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| {{InfoboxLost
| | #REDIRECT [[1973-1975 USAC Championship Car Seasons (partially found footage of IndyCar races; 1973-1975)]] |
| |title=<center>1973 Texas 200</center>
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| |image=1973texas2001.jpg
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| |imagecaption=Program for the race.
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| |status=<span style="color:orange;">'''Partially Found'''</span>
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| }}
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| The '''''1973 Texas 200''''' was the inaugural race of the 1973 USAC Championship Car Season. Occurring on 7th April at the Texas World Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by Al Unser in a Parnelli-Offenhauser, although he faced criticism for his tactics during the final restart on lap 99.
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| ==Background==
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| The ''1973 Texas 200'' was the first running of the event,<ref name="racing">[https://www.racingcircuits.info/north-america/usa/texas-world-speedway.html ''Racing Circuits'' detailing the history of the Texas World Speedway.] Retrieved 5 Jun '22</ref> with the race lasting 200 miles.<ref name="results">[https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/1973_Texas_200_%28April%29/UO/ ''Racing-Reference'' detailing the qualifying and race results of the event.] Retrieved 5 Jun '22</ref> It was one of two 1973 USAC Championship Car Season races to commence at Texas World Speedway, the other also being called the Texas 200,<ref>[https://www.racing-reference.info/season-stats/1973/UO/ ''Racing-Reference'' detailing the 1973 USAC Championship Car Season schedule.] Retrieved 5 Jun '22</ref> which commenced on 6th October and was won by Gary Bettenhausen in a McLaren-Offenhauser.<ref>[https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/1973_Texas_200_%28October%29/UO/ ''Racing-Reference'' detailing the results of the October Texas 200.] Retrieved 5 Jun '22</ref> Following an oil crisis that affected the 1974 season, USAC did not return to Texas until 1976, before the circuit was completely removed from the IndyCar schedule when the 1980 race was cancelled following the USAC-CART conflict.<ref name="racing"/>
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| Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Bobby Unser winning the pole position in an Eagle-Offenhauser with a speed of 212.766 mph.<ref name="nyt">[https://www.nytimes.com/1973/04/08/archives/al-unser-victor-in-200mile-race-sprint-under-yellow-flag-proves.html ''The New York Times'' reporting on Unser winning the race.] Retrieved 5 Jun '22</ref><ref name="results"/> Directly behind him was Bettenhausen, with Parnelli-Offenhauser's Mario Andretti lining up third.<ref name="results"/> Andretti is also known to have set a speed of 214.158 mph at some point during qualifying, which was listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as having set the world closed course speed record.<ref name="racing"/> Al Unser meanwhile qualified fourth out of 26 competitors.<ref name="results"/>
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| ==The Race==
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| With the starting order decided, the 1973 Texas 200 commenced on 7th April.<ref name="results"/> Unser maintained his lead from the start, leading the first 29 laps before being forced to retire due to a broken piston.<ref name="nyt"/><ref name="results"/> As the drivers pulled in for their first pit stops, it enabled Bettenhausen to lead the next two laps, while Johnny Rutherford in a McLaren-Offenhauser led the next six.<ref name="nyt"/><ref name="results"/> Eagle-Offenhauser's Mike Mosley then passed Rutherford on lap 39, holding the lead for 22 laps before dropping it to fellow Eagle-Offenhauser driver Billy Vukovich, Jr..<ref name="results"/> Vukovich was only able to defend the first position for seven laps before Al Unser took over on lap 68, in what turned out to be the final lead change.<ref name="results"/><ref name="nyt"/>
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| Near the end of the race, a caution period commenced that lasted for five laps.<ref name="unser">[https://www.nytimes.com/1973/04/11/archives/al-unser-winning-maneuver-in-texas-200-no-dirty-trick-about-motor.html ''The New York Times'' reporting on criticism surrounding Unser's tactics.] Retrieved 5 Jun '22</ref><ref name="nyt"/> On lap 98, the race starter, Shim Malone, raised a finger to inform the drivers the green flag would drop on lap 99.<ref name="unser"/> In preparation for this, Unser slowly led the field as his car's engine was suffering issues.<ref name="unser"/><ref name="nyt"/> As he reached the back straight however, he started accelerating away.<ref name="unser"/><ref name="nyt"/> This proved to be a gamechanger, as Mosley was unable to keep up due to a problematic turbocharger, and Bettenhausen not allowed to pass him until he travelled past the green flag.<ref name="unser"/><ref name="nyt"/> When it finally dropped, Unser held a lead of more than 100 yards over Mosley and Bettenhausen, with the latter overtaking the former on lap 99.<ref name="unser"/><ref name="nyt"/> While Bettenhausen was able to reduce the gap to Unser by two tenths of a second, it was ultimately not enough, thus allowing Unser to claim victory and $18,651 in prize money.<ref name="unser"/><ref name="nyt"/> Bettenhausen and Mosley finished second and third respectively.<ref name="nyt"/><ref name="results"/>
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| Despite the win, Unser faced criticism from both fans and other drivers, with him being booed at Victory Lane.<ref name="unser"/><ref name="nyt"/> Bettenhausen deemed Unser's tactics to be unsporting, stating "He put on his brakes or at least slowed down in the second turn, then suddenly stood on it [the throttle]."<ref name="unser"/> Rutherford deemed the moved a "dirty pool", claiming "Al was going a lot slower than the normal pace speed, and then he stomped on it."<ref name="unser"/> Bettenhausen's car owner Roger Penske however accepted the situation and noted that Bettenhausen had lost time both early in the race and as a result of a slow tyre change during one pitstop.<ref name="unser"/>
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| Meanwhile, Unser defended himself, stating "There was nothing dirty in what I did. There was no way I could have held him [Bettenhausen] off any more. He'd have passed me going into the first turn if there had been another lap. Let's face it, I didn't have the horses the other guys had, so I wanted to jump out as much as I could and hope could hold them off. I learned that lesson the hard way from A.J. Foyt. As for the fans’ booing, maybe they don't realize that once the leader sets the pace, it's up to the other guys to keep up."<ref name="unser"/> Regardless of whether Unser's move could be considered unsporting, a USAC spokesman stated Unser did not violate any rules, as the leader is required to set the pace on the last lap of a caution, with all drivers conforming to said pace.<ref name="nyt"/><ref name="unser"/>
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| ==Availability==
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| According to ''IndyCar on TV'', one hour of footage was televised live by ABC on 7th April 1973 as part of its ''Wide World of Sports'', alongside an interview with Muhammed Ali.<ref>[https://sites.google.com/site/indycarontv/home/the-races/usac/1973/1973-texas-200 ''IndyCar on TV'' detailing the ABC broadcast of the race.] Retrieved 5 Jun '22</ref> The broadcast has yet to resurface, but an 8mm film, a fan recording, and photos of the event can be found online.
