1990 Indianapolis 500

The 74th Indianapolis 500 was held 74th Indianapolis 500

at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in
Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 27,
1990. Dutchman Arie Luyendyk took
the lead with 32 laps to go, and earned
his first-ever victory in championship-
level competition. It was the second
consecutive year the Indy 500 was
won by a foreign-born competitor, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

first time that had occurred since Indianapolis 500

1965–1966. Luyendyk completed the Sanctioning
USAC
500 miles at an average speed of body
185.981 mph (299.307 km/h), a record 1990 CART
that stood for 23 years until 2013.[3] In season
Season
reference to the long-standing speed 1989–90 Gold
record, the 1990 race had often been Crown
referred to as "The Fastest 500." Date May 27, 1990
Winner Arie Luyendyk
Defending champion Emerson Fittipaldi
Doug Shierson
started on the pole position and Winning team
Racing
dominated the first half of the race.
Setting a new track record in Average speed 185.981 mph

qualifying, Fittipaldi became the first Emerson

Pole position
driver to break the 225 mph barrier in Fittipaldi
time trials. He was looking to become Pole speed 225.301 mph
the first back-to-back winner in twenty Fastest qualifier Fittipaldi
years. In the second half of the race,
Rookie of the
however, he fell victim to blistering Eddie Cheever
Year
tires, fell a lap down, and wound up
Most laps led Fittipaldi (128)
finishing third. Bobby Rahal, the 1986
winner, was in position to win his Pre-race ceremonies
second Indy 500, but he too suffered National anthem Sandi Patti
handling problems, which dropped him "Back Home
to second at the finish. Again in Jim Nabors
Indiana"
A. J. Foyt, making his 33rd consecutive
Starting
Indy start, finished in sixth place. Mary F. Hulman
command
Rookie Jeff Andretti attempted to
Chevrolet
become the unprecedented fourth Pace car
Beretta
member of the Andretti family to
Pace car driver Jim Perkins
qualify for the same race, but was
bumped on the final day of time trials. Duane
Starter
Sweeney[1]
Rain hampered much of the month, Estimated
400,000[2]
washing out nearly the entire first attendance
weekend of time trials as well as two TV in the United States
practice days. The 1990 race was also
Network ABC
the first Indy 500 presided over by
Host/Lap-by-
Tony George, who was named
lap: Paul Page
president of the Speedway in January.
Color Analyst:
Announcers
Sam Posey
The race was sanctioned by USAC,
Color Analyst
and was included as part of the 1990 Bobby Unser
CART PPG Indy Car World Series.
Chronology

Contents Previous Next

1989 1991
1 Background
1.1 Rule changes
1.2 Team and driver changes
1.3 Construction
2 Schedule
3 Practice (first week)
3.1 Opening day – Saturday May 5
3.2 Sunday May 6
3.3 Monday May 7
3.4 Tuesday May 8
3.5 Wednesday May 9
3.6 Thursday May 10
3.7 Friday May 11
4 Time trials (first weekend)
4.1 Saturday May 12
4.2 Sunday May 13
5 Practice (second week)
5.1 Monday May 14
5.2 Tuesday May 15
5.3 Wednesday May 16
5.4 Thursday May 17
5.5 Friday May 18
6 Time trials (second weekend)
6.1 Saturday May 19
6.2 Bump Day – Sunday May 20
7 Starting grid
7.1 Alternates
7.2 Failed to qualify
8 Race summary
8.1 Start
8.2 First half
8.3 Second half
8.4 Finish
8.5 Legacy
9 Box score
9.1 Race statistics
10 Broadcasting
10.1 Radio
10.2 Television
11 Gallery
12 Notes
12.1 References
12.2 Works cited

Background
Rule changes

Controversy hovered over the month, regarding new aerodynamic rules. All
teams utilizing 1989 (or older) model year chassis were required to affix a
"diffuser" to the underbody ground effects tunnels, to reduce their depth
by 2 inches - a rule intended to reduce downforce and curtail speeds.
Competitors complained that the diffusers made their cars unstable and
unbalanced, and were responsible for the increased number of practice
crashes involving the older cars. Despite voiced complaints and meetings
with officials, no changes were made to the rules. Ultimately, no major
crashes occurred amongst the older cars during the race itself.

The Porsche Indycar team, led by Derrick Walker, was fresh off their first
victory at Mid-Ohio in September 1989 with driver Teo Fabi. They planned
to roll out a new March chassis for 1990, the first all-carbon fiber
monocoque Indy car. Rules were evolving by the CART series (and likewise
USAC) to eventually allow for all-carbon fiber chassis. Porsche interpreted
the rules as permitting the car for 1990, provided they were granted a
waiver, and embarked on the project. However, in January, the board of
directors voted to disallow the chassis for competition in 1990.[4][5][6][7]
The Porsche team was forced to utilize a March chassis that was
constructed with a then-standard aluminum bottom to adhere to the rules.
All-carbon fiber monocoques would be delayed until 1991.

With the Pocono 500 disbanded after 1989, the 1990 Indy car season and
beyond would no longer feature a "triple crown" of 500-mile races. The
triple crown would not return until 2013.

Team and driver changes

Team and driver changes for 1990 were highlighted by Emerson Fittipaldi
(and sponsor Marlboro) departing Patrick Racing and joining Penske
Racing. The Penske team would be a three-car effort with Fittipaldi, Rick
Mears, and Danny Sullivan.

Meanwhile, Chip Ganassi took over the assets of the former Patrick
Racing, and it became Chip Ganassi Racing. Eddie Cheever, who had
spent the past decade in Formula One, and was the United States' lone F1
participant, switched to the CART series for 1990 and took the seat. Target
was brought in as the new sponsor for the budding team, beginning one of
the longest tenures for an Indy car sponsor (1990-2016) in the history of
the sport.

