With Memorial Day just around the corner many in the nation turn their eyes toward Indianapolis, Indiana and the great racing event that is the Indy 500. We were privileged to have our own somewhat historical version for our May Game Day East this month as Dennis Hill was kind enough to roll out the big game mat and take us back some 50 years to May of 1976 using the classic Avalon Hill game “Speed Circuit.”
Dennis was also kind enough to send along a great game report so we will turn it over to the press box and his description….
“Steve King, Ray Runge and I simulated the 60th running of the Indy 500 that took place Sunday, May 30, 1976 using Avalon Hill’s USAC Auto Racing Game. We each controlled 11 cars.”
“Dark clouds hovered ominously over the Brickyard as 33 cars lined up on the grid. Johnny Rutherford held pole position in his orange McLaren M16 accompanied in the front row by Gordon Johncock in the #20 red Wildcat, and Tom Sneva in patriotic colored McLaren. Former winners Al Unser (#21 Parnelli) and A.J. Foyt (#14 Coyote) occupied the second row. Other former winners and favorites, Bobby Unser (#3 Eagle) and Mario Andretti (#6 McLaren) started further back in the field.”
“The pace car exited, the green flag was waved and 33 cars roared down the front straight. Rutherford had a great start and took a commanding lead. Foyt ran into trouble and his car skidded losing speed,but he held it on the track. Johncock and Unser followed close behind rutherford. Wally Dallenbach (#40 Wildcat) charged from the 7th spot in the third row to 5th place passing Sneva. Sneva’s car was running below peak performance.”
“Andretti and B. Unser made little progress and were trapped in traffic for most of the race.”
“Sheldon Kinser’s #97 Dragon was the first car to drop out of the race with a failed clutch. Opper (#8 Eagle), Bigelow (#24 Eagle), and Bettenhausen (#45 Eagle) were all black flagged for leading oil. Johncock was in 2nd place when his engine exploded knocking him out of the race. Scott (#28 Eagle) also ended his day early with a blown engine.”
“Rutherford pulled away from the field and made his mandatory pit stop before completing the second lap. It was a good stop, he only lost 2 turns in the pits and he was out before anyone could catch him. Al Unser was in second place and pitted after Rfutherford, but his fuel line needed repair and was forced to spend 6 turns in the pits. Sneva’s gears jammed and he spent 7 turns in the pits. On the other hand, Steve Krisiloff (#92 Eagle) had the best pit stop and only spent 1 turn in the pits enabling him to pass most of the field.”
“Rain began and the race was called. Cars that had completed the mandatory pit stop were counted in order before those that had not. Johnny Ruthorford was the winner followed by Krisiloff, and Mosley (#12 Eagle). Dallenbach placed 4th.”
“Ray’s top drivers finished 1st and 4th. Steve’s drivers earned 2nd and 3rd place on the podium.”
“Note: none of Ray’s cars dropped out of the race while Steve and I lost 3 each.”
Thanks
Dennis Hill
Thanks to Dennis for at great after game report letting us all in on the fun. A Thank You to all the players for taking time to join in and continued appreciation to Impact Game Center for their for their support.
Remember to shop local.
