1972 Pocono 500

August 2023 USA Pocono 500 Pocono Raceway.svg July 29 1972 USAC Championship Car 1972 Schaefer 500 6th Long Pond, Pennsylvania Permanent racing facility 2.5 4.023 200 500 804.672 Temperatures up to 77 F C; wind speeds up to 12 mph km/h1972 Pocono 500 weather information https://www.wunderground.com/history/daily/us/pa/avoca/KAVP/date/1972-7-29 Wunderground April 25, 2023 Bobby Unser All American Racers 189.473 mph USA Joe Leonard Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing USA Johnny Rutherford Don Gerhardt USA Al Unser Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing USA The 1972 Pocono 500, the 2nd running of the event, was held at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 29, 1972. Branded as the 1972 Schaefer 500 for sponsorship reasons, the race was won by Joe Leonard. The race is notable for its impact by Hurricane Agnes and the confrontation between the track and USAC.https://www.poconoraceway.com/50-years-of-the-tricky-triangle-the-1970s.html '50 YEARS OF THE TRICKY TRIANGLE- THE 1970’S' Pocono Raceway Race Schedule After rain cancelled track activity on Monday, practice opened on Tuesday, June 20. 29 cars took practice laps with Bobby Unser posting the fastest speed, 185.299 mph.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-1972-pocono-50/35586941/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Rain Forces Revision in Schaefer 500 Qualifier June 23, 1972 35 Hurricane Agnes Impact Rain cancelled practice on Wednesday as Hurricane Agnes impacted Pennsylvania. Less than 100 miles away, 12.53 inches of rain fell in Harrisburg between 8 pm on June 21 and 8 pm on June 22.https://www.usgs.gov/centers/pennsylvania-water-science-center/news/50th-anniversary-hurricane-agnes USGS 2023-04-20 Flooding of the Susquehanna River damaged 13,000 homes in Wilkes-Barre.https://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/literary-cultural-heritage-map-pa/feature-articles/cities-under-water-under-siege-hurricane-agnes PA Center for the Book 2023-04-20 Across the state, there were 50 fatalities, 220,000 people were left homeless, and over $2.3 billion in damages.http://www.timesleader.com/news/FLOOD_OF_MEMORIES_06-21-2009.html Agnes now a flood of memories Bill O'Boyle June 22, 2009 Times Leader March 6, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193257/http://www.timesleader.com/news/FLOOD_OF_MEMORIES_06-21-2009.html January 2, 2014 dead mdy-all The Pocono area received over seven inches of rain from Hurricane Agnes but suffered no major damage as the region's high elevation prevented the flooding that devastated other areas. Teams continued to report to the track each day but rain showers washed out seven consecutive practice days. Practice resumed on Tuesday, June 27 with track time extended from 9 a.m. until dusk. Peter Revson, driving for McLaren, had the fastest lap speed at 185.632 mph.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35587436/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Revson, Unser Exceed 180 MPH June 28, 1972 31 In Wednesday's practice session, Bobby Unser had the fastest speed at 188.442 mph. Qualifying was rescheduled for Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday, Governor Milton Shapp sent a letter to Pocono Raceway president Joseph Mattioli asking that the race be postponed due to the devastation in surrounding areas. "Dear Dr. Mattioli, Due to the extreme emergency in Pennsylvania, which includes the Wilkes Barre area and other parts of the northeast region, I suggest that you consider postponing the Schaefer 500 at Pocono Raveway on July 2nd to a future date this summer. I understand that approximately 100,000 people are expected to attend this event. That would put an added strain on the facilities in the areas which are severely limited. I regret this inconvenience but I am certain you can appreciate the problems we are facing at this time."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35587502/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Pocono Officials Override USAC, Postpone Race June 29, 1972 25 While cars practiced, a heated five hour meeting was held between Pocono Raceway and USAC to discuss rescheduling. On Wednesday night, the track announced that the race would be postponed, an announcement strongly opposed by USAC. In addition to the letter from Governor Shapp, the track presented the sanctioning body with a list of reasons why the race should be cancelled. USAC executive director, Bill Smyth said, "I don't consider any of their reasons legitimate. We offered to assist them in solving every one of them but were rejected."