When the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was first conceived in the early 20th century it did so not as a racetrack, but rather as a testing venue for the burgeoning American motor trade, with it’s layout specifically designed to encourage manufactures to push their new machines to their physical limits. From that point on high speeds and Indianapolis would go hand in hand, and in 1977 these two attributes came together to create a moment that would go down in 500 folklore.

The first Indianapolis speed barrier was broken relatively early into the speedway’s life, when former winner Rene Thomas qualified at a speed of over 100mph for the 1919 running of the event, but despite technological advancements and the speedway switching from it’s brick surface to asphalt it would take another 43 years before Parnelli Jones became the first man to crack 150mph in claiming pole position for the Memorial Day classic in 1962, with many critics believing that physical and technological innovations would make Jones accomplishment the last major speed barrier that could realistically be broken at the Speedway.

During the late sixties and early seventies however Indycar racing saw major technical innovation that would help to transform the speedway. The introduction of rear engined cars allowed Indycar machines to become lighter and more responsive, whilst the introduction of bolt-on wings in 1972 helped to generate down-force and thus carry more speed into Indy’s four turns. Between 1971 and 1972 qualifying speeds at the Brickyard increased by over 20mph, and from being a pipe dream just a few years previously figures in the paddock soon began to speculate over the possibility of the 200mph being broken within the next few years.

Heading into Pole Day in 1977 fans at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway approached the day with a feeling of excitement and anticipation. Resurfacing work at the speedway had taken place over the winter, and a record 200,000 flooded into the speedway hoping to see history being made. Although no driver was able to break 200mph during the day’s early morning practice sessions experts predicted that lower temperatures in the afternoon qualifying session, combined with the increased grip from the repaved surface, could leave 200mph firmly within touching distance. The barrier would also provide the backstory for a major battle for pole-position; AJ Foyt was looking to claim a record fifth pole at the Brickyard, whilst Johnny Rutherford was looking to make amends for just missing out on the 200mph barrier in 1973. Also in contention was Tom Sneva, who had made an immediate impact in the world of Indycar racing since joining Penske racing as a relief driver in 1975.

Come qualifying itself Foyt was first to take to the track, but a fractured pop-up valve meant that he was unable to exert full power from his #14 machine, his time of 193.465mph well short of the elusive 200 mark, whilst Rutherford waved off his first attempt at the pole before stalling on his second and lining up in the middle of the pack as a second day qualifier. At 11:51 am Tom Sneva took to the track for his first qualification attempt, and after running four perfect corners at the circuit’s peak condition broke the timing line at a speed of 200.401mph and bringing about cheers and applause from the capacity crowd. Although Sneva’s speed in his remaining three laps would drop below the 200 mark history had been made, claiming Sneva his first pole position at the speedway as well as 200 silver dollars poured into his helmet, mimicking a similar stunt pulled for Parnelli Jones following his 150mph accomplishment in 1962.

Sneva’s accomplishment helped to make him a household both inside and outside of Indycar racing, and over the years the quest for speed would continue to grow at the Brickyard, culminating with Arie Luyendyk’s record 239 pole lap which stands to this day. With physical and track limitations, it seems almost certain that Sneva’s accomplishment will be the last major speed milestone at the Brickyard, but they said the same thing about Parnelli Jones in 1962…

Unfortunately there is no short video of Tom’s lap, so instead here is an episode of ‘A Race For Heroes’ focusing on Sneva’s career:

In tomorrow’s episode we channel our inner Brit and talk about the weather.