1981 Indianapolis 500
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The 65th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Sunday, May 24, 1981. The race is widely considered one of the most controversial races in Indy history.
Indy 500winningcar 1981
Ticket stub
Bobby Unser finished first but was penalized after the race for an infraction, and was dropped to second place in the official results. His victory was reinstated on October 9.
Mario Andretti finished second, but was declared the winner after Bobby Unser's penalty was issued. Andretti was returned to second on October 9 when Unser's victory was reinstated.
1982 Indianapolis 500
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The 66th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 30, 1982. Gordon Johncock, who had previously won the rain-shortened 1973 race, was the winner
1981 Indianapolis 500
…entire ordeal was politically motivated by his USAC enemies, became disillusioned with auto racing and took a sabbatical from driving. He sat out the 1982 Indy 500, and retired from IndyCar racing officially in 1983. Behind-the-scenes, the $40,000 fine for the win, other fines he faced in sponsorship, his attorney's…
Indy 500winningcar 1982
Car of Kevin Cogan on display at Indianapolis in 2013. It was restored to the livery used by Mears during the 1982 season, as the car was first used by Mears in Phoenix and Atlanta.
Gordon Johncock leads Rick Mears in the closing stages of the race.
1982 Chevrolet Camaro pace car