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35587502/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Pocono Officials Override USAC, Postpone Race June 29, 1972 25 If the track had not postponed the race, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources were prepared to get an injunction to stop the race because a lack of facilities to dispose of sewage waste would have created a public health hazard.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35587856/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Pocono 500 Resolved Too Late for Sport to Avoid Black Eye July 7, 1972 48 The move to postpone the event created strong debate from drivers and team owners. Driver Jim Hurtubise agreed with postponing the race, saying "I think you guys are right and USAC ought to realize it. I took a ride through this area yesterday and I'll tell you I sure wouldn't want to be living here with all the suffering that's going on."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35587553/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Drivers Incensed at Pocono June 29, 1972 25 After hearing Hurtubise's comments, an unnamed fellow driver responded by saying, "he's had nine or ten beers, he'd say anything at this point."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35587553/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Drivers Incensed at Pocono June 29, 1972 25 USAC's Bill Smyth maintained that practice the next morning, and the race on Sunday, would continue despite the track announcing a postponement. He maintained the sanctioning agreement gave USAC the sole authority to postpone the race, not the track. "We're ready to run, and our drivers and officials will be at the track at 8 a.m." Smyth said Wednesday night.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35587502/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Pocono Officials Override USAC, Postpone Race June 29, 1972 25 As a light rain fell the following morning, teams in the garage found the gates leading to the track surface locked, with two security guards stationed at each gate. Unable to venture on track, teams loaded up their equipment and left. Driver Gary Bettenhausen said, "As the drivers' representative (on USAC's Board of Directors), I am going to suggest that the grass grow very tall before we come back here again. Either that or jack the purse by $100,000 for every future race."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35587581/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Drivers Incensed at Pocono June 29, 1972 27 Bettenhausen's car-owner, Roger Penske, was strongly in support of track management and threatened to withdraw his team from Indy car racing should the circuit be treated unfairly. "I'm not trying to start anything with Gary, but he's speaking for himself," Penske said. "If USAC doesn't re-sanction this race for this year, I'll resign as (USAC) Eastern Vice President. Not only that, I'll consider withdrawing my cars from championship competition... and maybe I'll start my own sanctioning organization."https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=SFOYbPikdlgC&dat=19720630&printsec=frontpage&hl=en Herald-Journal South Carolina Associated Press Schaefer 500 is Canceled, May Be Reset at A Later Date June 30, 1972 C1 On July 5, USAC board of directors convened in Indianapolis and agreed to reschedule the Schaefer 500 for July 29, one day before a previously scheduled USAC Stock Car race.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35587815/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Pocono 500 Rescheduled for July 29 July 6, 1972 29 On July 8 and 9, Pocono Raceway hosted Concert 10, a rock concert festival that attracted an estimated 200,000 people. Heckman Don Rock Festivals on Upbeat Again 12 The New York Times 1972-08-11 Practice and Time Trials On July 3, defending Pocono 500 and Indianapolis 500 champion, Mark Donohue, suffered injuries to his left knee and thigh in a Can-Am testing crash at Road Atlanta. Donohue required surgery to repair torn ligaments and was withdrawn from the rescheduled Pocono 500.https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press/111888112/ Asbury Park Press Pennsylvania Associated Press Donohue Will Recuperate for 13 Weeks July 9, 1972 70 Practice resumed on Monday, July 24. Gary Bettenhausen posted the fastest speed at 184.3 mph.