1990 Michigan 500

August 2023 The 1990 Michigan 500, the tenth running of the event, was held at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, on Sunday, August 5, 1990. Branded as the 1990 Marlboro 500 for sponsorship reasons, the event was race number 10 of 16 in the 1990 CART PPG Indy Car World Series. The race was won by Al Unser Jr., his first 500-mile Indy Car victory. With an average speed of 189.727 mph, it remained the fastest 500 mile Indy car race until the 2002 The 500 at California Speedway. 42 03 58.68 N 84 14 29.18 W type:landmark title United States Michigan 500 Michigan International Speedway track map.png August 5 1990 1990 Marlboro 500 10 16 CART Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Michigan, United States Permanent racing facility 2.000 3.219 250 500.000 804.672 Mostly Cloudy with temperatures up to 81 F C; wind speeds reaching up to 14 mph km/hWeather information for the 1990 Marlboro 500 at Wunderground BRA Emerson Fittipaldi Team Penske 222.593 mph km/h on USA Al Unser Jr. Galles Racing USA Bobby Rahal Galles Racing USA Mario Andretti Newman-Haas Racing Background Between 1981 and 1989, the Michigan 500 was part of IndyCar racing's Triple Crown of 500 mile races. It existed as the "middle jewel" of IndyCar's three "crown jewel" races: the Indianapolis 500, Michigan 500, and Pocono 500. However, following the 1989 season, Pocono Raceway chose to cancel their IndyCar race moving forward, citing decreased interest from fans in Indycar racing.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21182054/the-indianapolis-star/ Indianapolis Star Indiana Associated Press CART, Pocono; A Bitter Divorce September 17, 1989 31 This ultimately ended IndyCar's Triple Crown aspect of their schedule and left Indianapolis and Michigan as the only two 500 mile races. Like at Pocono, the crowd for the Michigan 500 had shrunk in recent years as well, from the peak in 1986 at 80,000 spectators,https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-dispatch-1986-michigan-500-rutherfor/127468347/ The Dispatch Illinois Associated Press Michigan 500 Win to Rutherford August 3, 1986 22 to only 55,000 in 1989.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1989-michigan-500/127447910/ Indianapolis Star Indiana Associated Press Michael Earns Second Victory at Michigan August 7, 1989 15 By comparison, the August NASCAR race at the track two weeks after the Michigan 500 attracted 80,000 spectators.https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-and-sun-bulletin-1989-nascar-michi/127468523/ Press and Sun Bulletin New York Associated Press Wallace Dominates in Second Straight NASCAR Win August 21, 1989 10 Arie Luyendyk won the 1990 Indianapolis 500. For the third straight year, Marlboro offered the Marlboro Million, offering a one million dollar prize should a driver win the Marlboro Grand Prix at the Meadowlands, the Marlboro 500 at Michigan, and the Marlboro Challenge.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-1988-marlboro-mill/127389547/ Indianapolis Star Indiana Associated Press Marlboro To Award Big Bonus July 20, 1988 18 Three weeks before the Marlboro 500, Michael Andretti won the Marlboro Grand Prix and entered Michigan still eligible for the Marlboro Million. Practice and Time Trials Thursday's opening practice session was marked by high speeds and two crashes. Rick Mears posted the fastest speed at 221.682 mph. Al Unser Jr. was second fastest at 221.511 mph, followed by Emerson Fittipaldi at 221.426 mph.https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-1990-michigan-500/127469532/ Battle Creek Enquirer Michigan Associated Press Speeds Signal MIS Records in Jeopardy August 3, 1990 11 Driving for Patrick Racing, 51 year-old Al Unser experienced a mechanical failure and crashed straight into the third turn wall with the right side of the car. Unser suffered a broken right femur, right collarbone, and three upper right ribs.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-500-pra/127469407/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Unser Sr: Broken Leg, Collarbone August 3, 1990 33 The accident occurred after only six practice laps.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-500-pra/127469366/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Unser Sr: Broken Leg, Collarbone August 3, 1990 37 Later that afternoon, Unser was flown to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for surgery.https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-1990-michigan-500/127469532/ Battle Creek Enquirer Michigan Associated Press Speeds Signal MIS Records in Jeopardy August 3, 1990 11 After investigating the car, Unser's crew discovered a broken right-front push rod was the cause of the accident.