness.<span style=""> </span>A couple of fellows, well into the state of intoxication, offered me a beer as I walked by them, but I ignored them and laughed to myself.<span style=""> </span>At long last, I arrived at the three-way intersection.<span style=""> </span>It was between 12:30 and 1:00 but the place was really jumping.<span style=""> </span>It was, unmistakably, the night before the 500.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I turned right and headed down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span>The shoulder of the road wa lined with parked cars.<span style=""> </span>Many of them had newspapers or blankets covering the windows to keep the light out.<span style=""> </span>Others were sitting between cars and cooking and eating food.<span style=""> </span>I don’t know whether they called it a midnight snack or a real early breakfast.<span style=""> </span>Some of the food smelled really good.<span style=""> </span>Of course, there were others who didn’t partake of such a sedate life.<span style=""> </span>They were the ones who were singing, dancing, laughing, drinking, and, in general, having a merry time.<span style=""> </span>Every once in a while, I came across a car parked on the side of the road that didn’t have newspapers or blankets over the windows.<span style=""> </span>Inside some of the cars were young couples engaging in some of the more pleasant activities of life.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was 1:00 when I got to the car.<span style=""> </span>Now came the problem of getting into the car and closing the door without waking Bobby.<span style=""> </span>I opened the door, slid across the front seat, took off my shoes, and started to lie down when I heard somebody say, “Is that you?”<span style=""> </span>I said, “Yes, I didn’t mean to wake you.”<span style=""> </span>She wasn’t angry, so we talked for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>Dad was sleeping on the cot on the right side of the car.<span style=""> </span>I took my shirt off, locked my wallet in the glove compartment, hung my watch on the gearshift, lay down, pulled the blanket over me, and attempted to sleep.<span style=""> </span>It was now 1:15 am.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 4:45, I awoke.<span style=""> </span>Actually, I hadn’t slept the entire 3 ½ hours.<span style=""> </span>I had tossed and turned, because of my cramped condition, for quite a while before I went to sleep.<span style=""> </span>I sat up and saw dad and Bobby were still asleep, so I lay down again.<span style=""> </span>I started to read a newspaper, but it crinkled and I thought it might wake Bobby up, so I put it down.<span style=""> </span>The noise around us hadn’t abated any since 1:15.<span style=""> </span>There was just as much now as there was then.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 5:00, I heard a big BOOM.<span style=""> </span>Of course, it could be nothing else but the traditional opening bomb down at the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>The <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City> had officially opened.<span style=""> </span>The bomb, in addition to its normal function, woke up Bobby and dad.<span style=""> </span>Bobby opened her eyes and dad opened his and sat up on his cot.<span style=""> </span>As usual, the line of cars on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street> extended for some blocks past us and there was the halfwit who started honking his horn almost at the same time the bomb went off.<span style=""> </span>I’m sure the policeman heard him and started moving the traffic so that he could hurry and get into the infield.<span style=""> </span>The three of us just sat for a few minutes until we had woken up a little.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pretty soon I got out of the car, stretched my arms and legs, and then walked over to the highway to see what was going on.<span style=""> </span>Some of the passengers in the parked cars were still sleeping but most of the drivers were awake and ready to move ahead, although it would be a little while yet before they did so.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I got back to the car, Bobby asked dad and me if we wanted to eat breakfast now or wait until later.<span style=""> </span>We decided to wait until later.<span style=""> </span>It was time now to make our yearly trip down to Gate 6 at the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City> to watch the cars as they went under the viaduct and into the infield. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we started our walked about 5:30, there were already some people on their way to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>When we arrived at the Standard Service Station on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street>, we stopped for a while.<span style=""> </span>Bobby used the restroom while dad and I had some coffee.<span style=""> </span>The service station was doing a good business with its coffee and doughnut business.<span style=""> </span>At this time of the day, they really tasted good.<span style=""> </span>Bobby, along with the other women in the line with her, had the misfortune of getting behind a couple young women who used the restroom much longer than they should have.<span style=""> </span>Their stupid scheme didn’t go over so well with the three of us or any of the other women waiting in line.<span style=""> </span>To pass the extra time away, dad and I had a second cup of coffee.<span style=""> </span>When Bobby finished using the restroom, we resumed our walk to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We could tell by looking at many of the people that they had just awakened.<span style=""> </span>Many others, of course, were still sleeping.<span style=""> </span>Despite the early hour, there was plenty of active life everywhere.<span style=""> </span>Radios were blaring, cars were going by, policemen were blowing their whistles, etc.<span style=""> </span>When we reached <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:Street>, we turned left and walked the long distance to Gate 6.<span style=""> </span>The hot dog and hamburger concession stands were doing a good early morning business.<span style=""> </span>The sound of beer cans being stepped on and kicked around was a common one.<span style=""> </span>For the most part, the two lanes of traffic moved in spurts and the pedestrians had to be careful not to get in front of a car when it started moving.<span style=""> </span>We walked over the famous bridge located near our destination and a minute or so later, we were at Gate 6.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I stood on my toes and could see the words ALLEN CROWE printed on the pit wall.<span style=""> </span>I noticed that the Indiana State Policeman who were directing the traffic were the same ones who had been doing it for the past few years.<span style=""> </span>The cars came by the dozens, and there seemed to be no end to them.<span style=""> </span>Of course, they were coming from three streets – <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street>, <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St</st1:address></st1:Street>, and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:Street>, so naturally, there were quite a few cars.<span style=""> </span>The policemen did a real good job of keeping the traffic moving right along.<span style=""> </span>Some of the people had bought their $3 general admission tickets back farther in the line, but others waited until they got to the gate and purchased theirs from one of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City> patrol men on duty.<span style=""> </span>The cars were of every make and year.<span style=""> </span>Some of them contained so many people that they were almost dragging on the ground, while a few had only one passenger.<span style=""> </span>Something new I noticed while watching the cars was the large increase in the numbers of women going into the infield.<span style=""> </span>In past years, there didn’t seem to be this many women.<span style=""> </span>There were several cars that had two, three, and four women in them and no men.<span style=""> </span>What was the attraction?<span style=""> </span>Some of the people who were standing up in open convertibles and those with their heads stuck out windows had to be told to sit in a normal position while going underground and into the infield.<span style=""> </span>Most people probably wouldn’t get any enjoyment from watching everyday cars go under a viaduct, but to the three of us, it is part of the 500-mile race scene and we enjoy seeing the cars and their passengers.<span style=""> </span>After watching the cars for quite a while, one wonders if there was an end to the two lines.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">About 7:00, we decided it wasn’t getting any earlier and we still had breakfast to eat, so we started the long walk back to the car.<span style=""> </span>It was a little safer walking back because we were facing the traffic and could see just what the cars were doing.<span style=""> </span>All the concessionaires were trying to induce the passers by to buy their products.<span style=""> </span>As we walked, we noticed that the traffic was still bumper-to-bumper.<span style=""> </span>When we reached <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:Street>, it was still the same way.<span style=""> </span>We turned right onto <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street> and went back to the car.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we came to the Standard Service Station, I decided to stop and use the restroom.<span style=""> </span>This turned out to be the most frustrating event of the whole trip.<span style=""> </span>I gave dad the keys to the car so that he and Bobby could get breakfast ready.<span style=""> </span>I had planned to stay just a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>When I got inside the station, I saw there were already a dozen or so other men waiting in line.<span style=""> </span>I gave the attendant my quarter and took my place at the end of the line.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think I’ve ever been in a slower moving line.<span style=""> </span>The longer I stood, the more impatient I became.<span style=""> </span>I thought about leaving but I had to use the place too bad to do that.<span style=""> </span>When I got close to the front of the line, I thought to myself that dad and Bobby probably had already cooked and eaten breakfast and mine was back there getting cold.<span style=""> </span>Most of the men standing in line with me were just as impatient as I was.<span style=""> </span>At long last, I got my chance to make myself feel better.<span style=""> </span>When I got out, it was about 8:15.<span style=""> </span>It had taken 30-45 minutes to do something that normally takes about five minutes.<span style=""> </span>I was still burned up, but wasted no time in getting back to the car.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Surprisingly, neither dad nor Bobby was angry at me for having taken so long.<span style=""> </span>Bobby knew well what I’d been through, because she had been through the same thing as we were walking to see all the incoming cars.<span style=""> </span>Happily, Bobby had not cooked any eggs or bacon for me.<span style=""> </span>Apparently, she knew I’d be at the filling station for quite some time.<span style=""> </span>I told them I was sorry for being so late, and they understood fully and told me to sit down and have something to eat.<span style=""> </span>Bobby cooked the eggs and bacon on the outdoors oven, while dad and I searched the basket for some other food.<span style=""> </span>I also had some potato chips and pears.<span style=""> </span>I was rather hungry so the eggs and bacon tasted good.<span style=""> </span>I ate my breakfast, and then we listened to the radio, read our newspapers, and observed all the activity going on around us.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While I was eating, Bobby started washing the plates, cups, and silverware, and dad put the food back into the food basket and then started putting everything into the car.<span style=""> </span>When I finished eating, I pitched in and helped dad.<span style=""> </span>As was true the previous night, when we ate supper, dad and I weren’t sure just where and how everything went, so instead of getting everything too messed up, we let Bobby arrange everything as she wanted.<span style=""> </span>Because I had fouled up the works by taking so much time at the service station, we had to hurry a little it.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When Bobby finished all of the work, we put everything into the car and then gathered up everything we had to take with us to the race.<span style=""> </span>These items included camera, film, sunglasses, caps, field glasses, Bobby’s sweater, car keys, and the most important item of all – the tickets.<span style=""> </span>We checked to see that we had everything, locked the car, and started on our way to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>It was after 8:30, so we were behind our usual schedule.<span style=""> </span>The pedestrian traffic was really heavy now.<span style=""> </span>About halfway to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City>, we ran into something we run into every year – members of the VFW selling the little red, white, and blue tags.<span style=""> </span>The three of us each gave a donation of a quarter, got our tags, and continued on our way.<span style=""> </span>When we arrived at the main gate, Gate 1, the pedestrian gate, we had to work our way through an enormous mob of people before we got to the ticket takers.<span style=""> </span>We gave our tickets to the gateman, he tore off the first stub and gave them back to us, and we walked into the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City> grounds.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As usual, I stopped at the first vendor I saw selling <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City> souvenir programs and bought one.<span style=""> </span>Dad and Bobby bought one for themselves too.<span style=""> </span>Because the traffic was so heavy, we couldn’t make much time in getting into the infield.<span style=""> </span>As we crept along, we took in the array of people and concession stands.<span style=""> </span>There were concession stands selling racing magazines, post cards, hats, caps, sweaters, and many other items.<span style=""> </span>The food concession stands were selling hot dogs, hamburgers, barbeques, soft drinks, etc., but no beer.<span style=""> </span>There is enough beer brought into the grounds from outside without any having to be sold inside.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By the time we arrived within a short distance of the entrance to the tunnel that goes under the track and up to the infield, the crowd was so large that we were squeezed in with everybody else so tight that we couldn’t even raise our arms.<span style=""> </span>Normally, we arrive ahead of this heavy crowd, but my long stay at the filling station had delayed us quite a while. <span style=""> </span>This is the first time I remember running into such a big crowd at this particular time.<span style=""> </span>At this point, I can’t say for sure whether we were walking or being shoved to the tunnel entrance.<span style=""> </span>When we got there, we walked down the walk, then straight for a while, then up the walk.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t quite as crowded walking through the tunnel.<span style=""> </span>I could at least swing my arms back and forth a little bit.<span style=""> </span>Now that we were in the open, we could move and breathe quite a bit better.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We turned right and walked down to Gasoline Alley.<span style=""> </span>Dad and I both agreed that this seemed to be the biggest crowd we had ever seen here.<span style=""> </span>Dad decided he had to use the men’s room and I decided I could use it, so in we went, while Bobby waited outside.<span style=""> </span>With that important job done, the three of us walked down to the passageway that leads from the garage area to the pit area.<span style=""> </span>A sign hangs overhead with the words “GASOLINE ALLEY” printed on it.<span style=""> </span>It was past 8:30, so all the cars were already in their respective pits.<span style=""> </span>We thought we might see some famous people, but the huge crowd killed that plan.<span style=""> </span>After stretching our necks for a couple minutes, we gave up and decided to go to our seats.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We turned around and walked back until we came to the steps that take you to the northern half of the infield.<span style=""> </span>From there, we found the entrance to Section 41 of Tower Terrace and went there.<span style=""> </span>The ticket taker tore off a stub, and we went in.<span style=""> </span>We turned left and started our sightseeing of all the pits that we could see.<span style=""> </span>We looked at the cars, the crews going over all the last minute details, the layers of tires, the water fountains, the oxygen tanks, the gasoline tanks, and all the other equipment so necessary for the running of this big race.<span style=""> </span>Most of the hoods of the cars were up and the mechanics were looking the engines over closely.<span style=""> </span>As we approached each car, we check its number in the souvenir programs to see who the driver was.<span style=""> </span>When we reached the Gasoline Alley entrance, the fence kept us from proceeding any farther, so we turned around and walked back.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">All the time we had been looking at the cars, the traditional high school and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Purdue</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> bands were marching up and down the main straightaway.<span style=""> </span>The bands were putting on a terrific show and the crowd showed its appreciation by its applause.<span style=""> </span>The men of the enormous crowd were particularly happy with the sight and movements of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Purdue</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> majorettes and the golden girl.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we reached Section 41, we went a few steps and then an usher led us up to Row P.<span style=""> </span>We turned right and walked until we came to seats 14, 15, and 16.<span style=""> </span>We put our paraphernalia under our seats and then sat down.<span style=""> </span>From our seats, we could see the pits of Troy Ruttman, Ebb Rose, Bob Veith, Eddie Johnson, Chuck Stevenson, and Allen Crowe.<span style=""> </span>The P.A. announcer was interviewing drivers, car owners, race officials, and other people.<span style=""> </span>Looking up and down the straightaway, I beheld that this was a spectacular sight that probably couldn’t be seen anywhere else in the world.<span style=""> </span>The track was filled with mechanics, pit crews, USAC officials, reporters, photographers, entertainment celebrities, and other people, all making final preparations for the big event that would start in about an hour.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 10:00, the P.A. announcer told the pit crews to move their cars into their respective starting positions on the track.<span style=""> </span>For some reason, the pit crews didn’t move their cars as they were supposed to.<span style=""> </span>The announcer had to tell them two more times before they started moving the cars.<span style=""> </span>One by one, the cars were pushed back to the pit area entrance onto the track, and pushed forward into their respective positions.<span style=""> </span>While all this was going on, the Purdue band continued playing in its magnificent way, pleasing the race fans all up and down the straightaway.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Between 10:15 and 10:30, the many celebrities in attendence for the race traveled around the track in official Chrysler cars so that the fans could see and applaud them.<span style=""> </span>Among those in attendance this year were Majorie Lord of the “Danny Thomas Show,” Dan Blocker, “Hos” of Bonanza, Bill Dana, “Luke” from “The Real McCoy’s,” Hoagy Carmichael, Connie Stevens, and a few others.<span style=""> </span>All of these people were well received by the crowd, but none of them received the welcome which was given to the most popular celebrity of the day, astronaut Cooper Gordon, who of course, was the astronaut who had made his orbit around the earth just a couple weeks earlier.<span style=""> </span>He had driven to the <st1:city st="on">Speedway</st1:City> from his home in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ohio</st1:place></st1:State> to see the race.<span style=""> </span>As he came down the straightaway in his convertible and headed down the pit driveway, he was given a greater reception than any of the other celebrities had received.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By now, it was 10:30 and everyone could feel the tension.<span style=""> </span>Only one-half hour remained before the big show started.<span style=""> </span>All of the cars were in their starting positions. <span style=""> </span>The crowd seemed to get noisier as 11:00 approached.<span style=""> </span>By now, the three of us, like everybody else, could hardly sit or stand still.<span style=""> </span>At 10:40, the huge crowd rose to its feet and the men removed their hats as the band played “The Star Spangled Banner.”<span style=""> </span>By now, everybody was off the track except the drivers, mechanics, and crewmembers.<span style=""> </span>At 10:45, thousands of colored balloons were released from behind the Tower and sailed into the air.<span style=""> </span>Everybody turned around and marveled at the sight.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The portable starters had been inserted in their cars and the mechanics waited patiently to use them.<span style=""> </span>All drivers were in their cars, and had their safety belts and shoulder harnesses fastened.<span style=""> </span>Before they got into their cars, they had fastened their pants cuffs around their ankles and the sleeve cuffs around their wrists.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Most of the fans were standing and waiting out the last few minutes.<span style=""> </span>Between 10:45 and 10:50, the band played its final song, the famous and traditional “Back Home Again in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:State>.”<span style=""> </span>One of the band members sang the words as the rest of the band played the song.<span style=""> </span>It was now between 10:50 and 10:55.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">About half a minute later, the P.A. announcer slowly said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Mr. Tony Hulman.”<span style=""> </span>The climax of the pre-race activities had come.<span style=""> </span>I put my left hand on dad’s shoulder, my right hand on Bobby’s should and the three of us smiled broadly at each other.<span style=""> </span>Tony pronounced the words loud and clear, “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!”<span style=""> </span>The packed <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City> let out a tremendous cheer.<span style=""> </span>Almost instantly, one by one, the engines started coughing and producing the sweetest sound this side of heaven.<span style=""> </span>The terrific roar made a wonderful sound.<span style=""> </span>The exhaust smoke could be seen in the air.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now everybody was stretching his neck to see the pace car move out.<span style=""> </span>With Sam Hanks in the driver’s seat and Tony Hulman his passenger, Tony checked to see if everybody was ready to go and then gave the starting signal to Sam Hanks. Very slowly, the pace car started moving and then the front row of Parnelli Jones, Jim Hurtubise, and Dan Branson.<span style=""> </span>The other ten rows followed behind these three.<span style=""> </span>A cheer went up from the crowd as the cars disappeared into the southwest turn.<span style=""> </span>The P.A. announcer announced that two cars, those of Lloyd Ruby and Ebb Rose, were having trouble and hadn’t started yet.<span style=""> </span>The audience let out a moan as I began to wonder if they would be started by the time the field came around.<span style=""> </span>A few seconds passed and then Lloyd Ruby’s car came to life and he immediately left to catch up with the rest of the field.<span style=""> </span>At last, Ebb Rose’s car started roaring and he too left immediately to catch up with the other 32 drivers, who, by now, were quite a distance ahead of him.<span style=""> </span>Lloyd and Ebb were given special applause by the fans.<span style=""> </span>Now came the long wait.<span style=""> </span>The deep, thundering sound off thirty-three engines could be heard as they went down the backstretch.<span style=""> </span>Now everybody strained their neck to see the northwest turn.<span style=""> </span>A cheer rose from the audience as the Chrysler Pace Car came out of the turn and headed down the main straightaway.<span style=""> </span>One by one, the eleven rows appeared and followed the pace car.<span style=""> </span>A few seconds later, a most beautiful sight passed in front of us.<span style=""> </span>Some of the drivers waved to the crowd as the crowd waved back and applauded.<span style=""> </span>One more time around and the race would be on.<span style=""> </span>This was the official pace lap.<span style=""> </span>The lap before was the parade lap.<span style=""> </span>Once again, we followed the sound around the 2-½ mile track and waited for the cars to come out of the northwest turn.