The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page 52

ooo THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1998 C29 Demand for appearance money in 1916 backfires on DePalma 4- i 4 There is little question that Italian-born Ralph DePalma was the most outstanding Indianapolis 500 driver of the event's first ten runnings. He came close U22 received word, through an intermediary, that defending winner DePalma felt his entry was worth $5,000 in "appearance" money. It was a sizeable sum for the time, and Fisher was furious. News traveled quickly and Barney Oldfleld, an antagonistic rival of DePalma but a friend of Fisher since their bicycle-racing days together, came by to gently needle that his entry also was worthy of a "deal." Fisher assured Oldfield no money would be paid to anyone, but DePalma stubbornly held out. A couple of days after the deadline passed, DePalma sheepishly turned in his signed paperwork, only to have Fisher rule that "post" entries would not be ac cepted.

Considering that the races of 1917 and '18 were canceled due to America's involvement in World War it would be 1919 before DePalma could compete in the 500 again. yKgv FAMILY AFFAIR: Robby Unser Cf the sixth Unser to qualify for the UiiG'bUIUIilll Vr Classified Ad deadline is noon Monday through Friday for next day's paper. WO Donald to winning on several occasions, and his total of 612 laps led from Davidson's Indy 500 1911 to 1921 was not surpassed until Al Unser exceeded the total in 1988. No doubt best remembered for having tried to push his stricken car home after leading 196 of the first 198 laps In 1912, DePalma did in fact win in 1915. Considered a great sportsman, DePalma nevertheless did have an unfortunate run-in with management.

One day in the spring of 1916, track president Carl Fisher BOOTS THAT WORK OVERTIME Comfort Value Durability 0ver 150 Styles available North: 6653 East 82nd Street South: 935 East Hanna Ave East: 8524 East Washington Str West: I-465 and Rockville Rd. Photo Kerry Keating Indianapolis 500. Factory Direct STEEL BUILDINGS mm ALL STEEL BUILDINGS GENERAL STEEL CORP. 800-406-5126 P15580R13 MOUNTED ON VEHICLE Si AC-' i BOS- 1 jj tss psn? Unsers hope to extend family legend at track with rookie Robby in race nn vfc a mm mi WEI i 0199 P17580R13 P18580R13 hi. fc signs autographs after becoming means a lot to the whole clan.

"Nobody knows In life why the Unsers have had so much success at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but by the same token we're damn happy about it." Bobby said. "We all made the best of it and we're glad of It. Partially because of that, we're glad Robby Is here. But more important than anything else, he's a person of his own." Although his son has gotten support, Bobby said Robby got here by paying his dues. Robby, who drove in Indy Lights the last two years, Is 30.

In contrast, Al Jr. ran his first 500 at age 21. "That's Just the way life went. I'm happy I'm here now because I'm more mature and there's a lot of pressure here," Robby said. "I've been racing In something or other since I was 9 years old.

I had a lot of success at Pikes Peak and that's taught me a lot." His father is just proud he made it. "He's not too old. that's for sure," Bobby said. Bobby said Robby has tremendous support from his owner, Eddie Cheever. as well.

"I could not Imagine having a car owner any nicer or easy-going than Eddie Cheever has been," he said. "He's so understanding." In addition, Cheever has assembled a top-notch team, Robby said. "This is the best opportunity I've had in my life," he said. For home delivery 633-9211 'rowing 4600 S. Bluff Rd.

Off Exit 31 South, West on Thompson North on Bluff Rd. if By Mark Ambrogi STAFF WRITER Robby Unser says he couldn't ask for a better trio of advisers. The rookie can rely on family members with nine Indianapolis 500 championships among them. Uncle Al has a record-tying four victories; his father, Bobby, has three; and his cousin, Al has two. All three family members have concentrated their advice this week in different areas, "As far as driving the car, dad Is the one I've listened to.

He's helped me with my line," Robby said. "Uncle Al has been there when we're running during the day and has made suggestions on the car. Little Al has just been supportive all the way around. I couldn't ask for anything better because I have all ends covered." Saturday, Robby put their wisdom to good use when he became the sixth Unser to qualify for the 500. He put together a four-lap average of 216.534 mph In his DallaraAuroraGoodyear.

Other family members to qualify are Robby's cousin, Johnny Unser. and Johnny's late father, Jerry. Johnny made the race Saturday for the third consecutive year. Al who has not been here to race since the lndy Racing League and Championship Auto Racing Teams split, was In the pits Saturday to give Robby moral support. Bobby said adding another chapter to the Unser legend here immsmmM P18575R14 P19575R14 P20575R14 EACH P20575R15 P17570R13 P21575R15 P18570R13 P22575R15 P17570R14 155SR12or LIMIT 4-TIRES MUST BE 15 r-rLI P23575R15 P18570R14 tmJ tAtn P19570R14 qqqqq mile g.t.s.

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