Question about Penske at Indy in '95

[MS]

I still can't believe it happened, even eight years later. The defending champion's team can't get into the show. One of the most compelling bump days ever.

Anyway, here's my question. Did Penske at any point in the month wave off a time that would have ultimately made the show?

[Shadow101]

Yes, I believe it was on the 2nd day? Emmo was running a three lap average that in hindsight would have been fast enough to make the show. They waved off at the last minute and history was made the following week. Emmo was not amused at all IIRC. I'm not certain, but I don't think that Unser ever ran fast enough in the various cars he tried to get in the show.

[MS]

I remember the look on Unser's face on bump day. It seemed like he was thinking, "Give me any piece of junk, just get me in the show!"

[DaveL]

Originally posted by Shadow101
Yes, I believe it was on the 2nd day? Emmo was running a three lap average that in hindsight would have been fast enough to make the show. They waved off at the last minute and history was made the following week. Emmo was not amused at all IIRC. I'm not certain, but I don't think that Unser ever ran fast enough in the various cars he tried to get in the show.

Emmo's run was on Day Three, the day before Bump Day.

I was sitting in Turn One on the second day of quals. I had never seen a car go into that turn more unsure of itself than Unser in his Penske. The Reynards and Lolas glided down into the turn. Unser in the Penske nervously tip toed.

[Belanger99]

IIRC, yes I believe Penske waved of a run that ultimately would have gotten Emmo in. Al never ran fast enough to get in.

To his credit, Penske went to great lengths to try to get in, seems to me he tried every car possible to get in.

In addition, if memory serves, Penske's car with the Ilmor Merceded couldn't overcome the handling problems inherent in the chassis that were masked the previous year by the 209 Mercedes that domianted the event.

[$noopy]

Originally posted by Belanger99
IIRC, yes I believe Penske waved of a run that ultimately would have gotten Emmo in. Al never ran fast enough to get in.

To his credit, Penske went to great lengths to try to get in, seems to me he tried every car possible to get in.

In addition, if memory serves, Penske's car with the Ilmor Merceded couldn't overcome the handling problems inherent in the chassis that were masked the previous year by the 209 Mercedes that domianted the event.

That year showed the one weakness Penske has; he didn't know how to take a mule and make it a thoroughbred. He should have asked Dick Simon for help. Simon had more experience with that sort of thing and would have easily put both drivers in the field.

[Doctorindy]

Originally posted by $noopy
That year showed the one weakness Penske has; he didn't know how to take a mule and make it a thoroughbred. He should have asked Dick Simon for help. Simon had more experience with that sort of thing and would have easily put both drivers in the field.

They made a similair mistake that Rahal made in '93. Heck, Rahal tried and almost missed the '94 race too if it wasn't for Penske pitching in. Rahal tried to help Penske in that '95 race...if you look at Emmo's run, he's in an un-decaled "Duracell" car. They just weren't ready, took a look at some of the dogs that were entered, and just took for granted that they'd make it...they'll never do that again....

[MichaelP]

Originally posted by Belanger99
In addition, if memory serves, Penske's car with the Ilmor Merceded couldn't overcome the handling problems inherent in the chassis that were masked the previous year by the 209 Mercedes that domianted the event.

I always thought it was perfect poetic justice that his all conquering engine was his ultimate ruin the following year.

[tnindyman]

Junior did have one Q run, where, were it not for a pittiful first lap, he would have been in the field. I remember that run, because the first lap was so terrible, it was only his determination and talent that made the 4 laps even close to a decent run. Mackie could give more details.

Tom Eidemiller
Knoxville TN

[$noopy]

Originally posted by MichaelP
I always thought it was perfect poetic justice that his all conquering engine was his ultimate ruin the following year.

What you said!!!