1991 Indy 500 & the Dodge Viper RT/10 Pace Car

The Dodge Viper RT/10 concept car was a huge hit at both the 1989 and 1990 Chicago Auto Show, and prior to production, Dodge named it the official pace car for the 1991 Indianapolis 500 (Indy 500). Originally, Dodge planned to use the Dodge Stealth as the Indy 500 pace car, however, the United Auto Workers (UAW) immediately protested because the Dodge Stealth and the Mitsubishi 3000GT (it's sister car) were both manufactured in Japan. Meanwhile, Chrysler's engineers had already been working on a high-performance V10 sports car, and while there weren't any actual plans to begin production, the UAW protests compelled Dodge to push forward, enhance, and augment the prototype to be ready in time for the start of the Indy 500 on May 26, 1991.

Carroll Shelby, legendary racer-turned-car designer, who helped map out the early concepts for the Dodge Viper, was the driver of the Dodge Viper RT/10 during the pre-race ceremony. "It's not one of these things that will ride 250 miles per hour, I don't believe in that. In America, it's a little different... how fast would it go from zero to 100 to zero? That to me, is a fun sports car and it'll do it in about 12 seconds," said Shelby.

Over 40 drivers were ready to compete in the 75th Indianapolis 500, however, 11 drivers failed to qualify, so on race day only 33 drivers competed. Rick Mears was a rookie driver when he endured his first Indy 500 crash in 1977. Mears suffered his second Indy crash during one of the practice runs, where he broke his right foot, and totaled his primary car. But Mears kept it a secret, and continued to race. When the pain became unbearable, he crossed his legs while driving and pushed the gas pedal with his left foot. Nevertheless, Rick Mears won from the pole position —the first starting position on the grid — to become the third four-time winner of the Indy 500. Rick Mears’ first Indy 500 win was in 1979, followed by three more Indy 500 wins in 1984, 1988, and 1991. In 1992 Rick Mears retired. Mears was one of the youngest race car drivers awarded "Champions for Life" by the Drive of the Year Awards panel. Since the Dodge Viper RT/10 was not yet in production, Rick Mears won a Dodge Stealth (provided by Chrysler), and the Viper went back to Chrysler for testing.
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