The removable roof panel was OUT during the race. The open roof port is required for the USAC-IRL observer (also called "The Hand" in pace-car lingo) as well as race control video feed. MOST PACE CARS in IRL, CART, NASCAR, etc are T-tops, Verts, or *******. If radios FAIL the only comm to the polesitters or point-bys is VERBAL and HAND GESTURES.
There were 2 "outfitted" GTS Pace Cars, one still at Indy and one at CAAP. There were 2 OTHER NORMAL GTSs there that day for PR, as well as "Official Vehicles and Trucks 80 INDY RAMS, 30 Stratus and 5 StealthTTs. These Dodges had E-crew, parade and princess and VIP duties... all paid by Dodge.
I think you CAN buy a 1996 Race Program with nice story and photos
I was able to sit with Bob Lutz and OPC Pace/Race driver Johnny Rutherford (4-time winner?) at dinner before the race......At that time, retired JR was responsible for the Pace car crew and training. They BOTH autographed my PACECAR license plate ! I was hyperventellatin!!!! I also won a Dodge contest that earned me a ride in that OPC with Bob Lutz. About 25% of VOI attendees got to do a couple paced laps at IMS before or after the race. QUITE A SIGHT I will never forget....
ps.... note my AVTAR please<<<<<< Thanks to Biggie
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