This month marks the 60th anniversary of A.J. Foyt’s first win at the Indianapolis 500. On Memorial Day 1961, Foyt dueled with the late Eddie Sachs in the second half of the race in what has become a legendary battle for the win. Sachs was one of the most popular drivers ever to compete at the track and the 26-year-old Foyt was the defending national champion and was already turning heads with his amazing driving skills. On Lap 195, Sachs seemed to be heading for the win. On Lap 198, however, Sachs heard a screech and saw the white ribbon of his left front tire, indicating the tire was worn to the base and in danger of blowing. Sachs had to slow down and allow Foyt past him for the win. It was Foyt’s first step toward Speedway immortality and his reputation as America’s greatest race driver. Winning the Indianapolis 500 guarantees a driver will never be forgotten. Or does it?
Do you remember Floyd Roberts? Floyd won the 1938 race. It was Robert’s only major win. The next year, to the date, Roberts was killed in a crash with Bob Swenson on lap L06. Roberts’ image is on the Borg-Warner Trophy, but he is not a household name.
How about Kelly Petillo? Petillo’s off-track life was more noteworthy than his racing career. Cavino Michelle “Kelly” Petillo won the pole for the 1934 Indy 500 and went on to win the race itself in 1935. He was in the race through 1941. Petillo had a violent temper and had numerous run-ins with the law. He went to the Indiana State Prison for assault and battery in 1948. Petillo was released on parole in 1955 but broke parole and went back to jail until 1959. He then tried to get his USAC race driver’s licence reinstated but was refused due to age. This resulted in a $50,000 lawsuit against USAC and the Speedway which was dismissed. He was still trying to get support to drive in the 500 as late as 1962. He died of emphysema in 1970. He is largely forgotten as a race winner today.
There are winners such as Lora L. Corum, and Floyd Davis who were co-drivers. They started the race but were relieved and saw another driver win in their assigned car. They are also relegated to the dustbin of auto racing history.
Then there are great drivers who have achieved Indy 500 immortality without an Indy win. Michael Andretti leads this list along with Tony Bettenhausen. So an Indy win is not necessarily a ticket to fame and fortune. For A.J. Foyt, yes. For Pat Flaherty, no.
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