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{{short description|American racecar driver}}
{{short description|American racing driver (born 1948)}}
{{Infobox Champ Car driver
{{Infobox racing driver
| name = Tom Sneva
| name = Tom Sneva
| image = TomSneva.jpg
| image = TomSneva.jpg
| caption = Sneva in the 1980s
| caption = Sneva in the 1980s
| nationality = American
| birth_name = Thomas Edsol Sneva
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1948|06|01}}
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| birth_place = [[Spokane, Washington]], U.S.
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1948|06|01|mf=y}}
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| birth_place = [[Spokane, Washington]]
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| nick-name =
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
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| titles = [[United States Auto Club|USAC]] [[Championship Car]] ([[1977 USAC Championship Car season|1977]], [[1978 USAC Championship Car season|1978]]) <br/> '''Major victories''' <br/> [[Pocono 500 (IndyCar)|Pocono 500]] ([[1977 Pocono 500|1977]]) <br/> [[Indianapolis 500]] ([[1983 Indianapolis 500|1983]])
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| death_cause =
| height =
| weight =
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| achievements = [[1977 USAC Championship Car season|1977]], [[1978 USAC Championship Car season|1978]], [[1982–83 USAC Championship Car season|1982–83]] [[USAC Championship Car]] champion<br>[[1983 Indianapolis 500]] winner
| awards =
| awards =
| module1 =
⚫
| Total_Champ_Races = 128
{{Infobox Champ Car driver|embed=yes
| Years_In_Champ = 13
⚫
| Total_Champ_Races = 205
| Years = [[1979 SCCA/CART Indy Car Series|1979]]–[[1992 PPG Indy Car World Series|1992]]
| Champ_Car_Team =
| Years_In_Champ = 22
| Best_Champ_Pos = 2nd ([[1984 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1984]])
| Best_Champ_Pos = 1st ([[1977 USAC Championship Car season|1977]], [[1978 USAC Championship Car season|1978]])
| First_Champ_Race = [[1979 SCCA/CART Indy Car Series|1979]] [[1979 Arizona Republic / Jimmy Bryan 150|Arizona Republic / Jimmy Bryan 150]] ([[Phoenix International Raceway|Phoenix]])
| First_Champ_Race = [[1971 USAC Championship Car season|1971]] [[Trenton 150|Marlboro 300]] ([[Trenton Speedway|Trenton]])
| Last_Champ_Race = [[1992 PPG Indy Car World Series|1992]] [[1992 Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis 500]] ([[Indianapolis Motor Speedway|Indianapolis]])
| Last_Champ_Race = [[1992 CART season|1992]] [[1992 Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis 500]] ([[Indianapolis Motor Speedway|Indianapolis]])
| First_Champ_Win = [[1980 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1980]] [[XM Satellite Radio Indy 200]] ([[Phoenix International Raceway|Phoenix]])
| First_Champ_Win = [[1975 USAC Championship Car season|1975]] [[Michigan 500|Michigan Grand Prix]] ([[Michigan International Speedway|Michigan]])
| Last_Champ_Win = [[1984 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1984]] [[Caesars Palace Grand Prix]] ([[Caesars Palace]])
| Last_Champ_Win = [[1984 CART season|1984]] [[Caesars Palace Grand Prix]] ([[Caesars Palace]])
| Champ_Wins = 10
| Champ_Wins = 13
| Champ_Podiums = 28
| Champ_Podiums = 50
| Champ_Poles = 4
| Champ_Poles = 14
| module =
| module2 =
{{Infobox NASCAR driver|embed=yes
{{Infobox NASCAR driver|embed=yes
| Total_Cup_Races = 8
| Total_Cup_Races = 8
| Years_In_Cup = 5
| Years_In_Cup = 7
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| Best_Cup_Pos = 53rd ([[1982 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1982]])
| Cup_Car_Team =
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| First_Cup_Race = [[1977 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1977]] [[1977 NAPA National 500|National 500]] ([[Charlotte Motor Speedway|Charlotte]])
| Prev_Cup_Pos =
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| Last_Cup_Race = [[1987 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1987]] [[1987 Daytona 500|Daytona 500]] ([[Daytona International Speedway|Daytona]])
| Prev_Cup_Year =
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| Cup_Wins = 0
⚫
| Best_Cup_Pos = 53rd ([[1982 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1982]])
⚫
| Cup_Top_Tens = 1
⚫
| First_Cup_Race = [[1977 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1977]] [[1977 NAPA National 500|NAPA National 500]] ([[Charlotte Motor Speedway|Charlotte]])
⚫
| Cup_Poles = 0
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| Last_Cup_Race = [[1987 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1987]] [[1987 Daytona 500|Daytona 500]] ([[Daytona International Speedway|Daytona]])
}}}}}}
| First_Cup_Win =
| Last_Cup_Win =
| Cup_Wins = 0
⚫
| Cup_Top_Tens = 1
| Cup_Poles = 0
}}
}}
'''Thomas E. Sneva''' (born June 1, 1948) is a retired American race car driver who won the [[Indianapolis 500]] in [[1983 Indianapolis 500|1983]]. He primarily raced in [[American Championship Car Racing|Indy cars]], and was named to the [[Motorsports Hall of Fame of America]] in 2005.


