1977 Indianapolis 500

61st running of the Indianapolis 500 February 2025 61st Indianapolis 500 Indy500winningcar1977.JPG USAC 1977 USAC Trail A. J. Foyt Enterprises May 29, 1977 A. J. Foyt, Jr. Tony Foyt Sr. & Jack Starne2011 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Official Media Guide Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation/IMS Public Relations 2011 Statistics 176 English https://doctorindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2011-Indy-500-Media-Guide.pdf 161.331 mi/h km/h on 3:05:57.70 Tom Sneva 198.884 mi/h km/h on Tom Sneva Jerry Sneva Gordon Johncock (129) Purdue band Jim Nabors Tony Hulman Oldsmobile Delta 88 James Garner Pat VidanFox Jack C. The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994 Carl Hungness Publishing 4th 1994 22 en 0-915088-05-3 350,000Super Tex '500' Winner 4th Time https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11434401/ Robin Miller Robin Miller (journalist) The Indianapolis Star 1 Newspapers.com May 30, 1977 June 2, 2017 ABC 15.6 32 Jim McKay and Jackie Stewart 1976 1978 The 61st 500 Mile International Sweepstakes was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Sunday, May 29, 1977. Considered one of the most historically significant editions of the Indianapolis 500, several sidebar stories complemented the unprecedented accomplishment of race winner A. J. Foyt.1977 Remembered as a year of historical firsts at '500' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-donald-davidsons/155616243/ The Indianapolis Star Donald Davidson 43 Newspapers.com May 17, 1994 October 17, 2024 Foyt became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. As of 2026, Foyt's four wins have been equaled by Al Unser Sr., Rick Mears and Hélio Castroneves, but still stands as an Indy 500 record. It was the second time Foyt won the "500" as an owner/driver, as he co-owned the entry with businessman Jim Gilmore. Foyt's Coyote chassis, built in-house, powered by the turbocharged Foyt V-8 engine (a derivative of the DOHC Ford Indy V-8) marks the most-recent time the winning car (chassis and engine) was built entirely within the United States. Two major stories headlined qualifying. During time trials, Tom Sneva won the pole position with a new track record. He became the first driver to break the 200 mph barrier at the Speedway. On the final day of time trials, Janet Guthrie broke the gender barrier by becoming the first female driver to qualify for the Indy 500. Other historical milestones during the month included the inaugural Pit Stop Contest, the first grandson of a former driver entering (Teddy Pilette), and the first father and son combination attempting to qualify for the same race (Jim and James McElreath Jr.). However, neither Pilette (grandson of 1913 competitor Théodore Pilette) nor McElreath Jr. succeeded in making the field.The Talk of Gasoline Alley - 1070-AM WIBC, May 2, 2007 During the summer of 1976, the entire track was repaved in asphalt. It marked the first time since the original brick surface was laid in the fall of 1909 that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was repaved in its entirety. The surface was allowed to cure over the winter, and during a tire test in March, Gordon Johncock ran a lap of 200.401 mph, an unofficial track record.Howell Glenn Fastest Indy ever! Popular Mechanics 147 5 May 1977 89–91 https://books.google.com/books?id=COQDAAAAMBAJ&q=gordon+johncock+200+mph+lap+1977&pg=PA89 This would be the final Indy 500 for track owner Tony Hulman, who would die of heart failure on October 27, 1977. IMS Radio Network anchor Sid Collins did not call the race for the first time since 1951. Collins committed suicide on May 2,https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IKNVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JeADAAAAIBAJ Collins found dead May 3, 1977 Register-Guard March 26, 2017 Eugene, Ore. Google News Archive just five days before opening day, after being diagnosed with ALS. Collins was replaced by new "Voice of the 500" Paul Page. Then less than a year later, eight USAC officials would be killed in a plane crash. The race was sanctioned by USAC, and was part of the 1977 USAC National Championship Trail. After