<span style=""> </span>The crowd let out a cheer as the pace car appeared and really sped toward the pit area and the thirty-three cars picked up speed.<span style=""> </span>Sam Hanks and Tony Hulman went flying down the pit driveway, the starter, Pat Vidan, waved the green flag, and the race was on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As expected, pole position holder Parnelli Jones was the first one to go through the southwest turn.<span style=""> </span>As they came down the straightaway for the completion of the first lap, Jim Hurtubise, second place starter in one of the three Novis, went ahead of Jones and crossed the starting line first.<span style=""> </span>It was the last time Hurtubise led the race.<span style=""> </span>At the end of the second lap, Jones and Hurtubise had exchanged positions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">During the third lap, the yellow flag came out and the crowd rose in anxiety.<span style=""> </span>It was announced that rookie, Bobby Unser in one of the Novis, had hit the wall in the south chute and was out of the race.<span style=""> </span>The car was hurt, but Unser wasn’t.<span style=""> </span>The audience moaned in disappointment as one of the sentimental favorites was already out of the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As if this wasn’t enough, another rookie, Art Malone, in another <st1:place st="on">Novi</st1:place>, pulled into his pit while the yellow flag was on.<span style=""> </span>Again, the crowd moaned in disappointment.<span style=""> </span>Malone couldn’t get the car into high gear.<span style=""> </span>His crew worked quickly and sent him on his way again.<span style=""> </span>Two laps later, he was in the pits again.<span style=""> </span>The crew went to work and sent him off again.<span style=""> </span>Two laps later, he was in again.<span style=""> </span>His crew did their work and sent him off again.<span style=""> </span>With 18 laps gone, Malone made another pit stop.<span style=""> </span>His pit crew decided the malady couldn’t be remedied, so the car was withdrawn from the race.<span style=""> </span>With less than 20 laps completed, two out of the three Novis were out of the race.<span style=""> </span>The only hope was now with Hurtubise.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Prior to Malone’s departure, Johnny Boyd, who started 27<sup>th</sup> in the Bowes Seal Fast Special, left the race after 12 laps with valve trouble.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, Jones was increasing his lead over the remaining cars.<span style=""> </span>After 20 laps, 50 miles, he led the second place car by 22 seconds.<span style=""> </span>Behind Jones came Hurtubise, Roger McCluskey, Jim McElreath, A.J. Foyt, Bobby Marshman, and Rodger Ward.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Elmer George and rookie Johnny Rutherford left the race after 21 and 43 laps respectively with mechanical trouble.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The yellow flag came out again on the 47<sup>th</sup> lap when Bug Tinglestad, in the Hoover Special, crashed into the southwest retaining wall and eliminated himself from the race.<span style=""> </span>On the next lap, Allen Crowe, in his Gabriel Shocker Special, lost his right front tire just as he was entering the southwest turn and crashed into the wall.<span style=""> </span>Neither Tinglestad nor Crowe were hurt, but their cars were too badly damaged for either of them to continue racing.<span style=""> </span>With the race one-fourth completed, seven cars were out of the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">While the yellow flag was out, Bobby Marshman and Jim McElreath made pit stops and provided the audience with some of its most anxious moments.<span style=""> </span>Marshman approached his pit too fast, applied his brakes, and spun.<span style=""> </span>McElreath was right behind Marshman and going faster than Bobby.<span style=""> </span>All of the action took place right in front of us.<span style=""> </span>I jumped up in nervous excitement and started screaming.<span style=""> </span>Immediately, everybody jumped up to see the action.<span style=""> </span>The two drivers continued spinning but, through some miracle, managed to avoid making any contact with each other.<span style=""> </span>There were black skid marks going every which way.<span style=""> </span>They managed to straighten themselves out and continued on their way.<span style=""> </span>With a sigh of relief, everybody sat down again.<span style=""> </span>This was one of the biggest scares I’d ever received while watching a 500-mile race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The green flag came out again, the crowd regained its composure, and the race continued.<span style=""> </span>Parnelli Jones still led, followed by Roger McCluskey, Lloyd Ruby, Bobby Marshman, Don Branson, and Jim Hurtubise.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the 63<sup>rd</sup> lap, Jones made his first pit stop.<span style=""> </span>He received fuel, two rear tires, and new right front tire in 25 seconds.<span style=""> </span>Roger McCluskey went into first place but had to make a pit stop on the 67<sup>th</sup> lap.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">With McCluskey sidelined for a few seconds, rookie Scotchman Jim Clark, driving one of the two Lotus-Fords, went to the front of the field.<span style=""> </span>He and teammate Dan Gurney had been running near the head of the field since the start of the race.<span style=""> </span>The serious challenge of <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> for first place now became apparent to everybody.<span style=""> </span>Most people had expected the two cars to make a good showing, but not this good.<span style=""> </span><st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> surprised everybody by running almost 150 mph consistently and maintaining the lead until the 96<sup>th</sup> lap.<span style=""> </span>He stopped for his first and only pit stop of the race.<span style=""> </span>As it turned out, this pit stop was one of the bad breaks that plagued <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> and kept him from winning the race.<span style=""> </span>Instead of the normal 20-30 second stop, his stop was 32.3 seconds, not good by <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> standards.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">While <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> had been leading the race, Bob Veith and Bobby Grim made their departures from the race scene, and on the 99<sup>th</sup> and 100<sup>th</sup> laps, respectively.<span style=""> </span>Jim Rathman and Duane Carter also called it quits.<span style=""> </span>All of them had to drop out because of mechanical trouble.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the 101<sup>st</sup> lap, Jim Hurtubise, in the only remaining <st1:place st="on">Novi</st1:place>, went streaking down the pit apron with huge clouds of smoke emitting from the back of his car.<span style=""> </span>His pit crew remedied the malady and sent Jim back into competition.<span style=""> </span>After he left his pit, a USAC official noticed a puddle of oil that had leaded out of his car onto the pit apron.<span style=""> </span>The official ordered started Pat Vidan to give “Hercules” the black flag, and with 102 laps now completed, all three of the Novis were out of the running.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jones continued to set new records on almost every lap.<span style=""> </span>He was traveling at the unbelievable speed of 149-150 mph and seemed to have no trouble doing so.<span style=""> </span>While the other cars seemed to be straining to keep up their pace, Jones and his Agajanian Willard Battery Special were touring the track at higher speeds and with less trouble.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> and Gurney continued to surprise everybody by remaining in the top five.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chuck Stevenson, in the Bardahl Special, was finished after 110 laps with mechanical failure, and two laps later, Eddie Johnson, driving the Drewry’s Special, hit the wall and sustained rib and foot injuries, but wasn’t hurt seriously.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jones made his second pit stop on the 126<sup>th</sup> lap.<span style=""> </span>He received four new tires and a tank of fuel in 26.2 seconds.<span style=""> </span>As it turned out, he chose a good time to make a pit stop because Lloyd Ruby, in his Fink Special, hit the wall in the northwest turn and spun into the infield.<span style=""> </span>Ruby was unhurt, but his accident caused the yellow flag to come out again.<span style=""> </span>The yellow flag helped Jones because <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> was unable to make any headway during this time.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the track was cleared and the green flag came out again, Jones pushed the pace up to about 150 mph. <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> held on to second spot, while McCluskey was third and Eddie Sachs was now fourth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In addition to <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> making a strong bid for first, McCluskey and Sachs were fighting their own private battle for third place.<span style=""> </span>This battle included broadsides though the turns and on at least one occasion, a wheel tapping episode in one of the corners.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Paul Goldsmith, in this Delmer Special, left the race after 149 laps.<span style=""> </span>With 160 laps, or 400 miles, gone by, seventeen cars were still in the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On his 163<sup>rd</sup> lap, Jones made his third and last pit stop.<span style=""> </span>He received four new tires and a full tank of fuel in 26.2 seconds. His lead over Clark had been big enough that he was able to get in and out of his pit without relinquishing the lead to <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place>. <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> was unable to move into first place, but he did cut a big chuck out of Jones’ lead.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When Jones returned to the track, he and Clark proceeded to put on a show that had everybody going wild with excitement.<span style=""> </span>The Scotsman figured he had a chance now to catch the leader and increased his speed to 150 mph in an attempt to do so.<span style=""> </span>With each lap, he reduced Jones’ lead.<span style=""> </span>After 178 laps, there were only 4.5 seconds between the two front-runners. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then misfortune hit <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Eddie Sachs spun out in the southeast turn and this caused the yellow flag to come out again.<span style=""> </span>In addition to being unable to make any gain, <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> got caught behind Ebb Rose, who was running considerably slower than the rest of the field, even during the yellow flag period.<span style=""> </span>Jim didn’t know it then, but he could have passed Rose and not be punished for it.<span style=""> </span>As a result, he lost 15 or more unnecessary seconds, which, in the end, could have been the factor that prevented him from passing Jones and going on to win the race. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 180 laps, the crowd received a surprise when it was announced that smoke had been seen coming from Jones’ car.<span style=""> </span>This brought about the biggest controversy of the race.<span style=""> </span>Harlan Fengler, the chief steward, noticed that the lead car was leaking oil and directed starter, Pat Vidan, to give it the black flag.<span style=""> </span>When J.C. Agajanian, the owner of the car, saw what was happening, he rushed over to Fengler and became engaged in a bitter discussion with him.<span style=""> </span>The two of them exchanged some bitter words, but in the end, Agajanian won out and the black flag was not given to Jones.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">With the oil controversy settled temporarily, the drivers drove on to complete their remaining laps.<span style=""> </span>Unless an unforeseen emergency arose, Jones would finish first and <st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> second.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">With 196 laps completed and running near the front of the field, Bobby Marshman suddenly spun in the southwest turn and was out of the race.<span style=""> </span>It was really a tough break for Bobby.<span style=""> </span>He had driven a terrific race from the start.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">With the yellow flag out because of Marshman’s spinout, Roger McCluskey, who had third place wrapped up, spun in Jones’ oil and was out of the race.<span style=""> </span>It was a sad goodbye for Roger, who had driven a wonderful race and was only about 1½ laps from the finish line.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The yellow flag was still out when Jones came down the straightaway and became the first driver to receive the checkered flag while under yellow-flag conditions. Thirty-two seconds later, Jim Clark finished second.<span style=""> </span>The remaining finishers were as follows: third, A.J. Foyt; fourth, Rodger Ward; fifth, Don Branson; sixth, Jim McElreath; seventh, Dan Gurney; eighth, Chuck Hulse; ninth, Al Miller; tenth, Dick Rathman; eleventh, Dempsey Wilson; twelfth, Troy Ruttman; thirteenth, Bob Christie; and fourteenth, Ebb Rose.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was rather amusing to notice that difference between Christie’s and Rose’s running times.<span style=""> </span>Christie finished thirteenth in 3:40:25.18.<span style=""> </span>Rose finished fourteenth in 3:46:40.63.<span style=""> </span>In other words, for 6 minutes and 15 seconds, Rose had the track to himself.<span style=""> </span>His car didn’t run properly at all during the race, but the trouble was never serious enough to take him out of the race.<span style=""> </span>He just kept going and finally, after everybody else was finished, received the checkered flag.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s also interesting to note that the red flag wasn’t used this year.<span style=""> </span>The red flag means the race is finished and is given to those drivers who are still running after the first few finishers are done, but who still have quite a few laps to complete before they go the entire distance of the race.<span style=""> </span>All drivers still running at the finish completed the full 500 miles.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When he was interviewed in <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Victory Lane</st1:address></st1:Street> after the race, Jones said he still couldn’t believe he had won the race. He was too dazed to believe the truth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the celebration in <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Victory Lane</st1:address></st1:Street> had subsided a little bit, Jones and his wife, car owner J.C. Agajanian and his wife, and speedway president Tony Hulman were driven around the track in the Chrysler 300 pace car for the acclamation of the audience.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the pace car and its passengers returned to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Victory Lane</st1:address></st1:Street>, thus leaving the track devoid of all activity, we gathered up all our equipment and started our long process of getting out of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>After getting out of the Tower Terrace section, we fought our way through the crushing crowd and walked back to the garage area.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As always, the garage area was mobbed with race fans trying to get a look at the racecars and drivers.<span style=""> </span>The only driver we saw was the tenth place finisher, Dick Rathmann. He was drinking a can of beer and talking to some member of his pit crew.<span style=""> </span>His racing uniform was soaked with grease and dirt.<span style=""> </span>We also saw A.J. Watson, a name that needs no explaining to race fans.<span style=""> </span>In contrast to what they looked like before the race, the cars were covered with oil and dirt.<span style=""> </span>Most of them had really been through a strenuous test.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bobby and I got separated from dad, but there was no panic among each other when we got away from the garage area a little bit.<span style=""> </span>We found ourselves near some restrooms so we decided to use them while we had the chance.<span style=""> </span>From there, we walked down to the infield area on the southwest turn.<span style=""> </span>The area looked like a dump.<span style=""> </span>Beer cans, paper cups, soda bottles, waxed paper, and other debris were scattered all over the place.<span style=""> </span>Plenty of work lay ahead for the speedway cleanup crew.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We walked across the track and in between Grandstands A and B.<span style=""> </span>When we reached the back of the stands, we turned left and walked toward the main gate.<span style=""> </span>Like every other year, there were boys selling the Indianapolis Times with the story of the race on the front page.<span style=""> </span>The headlines this year were “Parnelli Jones Wins With Record 143.137.”<span style=""> </span>This edition is always delivered by helicopter to the winner of the race as he is celebrating his victory in <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Victory Lane</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We walked out the main gate and then turned right and started walking down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span>The traffic, both pedestrian and car, were really bad.<span style=""> </span>Everybody looked tired and sunburned.<span style=""> </span>Before the race, everybody was going crazy trying to get into the speedway.<span style=""> </span>Now they were doing their best to get away from the place.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we arrived back at the car, we opened the doors and windows and then sat down for a while.<span style=""> </span>I took off my shoes to relax my feet and rubbed some “Mentholatum” into my face and arms to prevent myself from burning too much.<span style=""> </span>The three of us sat in the car and watched all the activity taking place around us.<span style=""> </span>Bobby asked dad and me if we would like a little something to eat and we both said that sounded like a good idea.<span style=""> </span>We had coffee and water to drink and bananas, potato chips, fruit salad, cup cakes, deviled eggs, and pears to eat.<span style=""> </span>We hadn’t had any dinner, so it tasted pretty good.<span style=""> </span>We wanted to eat all we could so that we wouldn’t have much to throw away.<span style=""> </span>Although the fruit salad, deviled eggs, and pears hadn’t been under refrigeration, it made no difference in their good taste.<span style=""> </span>When our appetites were appeased, we cleaned up our mess and put everything back into the car. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Without my shoes on, I walked over to the side of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street> to observe the traffic and to take some pictures with the camera.<span style=""> </span>When I returned to the car, the three of us sat and read some of our newspapers while waiting for the heavy traffic to thin out a little bit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shortly before 4:30, we decided the traffic was light enough that we could leave.<span style=""> </span>The first thing I did was to sit on the grass and put my shoes on.<span style=""> </span>While I was doing that, Bobby got everything arranged in the back seat and pushed it to the left so that she could have somewhere to sit.<span style=""> </span>Our reading material was the only thing left out.<span style=""> </span>Dad and I put our sunglasses on, checked to see that everything was put away, and then he turned the ignition key and we were ready to go.<span style=""> </span>At 4:29, we said goodbye to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> for another year and started the ride home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dad was the driver, I sat in the front seat, and Bobby sat behind me.<span style=""> </span>Dad turned right and stopped at the stop sign.<span style=""> </span>The traffic wasn’t so bad now, so we didn’t have much trouble getting onto <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span>We decided to take the regular route home instead of taking a chance on the new one we had come in on, so we got into the left lane and the policeman directed the traffic so that we could turn left onto <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lyndhurst Drive</st1:address></st1:Street>.<span style=""> </span>As expected, it moved along pretty well.<span style=""> </span>Most of the residents were sitting in their front yards watching the huge exodus of racing fans from their city.<span style=""> </span>There were newspaper boys at various places along the road selling the post-race edition of the Indianapolis Times, so a couple of blocks before we reached highway 36, while we were stopped a few seconds in the traffic, I made a quick purchase and had another Indianapolis newspaper to read.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we got to the highway, we turned to the right into one of our yearly stopping places, the Standard Service Station on the northwest corner of the intersection.<span style=""> </span>The three of us got out and walked around a little while the attendant filled the car with gas, washed the windshield, and checked the oil.<span style=""> </span>When the car was ready to go, dad paid the attendant and we were on our way again.<span style=""> </span>We turned right and headed west.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The traffic was still heavy so we didn’t make very good time for quite a while.<span style=""> </span>It was almost impossible to pass because of speed zones, oncoming vehicles, and insufficient space to get back in between cars.<span style=""> </span>We soon ran into the holiday drivers who had nowhere to go and were taking their time in getting there.<span style=""> </span>They’re always a nuisance because they impede the flow of traffic.<span style=""> </span>Route 36 between <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> and the state line is hard to make any speed on in a situation like this.<span style=""> </span>The road is full of curves and turns.<span style=""> </span>The yellow lines along the centerline, of which there are plenty, keep one from doing much passing.<span style=""> </span>If you don’t have the yellow line to contend with, you have to slow down to go through a town or city.<span style=""> </span>In addition to the badly shapped road, you have to watch out for wild drivers.<span style=""> </span>Many face fans have a long way to go to get home, and they take advantage of every opportunity they have to made good time.<span style=""> </span>Some of them do some wild passing and narrowly manage to avoid getting into some serious crackups.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The day before, after stopping for a rest at Chrisman, we decided we wouldn’t stop at the same place coming home.<span style=""> </span>We would find a better place.<span style=""> </span>As we were slowing down for the stop sign at the intersection of Routes 36 and 71, dad saw a little restaurant to our right and decided to stop there.<span style=""> </span>It was the first time in our ten years, while coming home from the race that we had stopped at any place other than Chrisman.<span style=""> </span>It was about 6:15 now.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was an odd looking building and we couldn’t figure out just what it was, but we went on in.<span style=""> </span>We turned to our left and sat down at one of the tables with four chairs.<span style=""> </span>The waitress brought us a glass of water and gave us a menu.<span style=""> </span>We scanned the place and dad finally figured out that it used to be a caboose on an old railroad train.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t fancy by a long shot; in fact, I thought it was crummy.<span style=""> </span>The old place at Chrisman was better.<span style=""> </span>There weren’t many people there.<span style=""> </span>One lady did the cooking while two others waited on the customers.<span style=""> </span>Dad had some trouble in getting something to eat.<span style=""> </span>They were out of is first two choices of a meal, but they had his third choice.<span style=""> </span>He didn’t particularly want it, but it was about the only meal left that he liked.<span style=""> </span>Bobby and I were luckier and got our first choices.<span style=""> </span>While we were waiting for our food, a young couple who had been to the race came in and sat down behind us.<span style=""> </span>After they came in, a couple of farmers came in, not together, but one a couple of minutes after the other one.<span style=""> </span>The service was pretty slow, but at last, the waitress brought us our food.<span style=""> </span>I had two pork chops, applesauce, corn, and two glasses of milk.<span style=""> </span>When we finished eating we paid the bill and left.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was about 6:45 when we left.<span style=""> </span>We stopped at the junction and then continued on our way.<span style=""> </span>In about five minutes, we left the Hoosier land and were back in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State>.