WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Back to the Brickyard: Episode 6

Episode Date: March 7, 2024

In this episode, we go back to 1962 and the year Parnelli Jones became the first driver to average over 150 mph at the track.

Welcome to Back to the Brickyard, your spot for Indianapolis 500 History here at Radio Free Hillsdale, 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Pappy. In 1962, the main straight of the speedway was paved, leaving only a yard of bricks at the start finish line. This modification allowed for even faster speeds at the track. In fact, Eddie Sacks' pole-winning speed from 1961 would have only been the 11th fastest time in 1962. On poll day, Parnelli Jones thrilled the crowd as he became the first drive at her average above 150 miles per hour on both one and four-lap runs. He would join Roger Ward and Bobby Marshman on the front row. Rookie Dan Gurney started eighth and the only rear-engine car in the field, a Mickey Thompson built Buick-powered vehicle.

Jones took off at the start and ran away, only losing the lead during his first pit stop. He was back in front five laps later and held a lead of over a lap at the half of the half of the first. waypoint. However, Jones' car lost its braking system around this time. Not only could he carry less speed into the corners, but he had to get off the throttle sooner while pulling into the pits. As a result, his last two stops presented major problems. Ward overtook Jones on lap 126, and would lead 66 to the final 75 laps on route to victory, while teammate Len Sutton finished second and Jones salvaged seventh place. On a footnote, Ward beat Sutton to the last. And he was a footnote, Ward line by about 11 seconds. The difference in time between his and Sutton's pit stops? Just over 12

seconds. You have been listening to Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Papiol, and I'll catch you the next time we go back to the brickyard.