Bobby Rahal's KRACO team owned by Maurice Kranes merged with Rick
Galles's and it became a two-car effort known as Galles-KRACO Racing. Al
Unser, Jr. returned in the Valvoline-sponsored entry, and Rahal got use of
the Chevy Ilmor V-8 engine for the first time.

Arie Luyendyk left Dick Simon Racing, and joined Doug Shierson Racing to
drive the #30 Domino's Pizza "Hot One" Chevrolet entry. After two years
with Judd power, Shierson also was granted a lease for the Chevy Ilmor
engine.

Truesports driver Scott Pruett, who won the rookie of the year award in
1989, had a serious crash at West Palm Beach during preseason testing.
He suffered serious leg injuries, and was forced to sit out the season for
rehabilitation. Raul Boesel was hired to drive as a substitute. The
Truesports team was already in development of their in-house "All
American" chassis, which was scheduled to debut in 1991. For the 1990
season, the team utilized 1989 Lola/Judd machines to save cost. However,
they re-fabricated the underbody of the cars in order to adhere to the new
rules specifications, and avoided the need to use the aforementioned
"diffusers."

The Alfa Romeo Indy car effort, formerly headed up by Alex Morales
Motorsports, was taken over in 1990 by a re-booted Patrick Racing. The
Alfa Romeo engine had not been ready in time to race at the 1989 Indy
500, therefore 1990 would its first appearance at Indy. Roberto Guerrero,
who drove for Morales in 1989, was kept on as the driver for 1990 at
Patrick. Al Unser Sr., released by Penske, was brought in to enter a second
team car at Indy and the other 500-miler at Michigan.

Construction

During the offseason, the Tower Terrace Extension grandstand was razed
at the north end of the pit area. In its place, a new 900-foot long, 17,000-
seat permanent double-decker grandstand was constructed. It featured
aluminum chair-back bench seating, as well as modern restroom facilities
and storefront space on the lower level. On the upper deck, 38 luxury
suites were built, each with seats for 80 people.

In the south short-chute, near the museum, the first dedicated Wheelchair
Accessible grandstand was constructed. With seating for 302 persons,
(including non-handicapped "companion" seating), the Speedway
introduced its first ADA-compliant grandstand.[8]

Across the street from turn one, a famous Speedway landmark, the brick
smokestack of the former Prest-O-Lite company was demolished. For
decades, the smokestack was said to be used by drivers to see clues
about wind speed and direction. It was taken down by wrecking ball just
two months after the 1990 race.[9]

Schedule
 Color Notes
Race schedule — April/May, 1990
Green Practice
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Dark Time
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Blue trials
ROP ROP
Race
Silver
29 30 1 2 3 4 5 day
ROP Practice
Rained
Red
12 out*
6 7 8 9 10 11
Pole
Practice Practice Practice Practice Practice Practice No
Day
Blank track
13 19 activity
14 15 16 17 18
Time Time
Practice Practice Practice Practice Practice
Trials Trials * Includes days
where track
20 21 22 23 24 25
26 activity was
Bump Carb Mini-
Parade significantly
Day Day Marathon
limited due to rain
27 28 29 30 31
Indy Memorial ROP — denotes
500 Day Rookie
Orientation Program

Practice (first week)

During rookie orientation, driver Steve Barclay was injured in a crash, and
was forced to sit out practice.

Opening day – Saturday May 5

Tero Palmroth of Dick Simon Racing earned the honor of first car out on
the track on opening day. The first day of practice saw moderate activity,
with Tom Sneva in a Buick-powered entry setting the fastest lap
(215.646 mph).

Several drivers (Al Unser, Jr., Emerson Fittipaldi, Geoff Brabham, Bobby
Rahal, and Danny Sullivan) were not present for opening day due to their
participation in the first round of IROC XIV at Talladega. Unser, Jr., who
finished second in that race, along with Rahal, did make it to Indianapolis in
time to take a few practice laps.
Sunday May 6

History was made at Indy when four members of the same family
practiced on the track at the same time. Mario, Michael, John, and Jeff
Andretti all were on the track together for a brief time at 3:35 p.m.

Jim Crawford crashed in turn one 20 minutes before the track closed for
the day.

Emerson Fittipaldi, taking his first laps of the month, topped the speed
chart with a lap of 222.607 mph.

Monday May 7

Three crashes occurred on Monday. Johnny Rutherford, rookie Buddy

Lazier, and Bill Vukovich III all suffered wall contact. Lazier hit the outside
wall at the exit of turn four. Rutherford went high exiting turn two, and
brushed the wall. Vukovich was the most serious, crashing hard in turn
one, suffering a concussion.

Rick Mears (224.398 mph) set the fastest lap, with Arie Luyendyk
(222.816 mph) second and Emerson Fittipaldi (222.211 mph) third.

Tuesday May 8

Emerson Fittipaldi (223.286 mph) was the fastest of the day. Steve
Chassey crashed in turn three.

Wednesday May 9

Johnny Rutherford had his second crash of the month. He spun in turn
three, and crashed hard into the outside wall, suffering a concussion and
knee injury.

Al Unser, Jr. (220.507 mph) was the fastest of the day. Arie Luyendyk was
second-fastest once again.

Thursday May 10

A cold, windy afternoon kept most cars off the track. Jim Crawford, driving
his back-up car, was the fastest of the day at only 208.686 mph. Only two
cars turned laps over 200 mph, and of the 12 drivers that completed laps,
few took any laps at speed.