<span style=""> </span>When we came to the junction of Routes 1 and 36, it seemed funny to keep on going instead of turning off to the right and stopping at our familiar restaurant but of course, the building wasn’t there anymore so we couldn’t stop anyway.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As we continued on our way, we saw the same sites that we see every year coming home from the race, but I never tired of seeing them.<span style=""> </span>The motels along the highway, the farmers working in their fields until dark, the U.S. Industrial Chemicals Company at Tuscola, the many side roads that intersect with Route 36, the children riding their bicycles and having fun in some of the small towns, the filling stations along the highway, the people sitting on their front porches in the houses along the highway, Lake Decatur, driving through Decatur, traveling the familiar trail between Decatur and Springfield, and the final stop at our back door for unloading are the highlights of our trip home from the 500-mile race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We knew we were getting close to Decatur when the highway became a four lane one, and a couple minutes later, we traveled over the lake and then into the city on Eldorado St.<span style=""> </span>About 15 minutes later, we were on the west side of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:City> and on the last leg of our trip home.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dawson</st1:place></st1:City> was the last town we went through.<span style=""> </span>The highway goes around Riverton, so the next city we came to was <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Springfield</st1:place></st1:City>.<span style=""> </span>We followed the same route getting to our house as we did leaving the city.<span style=""> </span>We came in on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Sangamon Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>, turned south onto <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">5<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:Street>, and south on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">3<sup>rd</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:Street> to 1157.<span style=""> </span>We pulled into the driveway, stopped at the back door, and turned the engine off.<span style=""> </span>Once again, we had made it back without an accident.<span style=""> </span>It was now 9:09 pm.<span style=""> </span>It had taken us 4:40 to go from Crawfordsville and Fischer to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">1157 N. 3<sup>rd</sup> St</st1:address></st1:Street>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As we were getting out of the car, mother, Suzie, and my cousin, Donna Coy, came to the back porch to see us.<span style=""> </span>It took us three trips from the car to the kitchen to bring everything in.<span style=""> </span>When we finished that, we put everything away and then sat down and talked about our trip.<span style=""> </span>The big event was over for 1963.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">POSTSCRIPT</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unlike most previous years, discussion about the race didn’t end when the last car left the track.<span style=""> </span>The controversy over this year’s race will last for a long time.<span style=""> </span>The main poits of the controversy were leaking oil and use of the black flag.<span style=""> </span>Many people believe that Jim Clark, not Parnelli Jones, would have won this year’s 500-mile race if the United States Auto Club, the governing body of auto racing, had enforced its rules.<span style=""> </span>I am one of these people.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Harlan Fengler, the chief steward, should not have withdrawn the black flag once he had directed started Pat Vidan to give it to Jones because his car was leaking oil and creating a hazard for the other cars.<span style=""> </span>No car owner should be able to tell an official how to run the race.<span style=""> </span>It was announced on the P.A. system about 20 laps from the finish of the race that Jones’ car was smoking on the backstretch.<span style=""> </span>He should have been given the black flag, even if he was leading. Dempsey Wilson’s car was leaking oil noticeably during the latter part of the race, but nobody made any protest about him.<span style=""> </span>The officials didn’t even start to black-flag him.<span style=""> </span>Both cars should have been removed from the race.<span style=""> </span>At the drivers meeting the day before, Fengler had stated explicitly that any car leaking oil would be withdrawn from the race.<span style=""> </span>Why didn’t he practice what he preached?<span style=""> </span>There was no doubt about Dempsey leaking oil.<span style=""> </span>Three drivers, Eddie Sachs, Roger McCluskey, and Bobby Marshman, spun out of the race because there was oil on the track.<span style=""> </span>McCluskey and Sachs were sure bets to finish third and fourth and Marshman was among the first ten when he spun out. McCluskey and Sachs complained vociferously about the oil and said Jones should not have been allowed to stay in the race when it became apparent that his car was leaking oil.<span style=""> </span>The day after the race, Sachs and Jones got into a fight in an <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> restaurant.<span style=""> </span>Sachs told Jones how he felt and Parnelli replied with a fist to Eddie’s jaw.<span style=""> </span>Through all the controversy, Jones remained silent and didn’t express an opinion one way or the other.<span style=""> </span>If USAC is going to make laws, then it should also enforce these laws. <span style=""> </span>The lack of doing so has left many hard feelings.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another topic of conversation about this year’s race was the tremendous showing of the Lotus-Fords.<span style=""> </span>For a while, it looked as if Jim Clark would be the driver in <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Victory Lane</st1:address></st1:Street> after the race, but Jim didn’t get the breaks that are necessary to win the 500.<span style=""> </span>At 178 laps, he was only 4 ½ seconds behind Jones, but from then on, the yellow flag prevented him from making any headway.<span style=""> </span>I’m sure that if he had maintained his pace and the yellow flag hadn’t come out, he would have won the race.<span style=""> </span>What would have happened if he had won?<span style=""> </span>It certainly would have caused an uproar.<span style=""> </span>Dan Gurney, seventh place finisher, probably would have done better if it hadn’t been for his 42-second pit stop on the 92<sup>nd</sup> lap.<span style=""> </span><st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place> and Gurney and their Lotus-Fords have really given race fans something to talk about.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One cannot talk about this year’s race without taking about the Novis.<span style=""> </span>Their name had been changed to Hotel Tropicana but to the race fans, they’ll always be the Novis.<span style=""> </span>For the first time since 1958, one of the big cars made the starting field.<span style=""> </span>Not only one, but all three of them made it this year.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, they still have their seemingly perpetual jinx.<span style=""> </span>Two of the cars, driven by rookies Art Malone and Bobby Unser, had trouble from the very beginning.<span style=""> </span>Unser hit the south wall on the 2<sup>nd</sup> lap and was out of the race.<span style=""> </span>Malone’s car wouldn’t go into high hear, and after 18 laps, it was retired.<span style=""> </span>Jim Hurtubise did a good job of qualifying the other car at 150.257, and started in the middle of the front row.<span style=""> </span>He did well in the race until he had to retire at the half way mark with an oil leak.<span style=""> </span>Will one of the sentimental favorites of the speedway ever roll into that paradise called <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Victory Lane</st1:address></st1:Street>?<span style=""> </span>After these many years of trying they certainly deserve to win.<span style=""> </span>If one of them ever does win, I think there will be a celebration unlike anything else in the history of the speedway.<span style=""> </span>Race fans and officials will cry with joy at the sight of a <st1:place st="on">Novi</st1:place> in <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Victory Lane</st1:address></st1:Street>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Parnelli Jones has established a fantastic record in only three years at Indy.<span style=""> </span>In 1961, his rookie year, he started 5<sup>th</sup> and finished 12<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>He led the race for several laps but his car wasn’t in top shape and he was red flagged at 196 laps.<span style=""> </span>In 1962, he became the first driver in speedway histry to travel 150 mph.<span style=""> </span>He led most of the race until his brakes went out.<span style=""> </span>He finished seventh.<span style=""> </span>This year, he won the pole position for the second time in his three years.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rodger Ward has established an almost unbelievable record of consistency in the last five races.<span style=""> </span>From 1959-1963, he has finished 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup>, 1<sup>st</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>Rodger was lucky to finish fourth this year.<span style=""> </span>During most of the race, his position ranged from 5<sup>th</sup> to 10<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>If Sachs, McCluskey, and Marshman hadn’t spun out, he probably wouldn’t have finished higher than 6<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>Much of his luck must be credited to his great mechanic, A.J. Watson.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The 500-mile race isn’t the complete story of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.<span style=""> </span>While the race itself had changed tremendously during the last decade or two, the physical appearance of the speedway had changed also.<span style=""> </span>Since he became owner in 1945, Tony Hulman had poured millions of dollars into improving the huge plant for everybody.<span style=""> </span>No long is the track “correctly” known as “The Brickyard.”<span style=""> </span>It is now covered with asphalt, except for a three-foot section at the start-finish like.<span style=""> </span>These bricks remain for sentimental reasons.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The speedway museum, opened in 1956, is too small now and a newer and larger one will be built in the near future.<span style=""> </span>This museum is one of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:State>’s biggest tourist attractions and draws people from all over the world.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Almost all of the old wooden grandstands have been torn down and replaced by modern steel and concrete structures.<span style=""> </span>More seats are being built for the expected increase in attendance in the coming years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> 500 remains the world’s greatest single day sporting event.<span style=""> </span>It has a history and tradition all its own.<span style=""> </span>Although the race itself is the most important part of my annual trip to the Hoosier capital, still it is only part of the trip.<span style=""> </span>From the moment I begin packing until I arrive home and finish unpacking, I live in a different world.<span style=""> </span>The trip from <st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:City> to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> and back is not boring to me, even though I see the same sites year after year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The 500 Festival has given a tremendous boost to the 500-mile race.<span style=""> </span>The parade, golf tournament, bowling tournament, Governor’s Coronation Ball, and the Mayor’s Breakfast have become part of the big race.<span style=""> </span>The USAC Awards Banquet and the annual meeting of the Champion 100 mph Club are annual events that take place at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> in May. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The enormous mass of humanity at the speedway every Memorial Day is composed of every size, age, and class of people in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style=""> </span>The traditional, informal, unofficial “Night Before the 500” festival is a part of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> racing scene.<span style=""> </span>The Purdue University Band, the majorettes, and the golden girl marching up and down the main straightaway before the race is a sight that never fails to please me immensely.<span style=""> </span>The eleven rows of three cars each lined up in perfect formation behind the pace car as they move down the front straightaway is a breathtaking sight that must be seen to be understood and enjoyed.<span style=""> </span>I always cry a little and get a lump in my throat when I hear Tony Hulman say those four words that send everybody into a frenzy, “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!”<span style=""> </span>The terrific roar of those 33 engines coming to life, no matter how loud is may be, is the sweetest sound a racing fan knows.<span style=""> </span>Every year, as I view and enjoy the many pre-race activities, I stop and think how lucky I am to be able to see, in person, the annual Memorial Day Indianapolis 500 mile auto race, the world’s greatest sports spectacle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pace Car – Chrysler 300<br>500 Festival Queen – Linda Lou Mugg</p>Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-2164608695966966922008-06-15T09:01:00.001-05:002008-06-15T09:02:24.938-05:00Indy Journal - 1962<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1962</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">1962 was another outstanding and record-breaking year for the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> 500 mile auto race.<span style=""> </span>New records were set in both the time trials and the race. Perhaps the most outstanding feature was the breaking of the 150 mph barrier.<span style=""> </span>Parnelli Jones wrote his name into <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> eternity on May 12, the first day of time trials, when he ran his four-lap average at 150.750.<span style=""> </span>He was the only driver to top 150 mph.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We received our tickets on March 27.<span style=""> </span>They were $12 Tower Terrace seats located in Section 41, Row L, Seats 6,7 and 8.<span style=""> </span>On Tuesday, May 29, Bobby, Dad and I got everything ready and put it into the car in preparation for the annual trip.<span style=""> </span>After eating our dinner and checking to see that we had everything we should have, we once again started on our yearly journey at 12:41.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We hadn’t even gotten to the street yet when a light green car pulled up and stopped in front of our house.<span style=""> </span>I knew almost immediately that it was my good friend, Jimmy Hoover, coming to visit me while I was home on vacation from George Air Force Base for two weeks.<span style=""> </span>As soon as he saw me he asked if I was leaving to see the race at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>We got out of our cars and talked to each other for about five minutes.<span style=""> </span>After ending out little chit-chat, each of us headed our separate ways.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We went to 3<sup>rd</sup> and North Grand, east on North Grand to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">5<sup>th</sup> St., north</st1:address></st1:street> on 5<sup>th</sup> to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Sangamon Ave.</st1:address></st1:street>, and east on <st1:place st="on">Sangamon</st1:place> on out of town.<span style=""> </span>As usual the traffic between <st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city> was stop and go, with slow drivers and speed zones slowing us down quite a bit.<span style=""> </span>We arrived <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city> about 1:30.<span style=""> </span>It took ten minutes to get through the city.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">As we traveled on our way we listened to the Milwaukee Braves-Chicago Cubs baseball game on our car radio.<span style=""> </span>The Cubs were getting beat badly and the three of us were amused by some of the comments of the Cubs announcer.<span style=""> </span>About the fourth of fifth inning he started saying he wished it would rain so that it would be an incomplete game.<span style=""> </span>The game was a slugfest and although the Cubs tied the score a couple of times, they finally lost, 11 – 9.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Shortly before 3:00, we stopped at our usual place, Chisman.<span style=""> </span>As our car came to a slow stop, we noticed the place looked odd.<span style=""> </span>It was vacant.<span style=""> </span>We looked inside and then asked the filling attendant what had happened.<span style=""> </span>He told us the place was closed down and suggested we go to the little joint across the corner from this one, so we decided we’d try it.<span style=""> </span>It was the same kind of place, a restaurant, but not quite as large as the other one.<span style=""> </span>We got out and stretched a little and then went in and sat down at the counter.<span style=""> </span>Dad had a cup of coffee, Bobby a Coca-Cola and I a 7-Up.<span style=""> </span>When we finished our drinks, we went outside and walked around for a few seconds.<span style=""> </span>At 3:15, we got back into the car and resumed our trip, with our next planned stop the last one, <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Fisher Street</st1:address></st1:street> in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">In less than ten minutes, we were in Hoosier-land.<span style=""> </span>The long straight road, which started a few miles east of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city>, now come to an end and it became curving and winding.<span style=""> </span>As we went up and down through the land of the Wabash, we took notice of the pretty land that could only be found in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style=""> </span>As we traveled through the small towns of Danville, Montezuma, and Avon – just to name a few – I thought how much they looked like some of the small towns around Springfield and of the many times, mostly on May 29, that I had traveled though them.<span style=""> </span>Although this was the ninth consecutive year to see the big race, I never tire of seeing everything along the roadside between <st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">As we got closer and closer to our destination, the traffic become heavier and heavier.<span style=""> </span>I can always tell when we’re just about there by the modern, attractive homes on the west side of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>We started looking for the turnoff, <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lyndhurst Drive</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>A new four-lane highway has been built on Route 36 going east into the city.<span style=""> </span>At last, we came to our turnoff, identifiable by the Standard Service Station on the left.<span style=""> </span>Dad said to pull into the filling station so I did.<span style=""> </span>I told the attendant to fill the tank and he put in 10.9 gallons at $3.48.<span style=""> </span>Dad wanted to use the bathroom, but after waiting for what seemed an eternity, he decided he could wait until we got parked.<span style=""> </span>Then just as he was getting into the car, the two men who were in the bathroom came out, so dad got to use it after all.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Despite the bumper-to-bumper traffic on <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lyndhurst</st1:place></st1:city>, I happen to hit an opening in both lanes at the same times so I quickly dashed into the lane going north.<span style=""> </span>The policemen were doing a good job of keeping the traffic moving so it didn’t take too long to get to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>When we crossed the famous <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:address></st1:street>, I knew we were just about there.<span style=""> </span>When we got there, I turned right and went a few blocks until I reached Fisher and then turned left.<span style=""> </span>Our “home” is on the left hand corner so we didn’t have far to go.<span style=""> </span>Dad said to back the car in, so I did.<span style=""> </span>He guided me and told me when to stop.<span style=""> </span>I stopped the car, put it out of gear, looked around a little, raced the engine slightly, and then turned it off.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">It was 5:10 and once again we had arrived safely and soundly.<span style=""> </span>Dad had been talking to the wife of the owner of the home, Mrs. Kramer, so when Bobby and I got out of the car, we did likewise.<span style=""> </span>Mrs. Kramer seemed to remember us but couldn’t recall our name until we told her it was Dalbey.<span style=""> </span>After we paid our $1.50, we sat in the car for a few minutes and talked.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Dad asked me if I wanted to eat first or go down by the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> for our first view of the race crowd.<span style=""> </span>I said I wanted to see the people so the three of us took our first walk down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street> to see some of the thousands of persons who had come to see the race.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was heavy and getting more so.<span style=""> </span>We decided to take advantage of the small crowd touring the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Speedway</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place> and tour it ourselves.<span style=""> </span>As is the case every time we go through it, there was something new to see this year.<span style=""> </span>Several more racecars had been added and some of the companies that built automobile parts had displays.<span style=""> </span>Many people were trying to buy tickets at the ticket office.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We bought a couple newspapers in front of the museum and then went back to the car and ate our supper.<span style=""> </span>Bobby had prepared a large amount of food for the three of us so we didn’t have to worry about going hungry while we were there.<span style=""> </span>We had coffee, milk, and water to drink, plus baked beans, pears, potato chips, cup cakes, bananas, sweet rolls, salad, dressing, and a couple of other items. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We cleaned up our dishes, read parts of the newspapers we had bought and then got acquainted with our neighbors on our right.<span style=""> </span>They were a young married couple about my age.<span style=""> </span>There were nice, friendly people.<span style=""> </span>They had just bought a new, red Corvair.<span style=""> </span>Dad wanted to hear all about the car and the husband was happy to talk about it, so those two talked about the Corvair while the wife, Bobby, and I talked about the 500 mile race and events connected with it.<span style=""> </span>She said they were from <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Nebraska</st1:place></st1:state> and her husband was waiting to be called into military service, so they decided to come and have a good time while they could.<span style=""> </span>The three of us talked about the race, the 500 Festival, all of the people around us, the many experiences we had had in our previous trips, and other items connected with Memorial Day at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>She was very pleasant and easy to talk to.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">After we had talked for about an hour or so, Bobby and I decided to take a walk down around the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> to see what was going on.<span style=""> </span>There we really saw what <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> was like the night before the 500.<span style=""> </span>We saw a couple of street parties before we got to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>On the other side of the road, there was a small pickup truck with a canvas over the top of it acting as a roof.<span style=""> </span>Inside were about a dozen people laughing, singing and drinking beer.<span style=""> </span>It was getting to the place now where we could hardly walk without stepping on or kicking a beer can.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">When we got to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street>, we walked down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street>, which runs along the south end of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>The people and cars were really thick now.<span style=""> </span>Cars were moving bumper to bumper at a snail’s pace in both directions.<span style=""> </span>On the north side of the street, the cars were lined up in three and four rows back farther than we could see.<span style=""> </span>Many of the occupants of the cars were sitting on top of them and really having a joyous time.<span style=""> </span>Some of them were playing cards, some were drinking beer, and some were singing and yelling as loud as they could.<span style=""> </span>Those who had set up camp on the street were doing about the same thing. