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
Was The 1972 Undefeated Miami Dolphins Really The NFL’s Best Team?
Last week I wrote an article comparing the 1972 and 1973 Miami Dolphins. I
Early NFL Players Tackle Off-Season Jobs
Before the television era of professional football, which certainly changed the financial outlook of
Darryl Dawkins: Dr. Dunkenstein, Double D, Sir Slam, and Chocolate Thunder All Rolled Into One
Darryl Dawkins was one of the most outrageous characters in NBA history. He was
Super Bowl XVI (49ers vs. Bengals): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XVI, which was held on January 24, 1982, in
Ray Durbin: Founder of Row One Brand Sports Gifts
Row One Brand is an American sports brand based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
1973 Miami Dolphins (Better Than The Undefeated 72′ Team?)
The ’72–73 Miami Dolphins may have had the best two-year run in NFL history
Super Bowl V: A Goal-Line Stand Lost In Time
Most pro football historians who study the past Super Bowls will tell you that
Remembering The Great NFL Running Backs of the 1970s
Younger NFL fans can’t imagine how many great running backs played in the 1970s.