For additional double duty performed by Formula One drivers, see:
Indianapolis 500: Formula One Driver History
In recent years, one of the greatest racing accomplishments has been competing in the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 in the same day. It has been attempted eight times, and five times a driver has accomplished the feat.
In the 1960's and early 1970's, the Indianapolis 500, and the World 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway were held on different days. A number of drivers were able to race in both events, most of them NASCAR regulars. In 1974, the Indy 500 was permanently moved to the same day as the World 600, and with identical starting times, it was impossible for a driver to race in both. The race name was changed from the World 600 to the Coca-Cola 600 in 1986. In 1992, MUSCO Lighting Co. installed permanent lighting around the Charlotte Motor Speedway, now Lowe's Motor Speedway, allowing night racing for the first time. The Coca-Cola 600 was first held at night in 1993. For the first time in twenty years it was again possible for a driver to compete in both events. But in 1993, the 4:30 PM starting time at Charlotte allowed inadequate travel time. In 1994, the starting time was moved back an hour, and a travel window opened up. In subsequent years, the starting time has been even later, creating more time for a possible "Indy-Charlotte Double."
Several years ago, many of the Indy drivers were in fact, still dirt drivers. From 1946-1959, there was a little-known dirt track across the street from the Speedway called Indianapolis Midget Speedway. Many drivers were known to have competed there, and for a while, they held an afternoon-dusk-evening tripleheader of events the day before the "500." By the early 1960's after Roger McCluskey was involved in a crash two days before the race at Indianapolis Raceway Park, rules were implemented that prevented drivers from racing within 24 hours of the "500."
In 1950, driver Paul Russo is believed to have accomplished an interesting double. After rain shortened the race, Russo headed to Union Station in downtown Indianapolis and immediately traveled to St. Louis. Upon arrving, he competed in a midget race that night at Walsh Stadium. In a few recent years, the CART series has held events the same weekend as Indy, and in two occasions, 1999 and 2000, drivers have raced in both.
1960
The first World 600 was held Sunday June 19, 1960, three weeks after the Indianapolis 500. It had been originally scheduled for Sunday May 29, but the new track was not ready, so it was delayed. Joe Lee Johnston is the winner at Charlotte. Sixty cars take the green flag.
1961
The World 600 is moved to Memorial Day weekend as originally planned, and scheduled for Sunday May 28th (David Pearson- winner). The Indianapolis 500 is held Tuesday May 30th (A.J. Foyt- winner). Preliminary twin 100-mile races are held at Charlotte the weekend prior, on May 21st (won by Joe Weatherly and Richard Petty).
1962
The World 600 is held Sunday May 27, the Indianapolis 500 is held Wednesday May 30th.
1963
The Indianapolis 500 is held Thursday May 30th. The World 600 is held Sunday June 2nd. NASCAR regular Junior Johnson entered at Indy but failed to qualify. At Charlotte, Johnson finished 2nd in the World 600.
1964
The World 600 is held Sunday May 24th. The Indianapolis 500 is held Saturday May 30th.
1965
The World 600 is held on Sunday May 23, an entire week before the Indianapolis 500, which was held Monday May 31st. In what is regarded as the first interesting cross-over to Indy by a NASCAR team, the famous Wood Brothers pit crew was invited by Ford Motor Company to service the Lotus cars of Jim Clark and Bobby Johns. Though the pit stops conducted at Indianapolis largely varied from those done in NASCAR, the Wood Brothers team familiarized themselves with the equipment and precedures on Carburetion Day. Their calculated, unique, and flawless pit stop work they were famous for, was well-received on race day. Clark won the race with ease, but many feel the Wood Brothers' work was simply "icing on the cake." At the time, refueling was the primary need during pit stops, and crews expected only as few as 2-3 stops during the race. The Lotus team's advanced refueling equipment made for swift refueling. Tires were seldom changed during that era, and were rarely a concern. Many agree that Clark was so dominate during the race that day, that he would have won with or without the added help, and that the Wood Brothers' presence was merely an added incentive for the team. Bobby Johns, a NASCAR semi-regular, skipped Charlotte and joined the team as well to race at Indy.
1966
The World 600 is held on Sunday May 22, an entire week before the Indianapolis 500, which was held Monday May 30th. NASCAR regular Cale Yarborough skips Charlotte and races at Indy, where he finished 28th.
1967
The World 600 is held on Sunday May 28. The Indianapolis 500 is held over two days, Tuesday May 30th-Wednesday May 31st, due to rain. NASCAR regular Lee Roy Yarbrough skips Charlotte to race at Indy, where he finished 27th. Cale Yarborough became the first driver to compete in both races in the same year, finishing 41st at Charlotte, and 17th at Indy.
1968
The World 600 is held on Sunday May 26. Rain shortens it to 255 laps/382.5 miles. The Indianapolis 500 is held on Thursday May 30th. Jerry Grant is the second driver to enter and compete in both races in the same year. He finished 12th at Charlotte, and 23rd at Indy four days later.