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-practic/127469600/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Patrick's Gamble Down to Last Chassis August 4, 1990 21 Tero Palmroth hit the turn four wall. Unable to repair the car, his team withdrew from the race. Salt Walther crashed in turn two after blowing an engine and Arie Luyendyk crashed after running over debris from Walther's accident.https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-1990-michigan-500/127469532/ Battle Creek Enquirer Michigan Associated Press Speeds Signal MIS Records in Jeopardy August 3, 1990 11 Luyendyk went to a backup car while Walther was forced to withdraw from the race.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-500-pra/127469366/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Unser Sr: Broken Leg, Collarbone August 3, 1990 37 On Friday, Emerson Fittipaldi won the pole with a speed of 222.593 mph. Bobby Rahal qualified second at 221.859 mph. Danny Sullivan completed the front row with a speed of 221.764 mph.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-practic/127469600/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Fittipaldi Scorches Field August 4, 1990 21 In a practice session on Friday afternoon following qualifying, Emerson Fittipaldi experienced a fire while refueling on pit road. Three crewmen suffered burns and were treated at the track infield hospital.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-practic/127469600/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Fittipaldi Scorches Field August 4, 1990 21https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-500-qua/127469671/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Fittipaldi Unhurt in Fire, Wins Pole for 500 at MIS August 4, 1990 23 22 cars had qualified for the race on Friday. Saturday's second round of qualifying was cancelled due to rain. Six additional cars were added to the field, with the order set by random draw. Of those, Walther and Palmroth withdrew due to a lack of backup cars.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vincennes-sun-commercial-1990-michig/127481219/ Vincennes Sun-Commercial Indiana Associated Press Drivers Set for Blistering Pace August 5, 1990 16 On Sunday morning, the International Race of Champions competed at Michigan. Dale Earnhardt won the 100 mile event. Al Unser Jr., Bobby Rahal, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Danny Sullivan competed in the IROC race and then in the Michigan 500.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-500-rec/127490251/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Earnhardt Wins IROC Race, Title Going Away August 6, 1990 20 Race An estimated 55,000 spectators filled the stands to watch the Michigan 500.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-500-rec/127490201/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Unser, Teammate Rahal Finish 1-2 in MIS Sizzler August 6, 1990 15 At the start of the race, Emerson Fittipaldi drove off to a commanding lead. Arie Luyendyk was the only challenge for Fittipaldi, with Luyendyk leading for 15 laps. On lap 140, Luyendyk blew an engine and brought out the caution. Fittipaldi led 134 of the first 150 laps.https://www.champcarstats.com/races/199010.htm 1990 Marlboro 500 Results Shortly after the restart for Luyendyk's engine failure, Al Unser Jr. passed Fittipaldi for the lead on lap 151. Four laps later, Fittipaldi's engine blew and brought out another caution. Fittipaldi's retirement left Unser Jr. and his teammate Bobby Rahal in control of the event. Rahal took the lead on lap 170 and led for the next 42 circuits. Michael Andretti, the only other car remaining on the lead lap, blew an engine on lap 200 and brought out a caution. After a brief restart, Rick Mears blew an engine in turn two. After the caution for Mears' engine, Rahal and Unser Jr. staged a classic duel. Unser took the lead on the restart and Rahal took it back. Unser retook the lead and Rahal regained the lead a lap later. Rahal extended his lead to nearly two seconds before he made his final pit stop under green flag conditions on lap 235.