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e.l.f. is believed to be the first beauty brand to serve as a primary sponsor for an entry in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” as Legge will drive the No. 51 e.l.f. Honda on Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read More>
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Why does Scott McLaughlin move his hands around so much in the car? What "button" is he pushing? What's the pressure of the iconic Yellow Submarine like? We cover that and so much more with Scott McLaughlin on the latest Doug and Drivers. Watch Video>
On this episode of Behind the Bricks, IMS President Doug Boles truly goes behind the bricks of the IMS Museum and checks in on the renovation progress. He also gets an exclusive look at the vision of the refreshed Museum, which opens a year from this week. The Museum is a separate entity from IMS and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Consider supporting the Museum by visiting imsmuseum.org Watch Video>
On this episode of Doug and Drivers, 2016 Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi talks his chances to win "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" again, adjusting to Arrow McLaren, getting married over the offseason and so much more. Watch Video>
May 19, 2019 | By Phillip B. Wilson, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
He’s there if Fernando Alonso has a question or needs any insight on driving a race car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But Johnny Rutherford again being a part of McLaren – the team with which he earned two of his three Indianapolis 500 victories – has far greater meaning than what transpires on the track. His return for the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is also the first time Rutherford has been back since the January passing of his wife of 55 years, Betty. Their memorable life together began here in 1963 when he was a rookie driver and she was a registered nurse at the infield hospital. His transmission failed after 43 laps, and Rutherford finished 29th. Jim Clark was named Rookie of the Year, but Rutherford respectfully submits that he was the rookie who had the best “500” because he married Betty a few months later. They became permanent visible fixtures each May. Rutherford emerged as the legendary “Lone Star J.R.” with Indy 500 victories in 1974 and 1976 for McLaren and in 1980 for Jim Hall Racing. Betty was there by his side, in addition to extensive charity activism in the community. That’s why there couldn’t be a more appropriate place for Rutherford to continue to heal than IMS with a racing community that still respects and admires him. “It’s a little hard for me to remember that, obviously,” he said of his wife. “She was my life, you know? Everything in our house is Betty. That’s what’s made it tough, to realize she’s not here anymore, and I’ve got to accept that. “That’s the thing that gets me over the hump, that she’s now in heaven, she doesn’t have dementia anymore and in no more pain, and I hope she’s saving a place for me.” Each break from track work, he’s greeted by fans who want an autograph or a picture. Some offer a kind word of condolence. “I’ve been here a long time and have a lot of dear friends here,” Rutherford said. “I would not want to miss coming back each May.” As much as Rutherford is respected for his racing career, he’s taking a measured approach to being with McLaren. He respects Alonso as a humble two-time Formula One World Champion. And because Rutherford doesn’t have experience in today’s race cars, he waits for Alonso to broach subjects with him. “He doesn't talk much, but yeah, he's always interesting, you know, to hear what he says and his recommendations,” Alonso said of Rutherford. “I think maybe the cars he drove, they are not maybe behaving the same as we have now in terms of aerodynamics and traffic management. But he's obviously a very experienced driver and he's trying to help as much as he can, and yeah, I'm enjoying having him on board.” Rutherford considers it an honor to don a blue McLaren sweater and be there if needed. “I’m glad that they remember (chuckles) what I accomplished here with McLaren,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a single man on the team that was with McLaren when I was there. I drove for them for seven years, won a lot of races and two of my Indy 500s in ’74 and ’76. It’s an honor for me to be thought of in that way and part of the team. “Fernando is exceptional. He has a great talent. He’s what we call a racer. You can get drivers, but he’s a racer. It’s amazing to see how he works at it. He’s a true champion.” Rutherford suggests that Alonso could have won his 2017 Indy 500 debut if his Honda engine didn’t fail with 20 laps remaining. He was running seventh at the time. Rutherford gives a knowing nod when asked about racing misfortune. He experienced his share of it in a Hall of Fame career with 27 career wins, which rank 14th on the all-time list. “You know what the only guarantee in racing is? If it breaks, you get to keep both pieces,” he said. “I’ve been told by another driver from our era that we could be really good in these cars because they’re so stable and very good to drive. You’d love to drive one, but I don’t think they want a driver of my age. “But oh, boy, this old lady at the Speedway can throw you some curves that you won’t believe.” He sure didn’t expect his life to change so dramatically back in 1963. As he walks around IMS, it can be like memory lane all over again. His thoughts inevitably include Betty. How could they not? "It’s getting better,” Rutherford said of keeping emotions in check. “But there are still moments.”