1976 USAC Championship Car Season (partially found footage of IndyCar races; 1976)

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Program for the 1976 Indianapolis 500.

Status: Partially Found

The 1976 USAC Championship Car Season was the 19th season of USAC's top-level open-wheel championship. The season saw Gordon Johncock narrowly edge out Johnny Rutherford to claim the Championship by 20 points. Of the races televised that year, at least six are deemed missing.

1976 Jimmy Bryan 150

The 1976 Jimmy Bryan 150 was the inaugural race of the 1976 USAC Championship Car Season. Occurring on 14th March at the Phoenix International Raceway, the race would ultimately be won by Bobby Unser, after narrowly fending off fellow Eagle-Offenhauser driver Pancho Carter. The race also marked the sole USAC Championship appearance of Arlene Hiss, who became the first woman to compete at an IndyCar event.

It was the 12th running of the event, with the annual race lasting 150 miles.[1] It was one of two 1976 USAC Championship Car Season races to commence at Phoenix International Raceway, the other being the Bobby Ball 150,[2] which occurred on 7th November and was won by Al Unser in a Parnelli-Cosworth.[3] The race, named in honour of 1958 Indianapolis 500 winner Jimmy Bryan,[4] would have ties with Phoenix events like the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix, before Phoenix races were dropped from the IndyCar schedule after 2018 following low attendance.[5]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Al Unser winning the pole position with a speed of 140.845 mph.[6][1] This was deemed an upset performance, as his Parnelli-Cosworth was an experimental car during that time period, and so was considered unlikely to challenge the proven competitors.[6] Directly behind him was his brother Bobby, who was making his return to the USAC Championship after breaking his leg at the 1975 Michigan 150.[6][1] A.J. Foyt lined up third in a Coyote-Foyt.[1]

Elsewhere, media coverage was centring on Arlene Hiss, who had qualified 21st out of 22 competitors with a speed of 128.94 mph, becoming the first woman to qualify for an IndyCar event.[7][6][1] Hiss, along with Janet Guthrie, was aiming to become the first woman to compete at the Indianapolis 500.[7][6] However, USAC was concerned by her lack of experience, and although she had raced for 13 years at that point, it was only on a part-time basis.[6][7] Nevertheless, she earned her conditional licence after completing two tests at Phoenix and the Ontario International Raceway, her speed in the former being enough to compete in the 1975 Phoenix races.[6][7] Heading into the race, she stated "At one point I wanted to be a professional but instead I got married. Now the opportunity has come knocking. I feel I'm ready for the challenge."[6]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1976 Jimmy Bryan 150 commenced on 14th March.[1] Bobby Unser shot into the lead on the first lap, holding it for 19 laps before dropping it to Wildcat-DGS' Gordon Johncock.[1] Johncock was only able to maintain the first position for five laps before dropping it to Al Unser, who controlled proceedings for the next 39 laps.[1] However, Unser would be passed by Johnny Parsons in an Eagle-Offenhauser on lap 64, who lost it to Bobby two laps later.[1] Unser also only held the lead briefly before Eagle-Offenhauser's Mike Mosley took over a lap later.[1] Mosley led for 13 laps before being passed by Wildcat-DGS' Wally Dallenbach.[1]

Dallenbach held the lead for 25 laps, only for Bobby Unser to achieve what was ultimately the final lead change on lap 105.[1] Six laps later, Dallenbach's engine failed, handing the advantage to Unser, who seemed likely to claim victory by leading 46 laps.[1] However, Pancho Carter, who started 11th, was quickly closing in, and gave Unser a significant challenge on the final lap.[8][1] Ultimately, Unser held off Carter by fewer than two car lengths to claim victory and $11,305 in prize money.[8][1] Johncock took third, being only a further three car lengths behind Unser.[8][1]