rain-shortened races in three of the past four years (1973, 1975, 1976), the 1977 race was run the full distance under hot and sunny conditions. Race schedule Race schedule — May, 1977SunMonTueWedThuFriSat 1  2  3  4  5  6  7Opening Day 8Practice 9Practice10Practice11Practice12Practice13Practice14Pole Day15Time Trials16Practice17Practice18Practice19Practice20Practice21Time Trials22Time Trials23 24 25 26Carb Day27Mini-Marathon28Parade29Indy 50030Memorial Day31          Color Notes Green Practice Dark Blue Time trials Silver Race day Red Rained out* Blank No track activity * Includes days where trackactivity was significantlylimited due to rain Time trials For 1977, the turbocharger "boost" settings were increased from 75 inHg (used in 1976) back to 80 inHg (used in 1974–1975).Boost Isn't Best At 80-Inch Maximum https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/152140848/ The Indianapolis Star 24 Newspapers.com May 14, 1977 July 27, 2024 This, along with offseason engine development by the teams, was expected to provide about 50 additional horsepower.'Development' Causing Speed Increase https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/152140957/ The Indianapolis Star George Moore 24 Newspapers.com May 14, 1977 July 27, 2024 Pole Day – Saturday May 14 thumb|Tom Sneva's pole-winning carDuring the first week of practice, several drivers flirted with the elusive 200 mph barrier. Mario Andretti, A. J. Foyt, and Johnny Rutherford all ran unofficial practice laps over 200 mph. All three became immediate favorites for the pole position. Going into the month, the official one-lap track record was still 199.071 mph, set by Johnny Rutherford back in 1973. Pole day was sunny and warm, and an estimated 200,000 spectators arrived anticipating a record-setting day. No drivers broke the 200 mph barrier during practice on the morning of pole day, but participants and observers expected the record to fall during official time trials. At 11:00 a.m., A. J. Foyt was the first driver to make an attempt. His four-lap speed of 193.465 mph was far short of the record. About a half hour later, Al Unser Sr. (195.950 mph) went faster and knocked Foyt off of the top spot. At 11:51 a.m., Tom Sneva took to the track. He set new all-time one-lap and four-lap track records. He became the first driver to break the 200 mph barrier at Indianapolis. Lap 1 – 44.91 seconds, 200.401 mph (new 1-lap track record) Lap 2 – 44.88 seconds, 200.535 mph (new 1-lap track record) Lap 3 – 45.54 seconds, 197.628 mph Lap 4 – 45.68 seconds, 197.032 mph Total – 3:01.01, 198.884 mph (new 4-lap track record) Though his last two laps dropped off, Sneva's four-lap average was fast enough to secure the pole position. Sneva was rewarded by having 200 silver dollars poured into his helmet.http://blog.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/2011/04/04/ims-photo-recalls-the-year-1977/ IMS Photo Recalls the Year 1977 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Official Blog Ron McQueeney 2011-04-04 2012-04-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20111105055924/http://blog.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/2011/04/04/ims-photo-recalls-the-year-1977/ 2011-11-05 The symbolic gesture, performed by Phil Hedback of Bryant Heating and Cooling Company, mimicked Parnelli Jones, who broke the 150 mph barrier in 1962, and was awarded with 150 silver dollars poured into his helmet.The Talk of Gasoline Alley Donald Davidson (historian) Network Indiana May 19, 2006 About an hour later, USAC officials retracted A. J. Foyt's qualifying time. During post-inspection, they discovered that his pop-off valve was fractured and malfunctioned. Since the infraction was not Foyt's fault, he was allowed to re-qualify. Foyt's speed of 194.563 mph was faster than his previous attempt, and he would line up 4th. Bobby Unser (197.618 mph) put himself in the middle of the front row, bumping his brother Al to the outside. Johnny Rutherford, an early favorite for the front row, waved off his first run, then stalled on his second run. The day ended with the field filled to 16 cars, with Rutherford among those not qualified. Sneva was the only driver to run any laps over 200 mph all afternoon. Second Day – Sunday May 15 Johnny Rutherford (197.325 mph) put in the third-fastest speed in the field, but as a second day qualifier, he was forced to line up behind the first day qualifiers in 17th position. Five cars completed runs, filling the field to 21 cars. Clay Regazzoni wrecked during his attempt, but was not seriously injured. Regazzoni was planning on running both Indy and the Monaco Grand Prix, but the crash complicated his travel schedule. Third Day – Saturday May 21 Clay Regazzoni started the day in Monte Carlo, but rain washed out his chance to qualify for the Monaco Grand Prix. Car owner Teddy Yip made plans to fly him back to Indy and attempt to qualify for the 500. Mario Andretti, who put in a safe qualifying time at Indy the weekend before, remained in Monaco to compete in the race, he would finish 5th. Qualifying was sparse during the early parts of the day, with at least 12 cars taking to the track, but only two attempts run to completion. At the end of the day, the field was filled to 27 cars. Clay Regazzoni did not make it to the Speedway in enough time, and he would have to wait until Sunday. Bump Day – Sunday May 22 The final day of time trials became a historic milestone in auto racing history. Janet Guthrie was the first car to take the track, and she became the first female driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. Her four-lap average of 188.403 mph put her safely in the field, and she was the fastest car of the afternoon. Like he did for Tom Sneva a week earlier, Phil Hedback poured 188 silver dollars in her helmet, matching her qualifying speed, which was also a female closed-course speed record.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Aw4pAAAAIBAJ&pg=2574,3639594&dq=female+closed+course+record+janet+guthrie&hl=en Janet makes field despite ailing car The Gadsen Times 1977-05-23 2012-04-01 After a hectic travel burden, Clay Regazzoni finally put a car in the field. At about 3:30 p.m., Salt Walther (184.549 mph) completed a run, followed later by Bubby Jones (184.938 mph), and the field was filled to 33 cars with Walther on the bubble. Cliff Hucul (187.198 mph) bumped out Walther. With about an hour to go, Eldon Rasmussen bumped out Vern Schuppan, and John Mahler bumped out Joe Saldana. The final hour of qualifying saw several drivers try, but fail, to bump their way in. Young rookie Rick Mears was too slow on his two attempts, and he failed to qualify. Jim Hurtubise once again was the center of attention for a few minutes, as he rolled out his Mallard/Offy to the qualifying line. After one slow lap he waved off, and it was the final qualifying attempt ever made by a front-engined car at Indy. As the 6 o'clock gun fired, James McElreath, Jr. was the final car on the track, but his speed was too slow to make the field. Jim and James, Jr. were trying to become the first father and son to qualify for the same Indy 500. James, Jr. fell short, however, and would die in a sprint car crash later in the year, never having a chance to race together. Carburetion Day The final practice session was scheduled for Thursday May 26. After qualifying closed, the team of Salt Walther purchased the qualified car of Bill Puterbaugh from owner Lee Elkins. Salt's father George and brother Jeff were responsible for the purchase, and paid a reported $60,000 for the entry, and subsequently fired Puterbaugh from the ride.Salt Walther Buys Spot in Indianapolis Feature Salt Walther was named the new driver for the car, and it was repainted in his livery. According to the rules, the car would have to move to the rear of the field on race day. Almost immediately, the situation received significant negative criticism. A day later, Puterbaugh was reinstated to the ride, therefore Puterbaugh was reinstated to his 28th starting position.Walther steps aside, Puterbaugh reinstated The final practice day saw Johnny Rutherford (194.533 mph) set the fastest lap. Mike Mosley was the only incident of the day, suffering a broken piston. Pit stop Contest The elimination rounds for the first annual Miller Pit Stop Contest were held Thursday May 26. Qualifying heats were held May 16–17, and sixteen teams advanced to the elimination bracket.Cars Get Final Pre-Race Runs