CAROUSEL 1 Indy Jim Rathmann Simoniz Vista Special 4408

History

Driver Jim Rathmann and Crew Chief Smokey Yunick renewed their association at the 1962 Indy 500® for the third consecutive year. Rathmann's first qualifying attempt on the second day of qualifying, Sunday May 13, was too slow, and the crew waved him off. On Wednesday May 16, Rathmann took to the track with an inverted wing mounted to his car. Yunick had had crew member Bruce Crower prepare the wing in an effort to increase downforce and speed. This was the first wing ever seen at the Speedway, and one of the first on any racing car.

Rathmann and Yunick were subjected to the jibes of other drivers and crew about the "sunshade." In practice, the wing enabled Rathmann to be clocked in the corners at 146 mph, at the time the fastest cornering speed ever at the Brickyard® . But the increased drag prevented the car from going much faster than 146 on the straights. There was no time to fabricate another wing with less drag. Rathmann qualified in 23^rd spot at 146.610 mph on the third day of qualifying, Saturday May 19, without the wing. In the 1962 Indy 500®, Rathmann moved up steadily through the field to be in 10^th place at the 150-mile mark. Although Rathmann held onto the group of cars behind the lead pack and advanced as high as 7^th in the order, he was unable to challenge the leaders. Jim Rathmann finished 9^th in the 1962 Indianapolis 500® , which was won by Rodger Ward at a record speed of 140.292 mph. The following year, the USAC rules prohibited wings, and despite aerodynamic experiments in other forms of racing, the ban at the Speedway would not be lifted until 1972.

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