The track was closed 51 minutes early due to weather conditions. Only 74
laps were turned all day.

Friday May 11

On the final day of practice before time trials, the speeds climbed, and
activity was heavy. At least 40 drivers took to the track, completing 1,517
laps.

Two minor crashes occurred early in the afternoon. Rookies Jeff Wood and
Jeff Andretti both suffered accidents. Wood hit the outside wall exiting
turn one, then brushed it three more times as the car came to a stop. He
was uninjured. Andretti spun in turn four, hitting the outside wall. The car
was heavily damaged, but Andretti suffered only a bruised knee.

Shortly after 4 p.m., Emerson Fittipaldi rans laps of 227.101 mph and
227.181 mph. They were the fastest unofficial laps in Indy history. Not to be
upstaged, at 5:09 p.m., Al Unser, Jr. blistered the track with a lap of
228.502 mph, the fastest practice lap ever run at Indy.

At 5:24 p.m., Jim Crawford suffered his second crash of the week. This
accident, which occurred in the south short chute, was spectacular. He
spun in turn one, hit the outside wall, then as the car came off wall, debris
lifted the chassis airborne. It flew approximately 15–20 feet off the ground
for as much as 280 feet, then came to the ground, upright. It continued to
slide for another 360 feet and came to rest along the inside wall. Crawford
was not seriously injured.

The first week of practice ended with Unser, Jr., Fittipaldi, Rick Mears, and
Mario Andretti topping the speed chart. All four had run laps over
225 mph.

Time trials (first weekend)

Saturday May 12

Pole day was scheduled for Saturday May

12, with Al Unser, Jr. and Emerson Fittipaldi
the favorites for the pole position. Rain
washed out the entire day. Pole qualifying
was rescheduled for Sunday.
Emerson Fittipaldi won the pole
Sunday May 13 position.

On Sunday, rain threatened to wash out the entire weekend. Continuing

rain, cool temperatures and "weepers" kept the cars off the track until
after 2:30 p.m. Emerson Fittipaldi was the first driver to make a qualifying
attempt, as time trials finally got underway at 4:34 p.m.

Fittipaldi set new one and four-lap qualifying records to secure the
provisional pole position. Each lap increased in speed. He became the first
driver to officially break to 225 mph barrier at Indy.

Lap 1 – 39.999 seconds, 225.006 mph (new 1-lap track record)

Lap 2 – 39.954 seconds, 225.259 mph (new 1-lap track record)
Lap 3 – 39.935 seconds, 225.366 mph (new 1-lap track record)
Lap 4 – 39.898 seconds, 225.575 mph (new 1-lap track record)
Total – 2:39.786, 225.302 mph (new 4-lap track record)
A hectic, abbreviated qualifying session saw 16 attempts before the track
closed at 6 p.m. Rick Mears (224.215 mph) and Bobby Rahal
(222.694 mph) tentatively rounded out the front row. The day ended when
Rich Vogler wrecked in turn two on his third qualifying lap.

Several drivers including Danny Sullivan, Al Unser, Jr., Arie Luyendyk, and
A. J. Foyt, were left waiting in line at the 6 o'clock gun. They would have to
wait until the following Saturday to have a shot at the pole position. Time
trials was scheduled to pick up with the remainder of the pole round on
Saturday.

Scott Brayton took to the track for his attempt, but his crew forgot to wave
the green flag to start the run. His run was negated, and he lost his
opportunity to qualify in the pole position round.

Practice (second week)

Monday May 14

Arie Luyendyk, who was not able to qualify yet, was the fastest car of the
day at 221.773 mph. Al Unser, Jr. concentrated on race day setups instead,
and ran a lap of 220.496 mph.

Tuesday May 15

Practice was rained out.

Wednesday May 16

Practice was rained out.

Thursday May 17

Arie Luyendyk again led the speed chart, with a lap of 217.854 mph.
Rookie Guido Daccò passed his rookie test, and Salt Walther took to the
track for the first time.

Friday May 18

Al Unser, Jr. re-established himself as a threat for the pole position,

running a lap of 224.995 mph, the fastest of the day. But before the day
was over, he blew his qualifying engine, and the team was forced to install
a back-up engine for time trials.

Arie Luyendyk was second-fastest at 223.586 mph, also making him a

threat for the front row. Bernard Jourdain wrecked twice in three hours,
first in his backup car, then in his primary car, requiring surgery and ending
his month.

Time trials (second weekend)

Saturday May 19

On Saturday May 19, pole qualifying resumed, with 16 cars still eligible for
the pole round. Arie Luyendyk (223.304 mph) squeezed onto the front
row, bumping Bobby Rahal back to row two. The highly anticipated run by
Al Unser, Jr. was a disappointment, as he only managed 220.920 mph,
putting him in 7th starting position.

By holding on to the second starting position, Rick Mears qualified on the

front row for a record 10th time in his career. A total of 23 cars qualified
during the pole round, and at 11:45 a.m., the original qualifying draw had
exhausted. Emerson Fittipaldi officially won the pole position. It was the
second year in a row the defending champion had won the pole, and
Penske Racing swept 1st-2nd on the grid.

"Third day" qualifying commenced at 11:50 a.m., with Johnny Rutherford

waving off a slow run. Scott Brayton, who missed his chance to qualify on
Sunday, put in a solid speed, as did Teo Fabi, who also missed out on the
pole round. The two Alfa Romeo entries of Roberto Guerrero and Al Unser,
Sr. put their cars safely in the field, as did Tom Sneva in a Buick.