Today In Carb Test https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/170718742/ The Indianapolis Star George Moore 46 Newspapers.com May 26, 1977 April 20, 2025 Teams would compete head-to-head, in a layout that resembled a drag race. Cars would drive into the pit box, then crews were required to change two tires (right sides).Indy Pit Crews Will Try For Big Prize Bonanza https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times/170716260/ Kingsport Times 21 Newspapers.com May 19, 1977 April 20, 2025 After they drop the jacks, the cars had to leave the pit box under power. Time penalties would be assessed for various violations. The top times registered during the qualifying heats belonged to Pancho Carter (14.83 seconds), A. J. Foyt (14.84 seconds), Gordon Johncock (16.28 seconds) and Wally Dallenbach (17.06 seconds).Carter Crew First In Pit Stop Test https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/170716327/ The Indianapolis Star 44 Newspapers.com May 18, 1977 April 20, 2025STP Crews Top Pit Qualifying https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/170716327/ The Indianapolis Star 70 Newspapers.com May 19, 1977 April 20, 2025 The finals pitted Jim McElreath (Carillo) versus Wally Dallenbach (Patrick Racing). The Carillo team, led by crew chief Dave Kylm won with a time of 15.09 seconds.Rutherford Tops Field With 194.5 MPH Test https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1977-pit-stop-chal/114341853/ The Indianapolis Star George Moore 36 Newspapers.com May 27, 1977 April 20, 2025 Finals 73 Jim McElreath(Carillo) 15.09 40 Wally Dallenbach(Patrick Racing) 15.82 Starting lineup Grid RowInsideMiddleOutside18 USA Tom SnevaNorton SpiritPenske RacingMcLaren, Cosworth DFX198.884 mph km/h on6 USA Bobby Unser gold W silverCobre Tire/ClaytonFletcher RacingLightning, Offenhauser197.618 mph km/h on21 USA Al Unser gold W silverAmerican Racing WheelsVel's Parnelli Jones RacingParnelli, Cosworth DFX195.950 mph km/h on214 USA A. J. Foyt gold W silverGilmore RacingA. J. Foyt EnterprisesCoyote, Foyt V-8194.563 mph km/h on20 USA Gordon Johncock gold W silverSTP Double Oil FilterPatrick RacingWildcat, DGS193.517 mph km/h on9 USA Mario Andretti gold W silverCAM2 Motor OilPenske RacingMcLaren, Cosworth DFX193.353 mph km/h on325 USA Danny Ongais orange R silverInterscope RacingInterscope RacingParnelli, Cosworth DFX193.040 mph km/h on48 USA Pancho CarterJorgensen SteelAll American RacersEagle, Offenhauser192.452 mph km/h on5 USA Mike MosleySugaripe PruneJerry O'ConnellLightning, Offenhauser190.064 mph km/h on440 USA Wally Dallenbach Sr.STP Oil TreatmentPatrick RacingWildcat, DGS189.563 mph km/h on60USA Johnny ParsonsSTP/GoodyearPatrick RacingWildcat, DGS189.255 mph km/h on97 USA Sheldon KinserGenesee BeerGrant KingDragon, Offenhauser189.076 mph km/h on518 USA George SniderMel SimonBobby HillinWildcat, DGS188.976 mph km/h on78 USA Bobby Olivero orange R silverAlex FoodsAlex MoralesLightning, Offenhauser188.452 mph km/h on86 USA Al LoquastoFrostie Root BeerAl LoquastoMcLaren, Offenhauser187.647 mph km/h on636 USA Jerry Sneva orange R silver21st AmendmentSpirit of America RacersMcLaren, Offenhauser186.616 mph km/h on2 USA Johnny Rutherford gold W silver1st National City Travelers ChecksMcLaren RacingMcLaren, Cosworth DFX197.325 mph km/h on11 USA Roger McCluskey1st National City Travelers ChecksLindsey HopkinsLightning, Offenhauser190.992 mph km/h on710 USA Lloyd Ruby1st National City Travelers ChecksLindsey HopkinsLightning, Offenhauser190.840 mph km/h on73 USA Jim McElreathCarilloCarrillo IndustriesEagle, AMC187.715 mph km/h on98 USA Gary BettenhausenAgajanian-KnievelGrant KingKing, Offenhauser186.596 mph km/h on824 USA Tom BigelowThermo KingRalph WilkeEagle, Offenhauser186.471 mph km/h on84 USA Bill Vukovich IIGilmore RacingA. J. Foyt EnterprisesCoyote, Foyt V-8186.393 mph km/h on65 USA Lee KunzmanCity of SyracusePatrick SantelloEagle, Offenhauser186.384 mph km/h on992 USA Steve KrisiloffDave McIntire ChevyTassi VatisEagle, Offenhauser184.691 mph km/h on27 USA Janet Guthrie orange R silverBryant Air ConditioningRolla VollstedtLightning, Offenhauser188.403 mph km/h on29 CAN Cliff Hucul orange R silverTeam CanadaHucul/Hunter/ArndtMcLaren, Offenhauser187.198 