Graham McRae, 1973 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, dies at 81
New Zealand racing driver Graham McRae during the 1973 Rothmans 5000 European Championship, UK, 26th April 1973. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Graham McRae, the 1973 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, had died at 81.
The 1973 race was the New Zealand native’s only entry at the Indianapolis 500. He started 13th, made it as high as 3rd place, then finished 16th after having to retire early due to a mechanical issue.
McRae also raced in one Formula One Championship event, racing for the Williams team at the 1973 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
He won the 1972 SCCA/USAC Formula 5000 championship in the United States.