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">On the other side of the street, where we were walking, there were many vendors trying to sell many different items.<span style=""> </span>As couple of the vendors were selling rather large buttons with humorous remarks on them.<span style=""> </span>Bobby and I really got a big laugh out of some of them.<span style=""> </span>Some of the remarks were “I HATE SEX,” “I LIKE SEX,” “TO HELL WITH WORK,” “TO HELL WITH THE BOSS,” “TO HELL WITH KHRUSCHEV,” “MEMBER OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS – IN CASE OF TROUBLE, GIVE ME A BEER,” and several other funny remarks.<span style=""> </span>The more we looked at them, the more we laughed.<span style=""> </span>A short distance down the street we came upon a vendor selling Indianapolis Motor Speedway t-shirts with streaking racecars on them.<span style=""> </span>When he saw me walking by, he shouted to me, “Take one home to your mother.”<span style=""> </span>Both of us just let out a big laugh right in front of the vendor.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">As we continued on our way, we saw distributor demonstrations for cars, go-karts races, religious fanatics yelling and passing out pamphlets, hot dog stands doing a land office business, many stands selling <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> pennants, caps, sweaters, buttons, and several other demonstrations.<span style=""> </span>Everybody was really having a good time.<span style=""> </span>When we got down to the Holiday Inn, we stepped off to the side and leaned against the fence by the parking part of the Holiday Inn and just watched the thousands of people having such a merry time.<span style=""> </span>I think this is the biggest night of the year for many race fans and they really live it up.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">After viewing the crowd for about half an hour, we started back.<span style=""> </span>We were walking behind this fellow who was pretty happy, apparently from drinking too much.<span style=""> </span>He decided to kick one of the many beer cans lying on the sidewalk, but as he took a big kick at it, his shoe came off and went flying through the air, landing several feet up on the sidewalk.<span style=""> </span>The fellow had to hop all the way on his left foot through the heavy crowd to get his stray shoe.<span style=""> </span>It was really comical and we got a big laugh out of it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">When we got back to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> and <st1:place st="on">Main</st1:place>, we went into the drugstore on the corner.<span style=""> </span>I go through the store every year.<span style=""> </span>The place was quite crowded.<span style=""> </span>We looked around a little and bought a newspaper before we left.<span style=""> </span>It was getting pretty late and Bobby decided she wanted to go back to the car, so we did.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">While we walked down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street>, we came upon some nut in the middle of the road that was showing off and beating on two big barrels and trying to sing while he was doing it.<span style=""> </span>I laughed so hard at the nut that my side started to pain me and I was having a hard time getting my breath.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">When we got back to the car, things were pretty quiet.<span style=""> </span>Our nice neighbors on the right appeared to be asleep, but our left side neighbors were still awake and fiddling around in the dark.<span style=""> </span>They were from <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state> and he was a typical Texan with his ten-gallon hat on.<span style=""> </span>I told him I had spend a couple of months in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state> and how hot it was in the summer.<span style=""> </span>His reply was, “Oh, that’s not too hot.”<span style=""> </span>After that I didn’t say anymore to him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Dad looked as if he was asleep, but Bobby and I ended that when we opened the car doors.<span style=""> </span>The three of us talked for a few minutes about what was going on, and then I decided to go back and see some of what I hadn’t seen yet.<span style=""> </span>I walked back to the drugstore at 16<sup>th</sup> and <st1:place st="on">Main</st1:place>, crossed the street, and walked west on the north side of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>Most of the people were sitting on their front porches or in their front yards watching all the activity.<span style=""> </span>The cars were lined up now in four lanes farther back than I could see.<span style=""> </span>I walked slowly to take in as much as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The street parties were in full swing and really going strong.<span style=""> </span>Most of the people in the cars had set up tables on the street and were talking, paying cards, dice, or other games, and drinking.<span style=""> </span>The first intersection west of 16<sup>th</sup> and <st1:place st="on">Main</st1:place> was completely filled with partygoers.<span style=""> </span>I walked three or four more blocks and then crossed over to the other side of the street and walked the other way.<span style=""> </span>There were several groups of college and high school students having their own gay street parties.<span style=""> </span>I came upon one group of fellows who were really having a good time.<span style=""> </span>They were jumping on and off their car, singing, running around, and making wisecracks at girls who walked by.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The lane next to the curbing on the south side of the street was the only one open to traffic.<span style=""> </span>Pretty soon, on open convertible with two girls in it came by.<span style=""> </span>The girls didn’t know the boys were hiding in the front of their car.<span style=""> </span>When the front of the girls’ car was about even with the rear of the boys’ car, one of the boys suddenly stepped out in front of the girls, put his right arm straight out in front of him and said,<span style=""> </span>“STOP!”<span style=""> </span>The driver immediately slammed on the brakes and stopped just a few inches in front of the boys.<span style=""> </span>The stop was so sudden that the front end of the car bounced up and down half a dozen times or more.<span style=""> </span>The girls weren’t happy with what had happened.<span style=""> </span>A couple of the boys asked if they could get in the car and go riding with the girls.<span style=""> </span>The girls said no, started to drive off and then the boys ran and jumped in the car anyway.<span style=""> </span>There were almost standing on their heads to get the girls’ attentions, but the girls just ignored them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">One half block down towards <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:street>, another group of college kids were whooping it up.<span style=""> </span>Unlike the aforementioned group, this was a mixed group, boys and girls both, and they were having just as much fun.<span style=""> </span>There were doing the limbo, beating on barrels, and blasting out on the trumpet.<span style=""> </span>The kids lined up in a straight line and one by one went under the limbo bar held by two of them.<span style=""> </span>Each time it was lower than the previous time.<span style=""> </span>After a while they had to give up.<span style=""> </span>There were three or four barrels and they really worked them over good.<span style=""> </span>They beat them with both their hands and feet to make as much noise as possible.<span style=""> </span>While two of them beat the barrels the rest of them kept time by yelling, singing, and clapping their hands.<span style=""> </span>I, along, with several of the neighbors and passers-by, just stood in the yard and watched and laughed at them.<span style=""> </span>After beating on the barrels for a while, one of the fellows took a trumpet and started blasting away on it.<span style=""> </span>It was so loud, that on a normal night, I think it would have been audible two blocks away.<span style=""> </span>The spectators and I were getting a big laugh out of the free show.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">I watched this show for 15-30 minutes and then I walked down to 16<sup>th</sup> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:street> and then turned right and walked down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:street> for a few blocks.<span style=""> </span>There were as many parked cars here as there were on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>Everybody seemed to be laughing and having a merry time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">About four blocks down, I noticed there was a large crowd, mostly males, gathered in the parking lot of a filling station on the corner. <span style=""> </span>As I got nearer, I could hear Hawaiian music playing, so I could guess what was going on.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t want to miss anything, so I strolled over to the filling station.<span style=""> </span>Sure enough, it was just what I thought.<span style=""> </span>A couple of gals, dressed like Hawaiian hula dancers, were swaying their figures across the parking lot and giving the guys a big thrill.<span style=""> </span>I watched this show for about 15 minutes and then started walking back the same way from which I had come.<span style=""> </span>I walked real slowly as to take in as much of the action as possible.<span style=""> </span>When I got back to 16<sup>th</sup> and <st1:place st="on">Main</st1:place>, I walked the short distance to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street> and then took a walk down that street.<span style=""> </span>The beer cans and the drunks were really thick along here.<span style=""> </span><st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street> runs along the west side of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> parallel to the main straightaway.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was bumper to bumper in both directions and moving very slowly.<span style=""> </span>Many of the people were young folks about my age and having some of the best times of their lives.<span style=""> </span>Almost every front yard was being used as a parking lot.<span style=""> </span>After what seemed like blocks and blocks, I finally reached Gate 6, which is almost even with the start-finish line.<span style=""> </span>A little north of Gate 6, there was a huge spot light going around in circles and emitting a stream of light which could be seen far from the <st1:city st="on">Speedway</st1:city> and which really lit up that part of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>I watched the activity for a few minutes and started back to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> I had to be real careful of the traffic for a couple of reasons, 1.) I had to walk almost in the street and 2.) Some of the drivers were feeling the effects of their drinking and were driving in quite odd ways.<span style=""> </span>It was getting to the place where almost every other step I took I was stepping on a beer can.<span style=""> </span>At last, I got back to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> and then down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street> back to the car.<span style=""> </span>With the exception of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state>, almost every license plate I saw represented a different state. Cars filled not only the streets but the gutters too.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">For the odd time that it was, between 2:00 and 2:30 a.m., the people were doing a variety of things.<span style=""> </span>They were sleeping, drinking beer, reading books and magazines, playing various musical instruments, cooking either late midnight snacks or early breakfasts and eating them, playing cards and a few other games, and doing other things until it was time to move inside the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> grounds.<span style=""> </span>Some of the couple were keeping to themselves and seemed to be enjoying each other’s company quite a bit. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">When I got back to the car, I opened the door as quietly as possible but still managed to wake dad and Bobby.<span style=""> </span>They asked me how everybody and everything was.<span style=""> </span>We talked and laughed for a few minutes, and then decided to sleep for a while.<span style=""> </span>Bobby and dad sat in the back seat while I lay in the front seat with my head on the left side of the seat by the steering wheel.<span style=""> </span>I took off my shoes and dad had removed all the inside door handles, so that made it a little more comfortable.<span style=""> </span>I finally got to sleep for a while but at 5:00, the traditional opening bomb went off, indicating the official beginning of race day, and bringing to an end my abbreviated night’s sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The three of us sat up, opened our eyes and looked out the windows at the cars and the people.<span style=""> </span>The lines of cars on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street> had grown tremendously in just the couple of hours we had slept.<span style=""> </span>The cars we could see had not started to move yet and many of the people in them were still asleep.<span style=""> </span>We watched the activity and listened to the radio for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>Then we washed up a little.<span style=""> </span>We had brought soap, towels, and a washrag with us.<span style=""> </span>At 5:15 am, the water really felt cold on my face but my face felt better after I got some of the dirt off it.<span style=""> </span>Our young neighbors to the right were still sleeping.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At 5:30, we took our yearly walk down to Gate 6 and watched the miles and miles of cars go under the track and onto the infield.<span style=""> </span>It sprinkled for a few minutes but not enough to bother anything.<span style=""> </span>We saw the usual sights that we see every year at Gate 6.<span style=""> </span>There were thousands of cars with every make, model, year, and state being represented.<span style=""> </span>The same was true of the people.<span style=""> </span>Some were still asleep and some were still feeling the effect of their beer drinking.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We started walking back to the car about 6:30, and had to be real careful as we walked so that we wouldn’t be hit by the oncoming traffic.<span style=""> </span>We got back to the car about 6:45 and decided it was time for breakfast so we checked to see what we had.<span style=""> </span>We had a hearty meal of pears, cupcakes, potato chips, oranges, potato salad, regular salad, baked ham and beans, bananas, coffee, and water.<span style=""> </span>I started to drink my milk, but I knew in an instant it was sour, so I drank some of the coffee and water.<span style=""> </span>Despite what it may sound like, it was a good breakfast.<span style=""> </span>It had variety if nothing else.<span style=""> </span>When we were stuffed with food, we put away what we didn’t eat, put all of our scraps together, and then washed our glasses, silverware, mouths, and hands.<span style=""> </span>When that was done, we sat in the car for a while and talked, read the newspaper, and listened to the radio.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At 8:15, we decided we might as well leave for the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>, so we checked to see that we had everything we should and had left in the car everything that we wouldn’t need.<span style=""> </span>We took our tickets, cameras, film, field glasses, caps, and sunglasses.<span style=""> </span>We got out of the car, locked all the doors, said good-bye to our neighbors, who were awake by now, and started walking slowing to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Rd.</st1:address></st1:street><span style=""> </span>The first place we stopped at was the Standard Service Station where we used the bathroom facilities.<span style=""> </span>It cost each of us a quarter and we had to wait in line a few minutes, but we felt much better when we left.<span style=""> </span>As we continued on our way, the crowd became larger and larger.<span style=""> </span>Many people were still sleeping in their cars along the side of the road.<span style=""> </span>Many of them were cooking their breakfasts.<span style=""> </span>As we do every year, we ran into Veterans Administration members selling little pins if you gave them money.<span style=""> </span>We gave them some money so that they would quit bothering us.<span style=""> </span>By the time we got to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>, the crowd and the traffic were really heavy. <span style=""> </span>I took a couple pictures of the entrance to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> and then we gave our tickets to the ticket taker.<span style=""> </span>He tore off on part of the tickets and gave us the rest of them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">As usual, the first thing I did as soon as I was inside the grounds was to buy a 50¢ official racing program.<span style=""> </span>Then we started walking slowly to the viaduct at the starting line and took in the many sights along the way.<span style=""> </span>Before we had gone too far, I had to stop and use the men’s room.<span style=""> </span>The place wasn’t real sanitary and it had a bad smell to it, but it was good enough for right now.<span style=""> </span>We saw hot dog stands, soft drink stands, stands selling books, magazines, pennants, caps, sweaters, and other items.<span style=""> </span>At last, our walk came to its end as we reached the viaduct.<span style=""> </span>We turned right and went down low underneath the track.<span style=""> </span>About a minute or so later, we were on the infield and came into contact with daylight again.<span style=""> </span>We walked around the infield for a while, seeing all the people, the garage area, and other attractions.<span style=""> </span>At 9:30, we went to the Tower Terrace seat area where our seats were located.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Before we went to out seats, we walked down the area between the seats and the pit area.<span style=""> </span>All of the pit crews were getting their tires, gasoline, time watches, paper cups, and other items into their proper places.<span style=""> </span>Many of the crews were running the engines of their cars.<span style=""> </span>In this group was the Bowes Seal Fast Special Crew Car No. 1, to be driven by 1961 winner, A.J. Foyt.<span style=""> </span>We noticed that the crewmembers had worried looks on their faces as they raced the engine.<span style=""> </span>There were many pictures being taken of pit crews, drivers, race officials, and other people.<span style=""> </span>We walked down to the entrance to Gasoline Alley, and stayed there for several minutes.<span style=""> </span>We saw several celebrities, including Jimmy Daywalt, Troy Ruttman, Clarence Cagle, and Harry Harty.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">About 10:00, we went to our seats.<span style=""> </span>As we walked by the pits, we looked in our racing program to see whom the driver of each car was.<span style=""> </span>The car of Parnelli Jones was in the first pit north of the entrance to Gasoline Alley, and it was drawing a little larger crowd than the other cars were.<span style=""> </span>The usher helped us to our seats.<span style=""> </span>We put all of our equipment under our seats and then looked up and down the straightaway at the track and the huge crowd of people.<span style=""> </span>For the first time in the history of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>, the entire front straightaway, with the exception of a few bricks kept as a memento, was covered with asphalt.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">A few minutes after 10:00, the pit crews began pushing their cars to their starting positions.<span style=""> </span>Less than one hour remained now until the green flag fell, indicating the beginning of the race.<span style=""> </span>While all this was happening, the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Purdue</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place> band and a couple of other bands were marching up and down the main straightaway to a happy audience.<span style=""> </span>The band, as usual, was doing a terrific job.<span style=""> </span>The majorettes and especially the golden girl made a big hit with the male racing fans in attendance.<span style=""> </span>At 10:00, the bands played “On the Banks of the <st1:place st="on">Wabash</st1:place>.”<span style=""> </span>After the cars had been rolled onto the track many movie and T.V. celebrities, plus famous people from other areas of life, were introduced over the P.A. system and then driven around the track in official Studebaker cars for the race fans to see.<span style=""> </span>Of all the celebrities who were present, the one who made the biggest hit with the audience was Marlena Schmidt from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>, Miss Universe 1962.<span style=""> </span>She was really a pretty gal.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At 10:30, several USAC and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city> officials made the final inspection of the track.<span style=""> </span>Many famous people were being interviewed over the P.A. system.<span style=""> </span>Among them were drivers, chief mechanics, car owners, race officials, retired drivers, plus some of the famous movie and T.V. people who were there.<span style=""> </span>With each passing minute, the excitement and tension increased.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At 10:40, the enormous crowd rose to its feet as the Purdue Band played “The Star Spangled Banner” and then sat down.<span style=""> </span>At 10:45, the crowd stood again as the band played “Taps,” honoring those who had been killed in war and those race drivers who had won the 500-mile race but were now dead.<span style=""> </span>After Taps was played, the first group of multi-colored balloons was released from a tent behind the Tower.<span style=""> </span>Everybody looked back and up to see one of the most spectacular sights in their life.<span style=""> </span>At 10:50, the band played the last song “Back Home Again in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state>” while one of its members sang the words.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">When the song ended, it sounded as if everybody started to whisper.<span style=""> </span>They knew it was only a matter of seconds now.<span style=""> </span>The excitement and tension were reaching their climax.<span style=""> </span>Most of the people remained standing.<span style=""> </span>Drivers, pit crew members, and officials were the only people on the track now.<span style=""> </span>All 33 drivers were in their cars.<span style=""> </span>Helmets were on and fastened, shoulder harnesses were tied, seat belts were tied, gloves were on, and pants and sleeve cuffs were buttoned.<span style=""> </span>Portable starters were inserted in the front of the cars and the crew members assigned to the starters were itching to start their engines.<span style=""> </span>Drivers and pit crews held last minute conferences.<span style=""> </span>Everybody was ready to go and just waiting to hear those four famous words.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At last, at 10:53 the P.A. announcer said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the president of the <st1:city st="on">Indianapolis</st1:city> Motor <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>, Mr. Tony Hulman.”<span style=""> </span>A couple of seconds later, Tony pronounced loud and clear those four famous words that send everything and everyone into a frenzy, “GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!”<span style=""> </span>Almost instantaneously, the thirty-three big engines came to life with a tremendous roar.<span style=""> </span>The noise of the 33 engines all going at the same time in almost the same place is tremendously loud, but to the race fan, it is one of the sweetest and most beautiful sounds he knows.<span style=""> </span>When the starters were removed and the drivers indicated they were ready to go, one crew member from each crew standing at the back of his car raised one of his arms into the air to indicate to the officials that his car was ready to be pushed away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">About a minute later, Sam Hanks, driving the Studebaker Pace Car, with Tony Hulman as his passenger, slowly pulled away from the starting line.<span style=""> </span>One by one, the cars were pushed away as they disappeared into the southwest turn, and crew members scrambled to get themselves and their equipment back to their respective pits.<span style=""> </span>The deep, thunderous sound of the fastest starting field in 500 mile race history could be heard as it traveled down the backstretch.<span style=""> </span>The eternal wait was on.<span style=""> </span>It seemed forever until the cars appeared again.<span style=""> </span>All eyes were focused on the northwest turn, and a few seconds later, the pace car appeared and started down the main straightaway. <span style=""> </span>A huge cheer went up from the crowd.<span style=""> </span>Led by the front row of Parnelli Jones, Rodger Ward, and Bobby Marshman, the rows of three appeared one by one.<span style=""> </span>The pace car was traveling at a good clip as it went by us.<span style=""> </span>The thirty-three cars were lined up perfectly.