1988 Indianapolis 500
Encyclopedia
The 72nd Indianapolis 500 was held Sunday May 29, 1988 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
. Team Penske
dominated the month, sweeping the top three starting positions with Rick Mears
winning the pole position, Danny Sullivan
on the inside of the front row, and Al Unser, Sr. on the outside. The Penske teammates proceeded to lead 192 of the 200 laps, with Rick Mears
taking the checkered flag, his third-career Indy 500 victory.
The race was the third event of the 1988 CART PPG Indycar World Series season, and was sanctioned by USAC.
returned to Penske
to join a three-car effort with Rick Mears
and Danny Sullivan
. After a dismal go around with the PC-16 ('87), Penske introduced the brand-new PC-17 ('88), with promise. Mears and Sullivan, respectively won the pole position for the first two races of the CART
season. For the third year, Penske was utilizing the Chevy Ilmor Indy V-8
engine.
Back-to-back, defending CART champion, and 1986 winner
Bobby Rahal
returned for his last season at Truesports
. However, the team dropped Cosworth DFX
and the took up development of the Judd AV
engine. The engine was known to be down on horsepower, but superior on fuel mileage.
Among the other changes included Al Unser, Jr.
, who left Shierson
and re-joined Galles
, sporting the Ilmor Chevy. Raul Boesel
took his place in the #30 Dominos Pizza entry.
During a tire test session in September of 1987, Roberto Guerrero
suffered a crash, and a serious head injury. After a lengthy recovery, Guerrero was back in the cockpit for 1988. Jim Crawford
, who suffered serious leg injuries during time trials in 1987, also returned, signing with King Racing
.
Many of the cars in the field were sporting the chrome wheel disc inserts, giving the 1988 month of May a unique visual appearance.
first out on the track for Shierson
. Dick Simon
(211.665 mph) posted the best lap of the day, with less than 15 minutes to go in the session.
set the best lap of the day (210.970 mph), but did not eclipse Simon's speed from Saturday.
turned the fastest lap of the month thus far at 213.118 mph. Two cars, Teo Fabi
in the Porsche entry, and Ludwig Heimrath, Jr.
suffered mechanical/engine-related problems.
turned the fastest unofficial practice lap in Indy history, breaking the 220 mph for the first time. His lap of 220.048 mph was just a tick faster than Mario Andretti
's lap of 219.995 mph.
Roberto Guerrero
was involved in the first crash of the week. He spun in turn one and tapped the outside wall. His car suffered damage to the rear wing. He was not injured.
moved back into the top spot. His lap of 221.565 mph broke the day-old unofficial track record at 5:45 p.m.
went high in turn 2 and brushed the outside wall, the second crash of the month. His car whipped around, and hit the wall again. He was not injured, and car had light damage.
Mario Andretti
(219.084 mph) led the speed chart, with Scott Brayton
second.
and Mario Andretti
, the two drivers who had distanced themselves from the rest of the field. Mears and Andretti finished the day with identical laps at 221.465 mph to tie at the top of the speed chart. Danny Sullivan
came in third-best with a lap of 218.446 mph.
Andretti
finished the week of practice with the fastest over speed, set on Wednesday. Mears was second, and the pair went into time trials as the favorites for the pole position.
blistered the track with a lap of 222.827 mph during the morning practice session. It was a new all-time unofficial track record. Raul Boesel
and Tom Bigelow
suffered single-car crashes during the session.
Mario Andretti
drew the coveted first qualifying attempt. After his success in practice, his qualifying attempt was disappointingly slow. His first lap of 217.014 mph was his fastest, but 4 mph slower than he practiced a day earlier. His final lap of 212.761 mph pulled his four-lap average down to 214.692 mph.
About one hour into the session, Al Unser, Sr.
took to the track and completed his attempt at 215.270 mph, good enough to take over the provisional pole position. Derek Daly
and Scott Brayton
completed runs over 212 mph, and by 1 p.m., the field was filled to ten cars.
At 1:21 p.m., Danny Sullivan
took to the track and set a one-lap track record of 217.749 mph on his second lap. His four-lap average fell short of a record, but his speed of 216.214 mph took over the pole position for the moment. not to be upstaged, Rick Mears
took to the track at 2 p.m. His first lap of 220.453 mph was an all-time official track record, the first driver to break the 220 mph barrier. His four-lap average of 219.198 mph won him the coveted pole position. It was his then-record fourth Indy 500 pole position.
With Penske
cars Mears
, Sullivan
, and Unser
, ranked 1st-2nd-3rd, the team had the opportunity to become the first team ever to sweep all three spots on the front row of the starting grid. After Mears' run, the track stayed mostly quiet until the final hour.
With better conditions at 5 p.m., Arie Luyendyk
put his car in the field at just over 213 mph. Al Unser, Jr.
was the last car with a realistic shot at the front row. Unser, Jr. fell short, with a speed of 214.186 mph, good enough for 5th position.
At the end of the day, Bobby Rahal
was among those not yet in the field. His first presentation to the line was aborted when the car would not crank. He waved off two attempts, the second attempt was averaging 212.8 mph after three laps. A. J. Foyt
went out early, but debris on the track forced him to pull off. His second attempt was too slow, and he waved off.