At 5:45 p.m., the field was filled to 33 cars, Mike Groff (203.643 mph) on
the bubble. Jim Crawford then easily bumped out Groff. After two crashes,
and two slow qualifying attempts, Johnny Rutherford (204.801 mph) was
now on the bubble. Stan Fox bumped him out by over 9 mph, and for the
second year in a row, Rutherford was in a position to miss the race.

Bump Day – Sunday May 20

Bump Day saw rain in the morning, and the track did not open until
2:30 p.m. As the day opened, rookie Buddy Lazier (209.418 mph) was on
the bubble. After two attempts, John Paul, Jr. was able to bump out Lazier.

In the final 20 minutes, Salt Walther (attempting to make a comeback to

racing) took to the track for his first qualifying attempt in ten years. Rookie
Jeff Andretti (210.268 mph) was on the bubble. Andretti was trying to
qualify for the first time, and also be the fourth member of the Andretti
family to qualify for the same race. Walther completed his run at
210.558 mph, just fast enough to bump Andretti.

In the final 8 minutes, Walther was on the bubble, trying to hold on to the
33rd and final starting position. Johnny Rutherford made one last futile
effort to bump his way in, but waved off after only two laps. That allowed
just enough time for Rocky Moran to take to the track. His speed of
211.076 mph bumped out Salt Walther at the 6 o'clock gun, and the field
was set for race day.

Starting grid
Row Inside Middle Outside
Emerson Rick Mears Arie
 1 1 Fittipaldi W 2 W 30 Luyendyk

Bobby Rahal Michael Mario

2 18 3 6
W Andretti Andretti W
A. J. Foyt Danny
3 5 Al Unser, Jr. 14 7
W Sullivan W
Dominic
4 41 John Andretti 86 12 Randy Lewis
Dobson
Tony Eddie
5 16 25 11 Kevin Cogan
Bettenhausen, Jr. Cheever R
Gary
6 23 Tero Palmroth 19 Raul Boesel 51
Bettenhausen
Didier Scott
7 21 Geoff Brabham 70 28
Theys Goodyear R
8 29 Pancho Carter 4 Teo Fabi 39 Dean Hall R
Scott
9 9 Tom Sneva W 22 97 Stan Fox
Brayton
Roberto Jim
10 20 15 40 Al Unser W
Guerrero Crawford
John Paul,
11 81 Bill Vukovich III 93 56 Rocky Moran
Jr.

Alternates

Salt Walther (#77) – Bumped (first alternate)

Jeff Andretti (#98) – Bumped (second alternate)

Failed to qualify

Guido Daccò R (#66) – Bumped

Mike Groff (#10/#50) – Bumped
Buddy Lazier (#91) – Bumped
Johnny Rutherford W (#17T/#23) – Bumped
Steve Chassey (#93/#96) – Wrecked practice/bumped
Rich Vogler (#8/#12/#50) – Wrecked qualifying/bumped
 Jeff Wood R (#44) – Wrecked practice
Bernard Jourdain (#69) – Wrecked practice
George Snider (#51) – Withdrew, replaced
Hiro Matsushita (#10) – Passed rookie orientation
Steve Barclay R (#51) – Wrecked, rookie orientation
Kenji Momota R (#98) – Did not appear for rookie orientation

Race summary
Start

After rain on Saturday, race day dawned sunny and warm. Temperatures
were higher than expected, which ultimately led to poor chassis set ups
and handling problems for many drivers.

Emerson Fittipaldi took the lead from the start, and dominated the opening
laps. The start was clean, and went 19 laps before the first caution. In turn
one, Danny Sullivan's car broke a suspension piece, which sent his car
spinning and he crashed hard into the outside wall.

First half

With Fittipaldi continuing to dominate, the top five was being battled
amogst Bobby Rahal, Al Unser, Jr., and Arie Luyendyk. Rick Mears dropped
back with handling issues, and fell a lap down.

Tony Bettenhausen Jr brought out the second caution, when he stalled in

lap 45. He was towed back to the pits, and would continue for a time in the
race. On lap 63, Mario Andretti and Raul Boesel suffered engine failures,
and oil was reported on the track. At the same time, Pancho Carter slowed
down the backstretch with a broken CV joint. In turn four, he spun due to
the bad handling, and tagged the wall in turn 4. Carter was uninjured.

Emerson Fittipaldi continued to lead, and set a new Indy record by leading
the first 92 consecutive laps. He lost the lead on lap 93 when he pitted.
Arie Luyendyk took the lead for two laps, then relinquished the lead back
to Fittipaldi when he himself pitted.

At the halfway point, Fittipaldi had led 98 laps and was averaging
174.192 mph, just shy of the race record.

Second half

Blistering tires began to be an issue with several drivers. The fast pace and
the changing weather conditions were both factors. On lap 116, Emerson
Fittipaldi ducked into the pits for a scheduled pit stop. That allowed Bobby
Rahal to take the lead for the first time. The rest of the leaders cycled
through stops, and Fittipaldi once again found the lead.

On lap 136, leader Fittipaldi suddenly entered the pits for an unscheduled
pit stop. He was the victim of a blistered right rear tire. Bobby Rahal took
over the lead, and began to pull away. Arie Luyendyk was now running
second, with Fittipaldi dropping to third, just in front of fourth place Al
Unser, Jr.

On lap 140, John Andretti brushed the wall in turn four, damaging the
suspension. He continued down the frontstretch, and spun lazily in turn 1.
It would be the final caution period of the day. Leader Bobby Rahal pitted
under the caution, taking on fuel and only two tires (right sides only). The
team was expressing concern about changing all four, as many teams
were blistering tires. Luyendyk, however, took on four tires and fuel. Rahal
and Luyendyk came back out on the track in that order, a few cars ahead
of third place Fittipaldi.

