The 1987 Pocono 500, an essential fixture in the CART PPG Indy Car World Series, took place on August 16, 1987, at Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pennsylvania. This competitive contest, officially titled the 1987 Quaker State 500, was notable not only for the competitive spirit but also for marking Rick Mears' return to victory after a two-year winless streak. "It feels fantastic to finally break this drought, and winning at Pocono makes it even more special," said Mears, reflecting on his third Pocono 500 victory.
"It feels fantastic to finally break this drought, and winning at Pocono makes it even more special,"
The race unfolded under warm conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 88 °F (31 °C) and winds gusting up to 15 miles per hour (24 km/h). A total of 200 laps were on the agenda, stretching to a grueling 500 miles (804.672 km). As part of the series' 10th round, the event had spectators on the edge of their seats as it unfolded on the 2.5-mile permanent racing facility.
Mario Andretti of Newman/Haas Racing secured the pole position with an impressive qualifying speed of 200.915 mph, setting the stage for an exhilarating race. However, it was Mears of Team Penske who clinched first place, followed closely by Australia’s Geoff Brabham from Galles Racing and Colombia’s Roberto Guerrero of Vince Granatelli Racing.
![world rally car](https://www.tennessean.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/10/13/PNAS/75664010007-usatsi-24483052.jpg? Following a settlement, CART promoted the race for a five-year period, ending in 1986. Track owner Joseph Mattioli expressed optimism about the event’s revival. "We feel good about promoting the race again. It was difficult for CART to promote it because they are based in Michigan. They don't know our people," Mattioli commented. The transition meant the elimination of the one-million dollar bonus for winning all three 500-mile races and a subsequent drop of the $10,000 points bonus linked to the Triple Crown Championship. This marked a new era for Pocono, aligning with new marketing strategies aimed at regaining past glory.
Al Unser emerged victorious in the Indianapolis 500 earlier that year in late May, while Michael Andretti captured the Michigan 500 two weeks before the Pocono contest, creating an atmosphere filled with high expectations among the racers. Just days before the Pocono event, Tom Sneva faced a turbulent situation with his team, Curb Racing, leading to his dismissal. Despite being rehired, he encountered ongoing issues that left his participation in the race in jeopardy.
"It's frustrating, but this business is unpredictable," Sneva remarked regarding his tumultuous position. Ultimately, Sneva was formally released again before Pocono, making way for John Andretti to step in as the replacement in subsequent events.
"It's frustrating, but this business is unpredictable,"
This race not only demonstrated Mears’ undying talent and determination but also marked a turning point for Pocono Raceway. The challenging circumstances leading up to the event reflected the volatility of the racing world. Each year, the Pocono 500 has remained a highlight on the Indy car circuit, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of competitors and fans alike. Strengthened by new sponsorship and a determined management team, the race's future looks promising as it seeks to draw larger crowds akin to its glory days of the 1970s. As the indomitable spirit of racing continues to evolve, the legacy of the Pocono 500 remains firmly entrenched in the annals of motorsport history.