At the end of the day, the field was filled to 19 cars.
put his car in the field at 210.564 mph. Bobby Rahal
was the only other qualifier, with a speed of 208.526 mph, slower than his speeds from Saturday.
At the close of the first weekend of time trials, there were 21 cars in the field. Among those not in the field yet were A. J. Foyt
, Raul Boesel
, Johnny Rutherford
, and rookie John Andretti
.
(211.058 mph) was the fastest of the day, with Dominic Dobson
(210.096 mph) second fastest, and the fastest rookie. A. J. Foyt
secured a starting position in his record 31st consecutive Indy 500.
As time expired, Steve Chassey
made this third and final attempt, which was good enough to make the field.
Pancho Carter
crashed twice during the day. On his final qualifying lap, he brushed the wall in the final turn, and slid and spun down the mainstretch. Later in the day, he wrecked his backup car in turn 2 during a practice run. He was uninjured.
was the first car to make an attempt, and qualified comfortably at 208.442 mph. Later, Howdy Holmes
and Stan Fox
filled the field to 33 cars. Scott Atchison
(205.142 mph) was the first car on the bubble.
Atchison
survived three attempts, but Ludwig Heimrath, Jr.
bumped him out at 3:45 p.m. The move put Rich Vogler
(206.463 mph) on the bubble. Ed Pimm
made an attempt but wrecked, and Gordon Johncock
waved off after a lap of only 206.049 mph.
At 5:54 p.m., Johncock
made his final attempt, bumping Volger. However, Johncock himself was now on the bubble at 206.693 mph. As time expired, Rich Vogler
got in his backup car and bumped his way back into the field with a speed of 207.126 mph.
seemingly in control, the only battle that remained was for second place. Emerson Fittipaldi
was running second, but he was deep in traffic. In the final 20 laps, USAC officials were contemplating a one-lap penalty for Fittipaldi for passing under the yellow. After first penalizing Fittipaldi, then retracting the penalty, USAC decide to impose it, dropping Fittipaldi out of the top five. The penalty put Jim Crawford into second place, and Al Unser, Sr.
into third.
On lap 194, Jim Crawford got sideways in turn three, which flat-spotted his tires. He ducked into the pit area to change tires, but the crew had difficulty changing them, and he lost several seconds. He dropped back to 6th on the track. Suddenly Penske teammates Rick Mears
and Al Unser, Sr. were running 1st-2nd. Moments later, on lap 197 a piece of bodywork flew off of Michael Andretti
's car. The yellow came out, and the safety crews were unable to clean up the debris before the white flag came out for the final lap. The race finished under caution with Rick Mears
winning his third Indy 500. For the moment, Al Unser, Sr. was second, Michael Andretti
third, and Bobby Rahal
worked all the way up to 4th in the Judd-powered entry.
After the race, officials again retracted Emerson Fittipaldi
's penalty, reinstating his laps, which elevated him to a second place finish. Al Unser, Sr. was officially third. Jim Crawford's exciting day finished with a 6th place.
(R) - Denotes Rookie
Failed to Qualify: Scott Atchison
(#55), Gary Bettenhausen
(#46), Tom Bigelow
(#77), Pancho Carter
(#28), Dale Coyne
(#39), Dick Ferguson
(#27), Spike Gehlhausen
(#87), John Jones
(#12), Johnny Parsons
(#36), Ed Pimm
(#27), Gordon Johncock
(#60), Harry Sauce (#36), George Snider
(#84)
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana in the United States, is the home of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Brickyard 400....
. Team Penske
Penske Racing
Penske Racing is a racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series and NASCAR. They also previously competed in road racing, and Formula One. Penske Racing is a division of Penske Corporation, and is owned and chaired by Roger Penske...
dominated the month, sweeping the top three starting positions with Rick Mears
Rick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
winning the pole position, Danny Sullivan
Danny Sullivan
Daniel John "Danny" Sullivan III is a former racing driver from the United States. He is best known for winning the 1985 Indianapolis 500.-Before racing:...
on the inside of the front row, and Al Unser, Sr. on the outside. The Penske teammates proceeded to lead 192 of the 200 laps, with Rick Mears
Rick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
taking the checkered flag, his third-career Indy 500 victory.
The race was the third event of the 1988 CART PPG Indycar World Series season, and was sanctioned by USAC.
Background
Defending champion Al Unser, Sr.Al Unser
Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr....
returned to Penske
Penske Racing
Penske Racing is a racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series and NASCAR. They also previously competed in road racing, and Formula One. Penske Racing is a division of Penske Corporation, and is owned and chaired by Roger Penske...
to join a three-car effort with Rick Mears
Rick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
and Danny Sullivan
Danny Sullivan
Daniel John "Danny" Sullivan III is a former racing driver from the United States. He is best known for winning the 1985 Indianapolis 500.-Before racing:...
