Editor’s note: The Pit Window celebrates its 7th birthday today. I am humbled and grateful for your continued support and readership. Thank you.
The early 60s were a time of transition at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Cars flirted with laps under one minute. Rear engine cars began to appear, and while some dismissed them as a fad, it soon became apparent that the future had arrived.The front engine roadster would have just two more years of glory, then fade into the shadows of history.
Parnelli Jones came to Indianapolis in 1961. He started fifth and finished 12th. In 1962 Jones was the first driver to turn an official lap at more than 150 miles per hour. He started on the pole and ran away fron the field until his brakes failed. Somehow, he briught the car home seventh after leading 120 laps. His pit crew used tires to stop the car on his pit stops.
In 1963, Jones broke the track qualifying record he had set the year before with a 151.2 mph lap.
Lotus brought two Ford powered rear engine cars driven by Jim Clark and Dan Gurney.They started fifth and 12th.
In the race, Jones and Jim Hurtubise battled for the lead early. Jones took control and led until his first pit stop. Clark took the lead until his only stop. Jones was again in front and stayed there until the checkered flag. He led 167 laps.
Parnelli Jones in his 1963 winning car
Late in the race, a crack appeared in the oil tank of Jones’ car, and oil began to qppeart on the track. Lotus boss Colin Chapman demanded that Jones be black flagged. J. C. Agajanian, Jones’ car owner, argued that the crack was above the oil level. No flag was thrown.
The oil on track cost Roger McCluskey third place as he spun with two laps to go. Clark, who finished second, decidenot to pursue Jones hard because of how slippery the track had become.
Parnelli Jones had another shot to win the500 in 1967. He drove a turbine powered car. Jones started sixth, but moved to the lead on lap one. He would lead 171 laps. On lap 196 a $6 bearing failed, and the car came to a halt in turn four. 1967 was his last 500.
A front engine roadster had just one more victory, with A. J. Foyt in1964. The mass switch to rear engine cars began in 1965, and the front engine machines disappeared completely five years later.
After falling just nine laps short of victory in 1952, Bill Vukovich finished the job this time on the hottest day in 500 history to date. Vukovich led 195 laps starting from pole. Sam Hanks led three laps, and Fred Agabashian and Jim Rathmann each led a lap. Vukovich took the lead for good on lap 54.
Had Vukovich won in 1952, the year ending in a 3 would have produced a multiple winner for the third staright time. Tommy Milton won his second 500 in 1923 and Louis Meyer won his second in 1933.
While the race seemed easy for Vukovich- he and runner-up Art Cross were the only drivers who did not use a rellief driver in the 90 degree heat- winning the pole was not. A heavy rain began while he was on his qualification run. Vukovich completed the four laps and still won the pole.
Bill Vukovich celebrates his pole in the rain.
The race featured just two former winner, Johnnie Parsons and BillmHolland. It was Holland’s first 500 since his suspension for driing in non sanctioned races. Six future winners started the race- Bob Sweikert, Pat Flaherty Jimmy Bryan, Rodger Ward, Jim Rathmann, and Sam Hanks.
Gene Hartley did not have a good race. He crashed on lap 53, then took over as a relief driver and crashed again.
Driver Carl Scarborough collapsed from the heat during a pit stop on lap 70.He later died.
1953 saw the debut of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. Previously, Mutual Broadcasting would brak induring the day with 15 minutes summaries as the race progressed.
Bill Vukovich ajnd the Fuel Injection Special won two concsecutive 500s
Vukovich won again in 1954 and was fatally injured while leading the 1955 race. It is intersting to speculate what might have been. He could have been not only the first four time winner, but the first arguably only man to win more than two consecutive 500s.
Racing Capital of the World Ready To Welcome Fans from Across the Globe
INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, May 4, 2023) – It’s May in Indianapolis, and that means it’s time to start preparing for your trip to racing’s most-famed venue: Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Gates will be open to fans 12 days throughout the action-packed and exhilarating Month of May for practice, qualifying, concerts, race days and more.
“The Month of May at the Racing Capital of the World is full of can’t-miss track activity featuring the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the many time-honored traditions and pageantry our fans love,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Ticket sales are strong, and we’re expecting large crowds again this year as we show the world what it truly means when we say, “This is May.”