Elsewhere, Hiss completed the race in 14th and last, being 22 laps down from Unser.[9][7][1] While she was black flagged at one point for driving dangerously slow, the race was generally uncontroversial for Hiss, with her being satisfied with her performance.[9][7] She stated "I just wanted to be smooth, to stay out of trouble. It went pretty much like we planned."[10][9] The media praised Hiss for her debut, but some drivers, including Bobby Unser, Gary Bettenhausen and Bill Vukovich, Jr., all accused Hiss of dangerous driving due to her generally slow pace and for taking the wrong lines.[7][10] In particular, Bettenhausen said "This is a man's business and she has to be measured by a man's standards if she is going to compete. By those standards, she didn't measure up."[10] It should nevertheless be noted that Hiss actually outqualified Bettenhausen and Vukovich, Jr., who both failed to make the field as a result.[7][10][1] She never competed at another USAC IndyCar event, possibly because of a lack of funding, with her competing in the USAC Stock Car Series before retiring from motorsport in 1978.[7]

1976 Trentonian 200

The 1976 Trentonian 200 (also known as the 1976 Trenton 200) was the second race of the 1976 USAC Championship Car Season. Occurring on 2nd May at the Trenton Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by Johnny Rutherford in a McLaren-Offenhauser, capitalising when Wildcat-DGS' Gordon Johncock ran out of fuel with two laps remaining.

It was the 15th running of the event, with the annual race lasting just over 200 miles.[11] It was one of two 1976 USAC Championship Car Season races to commence at Trenton, the other being the Trenton Times Auto Classic,[2] which shall be discussed later in this article. Trenton would host IndyCar races until 1979 before being dropped from the schedule, with the circuit being demolished in 1980.[12]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with A.J. Foyt winning the pole position in a Coyote-Foyt with a speed of 166.307 mph.[11] Directly behind him was Johnny Rutherford, with Johncock lining up third out of 22 competitors.[11] The race was originally set to be held on 25th April, but rain forced a delay until 2nd May.[13][11]

Media reports meanwhile focused on Janet Guthrie, who became the second woman after Arlene Hiss to qualify for an IndyCar race, where she would start 14th in a Vollstedt-Foyt.[14][7][13][11] Like with Hiss, Guthrie received both positive and negative attention from the other drivers, including most notably Bobby Unser.[14][13][7] Unser, who did not compete in the race because his Eagle-Offenhauser's front suspension broke in practice,[15] did not believe women drivers could compete against men, stating "If it were possible for women drivers to do well against men in racing, I would love it. It won't happen."[14] He claimed that the inclusion of Hiss and Guthrie was a mere publicity stunt originating "just because of the women's lib kick we're in", while also claiming that his life could be endangered by them, this belief most likely originating from Hiss' performance at the Jimmy Bryan.[14][7] Despite this, he stated "I have nothing against a woman driver, if she can hack it."[14] Guthrie responded by labelling Unser as a "male chauvinist pig."[14] She also defended her lack of experience, claiming "Very few people in the world have driven 1,500‐pound cars with 743 horsepower", and likely in response to Unser's publicity stunt claim, insisted "I am a racing driver who happens to be a woman."[14]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1976 Trentonian 200 commenced on 2nd May.[11] Rutherford shot into the lead on the opening lap, leading the first 34 laps.[11] A caution period saw Rutherford briefly lose the lead to Foyt, but he regained it a lap later on lap 36.[11] Not long after the race resumed however, Johncock overtook Rutherford for the first position on lap 40, leading the next 38.[11] Foyt meanwhile retired after 57 laps when his engine failed.[11] The race therefore centred into a duel between Johncock and Rutherford, the latter moving back into the first position on lap 78.[11] He would lead the next 20 laps, before Johncock moved past on lap 98, only to lose the lead to McLaren-Offenhauser's Tom Sneva a lap later.[11] Sneva however could only defend it for another nine laps before Johncock moved back into first.[11] With 27 laps remaining, it appeared that Johncock was set to win.[15][11] However, with just two laps remaining, Johncock was forced to pit when his car ran out of fuel.[15][11] Rutherford capitalised to take the lead, thus claiming victory and $13,290.[15][11] Johncock would take second despite his fuel issues, with Sneva a lap down in third.[15][11]