mph km/h on1016 USA Bill PuterbaughDayton-WaltherGeorge WaltherEagle, Offenhauser186.800 mph km/h on38 CHE Clay Regazzoni orange R silverTheodore RacingTeddy YipMcLaren, Offenhauser186.047 mph km/h on17 USA Dick SimonBryant Air ConditioningRolla VollstedtVollstedt, Offenhauser185.615 mph km/h on1142 USA John Mahler20th CenturyDon MergardEagle, Offenhauser185.242 mph km/h on58 CAN Eldon RasmussenRent-A-RacerEldon RasmussenRascar, Foyt V-8185.119 mph km/h on72 USA Bubby Jones orange R silverBruce Cogle FordBobby HillinEagle, Offenhauser184.938 mph km/h onSources:https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/starting-grids/1977 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2020-03-03 2020-03-03 https://web.archive.org/web/20200303203720/https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/starting-grids/1977 dead http://www.champcarstats.com/races/197705.htm 1977 International 500 Mile Sweepstakeshttps://www.racing-reference.info/race/1977-05/UO Race Results - Racing-Reference Alternates First alternate: Joe Saldana orange R silver (#64) Failed to qualify 28em Larry Cannon (#67) – Drove relief during the race James McElreath orange R silver (#26) – Too slow Joe Saldana (#64) – Bumped Salt Walther (#33, #77) – Bumped, Wave off Vern Schuppan (#15, #85) – Bumped, Wave off Jerry Karl (#37, #57, #88) – Wave off Jim Hurtubise (#56) – Wave off Rick Mears orange R silver (#90) – Wave off John Martin (#28) – Wave off Todd Gibson orange R silver (#22, #96) – Wave off Mel Kenyon (#88) – Wave off Jerry Grant (#69, #75) – Crashed during qualifying Spike Gehlhausen (#19) – Crashed during qualifying Larry Dickson (#80) – Crashed during qualifying Larry McCoy (#63) – Incomplete qualifying attempt Ed Crombie orange R silver (#67) Ed Finley orange R silver (#70) Tom Frantz orange R silver (#88) Bob Harkey (#88) Gary Irvin orange R silver (#23) Graham McRae (#33) Teddy Pilette orange R silver (#91) Bill Simpson (#38) orange R silver = Indianapolis 500 rookiegold W silver = Former Indianapolis 500 winner Race summary Pre-race After Janet Guthrie became the first female driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, controversy began to surround the famous starting command, "Gentlemen, start your engines!" Speedway management did not want to alter the traditional phrase.1977 Indianapolis 500 Telecast: ABC-TV, May 29, 1977 During the week before the race, the management announced that they would not change the wording of the command, but numerous suggestions were being offered by various promoters and members of the media around the country. Looking for an excuse, the management insisted that the cars were actually started by male crew members with an electric hand-held starter from behind the car. Guthrie and her crew were quite displeased by the stubbornness of the Speedway management, considering her unprecedented accomplishment. The crew reacted by assigning Kay Bignotti (wife of George Bignotti) as the crew member to operate the inertial starter at the back of Guthrie's car. The Speedway's argument fell apart, and they decided upon a special amended command for that year. They did not announce beforehand what the special command would be, and Hulman's highly anticipated phrase was the following: "In company with the first lady ever to qualify at Indianapolis, gentlemen, start your engines!" The issues with the starting command were not Guthrie's only troubles. On the morning of the race, an official inspecting the pit area discovered that Guthrie's pit side fuel tank hose was leaking. Dripping methanol fuel was observed under the tank, and officials threatened to disqualify the team if they could not contain the leak. A hasty repair was made by wrapping a plastic bag around the hose, and the officials were satisfied.