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think they could have made a better formation.<span style=""> </span>Some of the drivers looked around and waved at the crowd as they passed by while others looked straight ahead.<span style=""> </span>The eleven rows of three each was one of the prettiest sights I’ve ever seen anywhere.<span style=""> </span>All thirty-three cars had started without any trouble, which was rather unusual.<span style=""> </span>The enormous crowd of 200,000 or more gave the drivers a tremendous applause as they passed by.<span style=""> </span>Some waved, some cheered, and some did both.<span style=""> </span>One more time around and the green flag would fall.<span style=""> </span>Once again, all eyes turned to the northwest turn.<span style=""> </span>Patiently, but nervously and noisily, the crowd waited out the time.<span style=""> </span>Bombs were still going off and balloons were still soaring into the sky.<span style=""> </span>Most of the people were standing on the seats.<span style=""> </span>Suddenly, a loud cheer went up.<span style=""> </span>The pace car came out of the turn and it really moved as it came down the straightaway.<span style=""> </span>The field was just a short distance behind and pick up speed.<span style=""> </span>The Studebaker streaked down the pit apron; starter Pat Vidan waved the green flag, the drivers charged full blast for the starting line and THE RACE WAS ON!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">As everybody expected, Parnelli Jones jumped into the lead.<span style=""> </span>As they came by for the finish of the first lap, it was Jones, Ward, and Foyt.<span style=""> </span>Jones set a new record for almost every lap he led.<span style=""> </span>He was traveling at 146-147 mph until the 17<sup>th</sup> lap when the yellow flag came out.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">All of the drivers immediately slowed down.<span style=""> </span>There was a pileup of cars at the end of the northwest turn.<span style=""> </span>Four drivers were involved, including Jack Turner, Bob Christie, and rookies Chuck Rodee and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Springfield</st1:place></st1:city>’s Allen Crowe.<span style=""> </span>Turner received a broken toe and various bruises, but Christie, Crowe, and Rodee were unhurt.<span style=""> </span>When track officials had the mess cleaned up, the green flag came out again, as records continued to fall and be set.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Jones led for all but five of the first 125 laps.<span style=""> </span>Then he ran into some back luck and lost his brakes.<span style=""> </span>Consequently, he had to slow down considerably.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Midway through the race, the Thompson Harvey Aluminum Special had to drop out when an oil seal worked loose in the rear axle housing.<span style=""> </span>This was the only car not powered by an Offenhauser engine.<span style=""> </span>Instead it had a Buick engine.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">A.J. Foyt, 1961 winner, was up near the front of the pack until he made a pit stop on his 69<sup>th</sup> lap.<span style=""> </span>There was much confusion during the stop and during the process, somebody didn’t fasten the wheel nut on the left rear tire.<span style=""> </span>When Foyt got to the first turn, the wheel came off.<span style=""> </span>He pulled into the infield, unhurt, but was out of the race.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Rodger Ward led the race from about the 170<sup>th</sup> lap to the end.<span style=""> </span>Len Sutton and Eddie Sachs tried hard to catch Ward, but they ran out of time.<span style=""> </span>Rodger won his second 500 mile race with a record average of 140.292, finishing twelve seconds ahead of Sutton.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Finishing behind Ward, Sutton, and Sachs were Don Davis, Bobby Marshman, rookie Jim McElreath, Parnelli Jones, Lloyd Ruby, Jim Rathman, and Johnny Boyd.<span style=""> </span>The first four cars broke A.J. Foyt’s 1961 record of 139.130 mph.<span style=""> </span>It was the first time Len Sutton had finished a race at Indy.<span style=""> </span>Eddie Sachs put on another excellent show this year, just as he did in 1961.<span style=""> </span>He started in 27<sup>th</sup> position and finished third, with an average speed of 140.075 mph.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Most people agree that barring unforeseen trouble, Parnelli Jones would have won the race if his brakes hadn’t gone out.<span style=""> </span>He was setting new records for almost every lap he led and his car was running faultlessly. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Rookie Jim McElreath’s six-place finish brought him the honor of “Rookie of the Year.”<span style=""> </span>He started in 7<sup>th</sup> place with an average of 149.025 mph.<span style=""> </span>About ten minutes after Rodger Ward received the checkered flag, Pat Vidan, the started, waved the red flag, which means the race is finished.<span style=""> </span>Eddie Sachs’ pit crew was near our seats and when he tried to get out of his car after the race, he was so cramped up that he couldn’t stand by himself and had to be helped by his crew members so that he wouldn’t fall down.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">When all activity on the track had stopped, the three of us took a tour through the garage area.<span style=""> </span>We saw several of the cars and a few of the drivers.<span style=""> </span>One of the drivers we saw was Ebb Rose.<span style=""> </span>He was with his wife and mother and was talking to some of the fans touring the area.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The cars looked much different than they did about four hours ago.<span style=""> </span>They were covered with dirt, grease, oil, and other items, which distracted from the beauty of them.<span style=""> </span>Those that finished the race or most of the race had taken a beating.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The crowd touring the garage area was real large and it made for difficult maneuvering.<span style=""> </span>If you weren’t careful, the impact of the crowd would move you.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">After we had seen everything we wanted to see, we walked across the track and across the pathway between Grandstands A and B.<span style=""> </span>Everybody looked tired and sunburned.<span style=""> </span>Just before we left the grounds, I bought a paper, which told about the Rodger Ward victory.<span style=""> </span>The traffic, both pedestrian and automobile, was real heavy.<span style=""> </span>There were still plenty of beer cans to step on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We arrived back at the car shortly before 4:00.<span style=""> </span>Our young neighbors on our right were already back from the race and were resting in their car.<span style=""> </span>It really felt good to sit down and get off our feet for a while.<span style=""> </span>The first thing we did was take off our shoes and then drink some water.<span style=""> </span>We had quite a lot of food left and we were hungry so we had what might be called an early supper.<span style=""> </span>It made me feel much better.<span style=""> </span>While we ate, we talked to our young neighbors.<span style=""> </span>We were all tired but had really enjoyed watching the race.<span style=""> </span>I still had several pictures to take yet so I cruised around the area taking various shots.<span style=""> </span>After I took my pictures, we sat in the car and looked at some of the many newspapers we had gathered.<span style=""> </span>We also took in the heavy automobile and pedestrian traffic.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was bumper to bumper for many blocks, but it was moving steadily.<span style=""> </span>When we began feeling a little more refreshed, we cleaned up the mess we had made while eating, washed our silverware, hands, and faces, and then put everything back the way it was.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">When the traffic began fading out a little, we decided we may as well leave.<span style=""> </span>We checked to see that we had everything and then we said good-bye to our neighbors and left.<span style=""> </span>Dad drove, I sat in the front seat, and Bobby sat behind me.<span style=""> </span>We drove the few feet out to the street, turned right, and stopped at the stop sign.<span style=""> </span>When there was a lull in the traffic, we turned right and went to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lyndhurst Road</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>The policeman signaled us on so we turned left and drove south on <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lyndhurst</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>Most of the neighbors were sitting on their porches or in their yards and watching the heavy traffic go by.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was stop and go all the way to the intersection of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lyndhurst</st1:place></st1:city> and Route 36.<span style=""> </span>As might be expected, it was almost all race fans heading home after a long and tiring, but still pleasant, day.<span style=""> </span>As we always do, we noticed several boys standing along the side of the rode selling the latest edition of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> newspapers.<span style=""> </span>When we got to the intersection, we turned right onto Route 36.<span style=""> </span>Incidentally, we left the parking lot at 4:50 and waved our final good-bye to our neighbors in the Corvair.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The traffic was still moving in spurts on the highway.<span style=""> </span>Slowly it began thinning out.<span style=""> </span>We ran into the usual number of pests who were driving excessively slow and holding up traffic, plus those drivers who were out for a holiday afternoon spin.<span style=""> </span>We had our radio on and every newscast had a story about the 500-mile race.<span style=""> </span>When we got to <st1:city st="on">Danville</st1:city>, there were still young boys in the streets selling the late afternoon edition of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> newspaper.<span style=""> </span>We traveled through the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Hoosier</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>, observing the pretty spring scenery at roadside tables.<span style=""> </span>At 7:15, we arrived at Chrisman and pulled off to the left and stopped at the same place that we did yesterday when coming over.<span style=""> </span>We got out and stretched a few seconds and then went on in.<span style=""> </span>We sat on stools as we had yesterday, but these were to the left of where we sat yesterday.<span style=""> </span>I took off my sunglasses and my eyes felt much different.<span style=""> </span>There were several race fans there.<span style=""> </span>Each of us had a complete, hot meal that really felt good.<span style=""> </span>I also had a good, cold glass of milk and one of water.<span style=""> </span>When we felt we had had enough, we paid our bill, used the restroom and left.<span style=""> </span>We got into the same seats we had before we stopped and once more, drove west on Route 36 to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Springfield</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Many farmers we saw along the saw were enjoying the end of the holiday by sitting on their porches and watching the traffic go by.<span style=""> </span>Most of the sights we had seen during the evening hours of May 30.<span style=""> </span>About 8:45, we arrived at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>For the first time this year, we ran into some rain.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t very much but it was enough to let us know it was raining.<span style=""> </span>When we got out of <st1:city st="on">Decatur</st1:city>, we picked up our pace again and shortly after 9:30, we arrived at <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">1157 N. 3<sup>rd</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Springfield</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We stopped in the driveway beside the back steps.<span style=""> </span>I was a little stiff from having sat in the same position for two hours and had to kick my legs a little before I could walk up the steps.<span style=""> </span>It took each of us two trips to get everything out of the car and into the house.<span style=""> </span>We left everything in the kitchen temporarily and then went in the front room and sat down and told mother all about our trip.<span style=""> </span>Dad and I both washed up a little bit to get some of the dirt off our faces.<span style=""> </span>My arms were still hot from having set out in the sun so long and it stung when I ran water on them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Once again, our annual trip was over, and for the ninth consecutive year, it had been a most happy and enjoyable time for me.<span style=""> </span>It was dad’s tenth and Bobby’s third trip.<span style=""> </span>I enjoyed every minute of the trip, from the time we said good-bye to mother until we said hello to her again.<span style=""> </span>Despite the usual predictions of possible rain for the race, the weatherman once again smiled on <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> on Memorial Day.<span style=""> </span>The race get faster, the crowd gets larger, and the outside activities connected with the race increases in number every, and 1962 was no exception.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> 500 is unlike anything else.<span style=""> </span>Nowhere and at no other time can one find so many people having such a wonderful time.<span style=""> </span>The 500-mile race continues to be the greatest single day sporting event in the world, and I think it always will be.<span style=""> </span>I consider it a privilege to be able to attend this marvelous event.<span style=""> </span>Each year is the same and at the same time, each year is different.<span style=""> </span>A person must see the race and everything connected with it, in person, before he can appreciate what a tremendous thing it is, and after nine years, I still marvel at all of it.<span style=""> </span>There is almost too much to tell all in one story.<span style=""> </span>Each year when I get home, I’m tired and say to myself, “I’ve had enough for this year,” but I also know that I would be unhappy if I was anywhere else on May 30.<span style=""> </span>Come Thursday, May 30, 1963, I once again plan to be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 47<sup>th</sup> running of the annual Memorial Day Indianapolis 500 mile auto race.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Pace Car – Studebaker Lark<br />500 Festival Queen – Jerilyn Jones<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-13363239698159195712008-06-15T08:56:00.001-05:002008-06-15T08:59:40.288-05:00Indy Journal - 1961<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1961</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >The 1961 500-mile race was a little different than the other seven races I had seen for several reason: 1) The race was on a Tuesday, the first time I’d ever seen a race on that day.<span style=""> </span>I have now seen a race on every day of the week, excluding Sunday of course.<span style=""> </span>2) This was the first year we went to the race in our 1957 Chevrolet.<span style=""> </span>3) My Aunt Bobby went with dad and me this year.<span style=""> </span>She had gone with us once before in 1956 but not since then.<span style=""> </span>4) It was the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the 500-mile race.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t the 50<sup>th</sup> race but the first race was held on May 30, 1911.<span style=""> </span>5) There were two new sections of seats this year.<span style=""> </span>All of Grandstand C had been torn down and a new Paddock C of steel and concrete had taken its place.<span style=""> </span>The new seats don’t have any roof above them, whereas Grandstand C had a roof over it.<span style=""> </span>There was also a new paddock of steel and concrete immediately south of Paddock C. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >We received our tickets on April 22, the latest we’ve ever gotten them.<span style=""> </span>They were in the Tower Terrace Section 42, Row F, Seats 7-9. For the first time since 1957, we traveled in the afternoon.<span style=""> </span>After eating dinner, getting everything packed into the car, and double-checking everything, the three of us, with me driving, dad in the front seat and Bobby in the back, left at 12:54 pm.<span style=""> </span>We went up to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">North Grand Ave.</st1:address></st1:street> and east on <st1:place st="on">Sangamon</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>We ran into slow traffic between <st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on">Decatur</st1:city> and didn’t get to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city> until almost 2:00.<span style=""> </span>This was the first year of the new Route 36 going into <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>A four-lane highway now leads into the city coming from the west.<span style=""> </span>It certainly is an improvement over the old entrance.<span style=""> </span>Traffic was rather heavy all through the city until we got a little past <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Lake</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Decatur</st1:placename></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>From then on, until we stopped at Chrisman, the traffic wasn’t so bad.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >We arrived at Chrisman at 2:59 and stopped at our usual place and rested for a couple of minutes.<span style=""> </span>It felt good to get out of the car and stretch a little bit.<span style=""> </span>Dad and Bobby had a cup of coffee and I had a glass of milk.<span style=""> </span>After eating, we used the restroom and then left at 3:16.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes later, we were in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style=""> </span>The farther we went, the closer we knew we were getting to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>A couple of towns had large banners overhead advertising the big race.<span style=""> </span>We had a little trouble when we got there.<span style=""> </span>We got confused on our streets and turned off onto what we thought was <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lyndhurst Road</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>We stopped at the first filling station and an attendant told us we were off our course.<span style=""> </span>We drove on east a few more blocks until we reached <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lyndhurst Road</st1:address></st1:street>, and then stopped at the Standard Station on the corner and had the gasoline tank filled and the windows washed.<span style=""> </span>From there we drove north on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lyndhurst Road</st1:address></st1:street> to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>We turned right and drove until we reached <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Fisher Ave.</st1:address></st1:street><span style=""> </span>At last, we were “home.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Mrs. Kramer was on hand to greet us at 5:09.<span style=""> </span>After dad paid our $1.00 fee, we told Mrs. Kramer we had come over early so that we could see the 500 Festival Parade at night in downtown <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Indianapolis</st1:city></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>She chuckled a little and told us we were too late.<span style=""> </span>The parade had been held on Saturday, the 27<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>We didn’t know what to do then.<span style=""> </span>Our plans were really shot.<span style=""> </span>We decided to take our initial walk down to the speedway and see what was going on.<span style=""> </span>The area was a beehive of activity.<span style=""> </span>Our plans of going through the museum were stifled when we saw the long line way past the door waiting to get inside.<span style=""> </span>After talking for a couple of minutes, we decided to go back to the car and eat supper.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >We had brought potato chips, deviled eggs, oranges, bananas, and sandwiches to eat, and milk, coffee, and water to drink.<span style=""> </span>Bobby and dad sat in the back seat and I sat in the front seat.<span style=""> </span>While we were eating, the couple next to us, and their three children, asked us if we would like to eat some of the food they had cooked on their charcoal grill.<span style=""> </span>We were delighted at the invitation but felt we had enough food, so we declined it.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >When we finished eating, we decided that since we had the whole night to ourselves, we’d go downtown anyway as we had originally planned.<span style=""> </span>We went back to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lyndhurst Road</st1:address></st1:street> and caught our bus.<span style=""> </span>It was a long ride from there to downtown.<span style=""> </span>We went through a section of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>, which was quite attractive and quiet.<span style=""> </span>It was quite different from the area around the speedway.<span style=""> </span>It looked like it probably did every other night of the year.<span style=""> </span>We came to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> and turned east.<span style=""> </span>After going a few blocks, I knew we were back in familiar territory.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was becoming heavier and heavier.<span style=""> </span>In a couple of minutes, we were in the famous traffic that extends for several blocks in either direction of the speedway.<span style=""> </span>What I saw there on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St</st1:address></st1:street> was really something.<span style=""> </span>The cars were lined up in two or three rows all the way back to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>There were hundreds of people all along the way.<span style=""> </span>It’s a sight that’s hard to believe.<span style=""> </span>The people are having the time of their lives – singing, playing musical instruments, drinking, eating, laughing, and, in general, “living it up.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >After fighting blocks and blocks of heavy traffic, we at last arrived inside the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> city limits.<span style=""> </span>It was pretty quiet in the city.<span style=""> </span>We got off the bus right across from the Soldiers and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Sailors</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Monument</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>All the stores were closed so there wasn’t much activity going on.<span style=""> </span>We walked a few blocks until we came to the bus station, where we went in and used the restrooms.<span style=""> </span>It was really a dirty, old, smelly building.<span style=""> </span>When we got back into fresh air again, we walked around downtown.<span style=""> </span>We saw the state capitol and many other downtown buildings.<span style=""> </span>If one were walking downtown, it wouldn’t be hard to tell it was 500-mile race time.<span style=""> </span>Many store windows had pictures of the speedway, various drivers, cars, mechanics, etc.<span style=""> </span>On both sides of one street, there were pictures of every winner of the race since 1911.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >When we had seen everything we wanted to see, we boarded the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">West 16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> bus and started back.<span style=""> </span>There were only a couple of persons on the bus when we got on, but the farther we went, the more crowded it became.<span style=""> </span>Somewhere along the route, some inebriate boarded the bus.<span style=""> </span>As it turned out, he was the center of attention all the way back to the speedway.<span style=""> </span>Being drunk, he wasn’t quite sure if he was on the right bus, sitting down, standing up, had paid his fee, or where he was going.<span style=""> </span>He had the three of us laughing to such an extent that we were in pain.<span style=""> </span>It was worth the bus fare just to have him along.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >We got off on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Fisher St.</st1:address></st1:street>, two blocks south of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>It was about 11:00 now and everything was in full swing.<span style=""> </span>When we got to the car, Bobby and dad decided to try and get some sleep, but I thought it was too early for that and took a walk down by the speedway.<span style=""> </span>I went in the drugstore at 16<sup>th</sup> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:street> and bought a couple newspapers.<span style=""> </span>Then I walked west on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> a few blocks.<span style=""> </span>The circus, carnival, or whatever one might call it, was going full blast.<span style=""> </span>There were three rows of cars lined up farther back than I could see.