30 Days in May: No. 24, Robbie Buhl, 2001 Purex G Force

OK, so this year’s Indianapolis 500 won’t be run in the month of May. For many of us, however, May is more than just a month – it’s a state of mind. So let’s still celebrate great cars and drivers of the past anyway!

 

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Robbie Buhl challenged for the lead in the 2001 Indianapolis 500, 

but spun on Lap 166 and would up 15th.

30 Days in May: No. 24, Robbie Buhl, 2001 Purex G Force/Infiniti. Robbie Buhl was one of the drivers who benefited from the infamous split in open-wheel racing. The former Indy Lights champion (1992) had trouble finding a good ride in CART, but the arrival of the Indy Racing League in 1996 provided an opportunity to finally show his talent.

He had success with both John Menard and Dreyer & Reinbold, winning a race for each. Buhl’s Purex machine was one of the more striking liveries of that era. In 2001, he started ninth and finished 15^th in the 500.

Buhl competed in the 500 from 1996-2003 with a best finish of sixth in 1999 driving for A.J. Foyt. The Buhl family is quite prominent in the history of his Detroit, and Buhl Sport Detroit in Corktown, the ciity’s oldest neighborhood, is very active with several initiatives, projects and businesses. They’re also lending support to help run Spencer Pigot in this year’s 500.