Beyond the Flag
Fansided

Indianapolis 500 Web Gems

By Alex Herbst

May 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Verizon Indy Car driver Will Power (12) leads a pack of car through the warm up lane in turn one during practice for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Verizon Indy Car driver Will Power (12) leads a pack of car through the warm up lane in turn one during practice for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who’s That Reporting Now?

At the 1971 Indianapolis 500, ABC provided coverage, but on a tape delayed basis with only parts of the race shown on the anthology program Wide World of Sports. Jim McKay, who covered the race for years and was the face of the program, would call the action from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with the aid of four corner reporters. And one of them would move on to quite the career in television.

On lap twelve of the race, Steve Krisiloff would run into trouble, as his engine expired and spewed oil all over turn three. The caution flag would be waved, but two drivers did not heed the yellow flag – Gordon Johncock and Mario Andretti. As the two continued to speed into turn three, they skidded in the oil and crashed. At the crash site, Andretti would emerge from his car and be interviewed on ABC by none other than David Letterman.

Of course, Letterman would move on to much greater fame as the host of The Late Show on CBS for many years. He is also a co-owner of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team, racing in the 500 with Graham Rahal and Spencer Pigot this year.

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