A former math teacher from [[Spokane, Washington]], Sneva's win at Indianapolis followed several runner-up finishes and notable crashes. Nicknamed "The Gas Man,"<ref name=htsroog>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=z75YAAAAIBAJ&pg=3820%2C1384571 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |last=Herman |first=Steve |agency=Associated Press |title=Has Tom Sneva run out of gas? |date=May 18, 1988 |page=D1 }}</ref> he was an outstanding qualifier, winning the pole position three times ([[1977 Indianapolis 500|1977]], [[1978 Indianapolis 500|1978]], [[1984 Indianapolis 500|1984]]). He was also the fastest qualifier on a fourth occasion in [[1981 Indianapolis 500|1981]], but because of qualifying rules did not start the race from the pole position.
'''Thomas Edsol Sneva'''<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121988673/tom-sneva/ |newspaper=The Indianapolis News |title=Tom Sneva |date=May 25, 1974 |page=23 }}</ref> (born June 1, 1948) is a retired American race car driver who won the [[Indianapolis 500]] in [[1983 Indianapolis 500|1983]]. He primarily raced in [[American Championship Car Racing|Indy cars]], and was named to the [[Motorsports Hall of Fame of America]] in 2005.


A former math teacher and junior high principal from [[Spokane, Washington]], Sneva's win at Indianapolis came after three runner-up finishes and a spectacular crash in [[1975 Indianapolis 500|1975]]. Nicknamed "The Gas Man,"<ref name=htsroog>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=z75YAAAAIBAJ&pg=3820%2C1384571 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |last=Herman |first=Steve |agency=Associated Press |title=Has Tom Sneva run out of gas? |date=May 18, 1988 |page=D1 }}</ref> he was an outstanding qualifier, winning the pole position three times ([[1977 Indianapolis 500|1977]], [[1978 Indianapolis 500|1978]], [[1984 Indianapolis 500|1984]]). He was also the fastest qualifier on a fourth occasion in [[1981 Indianapolis 500|1981]], but because of qualifying rules did not start the race from the pole position that year.
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Sneva won two consecutive [[United States Auto Club|USAC]] National Championships for Indy cars in 1977 and 1978.