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-500-rec/127490251/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Unser Jr Wins Fastest 500 Miler August 6, 1990 20 Unser remained on track after Rahal made his final pit stop and put Rahal a lap down. On lap 240, Jon Beekhuis blew an engine and brought out the caution. This allowed Unser to pit under caution and maintain his large lead over Rahal. The race restarted with seven laps remaining, with Rahal at the tail end of the lead lap and Unser behind him.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-500-rec/127490251/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Unser Jr Wins Fastest 500 Miler August 6, 1990 20 Unser won the Marlboro 500 by 25.459 seconds over Rahal. He earned $172,684. There were eight cautions for 39 laps. With an average speed of 189.727 mph, the race was the fastest 500-mile race in history at the time. The previous fastest 500-mile Indy car race was in that year's Indianapolis 500 when Arie Luyendyk won with an average speed of 185.981 mph.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-1990-michigan-500-rec/127490201/ Detroit Free Press Michigan Associated Press Little Al Wins Fastest 500 Miler August 6, 1990 15 Box score FinishGridNo Car numberNameTeamChassisEngineLapsTime/StatusLed Laps ledPoints Points include one bonus point for leading the most laps and one bonus point for qualifying on pole position 1 5 5 USA Al Unser Jr. Galles-Kraco Racing Lola T90/00 Ilmor-Chevrolet 250 2:38:07.291 40 20 2 2 18 USA Bobby Rahal Galles-Kraco Racing Lola T90/00 Ilmor-Chevrolet 250 +25.459 61 16 3 11 6 USA Mario Andretti Newman/Haas Racing Lola T90/00 Ilmor-Chevrolet 249 +1 Lap 0 14 4 10 15 USA Eddie Cheever Chip Ganassi Racing Penske PC-18 Ilmor-Chevrolet 242 +8 Laps 0 12 5 25 20 COL Roberto Guerrero Patrick Racing Lola T90/00 Alfa Romeo 240 +10 Laps 0 10 6 12 14 USA A. J. Foyt A. J. Foyt Enterprises Lola T90/00 Ilmor-Chevrolet 240 +10 Laps 0 8 7 8 41 USA John Andretti Porsche Motorsports March 90P Porsche 234 +16 Laps 0 6 8 16 56 USA Jon Beekhuis Gohr Racing Lola T89/00 Judd 221 Engine 0 5 9 24 8 BRA Raul Boesel Truesports Lola T89/00 Judd 217 +33 Laps 0 4 10 14 11 CAN Scott Goodyear Doug Shierson Racing Lola T89/00 Judd 216 +34 Laps 0 3 11 19 50 USA Mike Groff Euromotorsport Lola T89/00 Cosworth 214 +36 Laps 0 2 12 21 12 USA Randy Lewis Arciero Racing Penske PC-17 Buick 212 +38 Laps 0 1 13 20 71 USA Billy Vukovich III Hemelgarn Racing Lola T90/00 Buick 210 +40 Laps 0 0 14 4 2 USA Rick Mears Marlboro Team Penske Penske PC-19 Ilmor-Chevrolet 201 Engine 0 0 15 9 3 USA Michael Andretti Newman/Haas Racing Lola T90/00 Ilmor-Chevrolet 200 Engine 0 0 16 15 22 USA Scott Brayton Dick Simon Racing Lola T90/00 Cosworth 166 Electrical 0 0 17 1 1 BRA Emerson Fittipaldi Marlboro Team Penske Penske PC-19 Ilmor-Chevrolet 155 Engine 134 2 18 17 29 USA Pancho Carter Leader Card Racers Lola T90/00 Cosworth 143 Engine 0 0 19 6 30 NLD Arie Luyendyk Doug Shierson Racing Lola T90/00 Ilmor-Chevrolet 140 Engine 15 0 20 13 17 USA Kevin Cogan Stoops Racing Lola T90/00 Cosworth 130 Wheel bearing 0 0 21 3 7 USA Danny Sullivan Marlboro Team Penske Penske PC-19 Ilmor-Chevrolet 64 Vibration 0 0 22 23 16 USA Tony Bettenhausen Jr. Bettenhausen Motorsports Lola T89/00 Buick 63 Gearbox 0 0 23 18 19 USA Dean Hall Dale Coyne Racing Lola T90/00 Cosworth 62 Wheel bearing 0 0 24 7 4 ITA Teo Fabi Porsche Motorsports March 90P Porsche 58 Handling 0 0 25 22 44 USA Jeff Wood US Engineering Lola T89/00 Cosworth 26 Electrical 0 0 26 26 24 USA Buddy Lazier Arciero Racing Penske PC-17 Cosworth 3 Gearbox 0 0 Source:1990 Marlboro 5001990 Michigan 500 - Round 10 Failed to qualify FIN Tero Palmroth (#10) – Withdrawn USA Al Unser (#40) – Withdrawn, driver injury USA Salt Walther (#77) – Withdrawn Race statistics Lap Leaders Laps Leader 1–41 Emerson Fittipaldi 42–50 Arie Luyendyk 51–68 Emerson Fittipaldi 69–70 Arie Luyendyk 71–106 Emerson Fittipaldi 107 Bobby Rahal 108–111 Arie Luyendyk 112–150 Emerson Fittipaldi 151–169 Al Unser Jr. 170–211 Bobby Rahal 212–215 Al Unser Jr. 216–217 Bobby Rahal 218 Al Unser Jr. 219–234 Bobby Rahal 235–250 Al Unser Jr. Cautions: 8 for 39 laps Laps Reason 29–34 Jeff Wood tow-in 81–85 Tony Bettenhausen Jr. tow-in 141–146 Arie Luyendyk engine 155–160 Emerson Fittipaldi engine 180–183 Randy Lewis slow on track 201–204 Michael Andretti engine 208–211 Rick Mears spin turn 2 240–243 Jon Beekhuis engine Broadcasting The Michigan 500 was broadcast live on television by ABC. Paul Page was the lead announcer and was joined by Bobby Unser and Sam Posey as color commentators.1990 Michigan 500 Telecast: ABC-TV, August 5, 1990 References 2 Michigan 500 Michigan 500 Category:Michigan Indy 400