On June 28, 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was signed into law, which was intended to insure three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on a particular Monday, rather than a specific date. Washington's Birthday (eventually referred to as Presidents' Day), Memorial Day, Veterans' Day (which was eventually changed back), and Columbus Day were all changed from their traditional date to a specified Monday, to be effective starting in 1971. Memorial Day, which was traditionally observed on May 30, would be officially moved to last Monday in May.
1969
Lee Roy Yarbrough won the World 600 at Charlotte on Sunday May 25th. Five days later, on Friday May 30th, he finished 23rd in the Indianapolis 500 where he completed 65 laps, dropping out with a split header. NASCAR regular Charlie Glotzbach entered at Indy, but fails to qualify. He did not race at Charlotte.
1970
Donnie Allison won the World 600 at Charlotte on Sunday May 24th. Six days later, he finished fourth on the lead lap in the Indianapolis 500 on Saturday May 30. He is still noted as one of the most successful cross-over drivers from stock cars to Indy cars. Lee Roy Yarbrough also raced both, finishing 29th at Charlotte, and 19th in his final start at Indy. NASCAR regular Charlie Glotzbach, entered at Indy, but for the second straight year failed to qualify. Glotzbach does race at Charlotte in the World 600, where he finished 25th.
1971
The Uniform Holidays Bill takes effect in 1971, moving Memorial Day to the last Monday in May. Speedway management reacts by scheduling the Indianapolis 500 for May 29th, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. NASCAR regular Donnie Allison finishes 6th at Indy, one lap down. Afterwards he flys to Charlotte. The next day, Sunday May 30, Donnie's brother Bobby Allison wins the World 600, and Donnie himself finished 2nd. Immediately following the race, Donnie flew back to Indianapolis, and made it back in time for the victory banquet. NASCAR regular Cale Yarborough skips the World 600 and races at Indy, where he finished 16th.
1972
The Indianapolis 500 is held Saturday May 27, and the World 600 is held Sunday May 28. No drivers attempt to race in both. NASCAR regular Cale Yarborough skips the World 600 and races at Indy. He finished 10th in his final race at Indy.
1973
The World 600 is held Sunday May 27, and the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Monday May 28. Rain delays the Indy 500 until Wednesday, and no drivers attempted to drive in both. NASCAR regular Bobby Allison skips the World 600, and races at Indy for the first time.
1974
The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled on a Sunday (May 26) for the first time in its history. The World 600 is scheduled for the same day and the same starting time. Drivers will no longer be able to race in both.
1975
With both races on the same day, NASCAR regular Bobby Allison again skips the World 600 and races at Indy. NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt makes his first career Cup series start in the World 600. Mario Andretti, racing in Formula One, skips the Grand Prix of Belguim and races at Indy. Two nights before the Indy 500, A.J. Foyt, Gary Bettenhausen and Jan Opperman took part in twin 50-lap dirt races at the fairgrounds. Foyt, who won the pole position for the 500, won both of the dirt events.
1976
Both the Indy 500 and World 600 are scheduled for Sunday May 30th. Rookie Janet Guthrie enters Indy, attempting to become the first female driver to race in the Indy 500. A frustrating month of mechanical failures makes for a difficult time in passing her rookie tests. Eventually Guthrie passed her tests, but time ran out and she was not to make a qualifying attempt. After Bump Day, Guthrie instead went to Charlotte, and qualified 27th for the World 600. She was the first female to race in the World 600, and it was also her first NASCAR Winston Cup race. She finished a respectable 15th (out of 40), completing 379 laps (of 400). David Pearson wins the World 600, and Johnny Rutherford wins at Indy, which was shortened to 255 miles due to rain. Mario Andretti, racing in Formula One, skips the Monaco Grand Prix, and races at Indy. He was unable to qualify on pole day, and instead qualifies on the second weekend of time trials. He winds up the fastest qualifier overall in the field.
1977
Two racing legends win at the same time. A.J. Foyt won a historic fourth Indianapolis 500. Meanwhile Richard Petty wins his third World 600 at Charlotte. Mario Andretti, racing full-time in Formula One, finishes 5th in the May 22 race at Monaco, then flies to Indianapolis to race in the 500 where he drops out and finishes 26th. Formula One driver Clay Regazzoni had trouble getting his car up to speed, so he skips Monaco and races at Indy instead.
1978
Mario Andretti wins the Formula One Grand Prix of Belguim on May 21, then flies to Indy to compete in the 500 on May 28. He finishes 12th at Indy, completing 185 laps. Time trials for Andretti, however, were complicated by weather. Rain washed out the first weekend of qualifying, so Andretti had to leave the Speedway without securing a starting spot in the field. He traveled to Belgium, and Mike Hiss handled the qualifying duties back at Indy. On race day, Andretti took over the car and started 33rd. Also on the first weekend of time trials, A.J. Foyt gambled on rain all weekend, and left Indianapolis to fly to Talladega, Alabama. He raced in the NASCAR Winston 500, and finished 3rd. He reportedly had a plane waiting on the airstrip at Talladega to return to Indy (70-minute flight) in case time trials started.