”As always Race fans are encouraged to“PlanAhead” through IMS.com/PlanAhead, an interactive web page that serves as a home base for fans headed to the track. The “Plan Ahead” page features detailed information about the entire fan experience at IMS, including directions, parking, schedule, gate regulations, digital ticket guide, ADA accessibility and much more.
Race fans are encouraged to download the IMS App on iOS or Android and use the technology from NTT INDYCAR SERIES title sponsor NTT and its Smart Solutions platform, which will update the IMS App every 30 seconds with wait time information at each gate to allow race fans smoother entry into the facility.
Fans will notice one addition to the safety and security measures in place this year. New security screening detection devices have been added to all pedestrian gates.
“With hundreds of thousands of fans walking through the gates of IMS throughout the Month of May, our goal is to continue to provide a secure, safe and very welcoming environment at IMS, while doing our best to ensure a smooth entry with minimal impact to our fans,” Boles said. “As always, our fans help make this possible by planning ahead and arriving early so they don’t miss any of the pre-race action that takes place long before the green flag waves.”
As fans pass through one of the pedestrian entrances, they will walk through a CEIA OPENGATE® security device. Fans won’t need to empty their pockets or remove items of clothing, simply walking through the gate and enter the facility. Since its introduction in 2021, the CEIA-manufactured OPENGATE system has become the choice for pedestrian entry screening at hundreds of facilities, including professional and collegiate sports facilities and theme parks.
IMS has retained GXC Inc. to place this innovative technology and pair it with an entry process designed for least-encumbered pedestrian movement.
Certain items remain prohibited at IMS, including weapons. In addition, glass containers, bikes, golf carts and illegal drugs also are not allowed. Coolers and bags will be checked for both size and contents at each pedestrian gate. All coolers must be no larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches in size. Additional gate regulation information is available at ims.com/gate-regulations.
While the additional screening is a simple process, fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to allow time to park and patiently make their way in through the gates. Gates will open at 7:30 a.m. for the GMR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 13 and at 6 a.m. for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28. To check the gate hours for other days in May, visit IMS.com.
Ten years after Tommy Milton won his second Indianapolis 500, another driver joined the two time winners club. Louis Meyer, who won in 1928, took the lead on lap129 and neverb looked back. He beat Wilbur Shaw by six minutes. Meyer completed the distance at an average speed of 104.2 miles per hour, breaking the record Fred Frame set the previous year.
1933 was a year of innovation and tragedy. Chet Gardner was the first driver to use a two way radio. His riding mechanic communicated with the pits during the race. Gardner finished fourth.
Two drivers, Mark Billman and Les Spangler, were fatally injured in the race, along with Spangler’s riding mechanic G. L. Jordan. Driver Bill Orem and riding mechanic Hugh Hurst were killed during qualifications.
New rules went into effect for the 20th 500. Qualifications increased from four lps to 10 laps. Each car started the race with six gallons of oil and could not add oil during the race.
A record 42 cars started the race. Fourteen cars completed the 200 laps. Bill Cummings won the pole and led the first 32 laps. Fred Frame and Babe Stapp exchanged the lead until Meyer took charge on lap 129. Cummings, Frame, and Stapp all dropped out with mechanical issues.
Meyer prevailed over a strong grid which featured four former winners and four future winners. 1933 was Mauri Rose’s rookie year. Meyer would go on to win a third 500 in 1936. Tommy Milton drove the pace car that year and witnessed Meyer mo ahead of him with the most wins in 500 history.
After a crash in the 1939 500, Meyer retired from racing. He formed a partnership with Dale Drake to take over the Offenhauser engine company. Meyer-Drake Offenhauser engines powered Indianapolis 500 winners into the 1960s.
From yesterday-
1923-Tommy Milton Becomes the First Multiple 500 Winner
Yesterday Juncos Hollinger Racing revealed the livery for car 78 for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500. Augustin Canapino will drive the car which is atribute to Argentina’s World Cup champions.
This car is a stunner in my view.
The release from Juncos Holliunger:
MAY 3, 2023
Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Agustín Canapino will proudly carry the colors of the Argentine flag on his #78 Dallara-Chevrolet when he goes into battle at the INDY 500 later this month (May 28).
