The start of the 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016. (IMS Archives Photo)
The start of the 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016. (IMS Archives Photo)

Drivers You Didn’t Know Raced At Indy

Bobby Allison and his Team Penske crew at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1973. (IMS Archives Photo)
Bobby Allison and his Team Penske crew at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1973. (IMS Archives Photo)

Bobby Allison

NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison took two stabs at the Indianapolis 500. His first attempt came in 1973 aboard a McLaren-Offenhauser fielded by Roger Penske. He qualified 12th, but completed just one lap before a rod failed and forced him to retire in the 32nd position. He returned two years later with a similar McLaren-Offenhauser-Penske combination, but his luck didn’t improve. He finished 25th after his gearbox failed.