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35587912/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Bettenhausen Fastest in Pocono 500 Practice July 25, 1972 27 The first day of qualifications took place on Tuesday, July 25. Similar to Indianapolis, the field was set by time trials consisting of a 4-lap, 10-mile run. A brief rainstorm delayed qualifying for two hours around midday. Late in the day, near darkness, Bobby Unser broke the track record and won the pole with an average speed of 189.473 mph. It was over 17 mph faster than Mark Donohue's pole in 1971. "I could hardly see the white line markers on the course," Unser said. "And I was watching that rain cloud just over the third turn, so I drove faster in order to get home before they shut the track down."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35588016/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Bobby Unser Wins Pole at 189 MPH For Schaefer 500 July 26, 1972 49 Gordon Johncock and Mario Andretti joined Unser on the front row. Driving the same chassis that Mark Donohue drove to victory in the 1971 Schaefer 500, Salt Walther qualified 12th at 177.187 mph.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35588053/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Bobby Unser Wins Pole at 189 MPH July 26, 1972 51 Peter Revson, who did not post a qualifying time on day one, had the fastest speed on Wednesday's time trials at 180.277 mph.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4AtXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HEMNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2666%2C4100160 Reading Eagle Pennsylvania Associated Press Petty Tests USAC Stock Aces Sunday July 27, 1972 43 Race 1957 Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hanks drove the pace car for the race, a 1972 Dodge Charger specially prepared by Raybestos to be given to the race winner after the checkered flag.Hanks to Drive Schaefer 500 Pace Car https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call-1972-pocono-500-pace-ca/135737206/ Morning Call 53 Newspapers.com May 14, 1972 November 24, 2023 From the outside of the front row, Mario Andretti took the lead on lap one. On the second lap, he was passed by Gordon Johncock, who led for three laps before being passed by Bobby Unser.https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/1972_Schaefer_500/UO/ Race Results - Racing-Reference Johncock's teammate at McLaren, Peter Revson, who skipped Formula One's German Grand Prix to participate at Pocono, fell out of the race after only seven laps due to a broken connecting rod.https://www.champcarstats.com/races/197206.htm 1972 Schaefer 500 Andretti retook the lead on lap 11. On lap 16, polesitter Bobby Unser made a pitstop under green to change a flat tire. Later, his car developed shift linkage problems and he dropped out of the race after he completed 77 laps.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35588281/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Ask Mario, Gary, Bobby If Luck Controls Autos July 30, 1972 60 After leading 138 laps at Indianapolis before falling out with engine problems, Gary Bettenhausen took the lead for the first time on lap 39, and appeared to be headed for a possible victory at Pocono. Swede Savage started 27th and impressed by climbing to the fourth position when he retired after 63 laps with a broken gearbox. Under caution on lap 78, race-leader Gary Bettenhausen stalled on the backstretch and retired with ignition troubles. Bettenhausen had led 40 laps. After Bettenhausen's mechanical failure, Mario Andretti retook the lead. Andretti, who was on Pocono's board of directors at the time, led the next 85 laps. After leading for a total of 105 laps, Andretti gave up a lead of 40 seconds over teammate Joe Leonard to make his final pit stop with 37 laps remaining. While in the pits, an overheated bushing on Andretti's gear shift lever stuck and it took the crew six minutes to fix the problem. He ultimately finished 7th, 12 laps off the pace.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35588281/1972-pocono-500/ Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Associated Press Ask Mario, Gary, Bobby If Luck Controls Autos July 30, 1972 60 On lap 173, Jimmy Caruthers brought out the fourth and final caution period when he crashed in turn three and was hospitalized with burns and contusions.