. After a dismal go around with the PC-16 ('87), Penske introduced the brand-new PC-17 ('88), with promise. Mears and Sullivan, respectively won the pole position for the first two races of the CART
Champ Car
Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race...
season. For the third year, Penske was utilizing the Chevy Ilmor Indy V-8
Ilmor
Ilmor, founded by Mario Illien and Paul Morgan in November 1983, is a British independent high-performance autosport engineering company. With manufacturing based in Brixworth, Northamptonshire, and maintenance offices in Plymouth, Michigan, the company supplies engines and consultancy to the...
engine.
Back-to-back, defending CART champion, and 1986 winner
1986 Indianapolis 500
The 70th Indianapolis 500 was held at Indianapolis on Saturday, May 31, 1986. After being rained out on May 25–26, the race was rescheduled for the following weekend...
Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
returned for his last season at Truesports
Truesports
Truesports was an automobile racing team founded by Jim Trueman based in Hilliard, Ohio. The team is best known for winning the 1986 Indianapolis 500 and back-to-back CART championships in 1986 and 1987....
. However, the team dropped Cosworth DFX
Cosworth DFV
The DFV is an internal combustion engine that was originally produced by Cosworth for Formula One motor racing. Named Four Valve because of the four valves per cylinder, and Double as it was a V8 development of the earlier, four-cylinder FVA , making it a Double Four Valve engine...
and the took up development of the Judd AV
Judd (engine)
Judd is a name brand of engines produced by Engine Developments Ltd., a company founded in 1971 by John Judd and Jack Brabham in Rugby, Warwickshire, England...
engine. The engine was known to be down on horsepower, but superior on fuel mileage.
Among the other changes included Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
, who left Shierson
Doug Shierson Racing
Doug Shierson Racing is a former racing team that competed in the CART Championship Car Series from 1982 to 1990. The team was sponsored by Domino's Pizza for its entire run in CART.-Early years:...
and re-joined Galles
Galles Racing
Galles Racing is a former auto racing team owned by Rick Galles that competed in the CART series, Can-Am and Indy Racing League, winning the 1990 CART Championship and 1992 Indianapolis 500 with driver Al Unser, Jr..-Early years:...
, sporting the Ilmor Chevy. Raul Boesel
Raul Boesel
Raul de Mesquita Boesel is a former racing driver who raced for the March and Ligier Formula One teams and later raced in Champ Car and the Indy Racing League.He won the 1987 World Sportscar Championship and the 1988 24 Hours of Daytona...
took his place in the #30 Dominos Pizza entry.
During a tire test session in September of 1987, Roberto Guerrero
Roberto Guerrero
Roberto José Guerrero Isaza is a former racing driver from Colombia. He participated in 29 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on 23 January 1982...
suffered a crash, and a serious head injury. After a lengthy recovery, Guerrero was back in the cockpit for 1988. Jim Crawford
Jim Crawford
Jim or Jimmy Crawford may refer to:* Jim Crawford , Scottish auto racing driver* Jimmy Crawford , retired NASCAR Cup Series driver* Jim Crawford , Irish footballer...
, who suffered serious leg injuries during time trials in 1987, also returned, signing with King Racing
King Racing
King Racing was the name of famed NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein's racing team which fielded cars in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series as well as in CART and the Indianapolis 500.-NASCAR:...
.
Many of the cars in the field were sporting the chrome wheel disc inserts, giving the 1988 month of May a unique visual appearance.
Saturday May 7
Opening day saw Raul BoeselRaul Boesel
Raul de Mesquita Boesel is a former racing driver who raced for the March and Ligier Formula One teams and later raced in Champ Car and the Indy Racing League.He won the 1987 World Sportscar Championship and the 1988 24 Hours of Daytona...
first out on the track for Shierson
Doug Shierson Racing
Doug Shierson Racing is a former racing team that competed in the CART Championship Car Series from 1982 to 1990. The team was sponsored by Domino's Pizza for its entire run in CART.-Early years:...
. Dick Simon
Dick Simon
Dick Simon is one of the oldest men to ever have raced in the Indianapolis 500. He was 55 years old during his final Indy 500 start in 1988. A multiple starter and top-ten finisher in the race, he also became a car owner, founding Dick Simon Racing helping to begin the IndyCar careers of Stéphan...
(211.665 mph) posted the best lap of the day, with less than 15 minutes to go in the session.
Sunday May 8
The track closed about two hours early due to rain. Mario AndrettiMario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
set the best lap of the day (210.970 mph), but did not eclipse Simon's speed from Saturday.
Monday May 9
Rick MearsRick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
turned the fastest lap of the month thus far at 213.118 mph. Two cars, Teo Fabi
Teo Fabi
Teodorico Fabi , better known as Teo Fabi, is an Italian former racing driver.-Career:Fabi participated in 71 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on January 23, 1982. He achieved 2 podiums, and scored a total of 23 championship points...
in the Porsche entry, and Ludwig Heimrath, Jr.
Ludwig Heimrath
Ludwig Heimrath, Jr. - born September 9, 1956 in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Started his driving career racing Go-karts and Formula Fords. In 1979 and 1980 he won the Ontario Formula Ford Championship winning seven races in total. In 1981 and 1982, he competed in selected International Motorsport...
suffered mechanical/engine-related problems.
