1070 Indianapolis 500

In the early 1970s, Donnie thought seriously about trying to run the Indy car series full-time and even had discussions to that effect with legendary driver/car owner A.J. Foyt. That didn't work out but he did leave a long-lasting mark when he ran the 1970 Indianapolis 500 in this 1968 Dan Gurney Eagle and finished fourth. It was was the highest finish by a rookie in Indy 500 history to that point, and it was a mark that stood for 23 years until Nigell Mansell finished third in the 1993 race.

Indy 500 Awards Banquet

Donnie, Kenny and Pat pose with the plaque Donnie received for earning Rookie of the Year honors in the 1970 Indianapolis 500.

More than just a “taxi driver”