1979
The Grand Prix of Monaco and the Indianapolis 500 are held on the same day, so Mario Andretti is forced to skip Indy. He drops out and finishes 16th at Monaco.
1980
Mario Andretti finishes 7th at the Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco on May 18, then flies to Indy to compete in the 500 on May 25. He drops out and finishes 20th at Indy, completing 71 laps.
1981
Mario Andretti finishes 10th at the Formula One Grand Prix of Belguim on May 17, then flies to Indy to compete in the 500 on May 24. After a penalty involving winner Bobby Unser, Andretti who finished second, is awarded the win. The following weekend, Andretti flies to Monte Carlo to compete in the Grand Prix of Monaco, where he crashes and finishes last. In October, the Unser's penalty from the Indy 500 is reversed by an appeals court, and Andretti is relegated to second place.
The World 600 is shown live on television for the first time. On CBS's "Sport Spectacular," the race was joined in-progess. Live updates from Indianapolis were included in the coverage.
1982
Danny Ongias raced at Indy on Sunday May 30, and finished 22nd, dropping out with 62 laps after crashing. On the next day, Monday May 31, he raced in the IMSA Coca-Cola 400 Camel GT race at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut. He finished 4th, two laps down.
1984
Rookie Al Holbert raced at Indy on Sunday May 27, and finished 4th, two laps down. The following day, Monday May 28, he raced in the IMSA Coca-Cola 500 1-Hour Camel GTP race at Lime Rock. He finished 3rd at Lime Rock, one lap down. One weekend earlier on May 20, Pat Bedard, who would crash and finish 30th at Indy, along with Holbert, participated in the IMSA Camel GTP Charlotte 500 KM race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Bedard finished 3rd with Brian Redman, and Holbert finished 17th with Derek Bell.
1985
The Indianapolis 500 is in its final year of same-day-tape broadcast on ABC. The World 600 is taped and shown in syndication, as it had been for a few years. The World 600 experiences some of its biggest pre-race hype to date, as Bill Elliott is eligible to win the Winston Million if he is victorious. Darrell Waltrip steals Elliott's thunder and wins at Charlotte. Meanwhile, Danny Sullivan spins and wins at Indy. Elliott would go on to win the Winston Million in September at Darlington.
1986
The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to be broadcast live on ABC for the first time. The Coca-Cola World 600 is broadcast live in syndication. This is to be the first time that both races go head-to-head not only on starting time, but on television. However, few television stations plan to show the entire broadcast from Charlotte, and instead several join the telecast already in progress, when the Indianapolis 500 telecast is over. The Indy 500, however, is rained out, and held the following Saturday.
1987
With neither race rained out this year, the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 go finally head-to-head broadcast on television for the first time. Indy is shown live on ABC, and Charlotte is shown live on syndication. Few television stations chose to show the entire broadcast from Charlotte. Most join it in progress following the the broadcast of the Indianapolis 500. A week prior, ABC covered The Winston all-star event at Charlotte. It would be shown tape delayed on Wide World of Sports. The event is remembered by Dale Earnhardt's now-famous "pass in the grass." After the Indy 500 was over, driver Rich Vogler, who dropped out after 109 laps, flew to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and competed in a USAC midget race that night. He practiced several laps, and finished third in the feature.
1988
The Indianapolis 500 is broadcast live on ABC for the third time. Jim McKay leaves as host and Paul Page takes over as host and announcer. Cable channel TBS signs on to broadcast the Coca-Cola 600 live flag-to-flag for the first time. This is to be the first time that both races go head-to-head not only on starting time, but on national television. TBS would continue to cover the Coca-Cola 600 live until 2000.
Indy veterans Geoff Brabham and Davy Jones were unable to secure rides at Indy, and raced instead at Lime Rock in the IMSA GTP race.
1990
Veteran drivers Kevin Cogan, Geoff Brabham, and Rocky Moran raced at Indy, finishing 9th, 19th, and 25th respectively, on Sunday May 27. On the next day, Monday May 28th, they raced in the IMSA Toyota Trucks Lime Rock Camel Grand Prix. Brabham's car dropped out with engine trouble and finished last, without Brabham having taken the wheel yet. He did, however, take the wheel in another team car, which finished 4th. Moran finished 5th with co-driver Juan Manuel Fangio II, and Cogan finished 13th with co-driver John Paul, Jr.
1991
Geoff Brabham finished 20th at Indy on May 26, dropping out after 109 laps. The next day, Monday May 27th, he participated in the IMSA GTP Toyota Trucks Presents the Lime Rock Camel Grand Prix two hour event. Brabham finished 3rd on the lead lap at Lime Rock.
1992
Lights are installed at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and The Winston all-star race is held under-the-lights for the first time. The Coca-Cola 600 is still held during the daytime, conflicting with Indy. Al Unser, Jr. wins at Indy and Dale Earnhardt wins at Charlotte.