Tuesday May 10
Rick MearsRick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
turned the fastest unofficial practice lap in Indy history, breaking the 220 mph for the first time. His lap of 220.048 mph was just a tick faster than Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
's lap of 219.995 mph.
Roberto Guerrero
Roberto Guerrero
Roberto José Guerrero Isaza is a former racing driver from Colombia. He participated in 29 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on 23 January 1982...
was involved in the first crash of the week. He spun in turn one and tapped the outside wall. His car suffered damage to the rear wing. He was not injured.
Wednesday May 11
After two days of Mears topping the speed chart, Mario AndrettiMario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
moved back into the top spot. His lap of 221.565 mph broke the day-old unofficial track record at 5:45 p.m.
Thursday May 12
Ludwig Heimrath, Jr.Ludwig Heimrath
Ludwig Heimrath, Jr. - born September 9, 1956 in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Started his driving career racing Go-karts and Formula Fords. In 1979 and 1980 he won the Ontario Formula Ford Championship winning seven races in total. In 1981 and 1982, he competed in selected International Motorsport...
went high in turn 2 and brushed the outside wall, the second crash of the month. His car whipped around, and hit the wall again. He was not injured, and car had light damage.
Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
(219.084 mph) led the speed chart, with Scott Brayton
Scott Brayton
Scott Everets Brayton was a race car driver from Coldwater, Michigan, on the American open-wheel circuit. He competed in 14 Indianapolis 500s, beginning with the 1981 event...
second.
Friday May 13
The final day of practice was anticipated to be a duel between Rick MearsRick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
and Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
, the two drivers who had distanced themselves from the rest of the field. Mears and Andretti finished the day with identical laps at 221.465 mph to tie at the top of the speed chart. Danny Sullivan
Danny Sullivan
Daniel John "Danny" Sullivan III is a former racing driver from the United States. He is best known for winning the 1985 Indianapolis 500.-Before racing:...
came in third-best with a lap of 218.446 mph.
Andretti
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
finished the week of practice with the fastest over speed, set on Wednesday. Mears was second, and the pair went into time trials as the favorites for the pole position.
Pole day - Saturday May 14
On pole day morning, Rick MearsRick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
blistered the track with a lap of 222.827 mph during the morning practice session. It was a new all-time unofficial track record. Raul Boesel
Raul Boesel
Raul de Mesquita Boesel is a former racing driver who raced for the March and Ligier Formula One teams and later raced in Champ Car and the Indy Racing League.He won the 1987 World Sportscar Championship and the 1988 24 Hours of Daytona...
and Tom Bigelow
Tom Bigelow
Tom Bigelow , USA, is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series.-Midget car racing:...
suffered single-car crashes during the session.
Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR...
drew the coveted first qualifying attempt. After his success in practice, his qualifying attempt was disappointingly slow. His first lap of 217.014 mph was his fastest, but 4 mph slower than he practiced a day earlier. His final lap of 212.761 mph pulled his four-lap average down to 214.692 mph.
About one hour into the session, Al Unser, Sr.
Al Unser
Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr....
took to the track and completed his attempt at 215.270 mph, good enough to take over the provisional pole position. Derek Daly
Derek Daly
Derek Daly is a former racing driver from the Republic of Ireland. He won the 1977 British Formula Three Championship, and competed as a professional racing driver for 17 years participating in 64 World Championship Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on April 2, 1978. He scored a total of 15...
and Scott Brayton
Scott Brayton
Scott Everets Brayton was a race car driver from Coldwater, Michigan, on the American open-wheel circuit. He competed in 14 Indianapolis 500s, beginning with the 1981 event...
completed runs over 212 mph, and by 1 p.m., the field was filled to ten cars.
At 1:21 p.m., Danny Sullivan
Danny Sullivan
Daniel John "Danny" Sullivan III is a former racing driver from the United States. He is best known for winning the 1985 Indianapolis 500.-Before racing:...
took to the track and set a one-lap track record of 217.749 mph on his second lap. His four-lap average fell short of a record, but his speed of 216.214 mph took over the pole position for the moment. not to be upstaged, Rick Mears
Rick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
took to the track at 2 p.m. His first lap of 220.453 mph was an all-time official track record, the first driver to break the 220 mph barrier. His four-lap average of 219.198 mph won him the coveted pole position. It was his then-record fourth Indy 500 pole position.
With Penske
Penske Racing
Penske Racing is a racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series and NASCAR. They also previously competed in road racing, and Formula One. Penske Racing is a division of Penske Corporation, and is owned and chaired by Roger Penske...
cars Mears
Rick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
, Sullivan
Danny Sullivan
Daniel John "Danny" Sullivan III is a former racing driver from the United States. He is best known for winning the 1985 Indianapolis 500.-Before racing:...
, and Unser
Al Unser
Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr....
, ranked 1st-2nd-3rd, the team had the opportunity to become the first team ever to sweep all three spots on the front row of the starting grid. After Mears' run, the track stayed mostly quiet until the final hour.
With better conditions at 5 p.m., Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500....
put his car in the field at just over 213 mph. Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
was the last car with a realistic shot at the front row. Unser, Jr. fell short, with a speed of 214.186 mph, good enough for 5th position.