Meanwhile, Guthrie was running 11th and could possibly have finished in the top ten when her year-old Vollstedt's gearbox broke after 79 laps, likely caused by an incident on lap 73 when she lost control on Turn 2 that caused the engine to cut off briefly.[15][11] Despite this, Guthrie received significant praise from several of the other drivers, including noted critic Billy Vukovich, Jr..[15] He stated that while he firmly believed women could not compete with men in the sport, he admitted "I was a little leery of her when I came up on her during practice, but from the way she handled herself I think she's definitely more qualified than I thought. I know I said I'd eat my hat if she beat me, but I've eaten humble pie before."[15] Rutherford meanwhile stated "She did an excellent job; she didn't get in the way, it's a shame she didn't have a better car."[15] Guthrie was satisfied with her performance, stating "I think I ran strong while I ran. I felt good and I hope the other guys felt the same way about me."[15]

1976 Indianapolis 500

The 1976 Indianapolis 500 was the third race of the 1976 USAC Championship Car Season. Occurring on 30th May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by polesitter Johnny Rutherford in a McLaren-Offenhauser, in a race that ended after only 102 of the 200 laps were completed because of rain.

It was the 60th running of the event, with the annual race lasting 500 miles.[16] It is one of the most prestigious races in motorsport, and alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, forms the Triple Crown of Motorsport.[17] Additionally, from 1971-1980 it formed part of another Triple Crown, also consisting of USAC's Pocono 500 and California 500.[18]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with 1974 Indy 500 winner Johnny Rutherford winning the pole position with a speed of 188.957 mph.[19][20] Directly behind him was 1973 winner Gordon Johncock in a Wildcat-Bignotti, with McLaren-Offenhauser's Tom Senva lining up third.[16] Nevertheless, three-time winner A.J. Foyt was considered the pre-race favourite for the event, qualifying fifth in a Coyote-Foyt.[21] Also considered a favourite was 1969 winner Mario Andretti, who entered the race despite originally claiming that he would not appear in order to concentrate on Formula One.[22][21] He qualified 19th in a McLaren-Offenhauser.[16] Two other previous Indy 500 winners, Al and Bobby Unser, qualified fourth and 12th out of 33 competitors, driving a Parnelli-Cosworth and Eagle-Offenhauser respectively.[16]

Meanwhile, Janet Guthrie attempted to become the first woman to enter the event, but she failed to qualify as she drove an uncompetitive car.[23] She instead made history by becoming the first woman to qualify for a NASCAR superspeedway event by entering the 1976 World 600.[23] During a practice session, disaster struck when Eddie Miller crashed his Eagle-Offenhauser.[24] The resulting impact fractured two neck vertebrae, although no paralysis was detected.[24]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1976 Indianapolis 500 commenced on 30th May.[16] Rutherford maintained his lead on the opening lap, until Foyt passed him on lap four.[20][16] Foyt led the next ten laps, making a pitstop during a caution.[20][16] However, as he left his pit, he clipped a jack handle that latched onto his vehicle.[20][16] He was almost disqualified for this, but was able to continue after being black-flagged into the pits.[20] This resulted in an extension to the caution period, with Eagle-Offenhauser's Pancho Carter in the lead.[16][20] Following the restart, Wally Dallenbach took over as race leader on lap 17, before Johncock moved into the first position on lap 20.[20][16]

Johncock held the lead until he was passed by Sneva on lap 38.[16][20] Rutherford then moved back into the first position on lap 39, with the race for the lead ultimately turning into a duel between him and Foyt.[20] Foyt moved into the lead on lap 61, holding it for 19 laps before Rutherford made what was ultimately the final lead change of the race.[20][16] He led the next 23 laps, only for the race to be red flagged as a result of downpour.[25][20][16] It ultimately did not restart as officials deemed after two hours and 20 minutes that there was not enough time for the track to sufficiently dry to enable racing to continue.[20][25] Thus, Rutherford claimed his second Indy 500 victory and $255,321 in prize money, in the shortest Indy 500 race in history.[26][20][25][16] Foyt finished second despite enduring a broken front sway bar, while Johncock took third.[20][25][16] Post-race, Foyt lodged a protest claiming Rutherford had closed an interval during a yellow caution period, but this was dismissed by the stewards.[20]

1976 Schaefer 500

The 1976 Schaefer 500 was the fifth race of the 1976 USAC Championship Car Season. Occurring on 27th June at the Pocono International Raceway, the race would ultimately be won by Al Unser in a Parnelli-Cosworth, his first USAC Championship victory in almost two years.