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Sneva won two consecutive [[United States Auto Club|USAC]] National Championships for Indy cars in 1977 and 1978.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tom Sneva |url=http://www.champcarstats.com/drivers/SnevaTom.htm |website=www.champcarstats.com}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Born in Spokane, Sneva played [[High school football|football]] and [[High school basketball|basketball]] at [[Lewis and Clark High School]] and a year of [[college basketball]] at [[Eastern Washington University|Eastern Washington State College]] in nearby [[Cheney, Washington|Cheney]].<ref name=fdqactd>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NbQsAAAAIBAJ&pg=3292%2C4240058 |newspaper=Wilmington Star-News |location=Wilmington, North Carolina |last=Pash |first=Phil |agency=(New York Times) |title=Tom Sneva: Fearless driver quite a celebrity these days |date=June 22, 1975 |page=6C }}</ref> After graduation from Eastern, he worked as a math teacher before racing full-time.<ref name="SpokesmanD5">{{cite news
Born in Spokane, to Edsol "Ed" and Joan, Sneva's first powered vehicle was a go-kart, which he received at age 14; by age 18 he was racing stock cars.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Karle |first=Patrick |title=Sneva Country |url=https://www.inlander.com/news/sneva-country-2177869 |access-date=2023-06-13 |website=Inlander |language=en}}</ref> Sneva graduated from [[Lewis and Clark High School]], where he played [[High school football|football]] and [[High school basketball|basketball]], before attending [[Eastern Washington University|Eastern Washington State College]], where he played a year of [[college basketball]].<ref name=fdqactd>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NbQsAAAAIBAJ&pg=3292%2C4240058 |newspaper=Wilmington Star-News |location=Wilmington, North Carolina |last=Pash |first=Phil |agency=(New York Times) |title=Tom Sneva: Fearless driver quite a celebrity these days |date=June 22, 1975 |page=6C }}</ref> After graduating from Eastern, he was hired by the high school in [[Sprague, Washington|Sprague]], where he taught math and physical education.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="SpokesmanD5">{{cite news
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At [[Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis]] in [[1977 Indianapolis 500|1977]], Sneva drove his famed Norton Spirit McLaren M24/Cosworth racer for car owner [[Roger Penske]], and became the first driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 at a speed at {{convert|200|mph|1|abbr=on}} or more. His one-lap track record on May 14 was {{convert|200.535|mph|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name=sroarspp >{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YvUjAAAAIBAJ&pg=6586%2C6975060 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |agency=Associated Press |title=Sneva roars to pole position|date=May 15, 1977 |page=D1}}</ref><ref name=bbtsnd>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pPRLAAAAIBAJ&pg=2938%2C1193937 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |title=Spokane honors Tom Sneva |last=Brown |first=Butch |date=November 4, 1977 |page=37}}</ref>
At [[Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis]] in [[1977 Indianapolis 500|1977]], Sneva drove his famed Norton Spirit McLaren M24/Cosworth racer for car owner [[Roger Penske]], and became the first driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 at a speed at {{convert|200|mph|1|abbr=on}} or more. His one-lap track record on May 14 was {{convert|200.535|mph|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name=sroarspp >{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YvUjAAAAIBAJ&pg=6586%2C6975060 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |agency=Associated Press |title=Sneva roars to pole position|date=May 15, 1977 |page=D1}}</ref><ref name=bbtsnd>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pPRLAAAAIBAJ&pg=2938%2C1193937 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |title=Spokane honors Tom Sneva |last=Brown |first=Butch |date=November 4, 1977 |page=37}}</ref>


Sneva won 2 races in 1977 and became the first driver in [[Team Penske]] history to win a championship. In 1978, Sneva did not win a race but with 5 second place finishes and 16 top fives, Sneva still won the championship. Despite this, Sneva was released by Penske after the 1978 season. Although it was speculated that his dismissal was for not winning to Penske's expectations, Penske later said in a 2009 Centennial Era interview that, in reality, Tom and him had disagreements on the direction of the team, and that was the reason for them parting ways.(30)
Sneva won 2 races in 1977, including a 1-2 finish for [[Team Penske]] at the [[1977 Pocono 500|Pocono 500]], and became the first driver in Team Penske history to win a championship. In 1978, Sneva did not win a race but with 5 second-place finishes and 16 top fives, Sneva still won the championship. Despite this, Sneva was released by Penske after the 1978 season. Although it was speculated that his dismissal was for not winning to Penske's expectations, Penske later said in a 2009 Centennial Era interview that, in reality, he and Tom had disagreements on the direction of the team, and that was the reason for them parting ways.(30) Sneva exercised a stock option on Penske Automotive Group shortly after his dismissial, a prudent decision that paid dividends down the road.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trip Down Victory Lane: Tom Sneva still on the gas |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2016/02/18/trip-down-victory-lane-tom-sneva-still-gas/80282790/ |work=The Indianapolis Star}}</ref>

