1973 Indianapolis 500
Network: ABC
Date and time:
May 28, 1973, 8:00 PM (Originally scheduled)
May 30, 1973, 7:00 PM (Actual time)
Format: Tape-delayed
Length: 2 hours
Viewership: 17.0 million
The race was scheduled to be run on May 28, and broadcast that night. However, the start was delayed by 4 hours, and once the race started it was stopped by a serious crash involving Salt Walther. Rain returned and the race was washed out. ABC showed a movie instead. The race was rained out again on Tuesday, and finally ran on Wednesday. ABC pre-empted their regular programming to show the race that evening.
Due to Formula One commitments, Jackie Stewart was not available for Wednesday and was replaced by Chris Economaki.
Personnel:
Announcers: Jim McKay, Jackie Stewart (Monday and Tuesday), Chris Economaki (Wednesday)
Pit reporters: Dave Diles, Don Hein
Host: Chris Schenkel
Executive producer: Roone Arledge
Producer: Chuck Howard
Directors: Chet Forte, Don Ohlmeyer
Associate directors: Roger Goodman, Bernie Hoffman, Jack Gallivan
Technical directors: Werner Gunther, Bill Morris, Bob Knowles