Front rows of the 1970s: 1975

In addition to the usual Month of May countdown, we’re also recounting the front rows of the 1970s, which included some of the most accomplished drivers in the history of the Indianapolis 500.

Majeske Post Card collection

1975 was the first year three former winners sat on the front row: A.J. Foyt (pole),
Gordon Johncock (middle) and Bobby Unser. These three great drivers drove three
different chassis and engine combinations. 

1975 front row: A.J. Foyt (pole), Gordon Johncock, Bobby Unser

How it started: 5 Indianapolis 500 victories (3 by Foyt, 1 by Johncock, 1 by Unser)

How it ended: 9 Indianapolis 500 victories (4 by Foyt – 1961, 1964, 1967, 1977; 2 by Johncock – 1973, 1982; 3 by Unser – 1968, 1975, 1981)

About the 1975 race: For the first time ever, former winners made up the front row. Gordon Johncock and A.J. Foyt vied for fast time throughout the first week of practice, leading to a much-anticipated Pole Day. Johncock held the top spot until Foyt made a late run to secure what was then a record-tying fourth pole.

Johncock’s teammate Wally Dallenbach, also driving a fluorescent red Sinmast Wildcat-DGS (an Offy modified under the direction of George Bignotti), was quick in practice as well, but had mechanical problems on the first day of time trials and was a second-day qualifier.

As Dallenbach had done the year before, Johncock pounced to the lead at the drop of the green flag from his second starting position and, also like Dallenbach the year before, fell out early.

Dallenbach took the lead on Lap 59 and looked to be in good shape for the win before dropping out after 162 laps due to a burned piston, handing the lead to Johnny Rutherford. Rutherford soon pitted, putting Bobby Unser and his Jorgensen Eagle/Offy in front.

And that’s where he finished as a massive rain storm hit after 174 laps, leaving Rutherford second and A.J. Foyt third in his Coyote/Foyt.

 

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