On lap 153, Fittipaldi was forced make another unscheduled pit stop for
yet another blistered tire. This time he fell a lap down. He slipped to fourth,
with Al Unser, Jr. passing him for third.
Bobby Rahal continued to lead, but handling problems were starting to
slow his pace. Having taken on only two tires, coupled with a damaged
wing adjuster, was causing a pushing condition. Arie Luyendyk began to
reel him in, and took over the lead with a pass in turn three on lap 168.
Going into the race, Luyendyk had never led a lap at Indy, and had never
won an Indy car race.

Finish

Both Luyendyk and Rahal needed one final pit stop to make it to the finish.
Rahal pitted first, on lap 171. Luyendyk followed two laps later, and was
able to get back out on the track ahead of Rahal. With Al Unser Jr. 30
seconds behind in third place, and Fittipaldi now a lap down in fourth, the
race became a two-man duel between Luyendyk and Rahal - with Rahal
seemingly unable to close the gap. Some observers were unsure if
Luyendyk and Rahal could make it to the finish on fuel, but neither team
planned to pit.

In the final twenty laps, Luyendyk began to pick up the pace, and the
average speed began to climb, well above the existing record. Al Unser
Jr.'s chance at a third place were dashed when he was forced to make a pit
stop for fuel on lap 187. Fittipaldi passed him for third, and set his sights on
Luyendyk, trying to get his lap back. Luyendyk had begun to experience
minor blistering on his tires, but not enough to cause concern. Rahal was
still trailing in second place by over ten seconds.

With three laps to go, Luyendyk led Rahal by 13.3 seconds. Third place
Emerson Fittipaldi caught Luyendyk, and was attempting to un-lap himself.
After closely pursuing for a couple laps he made his move on Luyendyk.
Fittipaldi did so on the main stretch with one lap to go, which distracted
Luyendyk, and he did not see the white flag. The next time around, the
checkered flag was displayed, and Luyendyk won his first-career Indy car
race.
In victory lane an emotional Luyendyk was thrilled over his victory stating
in a post-race interview: "I can't believe this. It feels like a dream. This is
unbelievable. I don't care if we won by 60 miles per hour we still got first
place and that's what counts."

Third place Emerson Fittipaldi was disappointed about not repeating his
victory after dominating the race. “I’m very disappointed,” Fittipaldi said.
“It was a shame. Everything was under control. The car, she was flying. It’s
the third time I’ve been leading and something happened. It seems that
for my wins here, I have to be striving and then I can win.”

Legacy

The record average speed of 185.981 mph (299.307 km/h) marked the
fastest Indy 500 to-date, and the fastest 500-mile Indy car race to-date.
The 500-mile speed record would later be broken at the 1990 Michigan
500. The 1990 average speed record would stand until 2013.

Eddie Cheever was the highest finishing rookie in 8th plance. He was also
named the rookie of the year.

Luyendyk's win marked the lone victory for Lola at the Indianapolis 500 in
the 1980s and 1990s. Lola returned to Indy car competition in 1983 with
Mario Andretti, and quickly became a competitive chassis on the circuit.
Despite the manufacturer's high level of success in the sport during that
period, which saw six CART championships between 1984 and 1993, and
saw them quickly displace March as the prominent customer chassis, Lola
failed to win at Indianapolis again. The only previous victories to their
credit at Indy were with Graham Hill in 1966 and with Al Unser Sr. in a
modified Lola Chaparral in 1978. They would be upstaged numerous times
by March, Penske and Reynard, until ceasing participation at the Indy 500
after 1996.

Box score
Finish Start No Name Qual Rank C E Laps Status
Arie
1 3 30 223.304 3 L C 200 185.981 mph
Luyendyk
Bobby
2 4 18 222.694 4 L C 200 +11.878 seco
Rahal W
Emerson
3 1 1 225.301 1 P C 200 +41.719 seco
Fittipaldi W
Al Unser,
4 7 5 220.920 7 L C 199 Flagged
Jr.
Rick
5 2 2 224.215 2 P C 198 Flagged
Mears W
A. J. Foyt
6 8 14 220.425 8 L C 194 Flagged
W
Scott
7 26 22 215.028 23 L D 194 Flagged
Brayton
Eddie
8 14 25 217.925 15 P C 193 Flagged
Cheever R
Kevin
9 15 11 217.738 16 P B 191 Flagged
Cogan
Scott
10 21 28 213.622 27 L J 191 Flagged
Goodyear R
Didier
11 20 70 214.033 25 P B 190 Flagged
Theys
Tero
12 16 23 217.423 17 L C 188 Flagged
Palmroth
Al Unser
13 30 40 212.086 31 M A 186 Flagged
W
Randy
14 12 12 218.412 13 P B 186 Flagged
Lewis
Jim
15 29 15 212.201 30 L B 183 Flagged
Crawford
John Paul,
16 32 93 214.411 24 L B 176 Radiator
Jr.
Dean Hall
17 24 39 216.975 20 L C 165 Suspension
R
 18 23 4 Teo Fabi 220.022 10 M P 162 Transmission
Geoff
19 19 21 216.580 21 L J 161 Flagged
Brabham
Michael
20 5 3 222.055 5 L C 146 Vibration
Andretti
John
21 10 41 219.484 11 M P 136 Spun T1
Andretti
Dominic
22 11 86 219.230 12 L C 129 Engine
Dobson
Roberto
23 28 20 212.652 29 M A 118 Suspension
Guerrero
Billy
24 31 81 211.389 32 L B 102 Engine
Vukovich III
Rocky
25 33 56 211.076 33 L B 88 Engine
Moran
Tony
26 13 16 Bettenhausen, 218.369 14 L B 76 Engine
Jr.
Mario
27 6 6 222.025 6 L C 60 Engine
Andretti W
Raul
28 17 19 217.381 18 L J 60 Engine
Boesel
Pancho
29 22 29 213.156 28 L C 59 Crash T4
Carter
Tom
30 25 9 216.142 22 P B 48 CV Joint
Sneva W
Gary
31 18 51 217.264 19 L B 39 Wheel Bearin
Bettenhausen
Danny
32 9 7 220.310 9 P C 19 Crash T1
Sullivan W
33 27 97 Stan Fox 213.812 26 L B 10 Gearbox

