a 1973 race related golden jubilee we can celebrate because it involves AJ

[Indyote]

OK, I know it.

I am not known over here for my support and unconditional support and appreciation for AJ Foyt.
I also know that achievements done in the race of 1973 are not really to be remembered too well or to be heralded.

But of all things, this year AJ can celebrate the golden anniversary of something that he achieved in 1973 and has hung on to ever since.

1973 was the 16th race start for AJ.
With that he became the driver with the most race starts in the history of the Indy 500 with 16 starts.
Granted, he had to share the record with two other men who had 16 race starts to their credits: Cliff Bergere and Chet Miller.
But one year later AJ added another race to his tally and since then he is the man with the most race starts in Indy history

But this year is the golden anniversary of the feat that he became one of them.
Curiously enough, that was also the lone year in which he was the slowest qualifier..... (Edit: not correct, he was next to slowest EndEdit)

Not much to celebrate that it was 50 years ago at Indy.
Maybe this one is?

[Speedbump64]

I'm fine with the celebration, but AJ was not the slowest qualifier in the field in 1973. Jim McElreath was.

[jandj]

AJ started 23rd and retired early.
After Savage’s crash he took over his teammate George Snider’s car.
Ziggy had seen enough for one day.

[Indyote]

I'm fine with the celebration, but AJ was not the slowest qualifier in the field in 1973. Jim McElreath was.

I stand corrected, you're right.
Thanks for putting this straight.

[KevMcNJ]

If I was Mr. Boles for a day I'd pick another year ending with a 3 to celebrate.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of anything and everything in 2024.

YMMV