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[[File:SnevaMarch.jpg|thumb|left|Sneva's March 84C at [[Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca|Laguna Seca]] in [[1984 Indianapolis 500|1984]]]]In 1984, Sneva became the first to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 over {{convert|210|mph|1|abbr=on}} in his Texaco Star March 84C/Cosworth driving for the new Mayer Motor Racing team. His one and four lap track records on May 12 were {{convert|210.689|mph|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|210.029|mph|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name=sshbefq>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3YdQAAAAIBAJ&pg=1809%2C3665066 |newspaper=Milwaukee Sentinel |title=Sneva saved his best effort for qualifying |last=Cash |first=Phil |date=May 17, 1984 |page=1, part 2 }}</ref><ref name=tstherad>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=71xOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5478%2C1896014 |newspaper=Spokane Chronicle |last=Fleischman |first=Bill |agency=Knight Ridder Newspapers |title=Tom Sneva: The radical? |date=May 23, 1984 |page=21 }}</ref>


[[File:SnevaMarch.jpg|thumb|left|Sneva's [[March 84C]] at [[Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca|Laguna Seca]] in 1984.]]
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Sneva's career at the Indianapolis 500 was known for fast qualifying, second-place finishes, near misses and several crashes.<ref name=sshbefq/> Three times ([[1977 Indianapolis 500|1977]], [[1978 Indianapolis 500|1978]], [[1980 Indianapolis 500|1980]]) Sneva ended up the bridesmaid by finishing second. Finally, Sneva broke through in dramatic fashion in [[1983 Indianapolis 500|1983]] after a thrilling late race duel with Penske driver [[Al Unser, Sr.]] and the lapped car of Unser's rookie son, [[Al Unser, Jr.|Al Jr.]] It was Sneva's 1983 win in his Texaco Star March 83C/Cosworth for Bignotti-Cotter Racing that led to his nickname of "The Gas Man." That win was also famous for it being the last of [[George Bignotti]]'s record seven Indianapolis 500 wins as a chief mechanic. For Sneva, the victory was sweet revenge, as he had been fired by Roger Penske in 1978 despite having won back-to-back USAC championships.
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In 1984, Sneva became the first to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 over {{convert|210|mph|1|abbr=on}} in his Texaco Star March 84C/Cosworth driving for the new Mayer Motor Racing team. His one and four lap track records on May 12 were {{convert|210.689|mph|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|210.029|mph|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name=sshbefq>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3YdQAAAAIBAJ&pg=1809%2C3665066 |newspaper=Milwaukee Sentinel |title=Sneva saved his best effort for qualifying |last=Cash |first=Phil |date=May 17, 1984 |page=1, part 2 }}</ref><ref name=tstherad>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=71xOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5478%2C1896014 |newspaper=Spokane Chronicle |last=Fleischman |first=Bill |agency=Knight Ridder Newspapers |title=Tom Sneva: The radical? |date=May 23, 1984 |page=21 }}</ref>


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Sneva's career at the Indianapolis 500 was known for fast qualifying, second-place finishes, near misses and several crashes.<ref name=sshbefq/> Three times ([[1977 Indianapolis 500|1977]], [[1978 Indianapolis 500|1978]], [[1980 Indianapolis 500|1980]]) Sneva ended up the bridesmaid by finishing second. Finally, Sneva broke through in dramatic fashion in [[1983 Indianapolis 500|1983]] after a thrilling late race duel with Penske driver [[Al Unser]] and the lapped car of Unser's rookie son, [[Al Unser Jr.|Al Jr.]] It was Sneva's 1983 win in his Texaco Star March 83C/Cosworth for Bignotti-Cotter Racing that led to his nickname of "The Gas Man." That win was also famous for it being the last of [[George Bignotti]]'s record seven Indianapolis 500 wins as a chief mechanic. For Sneva, the victory was sweet revenge, as he had been fired by Roger Penske in 1978 despite having won back-to-back USAC championships.
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Sneva's second-place finish in 1980 is notable as it is one of only two occasions of such a finish by a driver starting last. It is also one of only three times the driver who started last (33rd) led laps during the race, a record matched by [[Alex Tagliani]] in 2016 and [[James Davison]] in 2017. Several other times Sneva was in contention for the win, but did not make it to the end of the race. In 1981, Sneva charged hard from his 20th starting position to lead early in the race, but his untested Blue Poly March 81-C/Cosworth was fragile and his clutch failed early on.