W – Former Indianapolis 500 winner, R – Rookie

*C Chassis: L=Lola, P=Penske, M=March

*E Engine: A=Alfa-Romeo, B=Buick, C=Ilmor-Chevrolet, D=Cosworth DFS,
J=Judd, P=Porsche

All cars utilized Goodyear tires.

Race statistics

Lap Leaders
Laps Leader
Emerson
1–92 Cautions: 4 for 26 laps
Fittipaldi
Total laps led Laps Reason
93– Arie
94 Luyendyk Laps Leader 20– Danny Sullivan crash
95– Emerson Emerson 25 (turn 1)
128
117 Fittipaldi Fittipaldi 45– Tony Bettenhausen
118– Bobby 51 stalled on track
Bobby Rahal 37
122 Rahal 63– Pancho Carter crash
123– Emerson Arie 69 (turn 4)
35
135 Fittipaldi Luyendyk 141– John Andretti spin (turn
136– 146 1)
Bobby Rahal
167
168– Arie
200 Luyendyk

Broadcasting
Radio

The race was carried live on the IMS Radio Network. A new era arrived at
the network for 1990. Lou Palmer and the Speedway management parted
ways.[10][11] Bob Jenkins, a veteran on the crew as a turn reporter, as well
as his work on ESPN, was named the new chief announcer and newest
Voice of the 500.[12][13][14]

Brian Hammons, who previously worked as a pit reporter on the ABC-TV

crew, moved over to the radio network for 1990. Bob Lamey moved from
turn two to the turn four position (vacated by Jenkins), and would remain
there until 2000. For 1990, the reporting location in turn four was slightly
shifted down the track, closer to the exit of the turn. Newcomer Gary Lee
took over turn two, still positioned atop Turn Two Suites.

Longtime broadcast member Ron Carrell, who debuted in 1965 and served
as both a turn reporter and pit reporter over the years, would make his
final appearance on the crew in 1990. Carrell would die at the age of 75 on
the morning of the 2012 race.[15]

Johnny Rutherford failed to qualify for the race again, and returned to
serve as "driver expert". Bob Forbes conducted the winner's interview in
victory lane. One of the first changes Jenkins made to the broadcast was
to eliminate commentary and reporting during the pre-race ceremonies.
During the pre-race, the broadcast would instead simulcast the
Speedway's public address system (Tom Carnegie, Jim Phillipe, John
Totten, and Dave Calabro).

Luke Walton, who was a longtime fixture of the radio network, had only
served in a limited pre-race role from 1983 to 1988. He was not part of the
crew in 1989 nor 1990. Three weeks after the 1990 race, on June 18, 1990,
Walton died at the age of 83.[16]

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network

Booth Announcers
Chief Announcer: Bob
Jenkins
Driver expert: Johnny
Rutherford
Historian: Donald Davidson
Turn Reporters Pit/garage reporters
Turn 1: Jerry Baker Bob Forbes (north pits)
Turn 2: Gary Lee Ron Carrell (center pits)
Backstretch: Howdy Sally Larvick (center
Bell pits)
Turn 3: Larry Henry Brian Hammons (south
Turn 4: Bob Lamey pits)
Chuck Marlowe
(garages)

Television
The race was carried live flag-to-flag coverage in the United States on
ABC Sports. Paul Page served as host and play-by-play announcer,
accompanied by Bobby Unser and Sam Posey. For the first time, the race
was advertised as being broadcast in stereophonic sound.

Pit reporter Brian Hammons departed, and was replaced by Gary Gerould
(who switched over from the radio network). Jack Arute and Dr. Jerry
Punch returned.

For the second year in a row, the telecast would go on to win the Sports
Emmy award for "Outstanding Live Sports Special." For the first time, on
board telemetry was featured in one of the cars (Teo Fabi). In addition, the
first "crew cam" was mounted on the headset of a pit crew member (for
the car of Emerson Fittipaldi).

ABC Television
Booth Announcers Pit/garage reporters
Host/Announcer: Paul Page Jack Arute
Color: Sam Posey Gary Gerould
Color: Bobby Unser Dr. Jerry Punch

Gallery

Wikimedia Commons has media related to 1990 Indianapolis 500.

1990 Chevrolet Beretta pace car replica

Notes
References

1. Fox, Jack C. (1994). The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500

1911-1994 (4th ed.). Carl Hungness Publishing. p. 22. ISBN 0-
 915088-05-3.
2. Lacy, Bridgette A. (May 28, 1990). "Snake Pit was party to a good
time". The Indianapolis Star. p. 9. Retrieved June 2, 2017 – via Newspaper

3. Lewandowski, Dave (2013-05-26). "Inside the box score: Records

smashed in race". IndyCar.com. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
4. Siano, Joseph (1990-04-30). "A Disallowed Chassis Stalling Porsche
Indy Team". The New York Times. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
5. "What Might Have Been". Retrieved 2013-02-21.
6. Greuter, Henri (2008-12-11). "The last oddball at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway". 8W. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
7. Greuter, Henri (2012-12-12). "Mercedosaurus Rex at Indianapolic
Park - Part 12: The unfair advantage and when others have it". 8W.
Retrieved 2013-02-21.
8. Redifer, Rex (May 28, 1990). "New section gives disabled a clear
view". The Indianapolis Star. p. 9. Retrieved April 5, 2018 – via Newspaper

