Racing at Indy is like playing a chess game while moving at 220 miles per hour. Fuel strategy played a key role in this years race. Three drivers (Gavin, Copper, and Mchaven) started the race with two fuel while the rest started with three. Gavin pulled ahead of the pack and picked up a bonus point for lap 1, but pitted before crossing the start/finish line during lap 2. The pack raced by the three cars that pitted at the end of lap-2 and continued a positional battle. During the race, Surtees, Bell and Beltoise gained bonus points for leading laps.
At the end of lap-3, seven cars pitted. Gavin, Copper, and Mchaven pushed to pass the pitted cars but could not catch them in time. Their “start the race low on fuel” strategy did not payoff.
Six of the Seven cars that pitted on lap-3 took on two fuel except Beltoise who took one. Beltoise lead going down the back strait on lap-4 with McLaren on his heels. McLaren spun going into the fourth corner. Beltoise spent his remaining fuel, but was able to finish lap-5 and garner the win.
As a result of the win, Beltoise gained a considerable lead in the drivers championship. McLaren and Andretti are tied for second while Gavin and Surtees are tied for third. Hahne is fourth just a point behind the third place drivers.
Matra extended its lead in the constructors championship. Lotus was not represented at Indy, but was able to remain in second. McLaren passed Owen for third place.
Click here for detailed race results and here for season standings.