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73862039/ Janet's Bid Day Began With Leaky, Not Baggy, Hose Indianapolis Star 32 Toma Brashear Newspapers.com May 30, 1977 March 19, 2021 First half At the start, Al Unser swept from the outside of the front row, and led into turn one. Polesitter Tom Sneva grabbed second. Bobby Unser settled into third. Johnny Rutherford over-revved the engine, and dropped out with gearbox failure. Janet Guthrie was in the pits early with engine trouble. She would suffer a long day of numerous frustrating pits stops. Gordon Johncock took the lead for the first time on lap 18. After Johncock pitted, A. J. Foyt led laps 27–51. Lloyd Ruby crashed in turn two and brought out the yellow on lap 49. It would be Ruby's final Indy 500. During the sequence of pit stops, Gordon Johncock came to the lead, and led most of the laps to the midpoint. Eldon Rasmussen brought out the yellow for a spin on lap 69. He was able to continue. It was only the second, and would be the last, on-track incident of the race. At the halfway point, attrition had taken its toll during the hot day. Only 17 cars were still running. Second half Gordon Johncock was the dominating leader in the second half. He took the lead again on lap 97, and led through lap 179. A. J. Foyt, Tom Sneva, and Al Unser were the closest pursuers. A long stretch of green flag racing continued until lap 159, when George Snider and Pancho Carter stalled on the track. After numerous attempts to re-join the race, Janet Guthrie finally dropped out on the leader's lap 149, having completed only 27 laps. On one of the many pit stops, fuel from the overflow hose leaked out and spilled into the cockpit. Guthrie's crew had to escort her back to the garage area and find a place for her to shower off in private (there were no women's restrooms in the garage area at the time) to clean off the spilled fuel prior to addressing the media. Two cycles of pit stops remained for the leaders. Gordon Johncock continued to lead A. J. Foyt. Tom Sneva was also still on the lead lap. The three leaders made the next-to-last pits stops within one lap of each other. Johncock was beginning to complain of dehydration and heat exhaustion, and the crew doused him with water. Johncock, however, managed to return to the track with a lead of about 15–20 seconds. Finish thumb|right|200px|A. J. Foyt's 1977 winning car With 20 laps to go, Gordon Johncock led A. J. Foyt by 10 seconds. Tom Sneva was lurking in third place. With Johncock physically ailing, Foyt began to narrow the margin. Johncock made his final pit stop on lap 181. He took on fuel only, and the crew again doused him with water. He pulled away after a 14.7-second stop. Two laps later, Foyt made his final stop on lap 183. Foyt took on right side tires and fuel, and was away in only 12.9 seconds. Johncock re-emerged as the leader, but his lead was down to only 7 seconds. As Johncock hit the mainstretch the next time around to complete lap 184, a huge cloud of smoke suddenly billowed from his car. He veered to the inside and parked the car in turn one with a broken crankshaft. Foyt inherited the lead with only 16 laps to go. Johncock climbed from his car, and hopped into the infield creek to splash some water on himself to cool off. Foyt now held a nearly 30-second lead over second place Tom Sneva. Foyt was able to cruise comfortably over the final 15 laps and became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. On Foyt's cool down lap, many fans began to storm the track in celebration,Fans On Track Costly To Wally https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-1977-indy-500-post/164826558/ Indianapolis News 21 Newspapers.com May 31, 1977 February 6, 2024 similar to what had happened in 1974.https://www.newspapers.com/image/107188855 Rutherford's 11th Try Wins 500 Marquette Ray May 27, 1974 Newspapers.com 2017-07-23 1 en Chief steward Tom Binford had announced before the race that the customary five minutes of "extra time" was going to be allowed for the other drivers to finish the race, a rule that dated back to 1964 (before 1964, the extra time allowed was even longer). However, he immediately red flagged the race, and all of the other cars were instead "Flagged" off the track. Third place Al Unser ran out of fuel on the backstretch, about a half lap from the finish line, and within seconds his car was surrounded by a group of fans. It was estimated that fourth place Wally Dallenbach would have been able to pass Unser and finish third if not for the incursion. This prompted the officials to change the rules in subsequent years to eliminate the "extra time." Once the winner