On Indy 500 Pole day, NASCAR legend Richard Petty visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, at the invitation of STP. It would be the final time Petty had done so as an active driver on the Winston Cup circuit. Petty had visited Indy several times in the past during the month of May, when it did not conflict with his NASCAR racing schedule. During one of those visits, Petty was asked if he would sit in an Indy car for a photo opportunity. Petty, who never drove an Indy car in his racing career, always refused, saying he was "afriad they'd crank it up."
A few weeks after the 1992 Indy 500, nine NASCAR Winston Cup teams were invited for a tire test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. No official announcement were made, however, it would be the first feaseability test for what would become the Brickyard 400.
1993
On May 30, the Coca-Cola 600 is held under the lights for the first time. It has a late-afternoon starting time, and finishes at night. Dale Earnhardt wins.
John Paul Jr. attempted to qualify at Indy, but spun during time trials, and did not make the field. The day after Indy, he particpated in the Lime Rock IMSA Toyota Trucks Lime Rock Grand Prix two-hour event, finishing 4th.
In an arrangement unrelated to the double, 1992 Indy 500 champion Al Unser, Jr. entered the February 14 Daytona 500. He finished 36th after crashing out on lap 157 in his only career start. Unser, Jr. is the most recent Indy 500 winner to enter and race in the Daytona 500.
About a month prior to the 1993 Indy 500, the Speedway announced the Inaugural NASCAR Brickyard 400 would be held in 1994. In August of 1993, a full-scale test session was held, involving 35 top NASCAR Winston Cup teams. Retired NASCAR champion Richard Petty, who had never driven an Indy car, and had never driven around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at racing speed, tested a stock car around the track for a few hot laps. He then donated the car to the Speedway museum.
1994
John Andretti, who had raced at Indy since 1988, became a full-time NASCAR driver, however, desired to race at the Indy 500. John successfully balanced practice time at both tracks, and qualified for both events. On race day Andretti finished 10th at Indianapolis, then boarded a helicopter to the airport. He flew to Charlotte, and arrived just in time for the start of the Coca-Cola 600. As a penalty for missing the pre-race drivers' meeting, Andretti was forced to start from the rear of the field. His luck ran out as the race wore on, and he finished 36th with engine failure after 220 laps. Jeff Gordon, who would win the inaugural Brickyard 400 two months later, wins the Coca-Cola 600, his first career Cup series win.
1995
Davy Jones, a veteran of Indy since 1987, attempted to qualify for both events. He qualified 31st at Indy, but failed to qualify at Charlotte. On race day at Indianapolis, Jones crashed after 161 laps, and finished 23rd.
1996
No drivers attempt the double, and there was little, if any, discussion about anybody doing so. CART teams chose not to enter at Indianapolis, protesting the 25/8 rule, and hold a race at Michigan. The CART U.S. 500, shown on ESPN, featured a late-afternoon start, and was scheduled to go head-to-head against the 500 on television for only about a hour or so. However, a huge wreck at the start halted the race, and the two races barely overlapped.
1997
Robby Gordon, who first came to Indy in 1993, made his attempt to equal Andretti's feat. He was entered in both races by Felix Sabates, by far the best funded effort yet. He qualified 12th at Indy, and then qualified 28th at Charlotte. On race day however, rain forced postponement of the Indy 500, and Gordon left the track to go to Charlotte. He crashed after 186 laps, and finished 41st. After Gordon dropped out, the Coca-Cola 600 suffered a rain delay before the halfway point, halting the race for two and a half hours. Eventually it was resumed, but officially ended after 333 laps (of 400) due to lateness. On Monday, Gordon returned to Indianapolis and started the race. After 15 laps, rain caused another delay. On Tuesday, the race was restarted, but Gordon's car caught fire on the 19th lap and he finished 29th. He competed in both races, but not the way he wanted to.
1998
Although no drivers attempted the feat this year, a famous pit crew member did the double duty. Danny "Chocolate" Meyers, the fuel man for Dale Earnhardt's NASCAR Winston Cup car, was invited by A.J. Foyt Enterprises to fuel the car of Billy Boat during the Indianapolis 500. After the "500" was over, Meyers flew to Charlotte and did his normal job for the #3 car of the Richard Childress Racing Team.
Jack Hewitt, an open-wheel driver racing at Indy for the first time, originally planned to run at Indy during the day, then travel to race at Eldora Speedway later than night. Hewitt changed his mind, however, in order to enjoy and concentrate on his Indy participation.
1999
Tony Stewart, an Indy regular since 1996, switched to NASCAR's Joe Gibbs Racing Team, but still planned to race at Indianapolis. Stewart was challenged by a shortend Indy practice schedule, and a hectic NASCAR commitment. On Pole Day, Stewart not only had to qualify for the Indy 500, but was also slated to race in The Winston, NASCAR's All-Star race. At Indy, Stewart was forced to take a gamble, and settle for a rather slow qualifying speed. His speed held up though and he wound up starting 24th. Later that night, Tony won the NASCAR Winston Open, the "last chance" race for The Winston, and finished a strong second in the main event, The Winston. On race day, Stewart was never a factor at Indy, finishing 9th, four laps down. He quickly flew to Charlotte, and drove strong. He had qualified for the 27th starting position, but was moved to the back of the pack due to missing the drivers' meeting. He led a number of laps, and finished 4th. Stewart's accomplishment marked the best performance in the "Indy-Charlotte Double" to that date. Unfortunately, Stewart subsiquently suffered from severe fatigue and fluid loss, and promised never to try the feat again.
