made my first race in 1960. You could memorize numbers and keep a stop watch. Then they went faster and you have to pick out something to remember, like the Star on JR's helmet. Now it is color sceems as they go so fast.
September 15th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Carl Koch:
0 points
The end of the "Glory Days"
IRL needs to get back to some individual innovation and get away from this "spec" stuff. When this car ran, or in the same time period, you knew who was coming out of the 4th turn by the design of the chassis, the sound of the engine, etc. I saw those days (60's-80's) and I miss 'em. Besides, it would be great to get back to "new track records". Indy car is getting boring! Close races at full throttle on a highbank track isn't thrilling when the "guts" of the driver isn't involved, only the brains of the engineer.
ONE MORE THING..USAC had it right when these drivers ran it all, champ cars, dirt, sprint, midget, etc.
September 15th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Jim:
0 points
Game Changing Car
This was when the Indy 500 was about innovation ... forward thinking designers taking concepts and turning them into reality. During this time frame the Speedway Cars looked different and even sounded different (Turbo Vs. Stock Block Vs. Stock Block Turbo) … now Indy Car is a cookie cutter series … same chassis and same engine. The problem this was also the beginning of the end of the little guy making his way … Grant King, Dan Gurney, D.B. Mann, Jonathon Byrd, Alex Morales, Etc.
September 15th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
george lyons, erie, pa.:
0 points
Rutherford "A Class Act"
Johnnie Rutherford is one champion we fans can all be proud of. He fought and sraped his way right to the top, took his loyal fans along for the ride and has shared Victory Circle with them generously over the past years. A real "racer" and an American "Hot Rodder" that deservedly won the Gold, more than one. What a great driver to have around to enjoy the Centennial.
September 15th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Rodney:
0 points
The Glory days
These pics bring back memories of when legends raced, my favorite JR. I'll never forget that awesome looking race machine.
September 15th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
tconniff:
0 points
Down force
Bring back those Monster Side Pod Openings And lets go Racing.
September 15th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
bill kunstek:
0 points
Rutherford drives 1980 indy winning chaparral
Had the pleasure of seeing that race and also getting an autograph from Johnny a couple years ago on opening day at the track. One of the fine gentleman of the sport and a great champion. Wish that in todays era, car builders could build innovative cars such as this wonderful example. But of course everybody drives the same chassis and engines. Hopefully someday this can change and bring back the days of ingenuity and inventiveness. Have gone to every 500 since 1973. Love it
September 15th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Chris Davis:
0 points
Lone Star JR
Jr was/is my favorite drive of all time and the Chaparral is still a VERY cool car!
made my first race in 1960. You could memorize numbers and keep a stop watch. Then they went faster and you have to pick out something to remember, like the Star on JR's helmet. Now it is color sceems as they go so fast.
IRL needs to get back to some individual innovation and get away from this "spec" stuff. When this car ran, or in the same time period, you knew who was coming out of the 4th turn by the design of the chassis, the sound of the engine, etc. I saw those days (60's-80's) and I miss 'em. Besides, it would be great to get back to "new track records". Indy car is getting boring! Close races at full throttle on a highbank track isn't thrilling when the "guts" of the driver isn't involved, only the brains of the engineer.
ONE MORE THING..USAC had it right when these drivers ran it all, champ cars, dirt, sprint, midget, etc.
This was when the Indy 500 was about innovation ... forward thinking designers taking concepts and turning them into reality. During this time frame the Speedway Cars looked different and even sounded different (Turbo Vs. Stock Block Vs. Stock Block Turbo) … now Indy Car is a cookie cutter series … same chassis and same engine. The problem this was also the beginning of the end of the little guy making his way … Grant King, Dan Gurney, D.B. Mann, Jonathon Byrd, Alex Morales, Etc.
Johnnie Rutherford is one champion we fans can all be proud of. He fought and sraped his way right to the top, took his loyal fans along for the ride and has shared Victory Circle with them generously over the past years. A real "racer" and an American "Hot Rodder" that deservedly won the Gold, more than one. What a great driver to have around to enjoy the Centennial.
These pics bring back memories of when legends raced, my favorite JR. I'll never forget that awesome looking race machine.
Bring back those Monster Side Pod Openings And lets go Racing.
Had the pleasure of seeing that race and also getting an autograph from Johnny a couple years ago on opening day at the track. One of the fine gentleman of the sport and a great champion. Wish that in todays era, car builders could build innovative cars such as this wonderful example. But of course everybody drives the same chassis and engines. Hopefully someday this can change and bring back the days of ingenuity and inventiveness. Have gone to every 500 since 1973. Love it
Jr was/is my favorite drive of all time and the Chaparral is still a VERY cool car!