It was the sixth running of the event, with the annual race lasting 500 miles.[27] The only 1976 USAC Championship Car Season race to commence at Pocono,[2] it was also considered part of USAC's Triple Crown of 500-mile races.[17] Pocono IndyCar events would be run on an on-and-off basis, before the track was dropped from the IndyCar schedule in 2020.[28]

Heading into the event, A.J. Foyt appeared to be the pre-race favourite, with him setting the fastest speeds in practice in a Coyote-Foyt.[29] However, rain forced the cancellation of qualifying, and so the starting order was decided by a draw, with Foyt lining up fifth.[30][27] Johnny Parsons won the pole position, with fellow Eagle-Offenhauser driver Billy Vukovich, Jr. directly behind him, and Mario Andretti lining up third in a McLaren-Offenhauser.[31][27] Al Unser would started 16th, while Janet Guthrie became the first woman to qualify for a 500-mile USAC Championship event, where she would start 22nd out of 33 competitors.[32][30][31][29][27]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1976 Schaefer 500 commenced on 27th June.[27] Andretti shot into the lead on the opening lap, leading the first six before Foyt moved into the first position on lap 7.[27] He held it for 12 laps before Unser took over on lap 19, the latter holding it for nine laps until Gordon Johncock in a Wildcat-DGS passed him on lap 28.[27] Unser regained the lead four laps later, with Foyt retiring after 31 laps when his engine failed.[32][31][27][30] After Unser lost the first position to Eagle-Offenhauser's Pancho Carter, the race turned into an open competition, with numerous lead changes occurring in the midst of multiple caution periods.[27] Andretti would later gain the lead on 82, controlling it for 19 laps.[27] Meanwhile, Johncock retired after 54 laps because of a broken engine, while Guthrie exited after 89 laps due to a failed gearbox.[32][31][27][30] Additionally, Unser was making a recovery following an airjack breakage during his first pit stop, as well as having ran out debris that caused his left rear tyre to puncture and thus require a further pit stop.[32][30]

By lap 122, he had fully recovered from being two laps down, passing Andretti for the lead and holding it for the next 33 laps.[27] He would be passed by Wildcat-DGS' Wally Dallenbach, but would regain the lead six laps later.[27] For the final 40 laps, his main rival was Eagle-Offenhauser's Mike Mosley, who was hoping that Unser's new Cosworth engine would experience problems, especially as reports indicated it was not fuel efficient and may not be able to last 500 miles.[30][27] This seemingly proved valid, when with ten laps remaining, Unser's Cosworth began to sputter.[30][32] It especially was problematic in the final five laps, but ultimately Unser was able to cross the line to claim his first USAC Championship victory in nearly two years and $84,340 in prize money.[30][32][31][27] Mosley was around 3.2-3.4 seconds behind in second, with Dallenbach another 22.5 seconds behind in third.[32][30][31][27] Post-race, Unser admitted that he was "ready to give up at one point" and genuinely thought he would not finish because of his engine issues.[30] Nevertheless, he stated "But I never had doubts about my ability to win."[32]

1976 Trenton Times Auto Classic

The 1976 Trenton Times Auto Classic (also known as the 1976 Trenton 200) was the eighth race of the 1976 USAC Championship Car Season. Occurring on 15th August at the Trenton Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by Gordon Johncock in a Wildcat-DGS, in an event shortened to 117 laps because of rain.

