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The Day “We” Won Indy

In 1971, Mark Donohue, driving the new Penske-owned McLaren M16, became the first person to lap the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in under 50 seconds (a speed of 180.977 mph). Donohue appeared to have the field easily in hand on race day when, on lap 66, the McLaren’s gearbox broke, allowing Al Unser’s Eagle to take the victory. Photo: Pete Lyons

Mark Donohue shut down his turbo Offy and made one last left turn into the Indianapolis victory circle. Obviously it was a huge moment for him, his Penske Racing team, and even for motor racing history. It meant something special to me, too.

Hang a press pass on yourself, and you’re supposed to watch a race with objectivity. No favoritism. So it was that I went to cover the 500 in 1972 as an impartial, professional-minded reporter.

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