<span style=""> </span>On <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street>, beside the drugstore, there was a large group of youths about my age dancing and singing to records playing through a loud speaker on top of the drugstore.<span style=""> </span>In addition to singing and dancing, they were also consuming beer at a high rate and showing signs of it too.<span style=""> </span>I was so attracted by it all, I just stopped and watched the show for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>Then I crossed over to the north side of the street and walked back towards the speedway.<span style=""> </span>Across the street from the drugstore, some men were showing a colored film of the 1960 race.<span style=""> </span>It was an excellent film and was attracting a large crowd.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >About 12:45, I went back to the car.<span style=""> </span>I tried to get into the car without waking Bobby or dad, but I didn’t.<span style=""> </span>They wanted to know where I’d been and what I’d been doing.<span style=""> </span>I took off my shoes and put them and the newspapers on the floor, lay down on the pillow, with my head on the right side of the front seat, pulled a blanket over me, and tried to go to sleep.<span style=""> </span>Excitement and noise, however, prevented me from getting much sleep.<span style=""> </span>Another reason I couldn’t sleep was that I couldn’t get into a comfortable position.<span style=""> </span>First, I was lying on my back and then on my side.<span style=""> </span>I changed back and forth all night long.<span style=""> </span>My legs were giving me trouble also.<span style=""> </span>Of course, I couldn’t stretch them out as I wanted to, and I had the steering wheel to contend with too.<span style=""> </span>Most of the night, I just lay there and listened to all the noises around me.<span style=""> </span>Occasionally, I would sit up and look out the windows to see what was going on.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think Bobby or dad got hardly any sleep either.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >At 5:00, the traditional opening bomb went up.<span style=""> </span>Race day was officially here now.<span style=""> </span>The three of us opened our eyes to see what was going on.<span style=""> </span>Slowly, all the people in the cars parked on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street> began to awake.<span style=""> </span>The Speedway City Police, Indianapolis Police, Marion County Sheriff’s Department, and Indiana State Police began directing the thousands of cars into the speedway.<span style=""> </span>I went out to see how far back the cars were lined up, but it as farther than I could see.<span style=""> </span>About 5:30, we decided to go down on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street> and watch all the cars going into Gate 6.<span style=""> </span>On our way there, we stopped at the Standard Service Station.<span style=""> </span>All three of us were in need of a restroom.<span style=""> </span>When we got there, we discovered that we had to wait our turn in a long line.<span style=""> </span>After waiting for a long time, we found relief at last.<span style=""> </span>Feeling much better as we left, we then went inside and had us some coffee and doughnuts.<span style=""> </span>The station was really doing a business.<span style=""> </span>In addition to having to pay for the coffee and doughnuts, we also had to pay for the use of the restroom.<span style=""> </span>When we finished our pre-breakfast snack, we moved on down to the speedway.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >As usual, we had to watch our step in getting to Gate 6.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was bumper to bumper all the way and the pedestrian traffic was heavy too.<span style=""> </span>After walking for what seemed to be blocks and blocks, we finally got there.<span style=""> </span>The Indiana State Police were directing the hundreds and hundreds of cars under the track and onto the infield.<span style=""> </span>We stood off the road by a police car and watched all the cars go under the track.<span style=""> </span>I think there were cars from every state in the country.<span style=""> </span>The cars were of all ages, as were their passengers.<span style=""> </span>We stood there about forty-five minutes and watched the hundreds of cars and people go into the infield.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >When the line began to thin out just a little, we decided to go back to the car and eat breakfast.<span style=""> </span>Before we got to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:address></st1:street>, however, we ran into Arch Compton, a longtime friend or ours from church, and his brother.<span style=""> </span>It surely was a surprise because we had no idea he was there.<span style=""> </span>We stopped and talked a few minutes about the weather, the traffic, and a few other things and then started back once again.<span style=""> </span>A couple minutes later, before we got to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street>, we heard somebody call our name.<span style=""> </span>We turned around and there in that heavy traffic, we saw Stuart Vose, Ray Johnson, Duey Springer, and one of Stuart’s brothers waiving at us.<span style=""> </span>Of course, this surprised us too.<span style=""> </span>Except for Stuart’s brother, all of these men were from our church also.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >We got back to the car about 7:00.<span style=""> </span>Our breakfast consisted of milk, coffee, water, oranges, bananas, potato salad, baked beans, and a few other things.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t what one might call a well-balanced meal, but the food was good and it was enough to keep us full for a while.<span style=""> </span>When we finished eating, we sat in the car and read some of the newspapers I had bought.<span style=""> </span>All of the papers had devoted a large portion of their space to the big race.<span style=""> </span>There were just a few pages for other news events.<span style=""> </span>After we read what we wanted of the newspapers, we sat and talked for a couple minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >About 8:15, we decided to get everything ready and leave for the speedway.<span style=""> </span>We cleaned up the mess we had made eating breakfast, folded our sheets, blankets and pillows, and put them in some kind of order, straightened up the newspapers, made sure we had our tickets, and then rechecked everything before we got out, closed all the windows, and locked all the doors.<span style=""> </span>Now we were headed for a day at the speedway.<span style=""> </span>We also had our field glasses, camera, sunglasses, and caps with us.<span style=""> </span>A lot of people also had coolers full of cold drinks and the lunches with them.<span style=""> </span>Many people were set for their holiday picnic. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >About 8:30, we stepped through the main gate.<span style=""> </span>As usual, as soon as I got inside the gate, I bought an official souvenir program of the race for 50¢.<span style=""> </span>We then walked slowly toward the pedestrian viaduct under the start-finish line and observed everything around us as we were walking.<span style=""> </span>After a long walk, we finally reached the viaduct.<span style=""> </span>We turned right, took the dark walk under the track, and come out on the infield.<span style=""> </span>For a few minutes, we walked around and saw some of the garages, cars, mechanics, spectators, concession stands, and other items that are typical of the speedway on Memorial Day morning.<span style=""> </span>Dad and Bobby decided they’d seen everything they wanted to see and went to their seats, while I looked around a little more.<span style=""> </span>I took a couple pictures while I was by myself.<span style=""> </span>About 9:45, I thought I’d better get to my seat so that I wouldn’t miss anything happening on the track.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t have any trouble finding my seat and in a couple of minutes, I sat down and was ready to take in everything.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >At 10:00, pit crews began pushing their respective cars to their starting positions on the track.<span style=""> </span>The tension and excitement were beginning to mount.<span style=""> </span>While this was going on, the <st1:placename st="on">Purdue</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype> bank played “On the Banks of the <st1:place st="on">Wabash</st1:place>.”<span style=""> </span>The Purdue band and marching team were doing their usually outstanding job of parading up and down the main straightaway prior to the race.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >About 10:15, all the celebrities present from the entertainment world started touring the track in official Ford Thunderbird cars.<span style=""> </span>Among those present were John Provost, Connie Stevens, Diane McBain, and several others.<span style=""> </span>In addition to these, the Queen of the 500 Festival also rode in a car.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Between 10:15 and 10:30, some of the old speedway race cars toured the track and were driven by the same men who used to drive them in the 500 mile race.<span style=""> </span>One of the cars was the Mormon Special with Ray Harroun the driver, which won the first 500 mile race held on May 30, 1911.<span style=""> </span>While all of this was going on, the P.A. system was being used to interview various drivers, mechanics, officials, and celebrities.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >At 10:40, the huge crowd of 200,000 or more rose to its feet as the “Star Spangled Banner” was played.<span style=""> </span>Everyone was really getting excited now, with the big moment only a few minutes away.<span style=""> </span>At 10:45 the band played “Taps” as everybody paid homage to those men who lost their lives in racing.<span style=""> </span>At 10:50, the familiar “Back Home Again In Indiana” was sung and played.<span style=""> </span>This is always the last song before the race.<span style=""> </span>Just seconds after this, thousands of multi-colors balloons were released into the sky from behind the Tower Terrace.<span style=""> </span>A couple of seconds later, the announcer said, “Now, ladies and gentlemen, here is that moment you’ve all been waiting for – Mr. Tony Hulman, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”<span style=""> </span>Tony reached over to the microphone and repeated those four famous words, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.”<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >A couple seconds later, the 33 engines started roaring.<span style=""> </span>There was so much noise now, all of it pleasant of course, that you could hardly hear the person next to you talking.<span style=""> </span>Everybody was standing on their feet now trying to see the cars.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >About one minute later, the pace car started moving slowly.<span style=""> </span>Sam Hanks was the driver and Tony Hulman sat on the right side of the front seat.<span style=""> </span>One by one, the big cars were pushed away by their crews.<span style=""> </span>About two minutes later, the Thunderbird pace car came onto the front straightaway with the eleven rows of cars behind it.<span style=""> </span>The perfect formation of the field as it come down the straightaway made a beautiful sight, and the crowd showed its happiness by cheering and waving and many of the drivers responded by waving their hands and arms and smiling at the spectators.<span style=""> </span>One more time around and the race would start.<span style=""> </span>People were shouting, biting their fingernails, standing on their seats, and waiting out those long seconds before they see the pace car again and a few seconds later, it appeared.<span style=""> </span>Another cheer came from the crowd.<span style=""> </span>The pace car was traveling quite fast and the 33 starters were still in perfect formation as they picked up speed quickly for the flying start.<span style=""> </span>The pace car pulled into the pit area, Bill Vandewater displayed the green flag and the race was on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Eddie Sachs, starting on the pole position, was the first driver into the turn, only slightly ahead of Jim Hurtubise.<span style=""> </span>Going down the back straightaway, Hurtubise passed Sachs.<span style=""> </span>At the end of lap one, Hurtubise and Sachs were still running one and two.<span style=""> </span>Hurtubise led for about the next 20 laps.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >With only three laps gone, Don Branson, second place starter, pulled into the pits and was through for the day with valve trouble.<span style=""> </span>The lead changed hands several times after Hurtubise relinquished it.<span style=""> </span>Among the leadings were Jim Rathman and Troy Ruttman.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >At the end of about 50 laps, there was a chain reaction crash on the front straightaway involving several cars.<span style=""> </span>It started when rookie Don Davis started spinning right in front of us.<span style=""> </span>He hit the outside retaining wall twice and spun around in circles down to about the starting line.<span style=""> </span>Several drivers, trying to avoid <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Davis</st1:place></st1:city>, suddenly applied their brakes and started spinning also.<span style=""> </span>A few that weren’t spinning were hit by some of those who were spinning.<span style=""> </span>Jack Turner suddenly took to the air.<span style=""> </span>His car flipped end over end as it went high into the air and then came down, still flipping end over end, and landed right side up.<span style=""> </span>None of the drivers were hurt, but several of them were shaken up a little bit.<span style=""> </span>In addition to Davis and Turner, Bill Cheesbourg, A.J. Sheppard and Roger McCluskey were also in the wreck.<span style=""> </span>The yellow flag come out immediately and track attendants started cleaning up the mess of metal, oil, gasoline, and rubber.<span style=""> </span>It certainly was a relief to know none of the drivers were hurt.<span style=""> </span>About 15-20 minutes later, the debris was cleared away and the green flag come out again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%;">New records were being set for almost every lap. As lap after lap become history, pit stops become more numerous.<span style=""> </span>Jim Rathman’s car was retired early with mechanical trouble.<span style=""> </span>About half way through the race, Troy Ruttman retired for the day with clutch trouble.<span style=""> </span>Ruttman led the race for several laps and set a new record for the fastest lap ever run during the race – 147+ mph.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >At about the 150<sup>-lap</sup> mark, Eddie Johnson lost control of his car in the northwest turn.<span style=""> </span>He hit the outside, then the inside retaining wall.<span style=""> </span>Although Eddie wasn’t hurt at all and the car only slightly, they were both finished for the day.<span style=""> </span>It also brought out the yellow flag for the second and what turned out to be the last time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >As the race went into the final laps, it became a battle between A. J. Foyt and Eddie Sachs for the lead.<span style=""> </span>It was turning out to be like last year’s fight between Rodger Ward and Jim Rathman.<span style=""> </span>One would lead for a couple laps and then the other one would take over for a couple laps.<span style=""> </span>Also, like last year they were setting records on almost every lap.<span style=""> </span>The crowd was really enjoying the battle.<span style=""> </span>Some were for Foyt, some for Sachs, and many didn’t care one way or the other.<span style=""> </span>I leaned toward Sachs because he had started in all the past five races, four times in the front row, but hadn’t finished the race once.<span style=""> </span>This would be a good place to finish for the first time.<span style=""> </span>On the 192<sup>nd</sup> lap, Foyt had to make an unexpected stop for fuel.<span style=""> </span>Something went wrong on his pit stop just before this one, and he only received about half the fuel he should have received.<span style=""> </span>Sachs would be the winner now. Foyt wouldn’t be able to make up the time he lost during his pit stop.<span style=""> </span>The laps were becoming fewer and fewer – 193, 194, 195, 196.<span style=""> </span>Then came lap 197.<span style=""> </span>I looked up and saw the white No. 12 driven by Sachs, streaking down the pit area.<span style=""> </span>One of his tires had to be changed, even though he was only three laps from victory.<span style=""> </span>Sachs’ crew worked frantically so that they could still get out in 1<sup>st</sup> place but Foyt passed the starting line and went into the lead to stay.<span style=""> </span>Once again, lady luck had gone sour on Eddie Sachs.<span style=""> </span>He gave it all he had on those last three laps, but time had run out.<span style=""> </span>Foyt crossed the finish line less than eight seconds ahead of Sachs.<span style=""> </span>Eddie remarked after the race “I’d rather be second than maybe dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Foyt’s winning average was 139.131 mph, a new record.<span style=""> </span>Rodger Ward was third and Shorty Templeton fourth.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes later after he pulled into <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Victory Lane</st1:address></st1:street>, Foyt and his wife were driven around the track in the pace car.<span style=""> </span>The big race was over now, and for the second consecutive year, it had really been a thriller.<span style=""> </span>We stayed in our seats until all the cars were off the rack and all the interviews had been finished.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Now we had the big job of getting out of the place.<span style=""> </span>We went out the same way we came in, except of course we went the other way.<span style=""> </span>Right before we went out the main gate, I bought a flash edition of one of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> newspapers.<span style=""> </span>The headlines said Foyt won the race and there were pictures of the wreck on the front straightaway.<span style=""> </span>After fighting the mammoth crowd, we at last got back to our car.<span style=""> </span>We opened the windows and doors and then lay down and rested a while.<span style=""> </span>I took several pictures with my camera to fill out the roll.<span style=""> </span>Then I went back to the car and we all had something to eat and drink.<span style=""> </span>We also read the papers a little bit and listened to the radio.<span style=""> </span>We got everything back into order and at 3:55, we bid a sad goodbye to everything and left for home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Dad drove all the way.<span style=""> </span>I sat in the front seat and Bobby in the back seat.<span style=""> </span>The traffic wasn’t too bad.<span style=""> </span>Soon, we hit Rt. 36 and turned right.<span style=""> </span>We crossed the state line about 6:15 and stopped at Chrisman about 6:30.<span style=""> </span>As usual, we were really hungry.<span style=""> </span>We had a good hot meal, which made us feel better.<span style=""> </span>When we finished eating, we used the restroom and at 6:29, we left.<span style=""> </span>It was shortly after 8:30 when we arrived home.<span style=""> </span>We took everything out of the car and brought it in the house.<span style=""> </span>Then we sat down and rested for a few minutes and washed up a little bit.<span style=""> </span>The big event was over for this year and it surely had been a wonderful race.<span style=""> </span>We couldn’t have asked for a much better one.<span style=""> </span>The weather was wonderful.<span style=""> </span>There was hardly a cloud in the sky from the time we left until we got home, and there was no rain at all the entire trip.<span style=""> </span>This was the first trip we had taken that I could recall it didn’t rain at any time.<span style=""> </span>It got pretty cool at night.<span style=""> </span>It got down to 40°, which seemed usually cool.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >For the 8<sup>th</sup> time, I had seen the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> 500 mile auto race, the world’s greatest sport spectacle and the largest single day sporting event anywhere, and as usual, I had thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the utmost.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Pace Car – Ford Thunderbird</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-86211805403243241302008-06-15T08:52:00.002-05:002008-06-15T09:00:07.132-05:00Indy Journal - 1960<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1960</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Three events stand out in my mind when I think of the 1960 500-mile race.<span style=""> </span>Those events are: 1) the weather when we went from <st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:city> to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>; 2) the terrific duel between Jim Rathman and Roger Ward; 3) the temporary homemade scaffold stand that collapsed, carrying two people to their deaths.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We received our tickets on March 28.<span style=""> </span>Dad had the car greased and oiled during the week before Memorial Day.<span style=""> </span>We got everything ready on Sunday, the 29<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>It rained all day on Sunday.<span style=""> </span>Everything was packed and ready to go shortly before 3:00, but because it was raining so hard, we decided to wait a while, hoping it would let up a little or else quit entirely, but it didn’t.<span style=""> </span>It would let up a little, then start pouring again, let up a little, and then start pouring again.<span style=""> </span>It would not stop.<span style=""> </span>We weren’t worried so much about having to drive in the rain, but we were wondering if it was raining at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>, and if it was, whether the race would be called off or not.<span style=""> </span>We waited over an hour and nervously paced back and forth through the house but still the rain continued.<span style=""> </span>At 4:00, Dad decided that the rain was going to continue for quite a while and that we may as well get started.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">With me in the driver’s seat and Dad seating to the right, and with both of us wearing a cap, a light jacket and a raincoat, we said and waved good-bye to my mother, sister, and Aunt Bobby.<span style=""> </span>At 4:03, we started our seventh consecutive trip to the 500-mile race.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We went to 3<sup>rd</sup> and N. Grand, turned right and went to 5<sup>th</sup> and N. Grand, turned left and went north on 5<sup>th</sup> to Sangamon, turned right onto Sangamon and went straight east.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Because it was raining hard, I had to drive a little under the maximum speed limit.<span style=""> </span>We took the usual Route 36 all the way.<span style=""> </span>We arrived in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city> a few minutes before 5:00.<span style=""> </span>The windshield wipers were working at top speed and the defroster was working pretty strong to clear the windshield of fog.<span style=""> </span>At times now, it seems as if it was raining harder.<span style=""> </span>We could hardly see out the back window or to the side.<span style=""> </span>This was due to darkness and the rain.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">In a way, this rain was an oddity.<span style=""> </span>Almost every year coming home from the race, it had rained a little bit at various spots along the route but it had never rained one drop going to the race.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">After we left <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city>, the rain slacked off a little bit at times but the change was so slight that it was hardly noticeable.<span style=""> </span>It seemed as if we were going through an eternal cloudburst.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Between 6:15 and 6:30, we arrived at Chrisman, our customary halfway stopping place.<span style=""> </span>In the short distance between the car and the restaurant, we almost got drenched.<span style=""> </span>A little over one-half of our unusual trip was behind us.<span style=""> </span>We both had a good, hot meal and we both felt better after eating them.<span style=""> </span>The rain had stopped temporarily but there were still very black clouds moving overhead very rapidly, and we almost knew for sure what was ahead of us.<span style=""> </span>The weather was about the only topic of conversation among the customers in the restaurant.<span style=""> </span>After we used the restroom, we were ready to go again.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The rain was still halted, but the heavy black clouds were traveling fast.<span style=""> </span>Looking toward the sky in the east, we felt it would be a matter of only a couple of minutes until the skies let loose again.<span style=""> </span>We were right.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Before we had driven five miles, we were in the same situation we were in before we stopped.<span style=""> </span>It rained harder in <st1:state st="on">Indiana</st1:state> than it did in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style=""> </span>At times, I drove 40 to 45 mph.