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: April 6
April 6, 1896 – The First modern-era Olympic Games have opening ceremonies not far from
St. Louis Cardinals: My Secret “2nd Favorite Team” Growing Up
Most of us who follow sports have a favorite team. In baseball, my favorite
Sports History On This Day: April 5
April 5, 1927 – American champion swimmer, Johnny Weissmuller set a couple of records in
Sports History On This Day: April 4
April 4, 1937 – At what was just the 4th Masters Golf Tournament, or officially
Sports History On This Day: April 3
April 3, 1962 – Legendary jockey Eddie Arcaro at the ripe old age of 46 years old,
Sports History On This Day: April 2
April 2, 1931 – This story is one of those juicy tidbits from history. A
Super Bowl XXXIII (Broncos vs. Falcons): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXXIII, which was held on January 31, 1999, at
Sports History On This Day: April 1
April 1, 1919 – This is not an April Fools Day prank! I think after the past