1974 was the first time they chopped up the month. They went with the format that stood until I quit following which was '96. Practice was cut to one week then qualifying followed by second week of practice with final weekend of qualifying.

rained out the first weekend

Then they had a huge issue on their hands of who was in line and where, who was eligible for the pole etc. As it shook out Sam Sessions got hosed as his Smoky Yunick stock block turbo eagle (which was absolutely gorgeous) missed the show. The guy I wound up working for was in the hotel screwing some broad and his car got pulled out of line, never got his attempt. Several brought law suits against IMS and yes, it was pretty screwed up.