<span style=""> </span>The farther we drove, the uneasier we began to feel about the race tomorrow.<span style=""> </span>I was hoping all the rain had bypassed <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>For miles and miles, the only guides I had to help my drive were the white lines in the center and the side of the road and the barely visible lights on the oncoming cars.<span style=""> </span>At one time, we had to detour for about a quarter of a mile on a little road just off the main highway.<span style=""> </span>It was a sloping and gravel road.<span style=""> </span>I felt that if we got into trouble now, we would really be in a mess.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, we had no trouble at all and in a few minutes, we were back on Route 36.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The rain wasn’t letting up at all; in fact, if it was changing at all, it was coming down harder.<span style=""> </span>We drove on and on knowing that sometime we would have to reach the <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state> capital.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">A couple of minutes past 9:00, we reached the intersection of Route 36 and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lyndhurst</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>We turned left and stopped at the Standard Station at the intersection.<span style=""> </span>We had the gas tank filled and the oil checked.<span style=""> </span>The rain had eased up considerably now.<span style=""> </span>The attendant said we had just missed a terrific downpour.<span style=""> </span>We drove north on Lyndhurst and arrived at Kramer’s, located at Crawfordsville and Fisher, our usual “home” while we’re in Indianapolis, at about 9:25.<span style=""> </span>This was, without a doubt, the longest it had ever taken us to get here – 5 hours and 23 minutes.<span style=""> </span>The rainiest trip both of us had ever taken was now behind us.<span style=""> </span>We both felt happy, relieved and lucky to know we had gotten here safely, although it was still raining quite heavily and the race was only 13 and half hours away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Dad got out and walked to the house and paid Mrs. Kramer our $1.00 fee.<span style=""> </span>Then we sat in the car for a while and waited for the rain to stop.<span style=""> </span>By 10:00, the rain had stopped, at least for the time being.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We decided to take a walk and see some of the sights that can only be seen the night before the 500.<span style=""> </span>We walked to the corner of Crawfordsville and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St</st1:address></st1:street> and went north on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Rd.</st1:address></st1:street> to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">30<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>This is the entire length of the front straightaway, and then some.<span style=""> </span>On the west side of the road, cars were parked bumper to bumper almost all the way to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">30<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>Most of the people were really living it up.<span style=""> </span>As usual, the street was covered with beer cans and it was almost impossible not to step on or kick one as we were walking.<span style=""> </span>There were hundreds of them scattered everywhere.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">When we reached <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">30<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street>, the noise had subsided considerably.<span style=""> </span><st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">30<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> was quiet and peaceful with nice, but not necessarily high class, houses on both sides of the street.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was rather heavy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We turned and walked east.<span style=""> </span>We were trying to find the road that ran immediately parallel to the backstretch but we didn’t succeed.<span style=""> </span>In fact, we could not find any road north and south.<span style=""> </span>Pretty soon, we found ourselves on <st1:city st="on">Lafayette</st1:city>, inside the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> city limits, so we knew we were way off our course.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The first street we found running north and south was Tibbs Ave. so we walked south on it.<span style=""> </span>It was a dark street with no sidewalks on either side of the street and only a couple of houses.<span style=""> </span>We had to walk in the street.<span style=""> </span>Right before we got to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Tibbs Ave</st1:address></st1:street>, we walked across the parking lot of a large shopping center.<span style=""> </span>There were only a few cars traveling on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Tibbs Ave.</st1:address></st1:street><span style=""> </span>The farther we walked, the more we could hear various voices and noises.<span style=""> </span>We knew that at last we were returning to civilization.<span style=""> </span>It was easy to tell it had been raining there just recently.<span style=""> </span>There were puddles all around and the ground was quite wet.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At last, we got back to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> street</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>It was a little after 12:00 now and things were jumping.<span style=""> </span>It is hard to describe what <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> is like the night before the big race.<span style=""> </span>Even after seeing it, it is hard to believe what you have just seen.<span style=""> </span>There are thousands of persons eating, drinking, laughing, yelling, gambling, playing cards, sleeping, throwing and breaking bottles, and in general, having some of the best times of their lives.<span style=""> </span>There are people of every possible description.<span style=""> </span>The scene is the same for several blocks up and down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street>, <st1:address st="on"><st1:street st="on">Crawfordsville Road</st1:street>, <st1:city st="on">Georgetown</st1:city></st1:address> Rd. and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">When we got back to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Rd</st1:address></st1:street>, Dad decided he wanted to go back to the car and I decided that I wanted to go do some sightseeing.<span style=""> </span>It was 12:45 now.<span style=""> </span>I took a short walk down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St.</st1:address></st1:street> and went in some of the drug stores.<span style=""> </span>They were all doing a good business.<span style=""> </span>In one store I was in, I could hardly move around.<span style=""> </span>I looked around a little, bought a couple of newspapers, and walked down the street to another store.<span style=""> </span>There I bought two more newspapers and had a fountain Coca-Cola.<span style=""> </span>This was about 1:30.<span style=""> </span>It felt good to get off my feet for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>The place was really alive.<span style=""> </span>The jukebox was playing, cash registers were tingling and everybody was having a jovial time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">In another drug store, one of the radio stations was broadcasting a live record show directly from the store.<span style=""> </span>Out on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St</st1:address></st1:street>, two lads were playing their guitars and singing at the same time was drawing a large audience.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">About 2:15, I started to go back to the car but about a block before I got there, it started raining again.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, I had my raincoat on.<span style=""> </span>It was a heavy shower but it stopped about five minutes after I got in the car.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">I took off my coat and read some of the papers until about 3:00.<span style=""> </span>Then I took off my shoes and lay down in the front seat to sleep.<span style=""> </span>There was too much noise and I was too excited however to get any sleep. I may have slept a couple of minutes but the opening bomb at 5:00 woke me up for good.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">I sat up, looked at the seemingly endless line of cars on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Crawfordsville Rd</st1:address></st1:street> and knew for sure that race day was officially here.<span style=""> </span>The bomb also woke Dad up, if he had been asleep at all.<span style=""> </span>We sat up, looked at all the people in cars and talked a little bit about what was going on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At 5:30, I took my usual walk down to gate 6 and watched hundreds of cars go into the infield.<span style=""> </span>Dad didn’t go with me this year.<span style=""> </span>I arrived back at the car about 7:00.<span style=""> </span>We ate some of the food that we had brought from home, read some of the newspapers we had and then sat talked and took in everything.<span style=""> </span>About 8:15, we put everything away, locked the car and left for the speedway.<span style=""> </span>As usual, as soon as I got inside the gate, I bought a souvenir program, which sold for 50¢.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">As we were walking toward the viaduct that leads to the infield of the track, James Garner, a famous TV personality drove by and waved at us.<span style=""> </span>When we got to the infield of the track, we walked around and saw the garage area.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We arrived at our seats about 9:30.<span style=""> </span>Our seats were in the Tower Terrace section 35, row C, seats 15 and 16.<span style=""> </span>As usual, there seemed to be a capacity, if not overflowing, crowd present.<span style=""> </span>The <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Purdue</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place> band, with the Golden Girl, “Adelaide Darling” at the head of the parade, marched up and down the main straightaway.<span style=""> </span>They did an outstanding job and were well applauded.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">A few minutes after 10:00, the celebrities from the entertainment world passed by the stands on the front straightaway.<span style=""> </span>Among them were Dennis Morgan, Nick Adams, Ty Hardon, Eskimo actress Dorcas Brower, Jayne Mansfield, Micky Hargitay, and John Provost of the <u>Lassie</u> show.<span style=""> </span>About 10:10, crews began pushing the cars to the starting line and at 10:15, the band played “On the Banks of the <st1:place st="on">Wabash</st1:place>”.<span style=""> </span>At 10:30, the official photograph was taken.<span style=""> </span>The tension and excitement increased with each passing minute.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At 10:40, Taps and the Star Spangled Banner were played and a couple minutes later, the bombs started exploding, releasing thousands of balloons into the sky.<span style=""> </span>The starting time wasn’t far off now.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At 10:45, a moment of silence was observed in memory of those men who gave their lives unselfishly and without fear in this greatest of all auto races, the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> 500.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Sam Hanks and Chief Stewart Harlan Zengler made a final track inspection and at 10:50, the band played “Back Home Again in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state>.”<span style=""> </span>This is always the last song.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At 10:52, the climax of the pre-race ceremonies was reached when Tony Hulman, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said those immortal words, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">A few seconds later, the air was filled with the terrific sound of 33 powerful, roaring engines.<span style=""> </span>To me, there is no lovelier sound in the world.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">At 10:54, the white Oldsmobile pace car, with Sam Hanks driving and Tony Hulman as his passenger, started moving.<span style=""> </span>Within a few seconds, the eleven rows of three cars each were moving and disappearing into the southwest turn.<span style=""> </span>It seemed forever until they came around again but they finally did.<span style=""> </span>Everybody’s eyes were fixed on the northwest turn.<span style=""> </span>As the pace car appeared, a big cheer went up from the crowd.<span style=""> </span>The field passed by in perfect formation.<span style=""> </span>It was really a spectacle to behold.<span style=""> </span>Many of the drivers waved at the crowd and vice-versa.<span style=""> </span>Now the official pace lap began and the next time around would be the start of the race.<span style=""> </span>Everybody was standing up and going through the seemingly endless wait until the cars came around again.<span style=""> </span>The excitement and tension had reached their peaks.<span style=""> </span>The pace car finally appeared as a loud buzz came from the crowd.<span style=""> </span>It was really moving now, as were the 33 cars behind it.<span style=""> </span>The green flag was waved and the cars took off in an almost ear-shattering roar.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Roger Ward took the lead and led for the first lap but Eddie Sachs, the pole-sitter passed him and led after two laps.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">A few minutes after the race began, a special edition of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> newspapers said that a homemade scaffold holding about 80 people had collapsed on the northeast turn, killing two people and badly hurting several others.<span style=""> </span>The news really traveled fast.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span>The cars were traveling fast too.<span style=""> </span>From the 100<sup>th</sup> lap, Roger Ward and Jim Rathman fought a battle lead.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">One of the most exciting points of the race occurred on the 151<sup>st</sup> lap when Ward and Rathman both came in for pit stops.<span style=""> </span>Rathman was a couple of feet behind Ward.<span style=""> </span>Everybody was standing and stretching their necks to see what would happen.<span style=""> </span>Ward’s time was 20 seconds and Rathman’s time was 21 seconds.<span style=""> </span>They were given a tremendous cheer when they left the pits.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">The fans were really seeing a good race this year and they were really enjoying it.<span style=""> </span>From then to the end of the race, these two drivers really put on a show.<span style=""> </span>First, Ward was ahead, then Rathman, then Ward, then Rathman.<span style=""> </span>What a race…<span style=""> </span>The race was coming to its end and the two were still fighting it out for the lead. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Then as they were coming down the main straightaway on their 196<sup>th</sup> lap, Ward slowed down a little.<span style=""> </span>His right front tire was worn down, almost to shreds and he didn’t want to take a chance on having a blowout.<span style=""> </span>Rathman led the last four laps and won the race.<span style=""> </span>He certainly had to fight hard for it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Jim and Roger were given a tremendous ovation when the pulled off the track.<span style=""> </span>This was the most thrilling and fastest 500-mile race ever.<span style=""> </span>Speed records were set for almost every lap.<span style=""> </span>Rathman’s winning speed was 138.767 mph, a new record.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Jim Hurtubise, the rookie who set new one and four lap records in time trials of 149.601 and 149.056 mph did real well in the race until he had to drop out after 185 laps.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Rathman and his wife, Kay, were driven around the track in the pace car and received the cheers of the crowd.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Now the job of getting out of the speedway was everybody’s problem.<span style=""> </span>It is harder getting out than getting in because almost everybody leaves at the same time.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We arrived back at our car a few minutes before 3:30.<span style=""> </span>We took off our shoes, ate and drank a bit of milk and water and then rested a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>At about 4:00, we got everything together and left.<span style=""> </span>As usual, the traffic was pretty heavy for the first few miles.<span style=""> </span>We arrived at Chrisman about 6:15 and had a good, hot supper.<span style=""> </span>We could tell that almost everybody there had been at the race.<span style=""> </span>They looked tired and sunburned and they were all talking about the race.<span style=""> </span>After we had eaten and rested a little, we hit the road again.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We arrived in <st1:city st="on">Decatur</st1:city> about 8:30 and from there we took Route 121 to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lincoln</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>There we stopped and had the car checked over and had the gas tank filled.<span style=""> </span>We then took Route 121 to <st1:city st="on">Pekin</st1:city> and Route 9 from <st1:city st="on">Pekin</st1:city> to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Peoria</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">We arrived at my house in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Peoria</st1:place></st1:city> a couple of minutes before 10:00 and left most of the equipment in the car since Dad would be taking it home tomorrow.<span style=""> </span>I slept in my regular room and Dad slept in a room next to it.<span style=""> </span>As usual, we were glad to get into bed.<span style=""> </span>Neither of us had any trouble getting to sleep.<span style=""> </span>Our annual trip was over but it will certainly hold many memories for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12;">Dad drove home Tuesday morning.<span style=""> </span>Despite the weather on Sunday, it was a wonderful day Monday for the race.<span style=""> </span>For the first time in our memory, it had not rained at all coming home from the race.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p><br /><br />Pace Car – Oldsmobile<br />Queen – The title “Queen of the 500” was done away with.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-67162531117374965932008-06-15T08:46:00.004-05:002008-06-15T08:56:08.857-05:00Indy Journal - 1959<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1959</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Memorial Day was on Saturday.<span style=""> </span>Dad got off work at 11:30 Friday morning.<span style=""> </span>I started getting our equipment ready that afternoon.<span style=""> </span>Susan was in a play at school that afternoon.<span style=""> </span>The play was from 2:00 – 3:00 and when it was over, Dad came home and the two of us finished getting everything ready and then put the equipment in the car.<span style=""> </span>At 4:04, with me driving, and Dad sitting on the other side of the seat, we started our trip.<span style=""> </span>We went up to North Grand, over to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">5<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street>, out <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">5<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Sangamon Ave.</st1:address></st1:street>, turned right, and were on our way out of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Springfield</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>This was the first year we traveled on the new section of Route 36, which bypasses Riverton.<span style=""> </span>We arrived at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city> at a bad time – a couple minutes before 5:00 on a Friday afternoon.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was heavy all the way through the city.<span style=""> </span>To make the situation worse, Eldorado St, which carries Rt. 36 through the city, was being torn up for several blocks.<span style=""> </span>It was one way in places and we could only move when the policeman directed us to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We reached Chrisman about 6:15 and stopped for supper.<span style=""> </span>We were there about half an hour and the food tasted good.<span style=""> </span>We crossed the <st1:state st="on">Indiana</st1:state> line about 7:00 and then shortly before we reached <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>, we almost had a wreck.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Up ahead of us, a car was stalled on the highway.<span style=""> </span>One man was shoving it off the road and another man was waving a white flag, which wasn’t too easy to see.<span style=""> </span>Dad saw what was happening and yelled at me.<span style=""> </span>I immediately put the brakes on and we just missed hitting the car by a short distance.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">At the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lyndhurst</st1:place></st1:city> intersection, we stopped at the Standard Station and had the gas tank filled and the windows and lights cleaned.<span style=""> </span>We arrived at Kramer’s at 9:05.<span style=""> </span>It had taken us longer to make the trip this year than in any other year.<span style=""> </span>Our total time was 5 hours and 1 minute.<span style=""> </span>This was due mainly to two factors – the bottleneck in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city>, and stopping for a full meal instead of a snack.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">After we arrived at Kramer’s, we paid our $1.00 parking ticket and then went walking down by the speedway to see some of the sights.<span style=""> </span>This was a banner year.<span style=""> </span>At <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street>, the main entrance to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>, a car’s engine was on fire.<span style=""> </span>After a couple of minutes, a policeman put the fire out with CO<sub>2 </sub>extinguisher.<span style=""> </span>Further down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street>, a side attraction was drawing a large audience.<span style=""> </span>Dad and I decided to investigate.<span style=""> </span>We found several men playing a dice game and it was really drawing people.<span style=""> </span>After a couple of minutes, a siren could be heard coming closer and closer.<span style=""> </span>Everybody immediately scattered in every direction.<span style=""> </span>The players disappeared very quickly.<span style=""> </span>The police talked to a few persons but of course, nobody knew anything.<span style=""> </span>When the policeman left, everybody really got a laugh out of what had happened.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We walked a little farther and then crossed over to the south side of the street.<span style=""> </span>It took several minutes to cross the street.<span style=""> </span>The traffic was bumper to bumper for several blocks.<span style=""> </span>We saw a variety of sights on the other side of the street too.<span style=""> </span>We stopped in the drugstore and bought a couple newspapers and then went back to the car.<span style=""> </span>Ever since we had stopped for gas it had been raining.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t a heavy rain but a light, steady rain – just enough to get you wet and make you wonder about the race tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">For some reason, I was unusually sleepy so I lay down in the front seat and went to sleep immediately.<span style=""> </span>Dad said I was really out for the count.<span style=""> </span>My sleep lasted for one hour and 50 minutes.<span style=""> </span>All of a sudden, at 1:50, I woke up.<span style=""> </span>I lay there staring at the ceiling of the car and hearing a noise, which sounded like somebody making a steady, loud beat on a drum.<span style=""> </span>I sat up and looked back at Dad, whose eyes were hardly open and whose hair was disheveled.<span style=""> </span>He said some nut out in the middle of the street was beating on some barrels with a couple of sticks.<span style=""> </span>I looked around and saw what he was talking about.<span style=""> </span>By this time, the nut had awakened almost everybody around us, and some of them were quite unhappy.<span style=""> </span>One man decided he had had enough and went out and threatened to work the nut over.<span style=""> </span>He grabbed the sticks from the troublemaker, who then ran away in haste and was not heard from the rest of the night.<span style=""> </span>Mrs. Kramer had called the police but by the time they arrived, everything was quiet.<span style=""> </span>However, I couldn’t go back to sleep so for three hours, I just watched the people and listened to the noise in the neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">At 5:00, the opening bomb awakened Dad.<span style=""> </span>We sat around and talked for a few minutes and listened to the portable radio we had brought with us.<span style=""> </span>About the only item on the news locally was the 500-mile race.