30 Days in May: No. 9, Mario Andretti, 1977 CAM 2 McLaren

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 state of mind. So let’s still celebrate great cars and drivers of the past anyway!

 

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Mario Andretti was the first to exceed 200 mph in practice for the

1977 Indianapolis 500. 

30 Days in May: No. 9, Mario Andretti, 1977 CAM 2 McLaren/Cosworth. In 1977, Mario Andretti, was in his second year with Penske following a largely disappointing four seasons with Vel’s Parnelli Jones. It appeared that big things were in store for Andretti after he became the first to unofficially crack the 200 mph mark in practice with a lap at 200.311 mph on the electric eye, which was used in the days before transponders and such. The right combination eluded Andretti on Pole Day, however, as he had to settle for an average of 192.061 mph and sixth starting position while his teammate, Tom Sneva, became the first to officially smash the 200 mph barrier and won the pole. Race Day, as usual, was frustrating as well as a broken header sent Andretti to the sidelines after 47 laps and he finished 26th. #Indy500 @IMS @IMSMuseum @IndyCar @MarioAndretti @Team_Penske