At the end of the day, Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
was among those not yet in the field. His first presentation to the line was aborted when the car would not crank. He waved off two attempts, the second attempt was averaging 212.8 mph after three laps. A. J. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
went out early, but debris on the track forced him to pull off. His second attempt was too slow, and he waved off.
At the end of the day, the field was filled to 19 cars.
Second day - Sunday May 15
At hot 88 degree day kept cars off the track most of the afternoon. At about 5:30 p.m., Jim CrawfordJim Crawford
Jim or Jimmy Crawford may refer to:* Jim Crawford , Scottish auto racing driver* Jimmy Crawford , retired NASCAR Cup Series driver* Jim Crawford , Irish footballer...
put his car in the field at 210.564 mph. Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
was the only other qualifier, with a speed of 208.526 mph, slower than his speeds from Saturday.
At the close of the first weekend of time trials, there were 21 cars in the field. Among those not in the field yet were A. J. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
, Raul Boesel
Raul Boesel
Raul de Mesquita Boesel is a former racing driver who raced for the March and Ligier Formula One teams and later raced in Champ Car and the Indy Racing League.He won the 1987 World Sportscar Championship and the 1988 24 Hours of Daytona...
, Johnny Rutherford
Johnny Rutherford
For the Major League Baseball pitcher, see Johnny Rutherford . For other people with a similar name, see John RutherfordJohn Sherman Rutherford III , better known as Johnny Rutherford, and also known as "Lone Star JR" is a former U.S...
, and rookie John Andretti
John Andretti
John Andretti is an American race car driver. He has won in CART, IMSA GTP, Rolex Sports Car Series and NASCAR. He was the last NASCAR driver to win a Cup race for the famous Petty Enterprises team.-Andretti family:...
.
Third Day - Saturday May 21
Nine cars completed qualifying runs, filling the field to 30 cars. Raul BoeselRaul Boesel
Raul de Mesquita Boesel is a former racing driver who raced for the March and Ligier Formula One teams and later raced in Champ Car and the Indy Racing League.He won the 1987 World Sportscar Championship and the 1988 24 Hours of Daytona...
(211.058 mph) was the fastest of the day, with Dominic Dobson
Dominic Dobson
Dominic Dobson is a German-born former CART and Craftsman Truck Series driver who made 7 starts in the Indianapolis 500 with a best finish of 12th in 1992, over 60 starts in the CART , with a best finish of 3rd at the Michigan 500 in 1994...
(210.096 mph) second fastest, and the fastest rookie. A. J. Foyt
A. J. Foyt
Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., or as he is universally known as in motorsports circles, A. J. Foyt , is a retired American automobile racing driver. He raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His open wheel racing includes USAC Champ cars and midget cars. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. He won...
secured a starting position in his record 31st consecutive Indy 500.
As time expired, Steve Chassey
Steve Chassey
Steve Chassey , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in 9 seasons , with 44 career starts, including the Indianapolis 500 in 1983, 1987, and 1988. He finished in the top ten 4 times, with his best finish in 5th position in 1981 at Watkins Glen International...
made this third and final attempt, which was good enough to make the field.
Pancho Carter
Pancho Carter
Duane "Pancho" Carter, Jr. is a retired American race car driver. He is most famous for his participation in CART races.-Background:...
crashed twice during the day. On his final qualifying lap, he brushed the wall in the final turn, and slid and spun down the mainstretch. Later in the day, he wrecked his backup car in turn 2 during a practice run. He was uninjured.
Bump Day - Sunday May 22
The final day of time trials opened with three positions left unfilled. Johnny RutherfordJohnny Rutherford
For the Major League Baseball pitcher, see Johnny Rutherford . For other people with a similar name, see John RutherfordJohn Sherman Rutherford III , better known as Johnny Rutherford, and also known as "Lone Star JR" is a former U.S...
was the first car to make an attempt, and qualified comfortably at 208.442 mph. Later, Howdy Holmes
Howdy Holmes
Howdy S. Holmes , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He began racing in the early 1970s and was based in Stockbridge, Michigan, about northeast of Chelsea....
and Stan Fox
Stan Fox
Stan Fox was a United States open wheel race car driver. Fox was one of the last links between the midget car racing world and the Indianapolis 500.-Midget car career:...
filled the field to 33 cars. Scott Atchison
Scott Atchison
Scott Barham Atchison is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
(205.142 mph) was the first car on the bubble.
Atchison
Scott Atchison
Scott Barham Atchison is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
survived three attempts, but Ludwig Heimrath, Jr.
Ludwig Heimrath
Ludwig Heimrath, Jr. - born September 9, 1956 in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Started his driving career racing Go-karts and Formula Fords. In 1979 and 1980 he won the Ontario Formula Ford Championship winning seven races in total. In 1981 and 1982, he competed in selected International Motorsport...
bumped him out at 3:45 p.m. The move put Rich Vogler
Rich Vogler
Rich Vogler was a champion sprint car and midget car driver. He was nicknamed "Rapid Rich". He competed in the Indianapolis 500 five times, his best finish was eighth in 1989.-Racing career:...