9. Redifer, Rex (August 1, 1990). "Blowing their stack". The Indianapolis

Star. p. 2. Retrieved April 5, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
10. "IMS dismisses Palmer as 'Voice of Indy 500'". The Indianapolis Star.
November 18, 1989. p. 20. Retrieved April 20, 2016 – via Newspapers.com

11. O'Neill, John (December 2, 1989). "Why Lou Palmer fired still
unclear". The Indianapolis Star. p. 31. Retrieved April 20, 2016 – via Newsp

12. "Jenkins To Anchor '500' Network". The Indianapolis Star. December

2, 1989. p. 34. Retrieved April 20, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
13. Considine, Tim (December 2, 1989). "TV's Jenkins going upstairs as
fourth Voice of Indy 500 (Part 1)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 81.
Retrieved April 20, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
14. Considine, Tim (December 2, 1989). "TV's Jenkins going upstairs as
fourth Voice of Indy 500 (Part 2)". The Indianapolis Star. p. 82.
 Retrieved April 20, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
15. Lehr, Stan (2012-05-27). "Former Indy 500 Broadcaster Dies on
Race Day". WIBC. Retrieved 2012-07-16.
16. Descendants of Obadiah Seward, Jr.

Works cited

1990 Indianapolis 500 Day-By-Day Trackside Report For the Media

Indianapolis 500 History: Race & All-Time Stats - Official Site
1990 Indianapolis 500 Radio Broadcast, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Radio Network

Previous race: Indy Car Indycar Next race:

1990 Toyota Long Beach World Series 1990 Miller Genuine Draft
Grand Prix 1990 season 200
Previous race: 1990 Indianapolis Next race:
1989 Indianapolis 500 500 1991 Indianapolis 500
Emerson Fittipaldi Arie Luyendyk Rick Mears
Record for the
Preceded by Indianapolis 500 Succeeded by
170.722 mph fastest average 187.433 mph
(1986 Indianapolis 500) speed (2013 Indianapolis 500)
185.981 mph
show

v
t
e

Indianapolis 500
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
 1962
1963
1964
1965
Races by year 1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
 2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Race results
Track IMS Museum
Gasoline Alley
Snake Pit

Winners
Pole-sitters
Lap leaders
Rookie of the Year
Fatalities
Firsts
Statistics Pace cars
Records
Fastest laps
By year
Scott Brayton Award
Louis Schwitzer Award
Pit Stop Challenge

List of drivers
Drivers Non-qualifying drivers
Female participants
 AAA Contest Board (1909–1955)
AIACR (1925–1930)
Sanctioning bodies FIA (1950–1960)
USAC (1956–1997)
INDYCAR (1998–present)

Carl Fisher
James Allison
Arthur Newby
Frank A. Wheeler
Eddie Rickenbacker
Tony Hulman
Wilbur Shaw
Ownership Mary F. Hulman
Mari Hulman George
Tony George
Joie Chitwood
Jeff Belskus
Hulman & Company
Roger Penske

Charlie Merz
Tommy Milton
Harry McQuinn
Officials Harlan Fengler
Tom Binford
Brian Barnhart

Bill Slater
Sid Collins
Paul Page
Radio Lou Palmer
Bob Jenkins
Mike King
Donald Davidson

Jim McKay
Jackie Stewart
Chris Schenkel
Chris Economaki
Sam Posey
Broadcasting Jack Arute
Jim Lampley
Television Paul Page
 Bob Jenkins
Todd Harris
Marty Reid
Allen Bestwick
Leigh Diffey

Tom Carnegie
Other Robin Miller
Ron McQueeney

Mini-Marathon
Freedom 100
Month of May
Dave Steele Classic

Brickyard 400
Pennzoil 150
Brickyard 400 IndyCar Grand Prix
Indy Lights road course

U.S. Grand Prix

Red Bull Grand Prix
Related events Triple Crown of Motorsport
Brickyard Grand Prix
Other Brickyard Sports Car Challenge
IROC at Indy
Indy Legends Charity Pro–Am race
Red Bull Air Race of Indianapolis
Harvest Auto Racing Classic

Champions Tour
Golf at IMS PGA Tour
LPGA Tour

Town of Speedway
Indianapolis
Related area Sports in Indianapolis
Indiana Fairgrounds (Hoosier Hundred)
Lucas Oil Raceway

Riding mechanic
Andretti Curse
Borg-Warner Trophy
Indy/Charlotte "Double Duty"
Entertainment
Traditions
 Lore Jigger Award
Will Overhead
100 mph Club
The Greatest 33
Jim Nabors
Straight No Chaser
Turbo

No races held in 1917–1918 or 1942–1945 due to World War I and World

War II, respectively.

show

v
t
e

IndyCar Series on ABC

Related NASCAR on ABC

programs Wide World of Sports

RaceCam
Related Side-by-side (graphic)
articles WRTV

1965
1966
1967
Wide World of Sports coverage 1968
1969
1970

1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
Same-day tape delay coverage 1979
1980
1981
1982
 1983
1984
1985

1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
Indy 500 1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Live coverage (ABC Sports) 1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006

2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Live coverage (ESPN on ABC) 2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

Nicole Briscoe
Charlie Brockman
Lindsay Czarniak
Dave Diles
Terry Gannon
Keith Jackson
Bob Jenkins
Hosts
Jim McKay
Al Michaels
Brent Musburger
 Paul Page
Chris Schenkel
Jackie Stewart