It was the eighth running of the event, with the annual race typically lasting just over 200 miles.[33] It was one of two 1976 USAC Championship Car Season races to commence at Trenton Speedway, the other being the aforementioned Trentonian 200.[2]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with A.J. Foyt winning the pole position in a Coyote-Foyt with a speed of 165.797 mph.[34][33] Directly behind him was Gordon Johncock, who was looking to redeem himself after having run out of fuel while leading at the Trenton 200,[35] with Parnelli-Cosworth's Al Unser lining up third out of 22 competitors.[34][33] Among those who did not qualify was Eagle-Offenhauser's Bobby Unser, who missed his second consecutive Trenton race, this time because of an engine failure.[34]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1976 Trenton Times Auto Classic commenced on 15th August.[33] Johncock shot into the lead on the opening lap, leading the next 13 laps before Foyt regained it on lap 14.[33] Foyt would then defend the first position for 29 laps, but during a caution period between laps 43-47, Johncock would be leading when the race resumed, holding it for the next 24 laps.[33] Foyt would again move back into first on lap 68, defending it for 22 laps.[33] On lap 90, Johncock achieved an overtake, but Foyt swiftly regained the lead a lap later.[33]

After 93 laps, Foyt attempted to pass Eagle-Offenhauser's Bill Simpson on the third curve, but his attempt ended in disaster when his car swerved into the wall.[35][33] An angry Foyt retired from the spot because of a broken suspension, and blamed Simpson, stating "Simpson got me into the wall. The suspension of the car is too badly damaged to continue the race."[35] A caution period emerged, with Unser leading five laps, before Johncock took over before the start of the next green flag on lap 99.[33] For the final 20 laps, a duel between Johncock and Unser emerged, the latter providing significant pressure.[35][33] However, Johncock remained in the lead by the time the race's final four laps were ran under caution because of rain.[35][33] The race did not restart, meaning it was shortened by 17 laps.[35][33] Johncock therefore claimed his third Trenton victory and around $14,000 in prize money.[35][33] Unser took second, with McLaren-Offenhauser's Tom Sneva taking third.[35][33]

1976 Michigan 200

The 1976 Michigan 150 (also known as the 1976 Michigan Grand Prix) was the 11th race of the 1976 USAC Championship Car Season. Occurring on 18th September at the Michigan International Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by polesitter A.J. Foyt in a Coyote-Foyt, following a duel with Wildcat-DGS' Gordon Johncock.

It was the fourth running of the event, with the annual race lasting 150 miles.[36] It was one of two 1976 USAC Championship Car Season races to commence at Michigan International Speedway, the other being the Norton 200,[2] which occurred on 18th July and was won by Gordon Johncock.[37] The track would continue hosting IndyCar races until being dropped from the schedule from 2007 onwards after failing to reach a deal with IndyCar's organisers.[38]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Foyt winning the pole position with a speed of 198.621 mph.[36] Directly behind him was Hopkins-Offenhauser's Roger McCluskey, with Wildcat-DGS' Wally Dallenbach lining up third out of 22 competitors.[36]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1976 Michigan 150 commenced on 18th September.[36] Foyt maintained his lead from the start, holding it for 18 laps before dropping it to Dallenbach on lap 19.[36] Dallenbach then held the first position until it was taken by Johnny Rutherford in a McLaren-Offenhauser on lap 31.[36] Rutherford maintained first until lap 48, where pitstops and a caution period led to the lead being taken by him, Johncock, and fellow McLaren-Offenhauser driver Tom Sneva, before Johncock moved into the first position on lap 56.[36]

From there, the battle for the lead centred around Johncock and Foyt, which intensified following a caution period from laps 63 to 68.[36] When the race resumed, Foyt took the lead, but Johncock regained it three laps later on lap 72.[36] This lead proved short-lived however, when Foyt achieved the final lead change a lap later.[36] He ultimately defended it from Johncock for the remaining three laps to claim victory and $13,466 in prize money.[36] Johncock held on to finish second, with Dallenbach taking third.[36]

1976 Bobby Ball 150

The 1976 Bobby Ball 150 was the final race of the 1976 USAC Championship Car Season. Occurring on 7th November at the Phoenix International Raceway, the race would ultimately be won by Al Unser in a Parnelli-Cosworth, after overtaking Wildcat-DGS' Gordon Johncock on lap 89. Johncock's second place, however, was enough for him to secure his sole USAC Championship.