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Sneva's second-place finish in 1980 is notable as it is one of only two occasions of such a finish by a driver starting last. It is also one of only three times the driver who started last (33rd) led laps during the race, a record matched by [[Alex Tagliani]] in 2016 and [[James Davison]] in 2017. Several other times Sneva was in contention for the win, but did not make it to the end of the race. It was during this time that Sneva, racing for [[Jerry O'Connell Racing|Jerry O'Connell]], became one of the first drivers at Indianapolis to race with a [[Spotter (auto racing)|spotter]], an idea Sneva attributed to his time coaching football, where common practice was to have an observer sitting high up in the media center.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Paul |last2=Speedway |first2=Indianapolis Motor |title=My Favorite Car: Tom Sneva |url=https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2020/05/04/my-favorite-car-tom-sneva |access-date=2023-06-13 |website=www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com}}</ref> In 1981, Sneva charged hard from his 20th starting position to lead early in the race, but his untested Blue Poly March 81-C/Cosworth was fragile and his clutch failed early on. One year later, Sneva was in a duel with eventual winner [[Gordon Johncock]] and eventual runner-up [[Rick Mears]] when his engine in his Texaco Star March 82-C/Cosworth began losing power and eventually failed near the end of the race.
One year later, Sneva was in a duel with eventual winner [[Gordon Johncock]] and eventual runner-up [[Rick Mears]] when his engine in his Texaco Star March 82-C/Cosworth began losing power and eventually failed near the end of the race. In 1983, Sneva captured his first Indianapolis 500 win, engaging in a duel with [[Al Unser]] and [[Al Unser Jr.|his son]] in the final 20 laps. Al Unser Jr. was widely criticized after the race for trying to mess Sneva up to help his dad win, as well as having passed several cars under caution, and jumping the final restart, for which he received a two-lap penalty.


[[Image:Indy500winningcar1983.JPG|thumb|left|Sneva's winning car from the 1983 Indianapolis 500.]]
As defending champion in [[1984 Indianapolis 500|1984]], Sneva dueled with Mears only 32 laps from the finish, but his CV joint failed, enabling Mears to win. The [[1985 Indianapolis 500|1985]] race was a testament to Sneva's ability as he drove an ill-handling Skoal Bandit Eagle/Cosworth to second place before exiting in a crash with the lapped car of [[Rich Vogler]]. It was this series of near misses combined with second-place finishes and hard-charging qualifying and racing style that made Sneva a fan favorite at Indianapolis.
In 1983, Sneva captured his first Indianapolis 500 win, engaging in a duel with [[Al Unser]] and [[Al Unser Jr.|his son]] in the final 20 laps. Al Unser Jr. was widely criticized after the race for trying to impede Sneva to help his father win, as well as having passed several cars under caution, and jumping the final restart for which he received a two-lap penalty. As defending champion in [[1984 Indianapolis 500|1984]], Sneva dueled with Mears only 32 laps from the finish, but a CV joint failed, enabling Mears to win. The [[1985 Indianapolis 500|1985]] race was a testament to Sneva's ability as he drove an ill-handling Skoal Bandit Eagle/Cosworth to second place before exiting in a crash with the lapped car of [[Rich Vogler]]. It was this series of near misses combined with second-place finishes and hard-charging qualifying and racing style that made Sneva a fan favorite at Indianapolis.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}