The stunning blue and white livery is expected to be one of the stars of the show at the sixth round of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and reflects the colors of Agustín’s home country flag.
The livery is the result of a strategic partnership between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) – with the collaboration of Visit Argentina, the international tourism promotion brand of Inprotur.
As well as honoring the Argentine flag, the livery will also feature design elements that celebrate Argentina’s success at the 2022 World Cup.
Claudio Tapia, President of the AFA, said: “Generating actions such as the ones we are celebrating today highlight the union between Argentines through sport. To be able to unite two great passions such as soccer and motor racing in a foreign territory is a demonstration of teamwork. The AFA is proud to support an Argentine driver in the iconic INDY 500 race and wishes the best of luck to Agustín Canapino and the Juncos Hollinger Racing team.”
Ricardo Juncos, President and Co-owner of JHR, said: “As an Argentinean, I am proud to have the colors of my country and the Argentinean Football Association with us for this edition of the INDY 500 race. To be able to bring together the two greatest passions of Argentines, together with the AFA and Agustín Canapino, in the most important and oldest event in the history of world motorsport, the 500, is a dream come true. I believe it will undoubtedly be a historic event for the sport in our country, which beyond any result will remain in everyone’s memory.”
Since the 1960s fans have become used to seeing a driver win the Indianapolis 500 more than once. Rodger Ward, A. J. Foyt,Booby Unser, Al Unser, Sr., Johnny Rutherford, Rick Mears, Emerson Fittipaldi, Al Unser, Jr., Dario Franchitti, and Helio Catroneveshave all won at least twice since 1962. In the early days of the race, multiple winners were rare.
The 500 did not crown its first two time winner until the 11th race 100 years ago this month..It would be another 10 years before the race saw its second double winner.
Tommy Milton won the 1921 500 starting from 20th and led the final 90 laps after Ralph DePalma once again dominated the race but dropped out with mechanial failure. Only 23 cars started the race.
Milton started and finished 24th in 1922. Fuel Tank issues put him out of the race after 44 laps.
In 1923 Milton won the pole and led 128 laps. The race was the most competitive 500 to date with 28 lead changes in a 24 car field.
Tommy Milton in the HCS Miller after his second 500 win.
Milton began racing on dirt tracks near his hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1914.He began racing nationally in 1917. In 1919 he won five of the nine championship races. In 1921 Milton won the national championship.
He drove in his last 500 in 1927. His Indianapolis career included four top five and five top 10 finishes.
Milton had no vision in his left eye and limited vision in his right eye. He would fail a driving physical today. Drivers in his day were more concerned with Howdy Wilcox’s diabetes.
In 1936. Milton drove the pace car for the race, ironically won by the race’s second multiple winner, Louis Meyer. It was Meyer’s third win. Milton suggested the winner receive the pace car, and that tradition continues today.
Tommy Milton served the Speedway as Chief Steward from 1949-1957.
BELOIT, Wis. (May 1, 2023) — The stars and stripes of the No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet is ready not only to race in the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge but to raise awareness — and donations — for Homes For Our Troops (HFOT). The nonprofit builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post 9/11 Veterans, providing them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives and once again become highly productive members of society.
ABC Supply Co., Inc., the sponsor of the Indy car driven by Santino Ferrucci in this year’s “500,” will match all donations made to HFOT — up to $1 million total — from Monday, May 1, through Wednesday, May 31. Donations can be made directly to HFOT by visiting www.hfotusa.org/donate.
As a longtime supporter of AJ Foyt Racing, ABC Supply is proud to continue its sponsorship of the team while simultaneously shining a spotlight on HFOT. Nearly 90% of the donations received go
directly toward rebuilding homes, which means HFOT rarely advertises and relies on word-of-mouth awareness. To date, HFOT has built over 350 specially adapted homes nationwide, with the goal of building a home for every Veteran who qualifies.
Last year, ABC Supply donated the eye-popping patriotic design of its Indy car to HFOT and participated in a 10-day fundraising effort as part of its sponsorship. The company met its $1 million match goal, with those funds helping to amass a final donation total of over $2 million.
The same star-spangled livery will be featured on the car this year, and with a full 31 days to donate, ABC Supply is excited at the chance to best 2022’s multimillion-dollar impact and continue to raise awareness of HFOT’s mission.
