FULL RACE BROADCAST: 1968 Indianapolis 500

On this IMS Memory Lane flashback, we relive the full race broadcast of the 1968 Indianapolis 500, which was won by Bobby Unser.
For the second consecutive year, a gas turbine-powered car dropped out while leading in the final laps. This time it was former motorcycle champion Joe Leonard who was stranded, the Pratt & Whitney rear-mounted engine in his wedge-shaped Lotus suffering a “flameout” only nine laps from the finish.
Into the lead swept Unser, on his way to the first of his three “500” victories as well as to the first ever for an engine outfitted with a turbocharger. Unser, who battled for much of the distance with pole-sitter Leonard and perennial “hard luck” driver Lloyd Ruby, had to overcome a major obstacle in the second half. Having lost all but top gear, he demonstrated extraordinary skill on his final two pit stops by being able to pull out and get up to speed without stalling.
Dan Gurney, whose company built the Eagle chassis driven to the win by Unser, finished second in an Eagle of his own, this one powered by a “stock-block” Ford engine utilizing a Weslake head. Ever the innovator, Gurney was also debuting the very first full-face helmet to be used here, while, at the other extreme, the early exit by Jim Hurtubise marked the final appearance for a front-engined car in an Indianapolis 500.

[@Dan-vt9vk]

Thank you, IMS, what a privilege to see this footage!

[@justingurney8692]

A great day for Eagles finishing 1st, 2nd and 4th and an almost perfect day for Dad and AAR.

[@ku4uv]

Great racing by some great drivers that day! Mr. Rutherford signed a poster from 1976 that I mailed to him last year. Very happy to have this signed! These were some amazing drivers back then!

[@philipfarley4163]

Your dad may not have won as a driver, but his car designs showed just how great a driver he really was! You have a lot to be proud of!

[@jcarby86]

28:26 , 55 years ago , still amazed

[@philipberry1349]

The first 500 I went to. I was 2 years old.

[@wf1g]

Saw this live at the La Reina Theatre in Los Angeles on a Closed Circuit broadcast. I stole the $2.00 ticket price out of my Mom's purse

[@W123KartSport]

That is awesome. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era of motor racing.

[@tim9s]

Great race and great announcers.

[@MrFabrizio1962]

Awesome Video,thank you for the sharing!

[@rolux4853]

We have so much accurate vintage F1 cars for driving simulators, we definitely need more good 60s and 70s Indy 500 cars and a perfect recreation of the Track! I know there are cars and the track and I have a few good ones for rf2 and ac, but I’m talking about rss quality stuff!

[@philipfarley4163]

One of the most hilarious moments and quotes in sports history. Mario Andretti:"they'd better watch out, because I'm gonna be right behind them" when asked about the start. Also Mario: announcer:" they can't get Mario's car started"!😂😂😂

[@briewhit1312]

incredible footage from back when the Indy 500 counted towards f1 championship points

[@gokartbob6478]

Average speed 158mph, with no wings... just balls 👍😎🏁

[@rolux4853]

What do they mean when they reference to „turbine“? Is it the first year where Turbo powered cars are allowed to drive? Or what do they mean?

[@robossuperchannel9434]

Turbine means what we might call a "jet engine". The car was powered by and Pratt and Whitney turbojet engine.

[@invisiblepuppet3437]

3:29