(206.463 mph) on the bubble. Ed Pimm
Ed Pimm
Ed Pimm , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series.He raced in the 1984-1988 seasons, with 42 career starts, including the 1985-1987 Indianapolis 500s. He drove two CART events for Gary Trout Motorsports finishing 12th at Mid-Ohio and 14th at Elkart Lake...
made an attempt but wrecked, and Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock is a former racing driver, best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the 1976 USAC Marlboro Championship Trail champion. Johncock was most often simply referred to as "Gordy."...
waved off after a lap of only 206.049 mph.
At 5:54 p.m., Johncock
Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock is a former racing driver, best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the 1976 USAC Marlboro Championship Trail champion. Johncock was most often simply referred to as "Gordy."...
made his final attempt, bumping Volger. However, Johncock himself was now on the bubble at 206.693 mph. As time expired, Rich Vogler
Rich Vogler
Rich Vogler was a champion sprint car and midget car driver. He was nicknamed "Rapid Rich". He competed in the Indianapolis 500 five times, his best finish was eighth in 1989.-Racing career:...
got in his backup car and bumped his way back into the field with a speed of 207.126 mph.
Finish
With Rick MearsRick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
seemingly in control, the only battle that remained was for second place. Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
was running second, but he was deep in traffic. In the final 20 laps, USAC officials were contemplating a one-lap penalty for Fittipaldi for passing under the yellow. After first penalizing Fittipaldi, then retracting the penalty, USAC decide to impose it, dropping Fittipaldi out of the top five. The penalty put Jim Crawford into second place, and Al Unser, Sr.
Al Unser
Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr....
into third.
On lap 194, Jim Crawford got sideways in turn three, which flat-spotted his tires. He ducked into the pit area to change tires, but the crew had difficulty changing them, and he lost several seconds. He dropped back to 6th on the track. Suddenly Penske teammates Rick Mears
Rick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
and Al Unser, Sr. were running 1st-2nd. Moments later, on lap 197 a piece of bodywork flew off of Michael Andretti
Michael Andretti
Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:...
's car. The yellow came out, and the safety crews were unable to clean up the debris before the white flag came out for the final lap. The race finished under caution with Rick Mears
Rick Mears
Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six...
winning his third Indy 500. For the moment, Al Unser, Sr. was second, Michael Andretti
Michael Andretti
Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:...
third, and Bobby Rahal
Bobby Rahal
Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500...
worked all the way up to 4th in the Judd-powered entry.
After the race, officials again retracted Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:...
's penalty, reinstating his laps, which elevated him to a second place finish. Al Unser, Sr. was officially third. Jim Crawford's exciting day finished with a 6th place.
Race results
| Finish | Start | No | Name | Qual | Rank | Laps | Led | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 5 |  United States Rick MearsRick Mears Rick Ravon Mears is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three men to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times , and the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six... |
219.198 | 1 | 200 | 89 | Running |
| 2 | 8 | 20 |  Brazil Emerson FittipaldiEmerson Fittipaldi Emerson Fittipaldi |São Paulo]], Brazil) is a Brazilian automobile racing driver who throughout a long and successful career won the Indianapolis 500 twice and championships in both Formula One and CART.-Early and personal life:... |
212.512 | 8 | 200 | 0 | Running |
| 3 | 3 | 1 | United States Al Unser, Sr. Al Unser Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr.... |
215.270 | 3 | 199 | 12 | Flagged |
| 4 | 10 | 18 | United States Michael Andretti Michael Andretti Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:... |
210.183 | 12 | 199 | 0 | Flagged |
| 5 | 19 | 4 | United States Bobby Rahal Bobby Rahal Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal is an American auto racing driver and team owner. As a driver, he won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500... |
208.526 | 21 | 199 | 0 | Flagged |
| 6 | 18 | 15 |  United Kingdom Jim CrawfordJim Crawford (driver) Jim Crawford was a Scottish racing driver. He first came to the racing community's notice when he borrowed Stephen Choularton's Lotus 69 and won on his first outing at Croft Racing Track in the North East of England... |
210.564 | 11 | 198 | 8 | Flagged |
| 7 | 20 | 30 | Brazil Raul Boesel Raul Boesel Raul de Mesquita Boesel is a former racing driver who raced for the March and Ligier Formula One teams and later raced in Champ Car and the Indy Racing League.He won the 1987 World Sportscar Championship and the 1988 24 Hours of Daytona... |
211.058 | 10 | 198 | 0 | Flagged |