“We are thrilled ABC Supply will spotlight Homes For Our Troops for another year during the 2023 Indy 500,” says HFOT President and CEO, Brigadier General (Ret) Tom Landwermeyer. “In addition to generating revenue with a generous $1 million match, the initiative will raise much-needed awareness about our mission throughout the country. ABC Supply’s incredible enthusiasm and patriotic commitment to our mission enables us to get even more injured Veterans and their families into the specially adapted homes they need and deserve.”
“ABC Supply has supported HFOT since 2020, with their Core Values resonating deeply with who we are as a company,” says Mike Jost, chief operating officer of ABC Supply. “We’re honored to continue raising awareness for this organization alongside our friends at AJ Foyt Racing during this storied and prestigious race.”
“Racing has given us many wonderful opportunities, but being part of the Homes For Our Troops campaign to raise awareness and help our troops who have suffered such severe injuries is a true privilege,” said A.J. Foyt, the first four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. “We’re proud to partner with ABC Supply to support this very worthy cause.”
About ABC Supply
ABC Supply Co., Inc. is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and other select exterior and interior building products in North America. Since its founding in 1982, ABC Supply’s sole focus has been serving professional contractors and “making it easy” for them to do their jobs by offering the products, support and services they need — including myABCsupply, which allows them to place material orders and manage their account details from anywhere.
ABC Supply is a 17-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner and a two-time recipient of Glassdoor’s Employees’ Choice Award for Best Places to Work and is committed to hiring military veterans.
Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, ABC Supply has over 900 locations across the U.S. and Canada. More information is available at http://www.abcsupply.com. Contractors can find resources for growing and improving their businesses on ABC Supply’s blog and the company’s LinkedIn page.
About AJ Foyt Racing
AJ Foyt Racing, headquartered northwest of Houston, has been competing at the top levels of motorsports since December 1965, nearly 60 years. With A.J. Foyt driving, his team won two Indianapolis 500s and three national INDYCAR championships. Since Foyt’s retirement from driving in 1993, the team has continued to win, claiming two more national titles and the 1999 Indianapolis 500 with driver Kenny Brack.
About Homes For Our Troops (HFOT)
Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide to severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained life-altering injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and
rebuilding their lives. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent has gone directly to our program services supporting Veterans. For more information, visit http://www.hfotusa.org.Post not marked as liked
In no particular order, here are some of my thoughts on today’s race. I haven’t seen the replay yet.
Today’s race was an above average race for Barber. The different strategies kept the outcome in doubt, and two asses for the lead in the last 25 laps is about as good as you’ll get on a road course.
The only thing that could have made this race better is if it therebwer no cars on a fuel save strategy. At leastfive cars did not have enough fuel to complete their cool down lap. hen Grosjean pitted on lap 59, I thought it would be a stretch for him to finish the race.
St. Pete Deja Vu– Romain Grosjean and Scott McLaughlin fighting for the lead as McLaughlin comes out of the pits. Fortunately, Barber has a lot more room to battle tham St. Pete did. I hope we see more great fights between these two this season.
How did Grosjean have no push to pass left? He shouldn’t have needed to use much since he led 57 laps.
Grosjean now has five second place finishes in his career. Only two other drivers have had more runner up finsihes without a win. Vitor Meira was an eight time runner up and never won. I think Grosjean’s time is coming,perhaps as soon as May 13.
I watched the race from the turn 15-16 area. there were many close battles for position, some wheel banging, groups of cars all day long.
I am happy to see Will Power on the podium. I was starting to think he had lost his competetive fire.
A nice job by Christian Lundgaard. His sixth place finish is the nbest for a Rahal Letterman Lanigan driver this season.
The drive of the day goes to Felix Rosenqvist. He dropped back quickly to the back at the start from his ninth place grid spot, but fought back to finish eighth.
Josef Newgarden has two finishes of 15th or worse. Like last year he will need to come on strong with a lot of victories to be in contention for the championship.
Honda and Chevy have each won two races. The engines seem more equal this season than they did in 2022 when Chevy seemed to be the better power plant.
Thanks for following along this weekend. Tomorrow is May 1. I might have a couple things to talk about for the next 30 days or so.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 