He suffered one of the most famous crashes at Indianapolis during the [[1975 Indianapolis 500|1975]] race, his second. After touching wheels with [[Eldon Rasmussen]], 26-year-old Sneva flipped up into the [[catch fence]] and tore his car in half, but suffered mostly minor burns on 15% of his body in the fiery crash. He walked to the ambulance but was placed in the [[intensive care unit]] at [[Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis|Methodist Hospital]], mainly for lung issues due to the fire retardant.<ref name=fdqactd/><ref name=wotssok>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LpJYAAAAIBAJ&pg=5629%2C2889924 |newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle |title=Wife of Tom Sneva says driver to be all right |date=May 26, 1975 |page=15 }}</ref> Describing the crash years later Sneva quipped, "In a situation like that it's important to talk to yourself: 'Faint, you coward, faint!'"
He suffered one of the most famous crashes at Indianapolis during the [[1975 Indianapolis 500|1975]] race, his second. After touching wheels with [[Eldon Rasmussen]], 26-year-old Sneva flipped up into the [[catch fence]] and tore his car in half, but suffered mostly minor burns on 15% of his body in the fiery crash. He walked to the ambulance but was placed in the [[intensive care unit]] at [[Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis|Methodist Hospital]], mainly for lung issues due to the fire retardant.<ref name=fdqactd/><ref name=wotssok>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LpJYAAAAIBAJ&pg=5629%2C2889924 |newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle |title=Wife of Tom Sneva says driver to be all right |date=May 26, 1975 |page=15 }}</ref> Describing the crash years later Sneva quipped, "In a situation like that it's important to talk to yourself: 'Faint, you coward, faint!'"
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In [[1986 Indianapolis 500|1986]], he was warming up his car during the pace lap, but lost control and crashed before the race started. In [[1987 Indianapolis 500|1987]], Sneva crashed three cars, two in practice, and one during the race. He crashed during the Indianapolis 500 in 1975, [[1979 Indianapolis 500|1979]], [[1985 Indianapolis 500|1985]], [[1986 Indianapolis 500|1986]], [[1987 Indianapolis 500|1987]], [[1988 Indianapolis 500|1988]], and [[1992 Indianapolis 500|1992]], a record for crashes during the race.
In [[1986 Indianapolis 500|1986]], he was warming up his car during the pace lap, but lost control and crashed before the race started. In [[1987 Indianapolis 500|1987]], Sneva crashed three cars, two in practice, and one during the race. He crashed during the Indianapolis 500 in 1975, [[1979 Indianapolis 500|1979]], [[1985 Indianapolis 500|1985]], [[1986 Indianapolis 500|1986]], [[1987 Indianapolis 500|1987]], [[1988 Indianapolis 500|1988]], and [[1992 Indianapolis 500|1992]], a record for crashes during the race.


After Sneva's Indy victory in 1983, he never finished the race again. He dropped out of the race in 1984-1990, failed to qualify in 1991, and dropped out of the 1992 race as well. Some observers have attributed his decline in success to the switch to [[radial tire]]s (the series transitioned to radials over a period from 1985–1987). His driving style was more apropos to bias ply tires.
After Sneva's Indy victory in 1983, he never finished the race again. He dropped out of the race in 1984–1990, failed to qualify in 1991, and dropped out of the 1992 race as well. Some observers have attributed his decline in success to the switch to [[radial tire]]s (the series transitioned to radials over a period from 1985 to 1987). His driving style was more apropos to bias ply tires.


Sneva showed his versatility by competing in eight [[NASCAR]] [[Winston Cup Series]] events in his career, spanning from 1977 to 1987. He earned one top-ten, a 7th in the [[1983 Daytona 500]].
Sneva showed his versatility by competing in eight [[NASCAR]] [[Winston Cup Series]] events in his career, spanning from 1977 to 1987. He earned one top-ten, a 7th in the [[1983 Daytona 500]].


Sneva's final start was the [[1992 Indianapolis 500|1992 Indy 500]]. He arrived at Indy without a ride for 1993, and was unsuccessful in landing a car for the race. He retired with 13 career Indy car wins and 14 pole positions.
Sneva's final start was the [[1992 Indianapolis 500]]. He arrived at Indianapolis without a ride for 1993, and was unsuccessful in landing a car for the race. He retired with 13 career Indycar wins and 14 pole positions.


After Sneva retired from driving, he was a color commentator for ABC television network's ''[[Wide World of Sports (U.S. TV series)|Wide World of Sports]]'' program and called several Indy 500s. He is also heavily involved in the [[golf course]] business where he resides in [[Paradise Valley, Arizona]].<ref name="SpokesmanD1">{{cite news
After Sneva retired from driving, he was a color commentator for ABC television network's ''[[Wide World of Sports (U.S. TV series)|Wide World of Sports]]'' program and called several Indianapolis 500s. He is also heavily involved in the [[golf course]] business where he resides in [[Paradise Valley, Arizona]].<ref name="SpokesmanD1">{{cite news
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</ref><ref name=eswsev51>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3OVXAAAAIBAJ&pg=6821%2C2684828 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=Ed Sneva wins speedway event |date=September 24, 1951 |page=16 }}</ref>
</ref><ref name=eswsev51>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3OVXAAAAIBAJ&pg=6821%2C2684828 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=Ed Sneva wins speedway event |date=September 24, 1951 |page=16 }}</ref>


