May 26, 1974 – The words “Gentlemen start your engines,” was declared for the first time on a Sunday schedule at the Indianapolis 500. The Indy car race had traditionally been conducted on May 30 regardless of the week for almost 60 years prior.
In the great race at the old brickyard, it was Johnny Rutherford claiming the first of his three Indy victories. It got a little hairy for the racer though when oil from A.J. Foyt’s open-wheel racer flew back and landed on Rutherford’s windshield with 150 laps remaining making visibility extremely challenging for the driver.
Want to learn about Indy Car racing from a first-hand account? Listen to the Tim Coffeen Talks Indy car and Racing History podcast here on the Sports History Network.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Sports History On This Day: May 7
May 7, 1917 – Babe Ruth was an outstanding hitter right? Well, he was a
Sports History On This Day: May 6
May 6, 1954 – Great Britain’s distance-runner, Roger Bannister became the first person to record
The Story of Tony Esposito (One of the Greatest Players in NHL History)
We’ve lost another great one. Tony Esposito passed away on August 10, 2021 after
Sports History On This Day: May 5
May 5, 1863 – From the sports realm of the boxing ring. It was on this
Tim Hanlon Reminds Us There Are “GOOD SEATS STILL AVAILABLE!”
This week I bring Tim Hanlon on the show to take us back in
Sports History On This Day: May 4
May 4, 1969 – The Cincinnati Red Stockings played their first official baseball game. In
Sports History On This Day: May 3
May 3, 1910 – The Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States is renamed the National Collegiate
1970 Minnesota Vikings (Would This Be Their Year?)
Fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, many predicted the 1970 Vikings would be back