| 8 | 15 | 97 | United States Phil Krueger Phil Krueger Phil Krueger , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in 9 seasons , with 23 career starts, including the 1986 and 1988 Indianapolis 500... |
208.212 | 24 | 196 | 0 | Flagged |
| 9 | 16 | 22 | United States Dick Simon Dick Simon Dick Simon is one of the oldest men to ever have raced in the Indianapolis 500. He was 55 years old during his final Indy 500 start in 1988. A multiple starter and top-ten finisher in the race, he also became a car owner, founding Dick Simon Racing helping to begin the IndyCar careers of Stéphan... |
207.555 | 28 | 196 | 0 | Flagged |
| 10 | 6 | 7 |  Netherlands Arie LuyendykArie Luyendyk Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indianapolis 500.... |
213.611 | 6 | 196 | 0 | Flagged |
| 11 | 13 | 11 | United States Kevin Cogan Kevin Cogan Kevin Cogan is a former racecar driver who drove in Formula One from to . Driving a RAM Williams in the 1980 Canadian Grand Prix, he failed to qualify, suffering the same result driving for Tyrrell at the 1981 US GP West... |
209.552 | 17 | 195 | 0 | Flagged |
| 12 | 33 | 21 | United States Howdy Holmes Howdy Holmes Howdy S. Holmes , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He began racing in the early 1970s and was based in Stockbridge, Michigan, about northeast of Chelsea.... |
206.970 | 33 | 192 | 0 | Flagged |
| 13 | 5 | 3 | United States Al Unser, Jr. Al Unser, Jr. Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:... |
214.186 | 5 | 180 | 0 | Flagged |
| 14 | 23 | 56 | United States Billy Vukovich III Billy Vukovich III William John Vukovich III , better known as Billy Vukovich III or Bill Vukovich III was an American race car driver. He was a three time starter of the Indianapolis 500... (R) |
208.545 | 20 | 179 | 0 | Flagged |
| 15 | 11 | 24 | United States Randy Lewis |
209.774 | 14 | 175 | 0 | Flagged |
| 16 | 28 | 33 | United States Rocky Moran Rocky Moran Rocky Moran, Sr. is a retired American race car driver. Moran, Sr. started three Indianapolis races with a best finish of 14th in 1989.... |
207.181 | 31 | 159 | 0 | Engine |
| 17 | 32 | 29 | United States Rich Vogler Rich Vogler Rich Vogler was a champion sprint car and midget car driver. He was nicknamed "Rapid Rich". He competed in the Indianapolis 500 five times, his best finish was eighth in 1989.-Racing career:... |
207.126 | 32 | 159 | 0 | Crash T3 |
| 18 | 21 | 92 | United States Dominic Dobson Dominic Dobson Dominic Dobson is a German-born former CART and Craftsman Truck Series driver who made 7 starts in the Indianapolis 500 with a best finish of 12th in 1992, over 60 starts in the CART , with a best finish of 3rd at the Michigan 500 in 1994... |
210.096 | 13 | 145 | 0 | Lost Coolant |
| 19 | 25 | 23 |  Finland Tero PalmrothTero Palmroth Tero Palmroth , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1988-1992 seasons with 12 career starts, including the 1988-1991 Indianapolis 500. His best CART finish was in 12th position at the 1990 Indianapolis 500.-Indy 500 results:-External Links:*]... |
208.001 | 25 | 144 | 0 | Engine |
| 20 | 4 | 6 | United States Mario Andretti Mario Andretti Mario Gabriele Andretti is a retired Italian American world champion racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR... |
214.692 | 4 | 118 | 0 | Electrical |
| 21 | 27 | 98 | United States John Andretti John Andretti John Andretti is an American race car driver. He has won in CART, IMSA GTP, Rolex Sports Car Series and NASCAR. He was the last NASCAR driver to win a Cup race for the famous Petty Enterprises team.-Andretti family:... (R) |
207.894 | 27 | 114 | 0 | Engine |
| 22 | 30 | 17 | United States Johnny Rutherford Johnny Rutherford For the Major League Baseball pitcher, see Johnny Rutherford . For other people with a similar name, see John RutherfordJohn Sherman Rutherford III , better known as Johnny Rutherford, and also known as "Lone Star JR" is a former U.S... |
208.442 | 22 | 107 | 0 | Crash T1 |
| 23 | 2 | 9 | United States Danny Sullivan Danny Sullivan Daniel John "Danny" Sullivan III is a former racing driver from the United States. He is best known for winning the 1985 Indianapolis 500.-Before racing:... |
216.214 | 2 | 101 | 91 | Crash T1 |
| 24 | 26 | 35 | United States Steve Chassey Steve Chassey Steve Chassey , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in 9 seasons , with 44 career starts, including the Indianapolis 500 in 1983, 1987, and 1988. He finished in the top ten 4 times, with his best finish in 5th position in 1981 at Watkins Glen International... |
207.951 | 26 | 73 | 0 | Crash T4 |
| 25 | 31 | 71 |  Canada Ludwig HeimrathLudwig Heimrath Ludwig Heimrath, Jr. - born September 9, 1956 in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Started his driving career racing Go-karts and Formula Fords. In 1979 and 1980 he won the Ontario Formula Ford Championship winning seven races in total. In 1981 and 1982, he competed in selected International Motorsport... |
207.214 | 30 | 59 | 0 | Crash T4 |
| 26 | 22 | 14 | United States A.J. Foyt |
209.696 | 15 | 54 | 0 | Crash BS |
| 27 | 14 | 81 | United States Tom Sneva Tom Sneva Tom Sneva is a former Indy Car driver who was named to the prestigious Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2005. Sneva is best remembered for winning the 1983 Indianapolis 500. Nicknamed "The Gas Man," Sneva was an outstanding qualifier, winning the pole position for the Indianapolis 500 three... |