It was the 27th running of the event, with the annual race lasting 150 miles.[39] Named in memory of AAA driver Bobby Ball,[40] it was one of two 1976 USAC Championship Car Season races to commence at Phoenix International Raceway, the other being the Jimmy Bryan 150,[2][1]

Heading into the event, McLaren-Offenhauser's Johnny Rutherford led the USAC Championship with 4,220 points.[41] In second was Gordon Johncock, who was the only other driver that remained in contention.[41] Standing with 4,000 points, Johncock required a turnaround of more than 220 points to secure the title.[41] If he were to win the event and thus score 300 points, he needed Rutherford to finish eighth or lower.[39] If he finished second and scored 240 points, he needed Rutherford to finish 12th or lower.[39] Rutherford would become champion regardless of his performance at the race if Johncock finished third or lower.[39]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Bobby Unser winning the pole position with a speed of 141.287 mph.[39] Directly behind him was Johncock, with McLaren-Offenhauser's Mario Andretti lining up third.[39] Rutherford qualified sixth, while Al Unser started 10th out of 22 competitors.[39]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1976 Bobby Ball 150 commenced on 7th November.[39] Unser maintained his lead from the start, holding it for 15 laps before being passed by Johncock on lap 16.[39] Johncock led for the next 33 laps, with Unser retiring after 32 laps due to an engine failure.[39] During a caution period from laps 47-61, Johncock briefly lost the lead to Andretti following a pitstop, but regained it a lap later.[39] When the race resumed on lap 62, Johncock would defend the first position until Al Unser moved past on lap 89, in what proved to be the final lead change.[39]

Despite losing the first position, Johncock's chances of securing the title increased significantly when Rutherford retired after 111 laps because of a broken oil line.[42][39] Thus, providing he remained in the top two, Johncock would be champion.[39] Ultimately, Unser claimed victory and $10,206 in prize money.[42][39] Johncock was able to hold off Andretti to finish second, thus claiming the title with a 20-point difference to Rutherford.[43][42][39] Andretti took third, being the only other driver on the lead lap.[39]

Availability

According to IndyCar on TV, the 1976 Jimmy Bryan 150 received live flag-to-flag coverage from ABC as part of its Wide World of Sports.[44] The broadcast has yet to resurface, however, and no footage of the race is currently publicly available. Nevertheless, photos of the event can be found online. Additionally, ABC televised 45 minutes of highlights of the 1976 Trentonian 200, along with a video of USSR gymnasts visiting Disneyland.[45] Again, no footage of the event has been recovered.

Meanwhile, the full 1976 Indianapolis 500 was broadcast by ABC on tape delay, airing a few hours after the race occurred at 8pm.[46] It managed to draw 25.6 million, about 34% of the television share.[46] While most Indianapolis 500 television broadcasts since 1971 are now publicly available, the 1972 and 1976 editions remain mostly missing. Nevertheless, films of the race are publicly available.

Two races were televised by CBS. 30 minutes of highlights from the 1976 Schaefer 500 was broadcast on on 3rd July 1976 as part of its CBS Sports Spectacular, alongside Hall of Fame Diving.[47] Meanwhile, the 1976 Trenton Times Auto Classic would be the first since the 1966 Trenton 150 to be televised by CBS.[48][49] It received live flag-to-flag coverage, although the race's start was delayed by 30 minutes because CBS needed to finish its Republican National Convention coverage.[48] Neither broadcast, nor any footage from eithe race, has resurfaced, though some photos can be viewed online.

45 minutes of highlights from the 1976 Michigan 200 were televised by ABC on 25th September 1976 as part of its Wide World of Sports, alongside the World Figure Skating Championships.[50] No footage has yet resurfaced from this event.