Although the races were not on the same day, Robby Gordon and Roberto Moreno became the first two drivers to compete in a CART series event and at Indy on consecutive days. The CART Motorola 300 at Gateway International Raceway was held on Saturday, the day before the Indianapolis 500, Moreno finished 4th, and Gordon crashed and finished 27th. At Indy on Sunday, Gordon wound up 4th, amidst rumors he was injured from Saturday's crash. Moreno had a transmission failure after 122 laps, and finished 20th.
2000
Robby Gordon made a second attempt at completing the double in 2000. He entered with Team Menard for both races. Gordon qualified 4th at Indy and earned the 42nd starting position at Charlotte with an owner provisional. When race day arrived, rain forced a three-hour delay for the Indianapolis 500, and the chance to attempt the feat was again taken away. In the early afternoon, the chance still seemed possible when rain showers moved into the Charlotte area, suggesting another delay. The race started on time though, and P.J. Jones was substituted for Gordon to start in the Coca-Cola 600. When the "500" was over, Gordon placed 6th, and flew to Charlotte. During a pit stop, Gordon took over for Jones, and ended up 35th, completing 389 of 400 laps.
Drivers Juan Montoya and Jimmy Vasser and the Chip Ganassi Racing Team became the first major CART effort to cross lines and compete in the Indianapolis 500 of the Indy Racing League. There was no CART race originally scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, however, the April 11 event at Nazareth had to be postponed because of snow. The 225-lap Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix was rescheduled for Saturday, the day before the Indianapolis 500. Montoya finished 4th, and Vasser finished 7th, both on the lead lap. At Indy on Sunday, Montoya was the winner, and Vasser finished 7th, one lap down.
Rookie Jason Leffler also competed in two races on the same weekend. On Saturday, the day before the race, he competed in the NASCAR Busch Series CarQuest Auto Parts 300 at Charlotte, NC. He started 23rd and finished 21st in the Busch race. On Sunday at Indy, he started 17th and finished 17th, 3 laps down.
2001
Now a NASCAR regular, Tony Stewart chose to run Indy and Charlotte together again. Criticized by members of the media as being overweight and unfit for the grueling task, Stewart undertook a month-long fitness and dietary program with a personal trainer. Stewart, still driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in NASCAR, signed with Target Chip Ganassi Racing, part of a four driver effort at Indy.
He qualified 7th at Indy and 12th at Charlotte. Due to the new television package for FOX, the start of the Coca-Cola 600 was moved up. A strict schedule was put into place, and regardless if the race was not over at Indy, Stewart was allegedly required to get out of the car at 4:00 PM EDT to make the flight to Charlotte on time. To his dismay, rain fell past the halfway point at Indy, and the time window grew smaller and smaller. Stewart was a factor all through the race, and had led 13 laps. During the sixteen-minute red flag, he had to visit first aid for a cramping leg. Relief driver Richie Hearn almost took over, but Stewart got back in the car. The race was eventually resumed, and Stewart continued. The race was completed, and he finished 6th, on the lead lap. Immediately he flew to Lowe's Motor Speedway, and made the start of the race on time. He was moved to the back of the pack during the pace lap for missing the drivers' meeting. On the second lap, Stewart spun while running last, in an incident he claimed was unrelated to fatigue. As the race wore on, he steadily climbed the standings, and finished 3rd on the lead lap. He became the first driver ever to complete all 1,100 miles, and finish in the top five for both races in the same day. Proving his critics wrong, a successful, and slightly angry, Stewart called them "idiots," and did not dismiss another shot at the double in the future.
2002
During the spring testing period, four drivers made tentative plans to attempt to race at both Indianapolis and Charlotte. Among them were Tony Stewart, John Andretti, Robby Gordon and Kevin Harvick. Eventually nothing materialized for Harvick, and Stewart decided not to do it due to his commitment to NASCAR. Twice John Andretti nearly recieved permission from his team owner Kyle Petty, but both times Petty eventually decided against it. Robby Gordon was the only one who made an effort, entered at Indianapolis by his NASCAR owner Richard Childress and Menard racing. A hecktic schedule hampered by seeming unstoppable rain complicated Gordon's effort, but he managed to succesfully qualify for both events. At Indy, Gordon qualified 11th, and at Charlotte he qualified 12th. This would be Gordon's third attempt at the double feat, however, in the previous two tries, rain interferred. Driver Robby McGehee was on hand to substitute if Gordon was not able to compete at Indy, and Mike Wallace was originally in line to substitute at Charlotte if needed. NASCAR rules require drives who miss the race day drivers meeting to start at the back of the pack, and due to the travel time, Gordon would miss it. He lobbied NASCAR to allow him to view it live on the airplane through a videoconference, but NASCAR denied the request. On one of the greatest weather days in Indy history, Gordon slowly worked his way up to the top five, until a pit fire and explosion slowed his progress. He was able to continue though, and finished 8th on the lead lap. At Charlotte, he was required to start last because he missed the drivers' meeting, and spent the day climbing up in the standings. He ran in the top five for a while, but an ill-handling car, along with a cramping leg, saw him fall two laps down. A relief driver, Kevin Lapage, was standing by, but Gordon pushed on, made up one lap, and wound up 16th, one lap down. In total, Gordon was second most successful all-time, completing 599 of 600 laps (1,098.5 of 1,100 miles) over the two races.