208.659 | 18 | 32 | 0 | Crash T4 |
| 28 | 17 | 8 |  Italy Teo FabiTeo Fabi Teodorico Fabi , better known as Teo Fabi, is an Italian former racing driver.-Career:Fabi participated in 71 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on January 23, 1982. He achieved 2 podiums, and scored a total of 23 championship points... |
207.244 | 29 | 30 | 0 | Accident Pits |
| 29 | 9 | 10 |  Republic of Ireland Derek DalyDerek Daly Derek Daly is a former racing driver from the Republic of Ireland. He won the 1977 British Formula Three Championship, and competed as a professional racing driver for 17 years participating in 64 World Championship Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on April 2, 1978. He scored a total of 15... |
212.295 | 9 | 18 | 0 | Gearbox |
| 30 | 29 | 84 | United States Stan Fox Stan Fox Stan Fox was a United States open wheel race car driver. Fox was one of the last links between the midget car racing world and the Indianapolis 500.-Midget car career:... |
208.579 | 19 | 2 | 0 | Half Shaft |
| 31 | 7 | 91 | United States Scott Brayton Scott Brayton Scott Everets Brayton was a race car driver from Coldwater, Michigan, on the American open-wheel circuit. He competed in 14 Indianapolis 500s, beginning with the 1981 event... |
212.624 | 7 | 0 | 0 | Crash T2 |
| 32 | 12 | 2 |  Colombia Roberto GuerreroRoberto Guerrero Roberto José Guerrero Isaza is a former racing driver from Colombia. He participated in 29 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on 23 January 1982... |
209.632 | 16 | 0 | 0 | Crash T2 |
| 33 | 24 | 16 | United States Tony Bettenhausen, Jr. Tony Bettenhausen, Jr. Tony Bettenhausen, Jr. was a Champ Car team owner and driver who died in a 2000 plane crash. He was the son of former 14-time Indianapolis 500 competitor Tony Bettenhausen and the brother of 21-time Indy racer Gary Bettenhausen. The family holds the dubious distinction of the most combined starts... |
208.342 | 23 | 0 | 0 | Crash T2 |
(R) - Denotes Rookie
Failed to Qualify: Scott Atchison
Scott Atchison (driver)
Scott Atchison is a former American racing driver from Bakersfield, California who competed in the CART IndyCar World Series in 1988 and 1989. He made 13 starts his rookie year and finished 20th in series points for Machinists Union Racing. He returned the following year to make 3 mid-summer road...
(#55), Gary Bettenhausen
Gary Bettenhausen
Gary Bettenhausen is a retired American auto racing driver. He was born in Blue Island, Illinois, raised in Tinley Park, Illinois, and currently resides in Monrovia, Indiana.-Racing family:...
(#46), Tom Bigelow
Tom Bigelow
Tom Bigelow , USA, is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series.-Midget car racing:...
(#77), Pancho Carter
Pancho Carter
Duane "Pancho" Carter, Jr. is a retired American race car driver. He is most famous for his participation in CART races.-Background:...
(#28), Dale Coyne
Dale Coyne
Dale Coyne is an IndyCar Series team owner and former Champ Car auto racing team owner and driver.-Driving career:Coyne made his CART debut in 1984 at Portland and failed to qualify...
(#39), Dick Ferguson
Dick Ferguson
Dick Ferguson , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1979-1985 and 1987-1988 seasons, with 26 career starts, including the 1980 Indianapolis 500. He finished in the top ten 5 times, with a best finish of 6th position in 1981 at Michigan.-External Links:*...
(#27), Spike Gehlhausen
Spike Gehlhausen
Daniel William "Spike" Gehlhausen , is a former driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series. He raced in 11 seasons , with 79 combined career starts, including the Indianapolis 500 in 1976, 1978-1980, and 1984...
(#87), John Jones
John Jones (driver)
John Jones , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1988, 1989, 1991, and 1992 seasons with 41 career starts, including the 1989 Indianapolis 500...
(#12), Johnny Parsons
Johnny Parsons
Johnny Parsons is an American racecar driver.-Racing family:Parsons is the son of Arza and 1950 Indianapolis 500 winner Johnnie Parsons. His parents divorced, and Johnny was raised with half-brothers Dana and Pancho Carter, the product of Arza'a marriage with Duane Carter. The Carters grew up...
(#36), Ed Pimm
Ed Pimm
Ed Pimm , is a former driver in the CART Championship Car series.He raced in the 1984-1988 seasons, with 42 career starts, including the 1985-1987 Indianapolis 500s. He drove two CART events for Gary Trout Motorsports finishing 12th at Mid-Ohio and 14th at Elkart Lake...
(#27), Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock
Gordon Johncock is a former racing driver, best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the 1976 USAC Marlboro Championship Trail champion. Johncock was most often simply referred to as "Gordy."...
(#60), Harry Sauce (#36), George Snider
George Snider
George "Ziggy" Snider is a retired American race car driver. A longtime driver in the United States Automobile Club Silver Crown series, Snider is also a 22-time starter of the Indianapolis 500, the most starts without winning the race. His best finish was eighth in the 1975 Indianapolis 500...
(#84)