Finally, IndyCar on TV states the the 1976 Bobby Ball 150 was originally going to be televised live by ABC.[51] However, ABC instead opted to broadcast 45 minutes on 4th December 1976 as part of its Wide World of Sports, alongside the World Professional Skiing Championships.[51] The broadcast has yet to fully resurface, although over 11 minutes of it can be found on YouTube.

Gallery

Videos

Speedvision film of the 1976 Indianapolis 500.

Legends of the Brickyard film of the 1976 Indianapolis 500.

Rutherford discussing his 1976 Indianapolis 500 win.

Part of the ABC broadcast for the 1976 Bobby Ball 150.

nascarman History's Top 10 Lost IndyCar Broadcasts detailing the ABC broadcast of the 1976 Indianapolis 500 (2:31-2:49).

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 Racing-Reference detailing the qualifying and race results of the 1976 Jimmy Bryan 150. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Racing-Reference detailing the 1976 USAC Championship Car Season schedule. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  3. Racing-Reference detailing the results of the 1976 Bobby Ball 150. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  4. Motorsport Memorial page for Jimmy Bryan. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  5. IndyStar reporting on Phoenix races being dropped from the IndyCar schedule after 2018. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 The New York Times reporting on Unser winning the pole position for the 1976 Jimmy Bryan 150 and Hiss becoming the first woman to qualify for an IndyCar race. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 Speed Queens detailing the career of Arlene Hiss. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 The New York Times reporting on Unser winning the 1976 Jimmy Bryan 150. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 The New York Times reporting on Hiss' performance at the 1976 Jimmy Bryan 150. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Archived Speedsport detailing Hiss competing at the 1976 Jimmy Bryan 150 and the criticism she faced from other drivers. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  11. 11.00 11.01 11.02 11.03 11.04 11.05 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.09 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 11.14 11.15 11.16 11.17 Racing-Reference detailing the qualifying and race results of the 1976 Trentonian 200. Retrieved 19th Jun '22
  12. Racing Circuits detailing the history of the Trenton Speedway. Retrieved 19th Jun '22
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 The New York Times reporting on the 1976 Trentonian 200 being delayed a week because of rain. Retrieved 19th Jun '22
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 The New York Times reporting on Guthrie competing at the 1976 Trentonian 200, and the comments she and Bobby Unser made about women drivers in the sport. Retrieved 19th Jun '22
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 15.9 The New York Times reporting on Rutherford winning the 1976 Trentonian 200. Retrieved 19th Jun '22
  16. 16.00 16.01 16.02 16.03 16.04 16.05 16.06 16.07 16.08 16.09 16.10 16.11 16.12 16.13 16.14 Racing-Reference detailing the qualifying and race results of the 1976 Indianapolis 500. Retrieved 29th May '22
  17. 17.0 17.1 Bwin detailing the Triple Crown of Motorsport. Retrieved 29th May '22
  18. ESPN detailing USAC's Triple Crown. Retrieved 29th May '22
  19. The New York Times reporting on Rutherford winning the pole position for the 1976 Indianapolis 500. Retrieved 29th May '22
  20. 20.00 20.01 20.02 20.03 20.04 20.05 20.06 20.07 20.08 20.09 20.10 20.11 20.12 20.13 20.14 The New York Times reporting on Rutherford winning the 1976 Indianapolis 500. Retrieved 29th May '22
  21. 21.0 21.1 The New York Times reporting on Foyt being deemed the favourite to win the 1976 Indianapolis 500. Retrieved 29th May '22
  22. The New York Times reporting on Mario Andretti entering the 1976 Indianapolis 500. Retrieved 29th May '22
