Although not the "best" to never win, I'd have to add Vitor's name to the list. That place suits him.
Certainly Gurney and Guerrero as well.
Although not the "best" to never win, I'd have to add Vitor's name to the list. That place suits him.
Certainly Gurney and Guerrero as well.
...---...
After 1992, I was always hoping to see Scott win Indy. I was a big Little Al fan and was pulling hard for him in that race, but after it was over, I wanted Scott to win for years. I felt so bad for him afterwards. IIRC, his last 500 was 2001 wasn't it? The same year I went to Indy for the first time.Originally Posted by Red Byrd
Even though I was too young to remember much about Gary Bettenhausen's career, I always wanted to see him win.
To the topic at hand, I'll stick with Michael Andretti. Its so surreal to me that he never won at IMS.
Lloyd Ruby.
"You just don't know what Indy Means" Al Unser Jr.
Did anyone mention Paul Tracy yet?
"The only good horsepower is usable horsepower.."
I believe Paul Tracy did win the 500, didn't he? HA!
Of course, the best driver never to win would be Michael. Considering how many times his car was dominant on race day, it comes down to bad luck...not talent or equipment. I still say he and Mears put on one of the greatest shows in racing history. He went toe to toe with one of the greatest ever at the speedway...it was clean and spectacular!
He won it in 2001 or 2002 I believe
NOT!
The Bettenhausens' Tony and Gary and Lloyd Ruby were hard luck losers at the "500."
Michael Andretti would also be another hard luck loser.
Gurney never really had atrocious bad luck with his three 2nd's like the others I've mentioned.
Have a very blessed day!
Jackie Stewart
Get your head out of your past!!!
Ted Horn.
"Man does not control his own fate. The women in his life do that for him." Groucho Marx
If you're talking just the 500, Johnny Aitken should be in the mix.
The fans should be the absolute last people considered on any decision that could effect a participant. Doc Austin
Lying was a no-brainer for me. Robin Miller
"I thought they booed [Danica] because she was being a complete jerk, but then they applauded for A.J. Foyt. Now I'm just confused."
Though not as good as Michael, a few guys who never won Indy who were pretty good were Wally Dallenbach Sr., Jim Hurtubise and Roger McCluskey.
GO DANICA!!!
If Michael was better, doesn't that rule them out?
Absolutely. Although he did win at Indy... just not the 500. A few other names from the early days:
Lewis Strang
David Bruce-Brown
Barney Oldfield
Harry Hartz (did win the 500 as an owner)
Leon Duray
Ralph Hepburn
Michael Andrettii !!!!!!!!!
Zanardi
"I think there's only so many people that can take care of themselves, and can take care of other people. And the rest of the people … they're useful in terms of compost for the whole planet, you know." - Bill Murray
+1
...Always follow the money
Rich Vogler
For Me,,, It's So Easy,,,
The "Tinley Park Express",,, or his son,,, Gary...
Big,,,
No one had the "Indianpolis 500" fan base, or following
like Tony or Gary... Except maybe AJ... And that's a
maybe... That will never be matched again...
Yes,,, Yes,,, Tony,,,
Your Grandfather was a friend of Roger Penske,,,
Your Grandfather did business with Roger Penske,,, but
Your Grandfather never trusted Roger Penske,,,
With Herk and Smoke and so many other greats already being nominated, I'd like to offer Mike Mosley as a choice.
Depends on the definition here
If it's just an 'Indy Car' driver then Michael has to be in the mix, BUT.........
He never showed the versatility of many others on the list. Gurney was more versatile and more willing to step out of his element than Michael. Gurney won Riverside 5 times in stock cars and kickedthe behinds of many of the best out there each year. Gurney won LeMans. Maybe not as good on ovals as Michael, but I think a better RC driver.
Ruby could kick behind with any of them, and he was extremely versatile, running dirt and pavement, running stock cars and Lloyd was an excellent road racer. On that basis Tony Stewart has to rank up there as well.
Ted Horn ought to be on the list as would Rex Mays. Againm, I'm not sure what the criteria is. What about Ascari? Competed and never won.
"For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air, we all cherish our children's future, and we are all mortal".
John Kennedy at American University 1963
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power"
A. Lincoln
RW, I will throw two names out there
Jackie Stewart-credentials need no introduction
Joe Leonard-national motorcycle champ-that makes you a badazz right there. Could have won in 1968. Two national chanpionships, ran dirt and pavement and was a pretty good stock car pilot as well.
Since several good ones have already been nominated, how about Johnny Thomson? Had the car and speed to win in both 59 and 60 but ran into mechanical trouble in the last 10 laps in each race.
Eddie Sachs
Getting the most out of my hardware for over 40 years
Just stopped by here for the first time....
here's my two cents....
With Indy, it has to be consistancy. Anybody can have a good run or two and finish high and be rated a hero.
Many of the top drivers at Indy have rated qualifying as the toughest racing ANYWHERE.
Carrying a car.... The good ones used to be able to do it, but prolly not possible any more..
1) Ted Horn. In one stretch of racing at Indy ('36/'48) nine races, he never finished worse than fourth! Mikey was very good at Indy but he can't match that...
2) Rex Mays. 15 years at Indy, led the second most laps without winning, finished second twice, four poles, the only real Novi tamer...
3) Mikey. Led more laps at Indy without winning than anybody. Also had some of THE best cars there....
4) Dan'l. Only ties Mario and maybe AJ as the most versatile shoe ever to grace the place. ( and grace is whet I mean). Always was trying to be inovative.
He was the one to bring Chapman to Indy and paired him with Ford. The rest was history...
From there the list begins to thin out ... a lot...
Zooom
"Doc, just set them fingers sose I can hold the wheel"
James Hurtubise, June, 1964
New member here. For me, without a doubt Dan Gurney
Tony Kanaan
In the recent era, I don't disagree with you
Ted Horn and Mel Kenyon would definitely get put on that list for sure. Ted was just a natural at Indy. His driving style and skill was the culmination of many legendary drivers all wrapped un into one person. Mel simply because he did it after his wreck at Langhorne in 65 that took his fingers and left him fighting for his life and carreer yet he came back to have the greatest carreer anyone in racing ever has had.
guys guys...not one of you has mentioned Eddie Sachs. He was one of the "masters of the speedway" to never win. Should have but wasn't in the cardsbut yes Micheal Andretti Def ranks at the top.
opps ,just noticed that "dadburges" did.
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