23 Days in August: No. 8, Bobby Unser, 1973 Olsonite Eagle/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

Bobby Unser and the Olsonite Eagle remained a fast combination
at Indianapolis in 1973. Unser started second, but reliability was
lacking as he finished 13th, dropping out with engine problems.

23 Days in August: No. 8, Bobby Unser, 1973 Olsonite Eagle/Offy. Based on his incredible qualifying performance in 1972, when he bumped the pole speed by more than 17 mph to an average of 195.940 mph, Bobby Unser entered 1973 as the favorite to be the first break the magic 200 mph barrier at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Unser fell just a little short, setting for a four-lap average of 198.183 mph, slightly behind pole-sitter Johnny Rutherford. Unser led the first 39 laps, fell behind after a slow pit stop and dropped out after 100 laps with mechanical trouble to finish 13th.

Better days were just ahead as Unser won the national championship in 1974 and added his second Indianapolis 500 win in 1975, all while still driving for Dan Gurney’s All American Racers.

 

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