30 Days in May Bonus: No. 73, David Hobbs, 1973 Carling Black Label Eagle/Offy

Welcome to our monthlong countdown celebrating notable drivers and cars from the history of the Indianapolis 500!

Photo Credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Photo

David Hobbs started 22nd and finished 11th in the 1973 Indianapolis 500.

30 Days in May Bonus: No. 73, David Hobbs, 1973 Carling Black Label Eagle/Offy. As a 5-year-old in 1973, in addition to trying to memorize the car numbers, drivers, chassis and engine, I tried to memorize the hometowns of all the drivers in the Indianapolis 500. Some were more easily remembered than others.

Take David Hobbs, for instance. He was from Upper Boddington, England. Tough to forget that one. Hobbs was one of the few international competitors during this era, with four starts spanning 1971-76. In 1973, he was still running when the race was red-flagged and finished 11^th.

A versatile and successful driver, Hobbs competed in several disciplines, including Formula One, IndyCar, Can-Am, Trans-Am and even NASCAR Winston Cup. He also was an insightful and witty commentator on broadcasts.

Hobbs drove for four different teams in his four starts at Indianapolis. He drove for Penske in 1971, Roy Woods in 1973, McLaren in 1974 and Dayton-Walther in 1976.

 

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