McLaren M16 1975 #2 Johnny Rutherford Gatorade Indy 500

Johnny Rutherford and Team McLaren returned for the 1975 Indianapolis 500® as defending champions. Rutherford was disappointed with his qualifying speed of 185.998 mph, which earned the 7th starting position. However, during practice between qualifying and the race, Rutherford ran laps at over 186 mph in race trim, so he was confident for the race. Gordon Johncock led the start of the 1975 Indianapolis 500®, followed by Foyt, Bobby Unser, and Rutherford. Johncock went out with a broken gear on Lap 11, then Wally Dallenbach moved through the field to challenge the leaders and take the lead on Lap 59. Dallenbach faltered with a burned piston on Lap 162, promoting Rutherford from second into first place. When Rutherford made his scheduled pit stop on Lap 165, Bobby Unser passed him to become the leader. Clouds gathered during the race, a storm appeared from the southwest, and light rain began to fall on Lap 171, bringing out the yellow flag. Rutherford and Bobby Unser pitted for a splash of fuel under the yellow, to enable them to race to the finish at full boost. Rutherford thought he could challenge Bobby Unser. But on Lap 174 a thunderstorm deluged the track. Red and checkered flags were waved together as the front straight flooded under inches of water. Third place Foyt was the last car on the lead lap, and the rest of the field was five laps down. Bobby Unser won the 1975 Indianapolis 500® at an average speed of 149.213 mph.
Started 7
Finished 2.

Quick Facts:

Our Item #: CAR14803

Category: Diecast Cars Racing Vintage

Size: 1:18 Scale

Color: White, Green

For Ages: 14 years and up

Manufacturer Item No.: 4803

Make: McLaren

Model: M16

Make Year: 1975