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">At 5:30, we went down to gate 6 and watched the cars go into the infield.<span style=""> </span>For a while it seemed as if the cars would never stop coming.<span style=""> </span>We saw hundreds of makes and models of cars and human beings too.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We went back to our car about 6:30.<span style=""> </span>We had something new for breakfast this year.<span style=""> </span>The night before, Mr. Kramer told us he and his wife were serving breakfast in the morning and that we were welcome to eat all we could for $1.00.<span style=""> </span>Dad told him we would talk it over.<span style=""> </span>We decided it sounded like a good deal and decided we’d go along with it.<span style=""> </span>We ate in the dining room.<span style=""> </span>I had two eggs, two pieces of bacon, two large glasses of milk and four pieces of toast.<span style=""> </span>Dad had the same except that he drank coffee.<span style=""> </span>It was the first decent breakfast in the six years we’ve been coming to see the race.<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span><br />We left for the track at 8:00 and as soon as we got inside the gate, I bought a souvenir program and then we walked to the infield.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p>Dad asked me if I would like to see the backstretch of the track, so we did.<span style=""> </span>We crossed the road dividing the speedway infield in half and also walked over some of the 9-hole golf course.<span style=""> </span>We arrived a short distance north of the southeast turn.<span style=""> </span>We viewed the scenery for a few minutes and then went to our seats.<o:p><br /></o:p><br />It was now 9:30.<span style=""> </span>The biggest crowd ever was in attendance, approximately 200,000 people.<span style=""> </span>The speedway went back to the old way of starting the cars this year – that is, lining the cars up in eleven rows of three cars each.<span style=""> </span>There were two pace laps and the race got off to one of its best starts in history.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Roger Ward won the race with a new record speed of 135.857 mph.<span style=""> </span>Jim Rathman finished second and Johnny Thompson was third.<span style=""> </span>Speed records were set for almost every lap.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">After the race, we went back to the car and rested for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>We took off our shoes, lay down for a while, and had a little bit to eat.<span style=""> </span>We left for home about 4:00, and stopped at Chrisman shortly after 6:00 and had a good, hot supper.<span style=""> </span>As usual, it really tasted good.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We ran into intermittent rain all the way to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>The worst rain was at Tuscola.<span style=""> </span>We had to drive through several inches of water and at the same time, it was coming down so hard that we almost had to stop.<span style=""> </span>From <st1:city st="on">Decatur</st1:city> to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Springfield</st1:place></st1:city>, the skies were clearer.<span style=""> </span>It was about 8:45 when we arrived home.<span style=""> </span>Another safe and enjoyable trip was over.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pace Car – Buick<br />Queen – Erin O’Brien</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-3125178381588783172008-06-15T08:40:00.003-05:002008-06-15T08:44:47.246-05:00Indy Journal - 1958<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1958</span><o:p><br /><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Memorial Day came on Friday this year.<span style=""> </span>My graduation from high school was the night before, Thursday, the 29<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>When Dad found out when graduation was, he was unhappy and said he was afraid we couldn’t go this year.<span style=""> </span>He had Aunt Bobby write a letter to send the speedway requesting them to forget our order.<span style=""> </span>This was about the end of April.<span style=""> </span>Seeing what dad was doing, I talked to him and convinced him we could go despite graduation, so Bobby didn’t have to send her letter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Thursday, May 29, 1958, was a big day for me.<span style=""> </span>I was busy getting everything ready for our trip and at the same time trying to keep myself from getting too excited over my graduation.<span style=""> </span>I tried to sleep a couple hours that afternoon so that I could stay awake that night to drive, but it didn’t do much good.<span style=""> </span>I had too much on my mind.<span style=""> </span>The graduation ceremony started at 8:00 pm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >As my partner, Judy Chamberlain, and I marched down the aisle to our seats, I kept my eyes straight ahead and never once looked around until I sat down, and then only two or three times.<span style=""> </span>Mother, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and Bobby attended the graduation, and sat up in the east balcony of the gymnasium.<span style=""> </span>The graduation ceremony ended a couple minutes before 10:00.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >As soon as I left the gymnasium, I met my Aunt Virginia and Uncle Newt, both of whom shook my hand and congratulated me.<span style=""> </span>Nobody knew they were there until I met them.<span style=""> </span>After the eight of us talked a few minutes I went back to my home room, put my robe, cap, and tassel away, got my report card and class picture, and then went to the car, which was in the parking lot by the football field.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >When I got home, I immediately changed my clothes and started putting the equipment into the car.<span style=""> </span>After that was done, Dad had a cup of coffee and I had a glass of milk.<span style=""> </span>At 10:52, we said good-bye to Mother, Grandma, Grandpa, Newt, <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Virginia</st1:state></st1:place>, and Betty Coy, and with me driving, we were off for the big race once again.<span style=""> </span>Betty Coy took care of Susan while we were at graduation.<span style=""> </span>We went up to 3<sup>rd</sup> and N. Grand, right to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">5<sup>th</sup> St</st1:address></st1:street>, and then left to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Percy Avenue</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>We turned right and went to 8<sup>th</sup> St. then left to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Sangamon Ave.</st1:address></st1:street>, and right on <st1:place st="on">Sangamon</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span><st1:place st="on">Sangamon</st1:place> from 5<sup>th</sup> to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">8<sup>th</sup> St</st1:address></st1:street> was closed for repairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >This was the last year that Route 36 went through Riverton.<span style=""> </span>From now on, it would bypass the city.<span style=""> </span>It was real pleasant traveling at night.<span style=""> </span>It was nice and cool all the way and there was hardly any traffic going either way.<span style=""> </span>It really felt odd to be taking a 200-mile trip between 11:00 pm and 3:00 am.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes before 1:00 we stopped at Chrisman (same place as in previous years) and had a little something to eat.<span style=""> </span>About 15 minutes later, we were on our way again.<span style=""> </span>It was really quiet all along the highway and in all the towns we went through.<span style=""> </span>Dad and I talked mostly about the graduation.<span style=""> </span>At 3:05 we arrived at Kramer’s house.<span style=""> </span>Neither of us was sleepy.<span style=""> </span>However, Dad did try to get some sleep.<span style=""> </span>While he was trying to sleep, I decided to walk down by the speedway and see some of the sights.<span style=""> </span>I was really flabbergasted.<span style=""> </span>At 3:30 am, it looked more like 3:30 pm.<span style=""> </span>The fans were really living it up.<span style=""> </span>I had to laugh out loud when I walked by the museum.<span style=""> </span>People were lined up all the way back to the street trying to get tickets for the race.<span style=""> </span>This year, I think the fans were livelier and merrier than I had ever seen them.<span style=""> </span>I think the later it got, the better some of them felt.<span style=""> </span>I arrived back at the car about 4:30.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >I tried to sleep but all I could do was lie there and listen to all of the noise around me.<span style=""> </span>All together, I got a total of about 15 minutes of sleep.<span style=""> </span>At 5:00, the opening bomb woke us up for good.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >About 5:30, we walked down to Gate 6 and watched the cars go into the infield.<span style=""> </span>We saw hundreds of cars with hundreds of people in them.<span style=""> </span>After about an hour, we walked back to the car.<span style=""> </span>We sat around and watched the sights for a few minutes and then ate our breakfast.<span style=""> </span>After cleaning up and putting everything away, we locked the car and were off for the race.<span style=""> </span>It was now 8:00.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >I bought a souvenir program as soon as we got inside the gate and then we went into the infield and looked around as usual.<span style=""> </span>We got to our seats around 9:30.<span style=""> </span>This was the year of the terrible mix-up at the start of the race.<span style=""> </span>As the cars were leaving their pits, the three front row drivers got ahead of the pace car.<span style=""> </span>The pace car made two trips around the track and pulled into the pit area but the green flag wasn’t shown so the field took another lap.<span style=""> </span>As they were coming down the straightaway for the green flag, the front row (Dick Rathman, Ed Elisian, and Jimmy Reece) finally got into position for the start.<span style=""> </span>It was still not a good start, however.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >As the cars were going into the northeast turn, Elisian went into a spin and seventeen cars were involved in the worst pileup in the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>’s history.<span style=""> </span>Eight cars were knocked completely out of the race, and the other nine were damaged quite extensively.<span style=""> </span>The remaining sixteen cars just missed being involved in the mess.<span style=""> </span>Pat O’Conner was killed when his car flipped upside down and caught fire, pinning him underneath it.<span style=""> </span>It took about a half hour to get the mess cleaned up.<span style=""> </span>Jimmy Bryant went on to win the race with rookie George Amuck second and Johnny Rutherford third.<span style=""> </span>Bryant’s car was the same car that won the race last year with Sam Hanks as the driver.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >As we were walking down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street> after the race, there was a 1958 Buick going the opposite way of the people and honking his horn all along the way.<span style=""> </span>One fellow became provoked and slammed his suitcase down on the hood of the car and vocalized his anger at the driver.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >We left for home a couple of minutes after 4:00.<span style=""> </span>I drove to Chrisman where we stopped and had a good, hot supper.<span style=""> </span>It really tasted good to us.<span style=""> </span>Dad drove from Chrisman to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Springfield</st1:place></st1:city>, where we arrived about 9:00.<span style=""> </span>We had many unusual experiences to help us remember this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Pace Car – <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pontiac<br />Queen – Shirley McLaine</st1:place></st1:city></span></p>Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-51171273117699606332008-06-15T08:36:00.002-05:002008-06-15T08:39:32.926-05:00Indy Journal - 1957<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.9pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.9pt;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1957</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>Memorial Day came on Thursday.<span style=""> </span>I came home from school at 11:30 on Wednesday when morning classes were dismissed.<span style=""> </span>I helped Dad pack our equipment and then we ate dinner.<span style=""> </span>It was about 1:00 when we left.<span style=""> </span>This was the first year we went in our 1953 Oldsmobile, which we bought almost a year before in June 1956.<span style=""> </span>We stopped at Chrisman at about 3:00 for a snack and were there for about 15 minutes.<span style=""> </span>It was a few minutes after 5:00 when we arrived at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>We stayed at Kramer’s, and after we got settled, we took a little walk down by the speedway and then came back and ate supper.<span style=""> </span>After supper we sat and talked and watched the people come and go.</p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>About 7:30, we left to see some of the sights.<span style=""> </span>We walked down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> to the southeast end of the speedway grounds and then came back on the south side of the street.<span style=""> </span>We really saw a lot of people and sights.<span style=""> </span>On our way back, we stopped and watched a public dance at 16<sup>th</sup> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main St</st1:address></st1:street>.<span style=""> </span>A large section of blacktop had been roped off and a little combo was playing music for dancing.<span style=""> </span>The Master of Ceremonies, however, was having a hard time getting people to dance.<span style=""> </span>Everybody was watching all the other sights. A few couples did finally dance but not very many.<span style=""> </span>We watched them for a few minutes and went to the drug store across the street.<span style=""> </span>I bought a couple newspapers and Dad bought a box of band-aids for my sister, Susan, who had a craze for band-aids at the time.<span style=""> </span>From the drugstore, we went back to the car. </p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>We got to the car a couple of minutes after 12:00 and read the newspapers and then tried to go to sleep.<span style=""> </span>As usual, we didn’t get much sleep and were awakened at 5:00 by the opening bomb.</p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>At 5:30, we went down to the track and watched the cars as they enter the grounds through gate 6.<span style=""> </span>We saw several hundred cars and people.<span style=""> </span>About 6:30, we went back to our car and ate breakfast.<span style=""> </span>It was about 8:00 when we left for the speedway.<span style=""> </span>As soon as we were inside the gate, I bought a souvenir program and then we walked around by the garage area for a few minutes.<span style=""> </span>We got to our seats at 9:00.<span style=""> </span>This was the only year we didn’t sit in the Tower Terrace Seats on the inside of the track, just north of the starting line.<span style=""> </span>Instead, we had box seats in Section C, which was slightly north of the new pit entrance on the outside of the track.</p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>This was the first year the cars lined up as they came out of their pits, instead of their usual 11 rows of 3 each on the track.<span style=""> </span>Elmer George and Eddie Russo were involved in an accident on the pace lap and for the first time in the history of the race, only 31 cars started the race.</p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>Sam Hanks won and set a new winning average speed record of 135.601 mph.<span style=""> </span>The old record was 130.840 set by Bill Vukovich in 1954.<span style=""> </span>Jim Rathman finished second and Jimmy Bryant was third.<span style=""> </span>Hanks announced his retirement from auto racing while he was in <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Victory Lane</st1:address></st1:street>.</p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>Dad and I left for home about 4:00.<span style=""> </span>A few miles before we got to the <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:state> line, Dad decided to speed up a little bit.<span style=""> </span>We were going 65 mph, the limit, and started to pass the car in front of us.<span style=""> </span>As we were passing him, he started to the pass the car in front of him just as we were passing him.<span style=""> </span>Dad saw what was happening and honked in time for the other driver to get back in place.<span style=""> </span>It was really a close call.<span style=""> </span>He didn’t slow down, however, when he finished passing.<span style=""> </span>We kept going faster and faster.<span style=""> </span>Dad said he wanted to see what the car would do.<span style=""> </span>We got up to 100 mph with the accelerator not quite all the way down, but had to back off because we were coming to a stop sign.</p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>We stopped at Chrisman for supper and then continued on our way.<span style=""> </span>It was shortly after 8:30 when we arrived home.<span style=""> </span>It had been a wonderful trip from beginning to end.</p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%;">Pace Car - Mercury<br />Queen - Gail Charise<br /></p><o:p></o:p><p></p>Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-71048575235176105182008-06-15T08:29:00.004-05:002008-06-15T08:33:58.170-05:00Indy Journal - 1956<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1956</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" ><span style=""> </span> Memorial Day was on Wednesday this year.<span style=""> </span>My aunt, Bobby Dalbey, went with us this year and again we used Lyle Coy’s station wagon.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >I came home at 11:30 when school was dismissed for the lunch hour.<span style=""> </span>When I arrived home, Dad and Bobby were packing our equipment.<span style=""> </span>I helped them finish the job.<span style=""> </span>We ate dinner and then left home about 1:00.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Our only stop was at Chrisman for about 15 minutes.<span style=""> </span>We arrived at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> about 5:00.<span style=""> </span>The city had been having heavy rain all during May.<span style=""> </span>There had been a heavy rain just the day before, on the 28<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>Because the rain had washed out a bridge on the regular route, we had to take another route to the track, which only took a couple minutes longer.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >We stayed where we did two years ago, at Kramer’s.<span style=""> </span>After eating supper, the three of us walked down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Georgetown Road</st1:address></st1:street> to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">16<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> and saw the carnival, the midget races, the concession stands, the drunks, the parties, the long lines of cars and all the usual night before the 500 sights.<span style=""> </span>We got back to the station wagon around 11:30.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Bobby slept in the front seat and Dad and I folded the back two rows of seats out and slept on them.<span style=""> </span>As usual, we got little sleep and were awakened by the military bomb at 5:00.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >We got up, went down and watched the cars go under the track, and then came back and ate breakfast.<span style=""> </span>We left for the track about 8:00.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >Everything was soaking wet.<span style=""> </span>The ground was just mud.<span style=""> </span>There was water standing everywhere.<span style=""> </span>The infield of the track was really a mess.<span style=""> </span>The track was just dry enough for the race.<span style=""> </span>Crews had been working around the clock for the last couple of days in order to get rid of the water.<span style=""> </span>There was uncertainty until a couple of hours before the race whether the race could be run or not.<span style=""> </span>The three of us had to be careful where we were stepping while we were walking around in the infield looking at everything.<span style=""> </span>We got to our seats at about 9:30.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >The race started on time at 11:00.<span style=""> </span>About half way through the race, Al Herman hit the outside retaining wall twice and then the inside wall once, right in front of us as he was coming down the main straightaway.<span style=""> </span>Al was unhurt but he surely gave the fans some excitement for a few seconds.<span style=""> </span>Paul Russo crashed into the wall on his 21<sup>st</sup> lap in the <st1:place st="on">Novi</st1:place> car while leading the race, but was unhurt.<span style=""> </span>There was an unusually large amount of caution time, but at the end, Pat Flahrety won the race, with Sam Hanks second and Don Freeland third.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" >We got back to the car about 4:00 and rested for a few minutes before we left for home.<span style=""> </span>We left about 4:30.<span style=""> </span>A few miles before we got to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:state>, it was raining so hard that we couldn’t see ahead of us at all, so we pulled off to the side of the road until it let up a little, which was about 15 minutes.<span style=""> </span>When we got to Chrisman, we stopped and ate supper at the usual place.<span style=""> </span>After eating, our next stop was home.<span style=""> </span>We arrived home between 8:30 and 9:00.<span style=""> </span>Our trip for this year was finished, but it gave things to think about for many years to come.<span style=""> </span>This was the first year the 500-mile race was run under the sanction of the new United States Auto Club, USAC.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Pace Car – DeSoto<br />Queen – Virginia Mayo<br /><br /><br /><o:p></o:p>Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904309685152932645.post-58720272257467286082008-06-15T08:20:00.004-05:002008-06-15T08:28:26.793-05:00Indy Journal - 1955<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.35pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -1.35pt;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1955</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" ><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" ><span style=""> </span>May 30 fell on Monday.<span style=""> </span>We left Sunday about 1:00, stayed at Chrisman about 15 minutes and got to Indianapolis a little after 5:00.<span style=""> </span>Between the state line and Indy, they were fixing the highway, so we had to take a long detour.<span style=""> </span>The road was long and rough, with very few road signs.<span style=""> </span>We went in Lyle Coy’s station wagon.<span style=""> </span>At Indy, we stayed in a parking lot about 2 blocks from the speedway.<span style=""> </span>It was a cold, windy, dreary night.<span style=""> </span>It also rained a little bit.<span style=""> </span>After walking around and seeing all the sights, we got back to the car about 11:30.<span style=""> </span>We talked and read newspapers until 12:00.<span style=""> </span>As usual, we didn’t get much sleep.<span style=""> </span>The military bomb awakened us at 5:00.<span style=""> </span>We did the same things as last year – went down to the track and watched the cars go in and then came back and ate breakfast.<span style=""> </span>We left for the track about 8:00.<span style=""> </span>We went in Gate 1.<span style=""> </span>I bought a program and then we walked around the infield, saw the crowd, etc.<span style=""> </span>It was very dark and cloudy until about 10:40.<span style=""> </span>Bill Vukovich, winner in ’53 and ’54, was killed on the 57<sup>th</sup> lap.<span style=""> </span>He was leading the race.<span style=""> </span>The accident occurred at almost exactly 12:00.<span style=""> </span>Bob Sweikert won the race.<span style=""> </span>We left for home about 4:00.<span style=""> </span>We had to go on the same detour coming back.<span style=""> </span>We stopped at Chrisman and had a good, hot, full-course meal.<span style=""> </span>We got home about 8:30.<span style=""> </span>Aunt Bobby said I never looked sadder than when I got out of the car right then.<span style=""> </span>I was sad because of the death of Bill Vukovich.<span style=""> </span>It had thrown a damper on the whole crowd.<span style=""> </span>The following day, Tuesday, at school was a sad one for me.<span style=""> </span>Vukovich’s death brought about a great deal of criticism of auto racing.<span style=""> </span>Many people wanted to outlaw it, because there were many drivers killed in 1955.<span style=""> </span>The A.A.A. withdrew its sanction at the end of the season.<span style=""> </span>Auto racing was going through some of it darkest times.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:12;" ></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" >Pace Car – Chevrolet<br />Queen – Dinah Shore</span><o:p></o:p></p>Paul Dalbeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07642285604681912106noreply@blogger.com2