Around speedway in 1967
source:
irl.racing-live.com
As the legendary host of "The Tonight Show," Johnny
Carson was renowned for being quick with a witty one-liner either in his
monologues or while interviewing guests.
Less well-known was that Carson also was pretty quick in a race car around the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Carson, who became an American icon as host of "The Tonight Show" from 1962-92,
died January 23 at age 79. Among the many celebrities whose careers he helped
launch included comedian Dave Letterman, who has gone on to similar fame as a
late-night talk show host and co- owns the car that Buddy Rice drove to victory
in the 2004 Indianapolis 500.
In 1967, STP President and Indianapolis 500 team owner Andy Granatelli invited
Carson to the Speedway to drive the famed turbine- powered "whooshmobile" race
car. STP was a major sponsor of "The Tonight Show" at the time, and Granatelli
said he was a guest on the show "seven or eight times."
Granatelli and famed drivers Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones and Rodger Ward
welcomed Carson to the track. The drivers showed Carson the racing line in a few
trips around the historic 2.5-mile oval in a passenger car.
Andretti asked Carson during the laps, "Now, you see where those tire skid marks
go up into the wall?"
"Yes," Carson replied.