crossed the finish line, the race ends, and all others on the track would be allowed only to finish the current lap they were running. Post race The historic accomplishment was highly celebrated, and Foyt invited track owner Tony Hulman to ride with him in the pace car to salute the fans. It was one of the few times that Hulman rode with the winner of the race, and his last, as he died the following October. Tom Sneva bettered his 6th-place finish from the previous year to a solid 2nd place. It was his first of three runner-up finishes prior to his 1983 victory. He would ride this momentum by winning the Pocono 500 later in the season, and won the 1977 USAC National Championship. His brother Jerry Sneva came home 10th, and won rookie of the year honors. With only a handful of laps remaining, Larry "Boom Boom" Cannon climbed into the car of John Mahler, who was exhausted from the heat. Cannon was the first relief driver since 1973, and would stand as the last relief driver until 2004. Cannon managed to complete only 8 laps before the checkered flag flew, but he prided himself as being one of only a handful of drivers on the track at the moment A. J. Foyt won his record fourth Indy 500."The Talk of Gasoline Alley" - WFNI: May 20, 2012 Box score FinishStartNoNameChassisEngineLapsStatusPoints1414USA A. J. Foyt gold W silverCoyoteFoyt V-8200 161.331 mph1000218USA Tom SnevaMcLaren M24Cosworth DFX200 +28.63 secondshttps://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/summaries/margin-of-victory Indianapolis Motor Speedway8003321USA Al Unser gold W silverParnelliCosworth DFX199Flagged70041040USA Wally Dallenbach Sr.Wildcat DGS199Flagged60051160USA Johnny ParsonsWildcat DGS193Flagged50062224USA Tom BigelowEagleOffenhauser192Flagged40072465USA Lee KunzmanEagleOffenhauser191Flagged30081811USA Roger McCluskeyLightningOffenhauser191Flagged25092592USA Steve KrisiloffEagleOffenhauser191Flagged200101636USA Jerry Sneva orange R silverMcLarenOffenhauser187Flagged15011520USA Gordon Johncock gold W silverWildcat DGS184Crankshaft100122816USA Bill PuterbaughEagleOffenhauser170Valve50133258CAN Eldon RasmussenRascarFoyt V-8168Flagged0143142USA John Mahler(Larry Cannon Laps 150–157)EagleOffenhauser157Flagged015848USA Pancho CarterEagleOffenhauser156Engine0162198USA Gary BettenhausenKingOffenhauser138Clutch0172384USA Bill Vukovich IICoyoteFoyt V-8110Wing Strut01826USA Bobby Unser gold W silverLightningOffenhauser94Oil Leak01995USA Mike MosleyLightningOffenhauser91Timing Gear020725USA Danny Ongais orange R silverParnelliCosworth DFX90Header0213372USA Bubby Jones orange R silverEagleOffenhauser78Valve0222729CAN Cliff Hucul orange R silverMcLarenOffenhauser72Gearbox0232073USA Jim McElreathEagleAMC71Turbocharger0241318USA George SniderWildcat DGS65Valve0251478USA Bobby Olivero orange R silverLightningOffenhauser57Piston02669USA Mario Andretti gold W silverMcLaren M24Cosworth DFX47Header0271910USA Lloyd RubyLightningOffenhauser34Crash T20281586USA Al LoquastoMcLarenOffenhauser28Magneto0292627USA Janet Guthrie orange R silverLightningOffenhauser27Timing Gear0302938SUI Clay Regazzoni orange R silverMcLarenOffenhauser25Fuel Cell0313017USA Dick SimonVollstedtOffenhauser24Overheating0321297USA Sheldon KinserDragonOffenhauser14Piston033172USA Johnny Rutherford gold W silverMcLaren M24Cosworth DFX12Gearbox0 Note: Relief drivers in parenthesesChampCarStats.com https://www.champcarstats.com/races/197705.htm International 500 Mile Sweepstakes – May 29, 1977 gold W silver Former Indianapolis 500 winner orange R silver Indianapolis 500 Rookie All cars utilized Goodyear tires. Race statistics Lap Leaders Laps Leader 1–17 Al Unser 18–21 Gordon Johncock 22–23 A. J. Foyt 24–25 George Snider 26 Bill Vukovich II 27–51 A. J. Foyt 52–68 Gordon Johncock 69–70 Bobby Unser 71–93 Gordon Johncock 94–96 Tom Sneva 97–179 Gordon Johncock 180–182 A. J. Foyt 183–184 Gordon Johncock 185–200 A. J. Foyt Total laps led Driver Laps Gordon Johncock 129 A. J. Foyt 46 Al Unser 17 Tom Sneva 3 Bobby Unser 2 George Snider 2 Bill Vukovich II 1 PACER Yellow Light PeriodsHow They Finished https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/144104047/ The Indianapolis Star 1 Newspapers.com May 30, 1977 August 20, 20245 for 22 laps