31 Facts About Johnny Rutherford

Johnny Rutherford became one of six drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 at least three times, winning in 1974,1976, and 1980.

Johnny Rutherford began racing modified stock cars in 1959 and he dabbled in stock car racing, making 35 NASCAR Cup Series starts from 1963 to 1988.

Johnny Rutherford won in his first start, at Daytona International Speedway driving for Smokey Yunick.

In 1959, Johnny Rutherford started driving modified stock cars in Dallas.

Johnny Rutherford joined the International Motor Contest Association sprint car circuit in 1961 leading it for most of 1962.

Johnny Rutherford later joined the United States Auto Club starting in the Hoosier Hundred and later winning his first championship.

Johnny Rutherford won his qualifying heat race for the 1963 Daytona 500, becoming the youngest winner of a Duel as a championship race, a record that would stand as the races were taken off the championship schedule in 1971.

Johnny Rutherford won the USAC National Sprint Car Championship in 1965.

Johnny Rutherford made his first start in the Indianapolis 500 in 1963.

Johnny Rutherford miraculously squeezed between the crash and the wall, passing so close to Sachs' car that a lemon that Sachs wore on a string around his neck was found inside Johnny Rutherford's engine compartment.

Johnny Rutherford's car flipped out of the track, and he suffered broken arms, a broken finger, and a head injury.

Johnny Rutherford was forced to sit out the 1966 Indy 500 and the rest of the season.

Johnny Rutherford struggled without a competitive ride for the next several seasons.

Johnny Rutherford raised his profile by qualifying a surprising 2nd for the 1970 500.

Johnny Rutherford was back with a top-flight ride when he joined the McLaren team in 1973.

Johnny Rutherford won pole position at the Indianapolis 500 in 1973,1976, and 1980.

From 1973 to 1981 Johnny Rutherford recorded nine straight seasons with a victory making him one of just six drivers in Indy Car history to do so.

In October 1977, Johnny Rutherford travelled 'down under' to compete in Australia's most famous motor race, the Bathurst 1000 km touring car race at the Mount Panorama Circuit.

The Torana and Escort made contact and Johnny Rutherford ended up crashing into an earth bank at the top of The Mountain.

Johnny Rutherford then completed another 5 laps before finally retiring with Guthrie not getting to drive.

Johnny Rutherford won in his first start, at Daytona International Speedway driving for Smokey Yunick.

Johnny Rutherford served as a driver coach, evaluating rookies during rookie orientation and rookie tests.

Johnny Rutherford failed to qualify at Indy in three attempts and was not able to secure a ride in 1991 or 1993.

Johnny Rutherford was never able to achieve his milestone 25th Indy 500 start.

At the inception of the Indy Racing League in 1996, Johnny Rutherford took a full-time position as an official, serving as pace car driver and driver coach.

Johnny Rutherford served as a racing consultant for Team Pennzoil, and later, as an ambassador for Arrow McLaren.

Johnny Rutherford met Betty Hoyer, a nurse, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1963 when he was taking his rookie test.

Johnny Rutherford was the honorary chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in 2006.

Johnny Rutherford was a talented artist during his school, and after the conclusion of his racing career devoted time to renewing his skill.

Johnny Rutherford's art was featured on the program cover of the 2021 Indianapolis 500.

Johnny Rutherford, who has been invited to The White House on behalf of Indy on multiple occasions, is considered a popular ambassador and spokesman for the sport of Indy car racing.