Indy Legends Pro-Am: Lazier-Caudle surprise

After all the all the victory podium celebrations, the local TV interviews, press conference and the dozens of handshakes and hugs from family, friends and who-knows-who, Bob Lazier found an almost private moment with driving partner Jim Caudle behind the Indianapolis Motor Speedway media center. The 1981 Indianapolis 500 starter and Caudle had just claimed victory in the second annual SportsCar Vintage Racing Association Brickyard Invitational "Indy Legends" Charity Pro-Am.

"I've got a few more good laps in me," the thoroughly soaked, recently milk-nourished 76-year-old driver quipped.

Lazier and Caudle caught a break when a tire exploded on the Eliseo Salazar-Gary Moore 1965 Mustang GT350, its carcass flailing away at the car's left-rear quarter panel. The incident strew debris the better part of a quarter mile, necessitating the yellow flag and opening the door of opportunity to the eventual winners.

Another Mustang driver, Curt Vogt, dominated early but fell behind when he pitted under green to turn his car over to his Indy 500 veteran co-driver Max Papis. Caudle seized the yellow flag-induced moment and dived into the pits with Lazier standing at the ready. Lazier jumped into the 357 cubic inch 1969 Corvette and closed the deal with honorary steward and 1983 Indianapolis 500 winner Tom Sneva waving the checkered flag.

Papis worked his way back up to third behind former 24 Hours of Daytona winner Mark Dismore, who brought Scott Hackenson's 1967 Mustang home second. Dismore and Hackenson teamed together last year, as did Lazier and Caudle. This was Papis' first appearance in the Pro-Am.

"Our car was perfectly balanced," said an exuberant Lazier. "After 34 years, I got one perfectly balanced. These SVRA drivers and owners are amazing. They make us look good."

Papis, one of the most versatile drivers in the world, with a resume that not only includes drives in the Indianapolis 500 but also all of NASCAR's major series, IROC and Le Mans, concurred.

"This event is an unbelievably great atmosphere. Everyone is competitive but very friendly. Wow. What enthusiasm. I definitely want to be back."

Last year's podium finishers struggled. Al Unser Jr., the 2014 winner, endured a lackluster day with his Charles Bentley-prepared 1967 Camaro Z28. The duo ended up 21st. Salazar, who returned with Gary Moore, his 2014 partner, ran well up the order in second for much of the race before his mishap. Willy T. Ribbs was also reunited with 2014 driving partner Ed Sevadjian, who started the race but was pinched in the first corner costing him several positions. Both drivers hung tough to claw their way back to sixth.

Along with their co-drivers, Indianapolis 500 veterans Spike Gehlhausen (4th), Johnny Unser (5th), Richie Hearn (7th), Jimmy Kite (8th), Scott Harrington (9th) and Pete Halsmer (10th) recorded notable runs.

The enthusiasm throughout the paddock and among all the drivers was virtually universal. The post-race podium ceremonies included milk all around for the top three as well as commemorative ring fittings. Photographers and TV crews surrounded the perspiring, ringing-wet drivers. It had the feel of a big-time event. The rush of adrenaline was evident, especially in Lazier and Caudle. Everyone had forgotten the race had been delayed for over an hour by pop-up thunderstorms.

The Brickyard Invitational is about competition but it is also about camaraderie. Papis summed it up in the post-race press conference when he said, "I just want to tell you guys, what you do with taking care of these cars is a lot more than just a race. I grew up idolizing and watching some of the cars that are here in this garage. And the SVRA is actually keeping the dream of a kid alive because, you know, I've only been able to see these cars in pictures when I grew up. I come over and now watch them in the garage. I mean just today as I was walking, I saw cars Emmo, Al Jr and Mario drove. I mean, you name it, it's here."

Click on the thumbnails below for larger images.

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Here's a quick look at the Brickyard Invitational, especially what is on tap for Sunday, June 13.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the SVRA are producing what is already one of American vintage racing's premier events. Tomorrow, June 14, is the closing day of the event. The big attraction of the day is an "Unser Family Reunion." This commemorative event kicks off with a fan pit walk starting at 11:50 for autographs and photos. At 12:35 all five of the Unser family Indianapolis 500 veterans will take to the track driving "500" race cars significant to their careers. It will be the first and perhaps the only time all five: Al Unser Sr., Bobby Unser, Al Unser Jr., Robby and Johnny will be on the Brickyard together.

The racing will begin at 8:25 am with a 60-minute vintage/classic endure for SVRA Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, 6a and 8. A second endure for Historic GT and GTP cars will run 90 minutes and start at 9:55 am. The rest of the day will present oval exhibitions all SVRA run groups. Of particular interest to fans are Indianapolis 500 "roadsters" and pre-war cars.