Robby Gordon Motorsports offered a special travel package for fans to attend both races. The "Double Duty Tour" allowed fans to reserve a limited number of travel packages to attend both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in the same day.
2003
Two drivers were expected to run both races, but only one was able to secure funding. Robby Gordon and John Andretti, both NASCAR regulars, expressed interest in running at Indy during the spring. Andretti got permission from his NASCAR owner, Kyle Petty to persure an Indy ride. His cousin Michael Andretti, who heads Andretti-Green Racing, was a consideration for John, especially since it was to be Michael's final Indy 500, and also because one of the team drivers, Dario Franchitti, was on the sidelines due to a motorcycle accident. Robby Gordon, however, was chosen to fill the vacated seat, and time ran out for John Andretti to secure one of few rides that were still availible. Gordon qualified third at Indy, on the front row. He used an owner's provisional to start 38th at Charlotte. Andretti-Green Racing chose Bryan Herta to substitute for Gordon at Indy if he was not able to finish the race. At Charlotte, Ron Hornaday was standing by for Richard Childress Racing if Gordon did not make it to Charlotte in time for the start. On race day, Gordon was never a factor at Indy, spending few laps running in the top ten. After slowly climbing back up the standings, Gordon dropped out after 169 laps (422.5 miles) with gearbox trouble. He was credited with 22nd place. For the first time, a driver attempting the double dropped out of the race at Indy, and was not necessarily rushed to get to Charlotte. With the extra time, Gordon was driven to the airport instead of taking a helicopter, and made it to Charlotte with plenty of time to spare. At Charlotte, Gordon moved to the rear of the field (43rd) for missing the drivers' meeting, which was only a few positions back from his 38th starting position. Rain affected the running of the Coca-Cola 600, and it was feared that the race would not go its entire distance. The race was officially called after rain fell on the 276th lap (414 miles), and Gordon was credited with 17th place, running one lap down.
For the second year in a row, Robby Gordon Motorsports offered a special travel package for fans to attend both races. The "Double Duty Tour" allowed fans to reserve a limited number of travel packages through Hooter's Air, to attend both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in the same day.
2004
For the fifth time, Robby Gordon chose to attempt the double. A busy NASCAR schedule made for a hectic month. Gordon entered Indy in his own ride, sponsored by Meijer. Gordon's NASCAR entry was again, Richard Childress Racing. Gordon was also driving full-time in the NASCAR Busch Series. On the opening weekend of practice, there was no NASCAR Nextel event. The Busch Series raced the day before opening day, the Charter 250 at Gateway International Raceway. Gordon finished 10th. The very next day, Gordon was practicing at Indy. Monday, however, Gordon suffered a setback, when he crashed hard in practice at Indy. On pole weekend, the NASCAR Busch Series raced Friday night, at Richmond in the Funai 250, Gordon finished 19th. On Saturday morning, Gordon was back at Indy, preparing to qualify, but rain delayed the start of Pole Day. Gordon eventually qualified, and flew immediately to Richmond, where he made the drivers' meeting on time. At the Nextel Cup event, the Chevy American Revolution 400, Gordon was allowed to start in his 6th starting position, but on the second lap, he suffered a blown tire, fell to the back of the field, and eventually finished 24th. A few days later, Gordon announced that he was going to sit out the next two Busch Series races (Nazareth and Charlotte) so he could concentrate on his Indy and Coca-Cola 600 efforts.
On Bump Day, Tony Stewart created a stir when he unexpectedly showed up at the Speedway. The previous night, he was in Charlotte for the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge event at Lowe's Motor Speedway, where he finished 3rd. There was no NASCAR activity scheduled for Sunday, so Stewart chose to visit Indianapolis for the day. He had reportedly been in contact with A.J. Foyt, and rumors were high that he would practice in a car or even attempt to qualify. Early Sunday afternoon, the field was filled to 33, and rain halted qualifying. Stewart was seen climbing in one of Foyt's cars, and in fact, at one point donned a driver's suit. After the track was dried, the car was wheeled out to the pits, and it appeared that Stewart was planning on taking it out for practice. About one hour remained until the track was closed. As fans waited, Stewart waited for permission from his sponsors. No deal could be made for him to drive the car, and it was wheeled back to the garage area. Stewart commented that he was a bit upset, but admitted that it was an idea that had come together in just a few hours, and he originally came to the Speedway that morning as a spectator. Stewart did suggest that a better-funded, and more organized effort was not to be ruled out for 2005.
