23 Days in August: No. 3, Roger McCluskey, 1973 Lindsey Hopkins Buick McLaren/Offy

If you joined us for 30 Days in May earlier this year, you’ll see some familiar faces from that countdown. We’ve also added some new entries for 23 Days in August. So let’s celebrate some notable drivers and cars from the glorious past of the Indianapolis 500!

 

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Photo

Roger McCluskey started 14th and finished third in the

1973 Indianapolis 500.

23 Days in August: No. 3, Roger McCluskey, 1973 Lindsey Hopkins Buick McLaren/Offy. Roger McCluskey, a respected veteran, had his best finish in 18 Indianapolis 500 starts with a third in the 1973 race. It also was a great day for owner Lindsey Hopkins, another true gentleman of racing, as Mel Kenyon (fourth) and Lee Kunzman (seventh) placed in the top 10 as well.

That finish, along with a second at Pocono about a month later, helped propel McCluskey to the 1973 USAC national championship. (McCluskey ran out of fuel on the final lap at Pocono, giving A.J. Foyt the victory.) In those days, longer races paid more points, so it was vital to do well in the three 500-mile races. McCluskey was fourth at Ontario in the other 500-miler, so he really cleaned up in those events.

Somewhat forgotten now, McCluskey also won USAC stock car and sprint titles, won races in the championship (IndyCar) and midget divisions and also competed in the 24 Hours of LeMans. All told, a very remarkable and successful career deserving of praise.

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