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 Collection

Three former winners made up the front row for the 1975 Indianapolis 500: A.J.
Foyt, Gordon Johncock and Bobby Unser. This was the first time that the first
row was made up of all former winners. 

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 rainstorm hit after 174 laps, leaving Rutherford second and A.J. Foyt third in his Coyote/Foyt.

 

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