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4wtXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HEMNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4281%2C5574281 Reading Eagle Pennsylvania Associated Press Official: Leonard Wins Pocono 500 July 30, 1972 55 Joe Leonard led the final 37 laps and led Johnny Rutherford by 25 seconds at the checkered flag. However, Al Unser was erroneously scored as the race winner and given the checkered flag. Unser and Leonard both drove to victory lane while scoring was rechecked. One hour after the finish, the official results confirmed that Leonard was the winner. https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4wtXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HEMNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4281%2C5574281 Reading Eagle Pennsylvania Associated Press Official: Leonard Wins Pocono 500 July 30, 1972 55 Leonard received $84,530 in prize money, the 1972 Dodge Charger pace car, a Schaefer 500 ring, a silver tray autographed by all the drivers in the field, beer steins autographed by his pit crew, and a set of luggage from Atlantic (a competitor to his sponsor Samsonite).Leonard Picks Up $84,530 Check For Days Work https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call-1972-pocono-500-winning/135737153/ Morning Call 23 Newspapers.com August 1, 1972 November 24, 2023 Box score FinishGridNo Car numberNameEntrantChassisEngineLapsTime/StatusLed Laps ledPoints 1 6 1 USA Joe Leonard Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing Parnelli VPJ1 Offenhauser 200 3:13:49.315 37 1000 2 13 16 USA Johnny Rutherford Don Gerhardt Eagle Offenhauser 200 +24.685 0 800 3 4 4 USA Al Unser Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing Parnelli VPJ1 Offenhauser 199 Flagged 7 700 4 28 3 USA Bill Vukovich II Jerry O'Connell Racing Eagle Offenhauser 198 Flagged 0 600 5 14 34 USA Sam Posey Champ Carr Inc. Eagle 72 Offenhauser 198 Flagged 0 500 6 16 72 USA Mike Hiss Page Racing Enterprises Eagle Offenhauser 196 Flagged 0 400 7 3 9 USA Mario Andretti Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing Parnelli VPJ1 Offenhauser 188 Flagged 105 300 8 12 77 USA Salt Walther Dayton-Walther McLaren Offenhauser 187 Flagged 0 250 9 17 10 USA Lee Kunzman Lindsey Hopkins Racing Eagle Offenhauser 174 Flagged 0 200 10 18 11 USA Jimmy Caruthers Quality Racing Team Scorpion Foyt 160 Crash 0 150 11 9 14 USA Roger McCluskey Lindsey Hopkins Racing McLaren M16A Offenhauser 135 Turbocharger 0 100 12 11 98 USA Rick Muther Leader Card Racers Eagle Offenhauser 146 Overheating 0 50 13 25 23 USA Mel Kenyon Lindsey Hopkins Racing Coyote Foyt 130 Pinion gear 0 0 14 15 40 USA Wally Dallenbach Andy Granatelli Lola T270 Foyt 129 Rear end 0 0 15 20 84 USA Sammy Sessions A. J. Foyt Enterprises Coyote Foyt 118 Crash 0 0 16 22 44 USA Dick Simon Dick Simon Racing Lola Foyt 127 Rear end 0 0 17 19 89 USA John Martin Automotive Technology Brabham Offenhauser 89 Turbocharger 0 0 18 30 36 USA Bentley Warren Bay State Auto Racing Eagle Offenhauser 82 Oil leak 0 0 19 5 7 USA Gary Bettenhausen Penske Racing McLaren M16B Offenhauser 77 Ignition 40 0 20 1 6 USA Bobby Unser All American Racers Eagle 72 Offenhauser 77 Gear 6 0 21 29 29 USA George Snider MVS Coyote Foyt 68 Valve 0 0 22 2 24 USA Gordon Johncock Team McLaren McLaren M16B Offenhauser 64 Connecting rod 5 0 23 27 42 USA Swede Savage Patrick-Mitchner Racing Brabham Offenhauser 63 Gearbox 0 0 24 21 28 USA Bill Simpson Bill Simpson Eagle Offenhauser 41 Connecting rod 0 0 25 31 17 USA Denny Zimmerman Vollstedt Enterprises Vollstedt Offenhauser 36 Throttle 0 0 26 8 5 USA Lloyd Ruby Gene White Co. Lola T270 Foyt 34 Crash 0 0 27 10 31 USA John Mahler Vanguard Racing McLaren Offenhauser 34 Connecting rod 0 0 28 24 92 USA Jerry Karl Automotive Technology Gilbert Offenhauser 20 Fuel tank 0 0 29 23 94 USA Bob Harkey Vatis Enterprises Findley Offenhauser 13 Piston 0 0 30 32 95 USA Carl Williams Vatis Enterprises Eagle Offenhauser 8 Piston 0 0 31 26 12 USA Peter Revson Team McLaren McLaren M16B Offenhauser 7 Connecting rod 0 0 32 7 15 USA Steve Krisiloff Grant King Racers King Offenhauser 4 Engine block 0 0 33 33 35 USA Greg Weld Grant King Racers King Offenhauser 1 Vibration 0 0 Source:1972 Schaefer 5001972 Pocono 500 - Round 6 Television A two and a half hour syndicated television broadcast of the Pocono 500 was aired a week after the race.Television Listings https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call-1972-pocono-500-televis/135737433/ Morning Call 96 Newspapers.com July 29, 1972 November 24, 2023 References 2 Category:Pocono 500 Pocono 500 Schaefer