Original IRL Mission Statement: Success or Failure?

HAMMOND, IN: Perhaps the main reason the IRL was
created in 1996 was to make it possible for grassroots
drivers and teams to enter and race in the Indy 500.
Did it work?

By inventing a new “Indy Car” series, based on engines
and chassis’s considerably less expensive than the
turbocharged CART machines then in use at Indy, it was
hoped that more identifiable American racers, among
others, could once again find their way to the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

In spite of the best efforts of the Indy Racing League
founders, most of the “identifiable American drivers”
that actually ran the Speedway from 1996 to present
were there to compete in NASCAR’s Brickyard 400, not
that big open wheel show in May!

One way to measure the success/failure of the IRL’s
original mission statement is by the number of drivers
who have managed to qualify for only one Indy 500
since 1996. The following list of the IRL’s “one hit
wonders” at the Indy 500 is meant to demonstrate how
many racers were only able to qualify for one Race for
whatever reason. Whether or not the goal of the League
should be considered a success or failure is up to
you…

1996

1. Michel Jordain Jr.-Still active in Champ Car; has never returned to Indy 500
2. Scott Harrington-Apparently retired
3. Joe Gosek-Still racing super-modifieds
4. Brad Murphey-Apparently retired
5. Racin Gardner-His real name!!!
6. Johnny O’Connell-Active and successful road racer
7. Michele Alboreto-Died in 2001

1997

1. Robbie Groff-Apparently retired
2. Steve Kinser-We all know his story; obviously one of the all-time greats…
3. Vencenzo Sospiri-Qualified third; raced and never returned.
4. Claude Bourbonnais-Apparently retired
5. Affonso Giaffone-Apparently retired

1998

1. Andy Michner-USAC & NASCAR vet, apparently retired
2. J.J. Yeley- NASCAR star finished ninth in only Indy 500 appearance.
3. Jack Hewett-dirt track legend had one shot…

1999

1. John Hollansworth Jr.-Apparently retired
2. Wim Eyckmans-Your guess is as good as mine

2000

1. Juan Montoya-Talk about your “One Hit Wonders”!
2. Jason Leffler-NASCAR & USAC Superstar
3. Andy Hillenburg-New Rockingham Speedway owner

2001

1. Cory Witheril-Apparently retired
2. Nicolas Minassian-Active in European Le Mans series

2002

1. George Mack-Still looking for a ride
2. Laurent Redon-I have no idea…
3. Rick Treadway-Apparently retired

2003

1. Tony Renna-Died in Speedway testing crash
2. Shinji Nakano-Apparently retired

2004

1. Mark Taylor-Apparently retired

2005

1. Sebastien Bourdais-2008 Grand Prix rookie!
2. Tomas Enge-Still road racing
3. Jeff Bucknum-Looking for a ride…

2006

1. Townsend Bell-Same as Bucknum
2. Thiago Medeiros-Same as Bell
3. P.J. Chesson-Same as Medeiros
4. Arie Luyendyk Jr.-Looking for a ride…

The above list consists of 35 drivers who qualified
for only one IRL Indy 500 from 1996 thru 2006.
Unfortunately, none of the drivers on this list,
including some of the greatest racers of their era,
were able to sustain careers as Indy 500 drivers.
This, in spite of the IRL goal of making the Race more
affordable and profitable to compete in.

If the Indianapolis 500 is ever to return to it’s
former glory, we need to try to understand what
happened here…and correct it.

But..it won’t be easy.

RacingNation Crew

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