On race day, rain delayed the start of the race by over two hours. Robby Gordon started the race as planned. Jaques Lazier was standing by in case Gordon needed a relief driver. After 27 laps, rain caused a red flag, and brought the race to a halt. Figuring the race was over for the day, Gordon immediately boarded a helicopter to make the trip to Charlotte. After a nearly two-hour delay, the track was dried at Indy, and the race was ready to be resumed. Jaques Lazier climbed in the car, and became the first relief driver at Indy since 1977. When the race continued, Lazier, who had not practiced in the car during the month, steadily worked his way up the standings. During a restart after a yellow, Jaques's car suddenly failed to accelerate, and fine driving by himself and the other drivers prevented a serious pile-up. He nursed the car to the pits, and a broken axle ended their day. They were credited with 88 laps in 29th place. At Charlotte, Gordon, driving the #31 RCR Cingular Chevrolet, moved to the back of the pack, due to missing the drivers' meeting. He was hardly a factor in a race that was dominated by Jimmie Johnson. Gordon finished 20th, three laps down.
For the third year in a row, Robby Gordon Motorsports offered a special travel package for fans to attend both races. The "Double Duty Tour" allowed fans to reserve a limited number of travel packages through Hooter's Air, to attend both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in the same day. However, due to the rain delay at Indianapolis, the tour group was forced to leave Indy before the race was concluded.
2005
On September 14, 2004 the Speedway announced sweeping changes for the Indy 500 schedule. The number of qualifying days was restored to four, the qualifying procedure was revamped, Carb Day was moved from Thursday to Friday, but most importantly, the start time of the race was moved from 11:00 AM EST to 12:00 PM EST (1:00 PM EDT). Moving the start time of the race an hour later, the first such change since 1963, significantly cut precious time needed for any driver to attempt a Indy-Charlotte double. Although the change would not make the feat impossible, for the first time, drivers and teams contemplated whether a future attempt was worth the effort. When the entry list was finalized in April, no drivers had expressed plans of attempting the double.
During the month, no drivers came foward to attempt the double, and it became the first time since 1998 that no plans were made to do so. On race day, the Indianapolis 500 experienced a surge in media hype and popularity due to Danica Patrick, and beat the Coca-Cola 600 in television ratings for the first time since 1999. At Charlotte, the Coca-Cola 600 suffers an all-time NASCAR record 22 cautions, and lasts over five hours.
2006
On April 29, 2005, the Indiana General Assembly voted to begin observing Daylight Saving Time in 2006. This change would affect the starting time for the 2006 race. On February 4, 2006, the Speedway announced the starting time for the 2006 Indy 500 would be 1:00 PM EDT. In 2005, the race was scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM EST locally, which is the exact same time as 1:00 PM EDT. While there would be no actual change in real time, the short time frame between the typical end of the Indy 500 and the start of the Coca-Cola 600 would still be likely unsuitable for a driver to attempt the double. Going into the 2006 Daytona 500, some rumors suggested that NASCAR regular Casey Mears was contemplating the double. Other rumors suggested that he would be allowed to do so if he won at Daytona. Mears, the nephew of four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears had entered but did not qualify at Indy in 2000. Mears raised eyebrows by finishing second at Daytona, but a ride at Indy never materialized. By the opening of practice in May, there was no talk of double duty for any drivers.
On race day, while no drivers participated in the double, Penske Racing NASCAR regular Kurt Busch was in attendance for the morning and the start of the Indianapolis 500. Busch spent the morning with the Marlboro Team Penske crew. Busch soon after flew to Charlotte in time for the driver's meeting of the Coca-Cola 600. Robby Gordon, who had attempted the double a few times, said in a May 27 interview on MRN Radio/Sirius Satellite Radio that he was interested in attempting the double again, possibly in 2007. His main concerns were not time constraints, but overall competetiveness in both races, wanting to not attempt the double for the mere purpose of "just for the sake of doing it."
During the months leading up to the two races, Jim Beam, sponsor for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Robby Gordon and for Michael Andretti's 2006 Indy 500 entry, organized a fan sweepstakes. The "Jim Beam 1100" sweepstakes awarded a lucky fan, along with three guests, a VIP trip to Indianapolis to watch the Indy 500, then fly to Charlotte to watch the Coca-Cola 600. Philip Keeney, of Mechanicsbugh, PA was announced the winner on May 17. He and three guests watched the Indianapolis 500 with VIP treatment, then traveled via helicopter to Indianapolis International Airport. They then flew to Charlotte abord private jets owned by Andretti and Gordon, where they watched the Coca-Cola 600 from a VIP suite.