Laps Reason 36–44 Lloyd Ruby crash in turn 2 49–51 Eldon Rasmussen tow-in 69–72 George Snider tow-in 159–160 Johnny Parsons tow-in 163–166 Pancho Carter blown engine Source:How They Finished https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19884976/ The Indianapolis Star 1 Newspapers.com May 30, 1977 May 7, 2018 Points standings after the race RankDriverPointsDifferencePositionChange1 A. J. Foyt 1640 Leader +22 Al Unser 1400 -240 03 Wally Dallenbach 1325 -315 -24 Tom Sneva 1260 -380 +35 Tom Bigelow 840 -800 +36 Gordon Johncock 715 -925 -17 Roger McCluskey 660 -980 +28 Johnny Rutherford 640 -1000 -59 Mike Mosley 600 -1040 -310 Johnny Parsons 500 -1140 Unranked Broadcasting Radio The race was carried live on the IMS Radio Network. Following the unexpected death of chief announcer Sid Collins on May 2, Paul Page was elevated to the anchor position and became the new "Voice of the 500." Lou Palmer reported from victory lane. Fred Agabashian returned for his 12th and final year as the "driver expert." At the opening of the broadcast, veteran Jim Shelton reported on the death of Collins to the worldwide listening audience, then introduced Page as the new anchor. Paul Page had been groomed by Sid Collins to be his eventual replacement. Despite the bereavement of the crew regarding Collins’ death, the broadcast was a flawless affair, and ushered in a new era for the network. In the coming years, Page would upgrade the workings of the broadcast, including enhanced communication with the reporters, and new talent at the positions. This would be the 30th year for Jim Shelton on the crew, reporting from his familiar fourth turn position. Darl Wible debuted on the crew in 1977, reporting from the backstretch location. Bob Forbes served as the wireless roving reporter in the garages. Among the celebrities interviewed in the pits were Evel Knievel (who was a sponsor on Gary Bettenhausens entry), 1957 500 winner Sam Hanks, and Formula One commentator Anthony Marsh. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network Booth AnnouncersTurn ReportersPit/garage reportersChief Announcer: Paul Page Driver expert: Fred Agabashian Statistician: John DeCamp Historian: Donald DavidsonTurn 1: Ron Carrell Turn 2: Howdy Bell Backstretch: Darl Wible orange R silver Turn 3: Doug Zink Turn 4: Jim SheltonJerry Baker (north pits)Chuck Marlowe (north-center pits)Luke Walton (south-center pits)Lou Palmer (south pits)Bob Forbes (garages) Television The race was carried in the United States on ABC Sports on a same-day tape delay basis. "Heavy Action" was used in an "Indianapolis 500" opening credits for the second time as Monday Night Football Producers Roone Arledge and Chuck Howard along with Directors Chet Forte and Larry Kamm also did work on this broadcast.1977 "Indianapolis 500" Jim McKay anchored the broadcast. The broadcast took place in the midst of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians strike at ABC. Unlike previous years during this era, ABC-TV got the first interview with the race winner, as Bill Flemming spoke with A. J. Foyt prior to Lou Palmer. The broadcast has re-aired in partiality on ESPN Classic since May 2011. The broadcast is also available for free via the official IndyCar SeriesArchived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRtSsExedvE 1977 Indianapolis 500 YouTube and official Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayArchived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNXJGO6Bi-4 1977 Indianapolis 500 Official Full-Race Broadcast YouTube YouTube channels. ABC TelevisionBooth AnnouncersPit/garage reportersHost: Chris Schenkel Announcer: Jim McKay Color: Jackie StewartChris EconomakiBill Flemming Gallery Notes See also 1977 USAC Championship Car season References Works cited 1977 Indianapolis 500 Press Information - Official Track Report Indianapolis 500 History: Race & All-Time Stats - Official Site 1977 Indianapolis 500 at RacingReference.info 1977 Indianapolis 500 Radio Broadcast, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network 1976 Johnny Rutherford 1977 A. J. Foyt 1978 Al Unser Category:Indianapolis 500 races Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis 500 Category:1977 in American motorsport