1975 Pocono 500

Beginning in 1975, Olsonite sponsored the Triple Crown award, given to the driver who scored the most points in Indy car's three 500 mile races. The award carried a $1,500 prize, a diamond ring, and an annual trophy.[2]

A.J. Foyt won the California 500 in March. In late May, Bobby Unser won the 1975 Indianapolis 500. Two weeks after Indianapolis, Foyt won a 150-mile race at the Milwaukee Mile.[3]

Practice started Wednesday, June 18. Windy conditions slowed speeds. Bobby Unser posted the fastest lap at 179.2 mph.[4]

On Thursday, Gordon Johncock was fastest in practice at 182.038 mph. The session was interrupted by rain at 12:30 p.m. but re-opened for track activity at 3:24 p.m.[5]

In Friday's practice, Gordon Johncock posted the fastest speed at 182.741 mph. Bobby Unser was second fastest at 182.334 mph.[6]

Saturday's qualifying runs were a four-lap, ten-mile average speed. Bobby Unser posted a fast speed early with an average speed of 181.708 mph, and held the pole for several hours. Gordon Johncock waited until late afternoon to make his run and knocked Unser off the pole with average speed of 183.281 mph.[7] A.J. Foyt came up just short in his attempt to sweep 500 mile race poles. Foyt was the second fastest qualifier at 182.778 mph. Jerry Grant was the third fastest qualifier at 181.864 mph.[8]

Massive crowds estimated at over 110,000 spectators created a traffic jam entering the track. A.J. Foyt was forced to abandon his car, call for help on a CB radio, and take a helicopter from a nearby parking lot and fly into the track's garage area.[9][10]

Best-selling author James A. Michener, researching his 1976 book, Sports in America, was introduced to the crowd before the race.[9]

The race was delayed two hours by rain.[9] When the track dried, polesitter Gordon Johncock led the first 12 laps. Coming back from a violent crash at Indianapolis, Tom Sneva climbed from the 12th starting position to sixth after two laps. A.J. Foyt took the lead on lap 13, and held it for the next 11 laps.[11]

After leading two laps, Mario Andretti's quest to win at his home track ended on lap 79 with a burned piston. Pancho Carter led for 12 laps before falling out with gearbox problems on lap 84.

By the halfway point, it became a two-car battle between Foyt and Johncock, with each taking turns in the lead.[12]

Running second on lap 140, Johncock spun in turn two and hit the wall with the rear of the car. Johncock had led 29 laps and finished 20th.[13]

With rain approaching the track, Foyt increased the turbocharger boost on his car to build his lead.[14]

Foyt held a 15-second lead over Wally Dallenbach when rain brought out a caution on lap 168. A double rainbow in turn one gave way to a heavy rain that moved from turn two towards the frontstretch.[13] After two laps under yellow, the race was stopped and called official due to the wet conditions. Foyt became the first repeat winner at Pocono. One month earlier, the Indianapolis 500 was also shortened by rain. Foyt led 115 laps and earned $83,250 for the victory.[14]