2007
When the official entry list for the 2007 Indy 500 was released on April 10, there were no drivers listed who would be possible double duty candidates. Several unannounced entries remained prior to the start of practice, but no rumors had been circulating about possible rides for double duty. When practice opened, rumors were suggesting that John Andretti, who had been racing in NASCAR since 1994, would return to Indycars, and race in the Indy 500. His ride, however, would be a second-week engine lease ride. John had been racing full-time in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series from 1994-2003, and in part-time Nextel Cup Series rides for 2004-2005. In 2006, Andretti raced full-time in the NASCAR Busch Series. In 2007, he expected to race full-time in the Busch Series, however, he only started one race. Andretti's plans for 2007 changed when he signed as the replacement for Nextel Cup driver Kyle Petty for four races, while Petty worked in the TNT television booth. The deal would not begin until June, which would leave the month of May open for Andretti. Although he would not being doing double duty, Andretti's return to Indianapolis was highly anticipated by fans. On Wednesday May 16, the first day of the second week of practice, Andretti was named to Panther Racing's #33 Camping World Dallara/Honda. he qualified solidly, but experienced a tough race. Early on he lost a rear-view mirror, and later, on the 99th lap, he lost control and crashed in turn two.
For the second time, Jim Beam, the sponsor for Robby Gordon's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup team, and Michael Andretti's 2007 Indy 500 entry, hosted a sweepstakes for fans. The "Jim Beam 1100 One Day. Two Races. 1100 Miles" contest allowed for one lucky fan to win a VIP trip for himself/herself and three friends to attend the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in the same day. The contest winner would watch the Indianapolis 500, the fly on a private jet along with Robby Gordon and Michael Andretti, to Concord, NC to watch the Coca-Cola 600. On May 17, it was announced that Liz Steedman of Ocean City, MD, was the winner.
NASCAR legend Richard Petty, who had visted the Speedway many times in past years during time trials, was an invited guest to the race of John Andretti and Panther Racing. Andretti was a former driver of Petty Enterprises, and also invited Robbie Loomis and Dale Inman from the team. It was the first time Petty had attened the Indy 500 on race day, and marked the second major event he attended that month (he also attended the Kentucky Derby). Petty visited with many participants, including A.J. Foyt. Petty, Loomis, and Inman were all scheduled later that day to fly to Charlotte and watch the Coca-Cola 600.
Due to the rain delay, some non-driving participants chose not to make scheduled trips to Charlotte. Car owner Chip Ganassi was expected to fly to Charlotte after the Indy 500 was over, but during the rain delay, expressed he had no interest in leaving Indianapolis. At Charlotte, Casey Mears, nephew of four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears, and who had entered at Indy in 2000, won his first Nextel Cup event. J.J. Yeley, who had also previously started at Indy (1998) finished second.
2008
In February, Ryan Newman won the 50th NASCAR Daytona 500 in a car owned by Roger Penske. The victory gave Penske wins at both Indy and Daytona. The day following Daytona, Penske publicly offered Newman a ride for the Indy 500 if he was interested, but Newman declined.
After Speedweeks at Daytona, Robby Gordon was levied a massive $100,000 penalty fine for an illegal nose on his car. Gordon had been driving in NASCAR for several years, and had not been at Indy since 2004. In early March, Gordon announced that he appealed the decision, and that if he lost the appeal, he would procede to enter a car in the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. The opportunity never materialized. In the days leading up to the Indy 500, NASCAR drivers including Jimmie Johnson, expressed interest in running the Indy 500, but none made any serious efforts. In early May, Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage offered Dale Earnhardt, Jr. $100,000 to drive an Indy car at the Bombardier Learjet 550k (scheduled for June 7), but the offer was never accepted.
On race day at Charlotte, former Indy 500 starter, and two-time Brickyard 400 winner Tony Stewart was leading the Coca-Cola 600 with three laps to go. A flat tire ruined his race, and he wound up 18th. Kasey Kahne won.
In an unrelated double effort, Jeff Simmons drove in the Firestone Freedom 100 (part of the Firestone Indy Lights season) on Saturday May 24th, and in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday May 25th. He became the first driver to race in both events in the same year. Scheduled for Friday, the Freedom 100 was delayed one day due to rain. He finished 8th and 28th respectively.
2009
Once more, no drivers attempted the double. NASCAR owner Richard Petty joinced forces with John Andretti to enter a car at Indy, a joint-effort with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. The car, sponsored by Windows World, was painted in the famous blue and red Petty colors, and carried the famous #43. Andretti had driven for Petty Enterprises for several years in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Andretti struggled during the month, but managed a last-minute qualifying attempt to successfully bump his way into the field. he finished 19th on race day.
NASCAR regular Robby Gordon was an early rumor to enter at Indy, possibly in joint effort with Richard Childress, however it never materialized.
At Charlotte, rain postponed the scheduled start of the 50th annual Coca-Cola 600. Ultimately it was rescheduled for Monday at noon. It was the first time since 1992 the race would be not be run under-the-lights, and the first time the race was pushed into a second day due to rain. It also was the first time the race was held on Memorial Day itself. On Monday, rain continued to plague the race, and fell intermittedly throughout the day. The race got underway, but rain halted it at lap 73. After 57 minutes, the race resumed. The race made it to lap 228 (of 400) before rains came once again, and was ended after 340.5 miles with David Reutimann declared the winner.