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| ==Gallery==
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| ===Videos===
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| {{Video|perrow =2
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| |service1 =youtube
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| |id1 =ctlLsN7Q2tY
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| |description1 =Silent 8mm film footage of the event.
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| |service2 =youtube
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| |id2 =scpv3ltyvJY
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| |description2 =Fan footage of the event.
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| }}
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| ===Image===
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| <gallery mode=packed heights=300px>
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| 1973texas2002.jpg|Unser crosses the line.
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| </gallery>
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| ==See Also==
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| *[[1962 Trenton 100 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1962)]]
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| *[[1962 Trenton 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1962)]]
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| *[[1963 Trenton 100 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1963)]]
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| *[[1963 Trenton 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1963)]]
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| *[[1964 Golden State 100 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1964)]]
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| *[[1964 Trenton 100 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1964)]]
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| *[[1965 Golden State 100 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1965)]]
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| *[[1965 Jimmy Bryan Memorial (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1965)]]
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| *[[1966 Jimmy Bryan Memorial (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1966)]]
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| *[[1966 Trenton 150 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1966)]]
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| *[[1967 Trenton 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1967)]]
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| *[[1968 Tony Bettenhausen 100 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1968)]]
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| *[[1968 Trenton 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1968)]]
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| *[[1969 Langhorne 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1969)]]
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| *[[1969 Rex Mays Classic (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1969)]]
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| *[[1969 Trenton 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1969)]]
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| *[[1970 Bobby Ball 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1970 Jimmy Bryan 150 (partially lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1970 Langhorne 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1970 Rex Mays Classic (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1970 Rocky Mountain 150 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1970 Trenton 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1971 Bobby Ball 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Jimmy Bryan 150 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Marlboro 300 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Michigan 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Rex Mays Classic (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Schaefer 500 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Trentonian 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1972 Best Western Motels 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Indianapolis 500 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Phoenix 150 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Rex Mays Classic (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Tony Bettenhausen 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Trenton Times 300 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Trentonian 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
| |
| *[[1973 Schaefer 500 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1973)]]
| |
| *[[1974 Phoenix 150 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1974)]]
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| *[[1974 Schaefer 500 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1974)]]
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| *[[1974 Trentonian 200 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1974)]]
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| *[[1975 Bricklin 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1975)]]
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| *[[1975 Michigan 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1975)]]
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| *[[1975 Trentonian 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1975)]]
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| *[[1976 Indianapolis 500 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1976 Jimmy Bryan 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1976 Michigan 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1976 Schaefer 500 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1976 Trenton Times Auto Classic (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1976 Trentonian 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1977 American Parts 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Jimmy Bryan 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Michigan Grand Prix (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Rex Mays Classic (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Schaefer 500 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Texas Grand Prix (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Trentonian 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1978 Coors 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1978)]]
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| *[[1978 Daily Express Indy Silverstone (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1978)]]
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| *[[1978 Daily Mail Indy Trophy (partially found CBS and BBC One footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1978)]]
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| *[[1978 Norton Twin 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1978)]]
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| *[[1979 Arizona Republic / Jimmy Bryan 150 (partially found footage of SCCA/CART IndyCar Series race; 1979)]]
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| *[[1979 California 500 (lost footage of SCCA/CART IndyCar Series race; existence unconfirmed; 1979)]]
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| *[[1979 Gould Grand Prix (lost footage of SCCA/CART IndyCar Series race; 1979)]]
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| *[[1980 Miller High Life 150 (partially found footage of CART PPG IndyCar World Series race; 1980)]]
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| *[[1980 Norton Twin 200 (lost footage of CART PPG IndyCar World Series race; 1980)]]
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| *[[1980 Primera Copa Mexico 150 (lost footage of CART PPG IndyCar World Series race; 1980)]]
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| *[[1980 Tony Bettenhausen 200 (lost footage of CART PPG IndyCar World Series race; 1980)]]
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| *[[1981 Kraco Car Stereo 150 (lost CART PPG IndyCar World Series race; 1981)]]
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| *[[1981 Pocono 500 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1981)]]
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| *[[1996 Las Vegas 500K (partially lost footage of IRL Season race; 1996)]]
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| *[[Indianapolis 500 WFBM-TV Broadcasts (lost racing footage; 1949-1950)]]
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| *[[Indianapolis 500 MCA closed-circuit broadcasts (partially lost racing footage; 1964-1970)]]
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| ==References==
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| {{reflist}}
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| [[Category:Lost recordings of real incidents]]
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| [[Category:Lost TV]]
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| [[Category:Partially found media]]
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| [[Category:Historic]]
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