Rick Benjamin
Allen Bestwick
Charlie Brockman
Todd Harris
Keith Jackson
Bob Jenkins
Jim Lampley
Lap-by-lap Jim McKay
Paul Page
Marty Reid
Chris Schenkel
Jackie Stewart
Al Trautwig
Bob Varsha

Jack Arute
Jon Beekhuis
Eddie Cheever
Gil de Ferran
Chris Economaki
Scott Goodyear
Parker Johnstone
Arie Luyendyk
Sam Posey
Color commentators Jason Priestley
Larry Rice
Tom Sneva
Lyn St. James
Jackie Stewart
Commentators Danny Sullivan
Bobby Unser
Rusty Wallace
Rodger Ward

Jack Arute
Jon Beekhuis
Michelle Beisner
Charlie Brockman
Rick DeBruhl
Donna de Varona
Dave Diles
Chris Economaki
Bill Flemming
Ray Gandolf
Jerry Gappens
 Gary Gerould
Leslie Gudel
Brian Hammons
Todd Harris
Don Hein
Penn Holderness
Pit reporters Keith Jackson
Jim Lampley
David Letterman
Jamie Little
Jim McKay
Larry Nuber
Brienne Pedigo
Jerry Punch
Sam Posey
Scott Pruett
Marty Reid
Lyn St. James
Chris Schenkel
Anne Simon
Cameron Steele
Bill Stephens
Al Trautwig
Vince Welch
Jack Whitaker

Music The Delta Force (Alan Silvestri)

1996
1996–97
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
IndyCar Series 2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
 2016
2017
2018

1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
Seasons 1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
CART / Champ Car 1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007

1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
USAC 1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978

Mario's Indy Win

Foyt's Record 4th Indy Win
Bobby Unser's Controversial Win
Johncock VS Mears
1960s- Spin and Win
 1980s First Live Indy 500
Al Unser's 4th Indy Win
Mario's 50th Win
Little Al Punts Mario
Emerson VS Al Unser Jr.

Luyendyk's First Career Win

Al Jr. is King of the Beach
Mears' 4th Indy Win
The Andrettis Finish 1-2-3
Sullivan Spins Little Al
Closest Finish in Indy History
Mansell-mania
Mario's Last Win
Tracy's First Win
Emmo Drinks Orange Juice
Michael Andretti's Return from Formula 1
The Mercedes 209 Pushrod
1990s 100th Win for the Unser Family
Emporer of the Beach
Villeneuve Overcomes a 2-Lap Penalty
Crazy Race in Cleveland
Firestone Returns to Victory Lane
First IRL Race
Indy Without the Stars
Zanardi's First Win
Zanardi's First Donuts
Three Days of Indy
Stewart's First Win
Lore Montoya's First Win
Kanaan's First Win

Little Al is a Winner Again

Montoya Wins at Indy
Montoya VS Michael
Scott Dixon's First Win
Helio Climbs the Fence
Final Michigan 500
"He Passed Me Under Yellow!"
2000s Barron Edges Hornish
First Use of "Side by Side"
Danica-mania
Newman-Haas' 100th IndyCar Win
Newman-Haas' Final Win
Helio's 3rd Indy Win
Dale Coyne's Breakthrough Win

Wheldon's Last-Lap Win

Restart in the Rain
 Death of Dan Wheldon
Dario's 3rd Indy Win
TK Finally Wins at Indy
Pagenaud's First Win
First Grand Prix of Indianapolis
2010s
Hunter-Reay Wins the Indy 500
100th Indy 500/Rossi's Upset Win
Alonso-mania/Sato's Redemption
Wickens Makes a Splash, Bourdais Makes
His Comeback
Danica's Final Race
End of An Era & Rossi's Mistake, Hunter-
Reay's Win

Website: - ABCNews.com
show

v
t
e

Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Live Sports Special

1975 World Series (1975–76)
1976 Summer Olympics (1976–77)
Heavyweight championship boxing match between
Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks (1977–78)
Super Bowl XIII (1978–79)
1980 Winter Olympics (1979–80)
1981 Kentucky Derby (1980–81)
1982 Men's NCAA Basketball National Championship (1981–
1975– 82)
1990 1982 World Series (1982–83)
Not awarded (1983–84)
1984 Summer Olympics (1984–85)
Not awarded (1985–86)
1987 Daytona 500 (1986–87)
1987 Kentucky Derby (1987–88)
1988 Summer Olympics (1988)
1989 Indianapolis 500 (1989)
1990 Indianapolis 500 (1990)

1991 NBA Finals (1991)

1992 Breeders Cup (1992)
1993 World Series (1993)
 1994 Stanley Cup Finals (1994)
Cal Ripken, Jr.'s 2,131st consecutive game (1995)
1996 World Series (1996)
1997 NBA Finals (1997)
Mark McGwire's 62nd home run (1998)
1999 Major League Baseball All-Star Game (1999)
1991– 2000 World Series (2000)
2009 2001 World Series (2001)
2002 Winter Olympics (2002)
2003 Major League Baseball postseason (2003)
2004 Masters Tournament (2004)
2005 Open Championship (2005)
2006 Major League Baseball postseason (2006)
2007 Fiesta Bowl (2007)
2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship (2008)
Super Bowl XLIII (2009)

2010 FIFA World Cup Final (2010)

2011 World Series (2011)
Super Bowl XLVI (2012)
2013 World Series (2013)
2010– Super Bowl XLIX (2014)
present Super Bowl 50 (2015)
2016 World Series (2016)
Army–Navy Game (2017)
2018 World Series (2018)
2019 Masters Tournament (2019)