  23. 23.0 23.1 NASCAR Hall of Fame detailing the story behind Guthrie's failing to qualify for the 1976 Indianapolis 500 and making history by qualifying for the 1976 World 600 instead. Retrieved 29 May '22
  24. 24.0 24.1 The New York Times reporting on Eddie Miller's crash prior to the 1976 Indianapolis 500. Retrieved 29th May '22
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 IndyStar detailing Rutherford's win and noting this was the shortest Indy 500 in history. Retrieved 29th May '22
  26. Autosport noting the prize money Rutherford received for winning the 1976 Indianapolis 500. Retrieved 29th May '22
  27. 27.00 27.01 27.02 27.03 27.04 27.05 27.06 27.07 27.08 27.09 27.10 27.11 27.12 27.13 27.14 27.15 Racing-Reference detailing the qualifying and race results of the 1976 Schaefer 500. Retrieved 20 Jun '22
  28. Autosport reporting on Pocono being dropped from the 2020 IndyCar schedule. Retrieved 20 Jun '22
  29. 29.0 29.1 The New York Times reporting on Foyt setting the fastest speeds in practice for the 1976 Schaefer 500. Retrieved 20 Jun '22
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 30.5 30.6 30.7 30.8 30.9 The New York Times reporting on Unser winning the 1976 Schaefer 500. Retrieved 20 Jun '22
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 31.5 Bench-Racing detailing the 1976 Schaefer 500 and providing photos and newspaper clippings of it. Retrieved 20 Jun '22
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 32.5 32.6 32.7 The Beaver County Times reporting on Unser winning the 1976 Schaefer 500 (report found on Bench-Racing). Retrieved 20 Jun '22
  33. 33.00 33.01 33.02 33.03 33.04 33.05 33.06 33.07 33.08 33.09 33.10 33.11 33.12 33.13 33.14 Racing-Reference detailing the qualifying and race results of the 1976 Trenton Times Auto Classic. Retrieved 20th Jun '22
  34. 34.0 34.1 34.2 The New York Times reporting on Foyt winning the pole position for the 1976 Trenton Times Auto Classic. Retrieved 20th Jun '22
  35. 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 35.5 35.6 35.7 The New York Times reporting on Johncock winning the 1976 Trenton Times Auto Classic. Retrieved 20th Jun '22
  36. 36.00 36.01 36.02 36.03 36.04 36.05 36.06 36.07 36.08 36.09 36.10 36.11 Racing-Reference detailing the qualifying and race results of the 1976 Michigan 200. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  37. Racing-Reference detailing the results of the 1976 Norton Twin 200s. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  38. Eurosport reporting on the Michigan International Speedway being dropped from the IndyCar schedule. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  39. 39.00 39.01 39.02 39.03 39.04 39.05 39.06 39.07 39.08 39.09 39.10 39.11 39.12 39.13 39.14 39.15 39.16 Racing-Reference detailing the qualifying and race results of the 1976 Bobby Ball 150. Retrieved 17th Jun '22
  40. Midwest Racing Archives detailing the origins of the Bobby Ball race. Retrieved 17th Jun '22
  41. 41.0 41.1 41.2 Racing-Reference detailing the points standings heading into the 1976 Bobby Ball 150. Retrieved 17th Jun '22
  42. 42.0 42.1 42.2 The New York Times reporting on Unser winning the 1976 Bobby Ball 150 and Johncock winning the Championship. Retrieved 17th Jun '22
  43. Racing-Reference detailing the final standings of the 1976 USAC Championship Car Season. Retrieved 17th Jun '22
  44. IndyCar on TV detailing the ABC broadcast of the 1976 Jimmy Bryan 150. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  45. IndyCar on TV detailing the ABC broadcast of the 1976 Trentonian 200. Retrieved 19th Jun '22
  46. 46.0 46.1 IndyCar on TV detailing the ABC broadcast of the 1976 Indianapolis 500. Retrieved 29th May '22
  47. IndyCar on TV detailing the CBS broadcast of the 1976 Schaefer 500. Retrieved 20 Jun '22
  48. 48.0 48.1 IndyCar on TV detailing the CBS broadcast of the 1976 Trenton Times Auto Classic. Retrieved 20th Jun '22
  49. IndyCar on TV detailing the CBS broadcast of the 1966 Trenton 150. Retrieved 20th Jun '22
  50. IndyCar on TV detailing the ABC broadcast of the 1976 Michigan 200. Retrieved 16th Jun '22
  51. 51.0 51.1 IndyCar on TV detailing the ABC broadcast of the race. Retrieved 17th Jun '22