Indiana Open Wheel - Astro dome!

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Indiana Open Wheel (https://www.indianaopenwheel.com/index.php)

- Indiana Open Wheel Forum (https://www.indianaopenwheel.com/forumdisplay.php?f=3)

- - Astro dome! (https://www.indianaopenwheel.com/showthread.php?t=11980)

SpfldMile

12/18/08 10:50 AM

Re: Astro dome!

I think Joe Shaheen of the famed Springfield Speedway was in charge of the track. Anyone remember?

illiNOISE

12/18/08 11:18 AM

Re: Astro dome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsanonwingthing (Post 77820)

http://melkenyon.tripod.com/m_m-68-astdom640x480.jpg
Photo by Jim Chini courtesy of Mike Grieff
Inaugural Astro Grand Prix - Houston Astrodome
USAC Invitational Midget event.
(left to right) Mario Andretti (driving Mel's second midget),
Mel Kenyon, Bob Krohne, Don Kenyon, Chuck Nowiki,
Gene Thomas, Ray Grieff.

Interesting that Mel's car had a roll cage, but not Mario's.

stroud21

12/18/08 11:37 AM

Re: Astro dome!

the comment on the cage vs. no cage brought up another memory. In 69' cages were optional, and they were also going to run wings some that season. the Astro Dome was the first race of the year. Grandpa showed up with the cage and wing on top along with a signed letter from Bob Stroud, no relation, from USAC saying that the wing was legal for that race. Kenyon was the only other car there that had a wing so USAC decided to go without the wing ofr that race.

AustinSprinter

12/18/08 1:07 PM

Re: Astro dome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacinJason (Post 77846)

My uncle just purchased a car that raced in the astro dome. It was a #99 solar that was AAA registered to John F Farmer. Anyone recall the car? We're trying to find info and pictures to restore the car.

Jason

Don't know if 'aXe' has seen this??....But send him a PM,he mite have info,as he followed this really close,work'n rite along side George Benson!!........
__________
Brucer'

illiNOISE

12/18/08 5:27 PM

Re: Astro dome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsanonwingthing (Post 77820)

Here is a scan of the program cover, and a photo from the Mel Kenyon web site
http://melkenyon.tripod.com/\

Did anyone else notice the $1.50 cover price for the program? Seems kind of steep in '69. What would that work out to today?

tex44

12/18/08 7:42 PM

Re: Astro dome!

Jason,

Here is the entry list for the 69 race. Don't see that car listed.

http://www.ssmamidgets.com/texas/index.php?showtopic=10

cecil98

12/18/08 8:05 PM

Re: Astro dome!

That was an incredible field! 17 Indy 500 veterans and a few more that ran at Indy but didn't make the show! That race was also televised. I remember watching it.

RacinJason

12/19/08 3:59 PM

Re: Astro dome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tex44 (Post 78029)

Jason,

Here is the entry list for the 69 race. Don't see that car listed.

http://www.ssmamidgets.com/texas/index.php?showtopic=10

Thanks for the link.

Spud	12/19/08 5:17 PM

Re: Astro dome!

I was at both the races at the Astrodome. I was only 4 & 5 years old but I do remember going. My father is friends with A.J. and he was down in the pits. He took a great picture of Foyt standing in the entrance to the dome. I am going to see my Dad tonight and I will see if I can get a copy of the photo to post. To bad that most of todays top racers rarely race Sprints and Midgets. Who is the most recent Indy 500 winner to race a midget?

MRAY3

12/19/08 5:40 PM

Re: Astro dome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spud (Post 78142)

To bad that most of todays top racers rarely race Sprints and Midgets. Who is the most recent Indy 500 winner to race a midget?

Actually Spud, I think you've got it backwards. I think it's too bad that most of today's top racers don't get a chance to race Indy Cars. The Indy 500 USED TO BE made up of the 33 best race car drivers in the world. Today, the Indy 500 is made up of the 33 BEST FUNDED Rent-a-Racers. Midget and Sprint car champions need not apply!:thumbsdown:

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