Wednesday, May 17, 2023

30 Days in May: No. 17, Willy T. Ribbs, 1991 Cosby/McDonald’s Lola/Buick

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

Photo credit: 1991 Indianapolis 500 Yearbook published by Carl Hungness
Willy T. Ribbs qualified for his first Indianapolis 500 in 1991.


Willy T. Ribbs had a devil of a time qualifying for his first Indianapolis 500 in 1991 because the ever-temperamental Buick engine would fail after only a handful of laps. In the last hour of qualifying, Ribbs shoved aside the frustration, shelved any jinxes and put it in the show, bumping Ton Sneva in the process. The mechanical gremlins returned on race day, however, and Ribbs lasted only five laps and finished 32nd.  

Like many others, I highly recommend the documentary “Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story” to learn more about Ribbs’ career.

#Indy500 @IMS @IMSMuseum @IndyCar @WillyRibbs

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