1991 Indianapolis 500

1991 Indianapolis 500

The 75th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26, 1991. Rick Mears won from the pole position, becoming the third four-time winner of the Indy 500, joining A. J. Foyt and Al Unser. During time trials, Mears also established an Indy record by winning his sixth career pole position.

The race was noteworthy in that it featured the first African American driver to qualify for the Indy 500, Willy T. Ribbs, as well as the first Japanese driver, Hiro Matsushita. A. J. Foyt entered the month with the expectation that he was going to retire from driving after the race. He qualified on the front row, but dropped out early due to suspension damage. He eventually retracted his retirement plans, and would return in 1992.

For the first time in Indy history, four member of the same family qualified for the same race. Mario, Michael, Jeff, and John Andretti competed together. Michael, Mario and John all finished in the top ten, while Jeff was named the Rookie of the Year.

The race was sanctioned by USAC, and was included as part of the 1991 CART/PPG Indy Car World Series.