Sneva is the oldest of five brothers and one sister: Jerry, Jan, Blaine, Ed ("Babe") and Robin. He said the brothers were always racing something growing up.<ref name="SpokesmanD10"/> Babe (1951–1976) succumbed to severe head injuries more than eighteen months after a race crash <!--Sep 8, 1974 at Cranbrook -->in {{nowrap|[[British Columbia]].<ref name="SpokesmanD10"/><ref name=sicrtaa>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v6dYAAAAIBAJ&pg=5873%2C2110302|work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=Sneva is critical after accident |date=September 9, 1974 |page=13}}</ref><ref name=furlbb>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hS9OAAAAIBAJ&pg=6855%2C5890106 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |title=Funerals: Edsol F. (Babe) Sneva Jr. |date=March 31, 1976 |page=23}}</ref><ref name=prrtsfsn>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZPpLAAAAIBAJ&pg=4909%2C3912355 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=Private rites set for Sneva |date=March 31, 1976 |page=21}}</ref><ref name=fndgrv>{{cite web |url=https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=79163663 |work=Find a Grave |title=Edsol "Babe" Sneva, Jr. |access-date=November 4, 2017}}</ref>}}
Sneva is the oldest of five brothers and one sister: Jerry, [[Jan Sneva|Jan]], Blaine, Ed ("Babe") and Robin. He said the brothers were always racing something growing up.<ref name="SpokesmanD10"/> Babe (1951–1976) succumbed to severe head injuries more than eighteen months after a race crash <!--Sep 8, 1974 at Cranbrook -->in {{nowrap|[[British Columbia]].<ref name="SpokesmanD10"/><ref name=sicrtaa>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v6dYAAAAIBAJ&pg=5873%2C2110302|work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=Sneva is critical after accident |date=September 9, 1974 |page=13}}</ref><ref name=furlbb>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hS9OAAAAIBAJ&pg=6855%2C5890106 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |title=Funerals: Edsol F. (Babe) Sneva Jr. |date=March 31, 1976 |page=23}}</ref><ref name=prrtsfsn>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZPpLAAAAIBAJ&pg=4909%2C3912355 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=Private rites set for Sneva |date=March 31, 1976 |page=21}}</ref>}}


Sneva was an ace in mathematics, and graduated from [[Eastern Washington University|Eastern Washington State College]] in nearby Cheney with an education degree.<ref name="SpokesmanD1"/> He became a math teacher in a school district outside of Spokane city limits, and drove the school bus.<ref name="SpokesmanD5"/>
Sneva was an ace in mathematics, and graduated from [[Eastern Washington University|Eastern Washington State College]] in nearby Cheney with an education degree.<ref name="SpokesmanD1"/> He became a math teacher in a school district outside of Spokane city limits, and drove the school bus.<ref name="SpokesmanD5"/>
Line 458: Line 448:
! {{Tooltip|Pos.|Championship position}}
! {{Tooltip|Pos.|Championship position}}
! Pts
! Pts
! Ref
|-
|-
| [[1979 SCCA/CART Indy Car Series|1979]]
| [[1979 SCCA/CART Indy Car Series|1979]]
Line 480: Line 471:
!style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 7th
!style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 7th
!style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 1360
!style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 1360
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1979/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1979 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan=2| [[1980 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1980]]
|rowspan=2| [[1980 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1980]]
Line 499: Line 491:
!rowspan=2 style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 3rd
!rowspan=2 style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 3rd
!rowspan=2 style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 2930
!rowspan=2 style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 2930
!rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1980/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1980 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! Phoenix 80
! Phoenix 80
Line 515: Line 508:
!rowspan=3 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 8th
!rowspan=3 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 8th
!rowspan=3 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 96
!rowspan=3 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 96
!rowspan=3| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1981/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1981 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
!rowspan=2| Bignotti-Cotter Racing
!rowspan=2| Bignotti-Cotter Racing
Line 544: Line 538:
!rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| 5th
!rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| 5th
!rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| 144
!rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| 144
!rowspan=2| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1982/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1982 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[March Engineering|March 82C]]
! [[March Engineering|March 82C]]
Line 578: Line 573:
!rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| 4th
!rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| 4th
!rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| 96
!rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| 96
!rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1983/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1983 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[Theodore Racing|Theodore T83]]
! [[Theodore Racing|Theodore T83]]
Line 609: Line 605:
!style="background:#DFDFDF;"| 2nd
!style="background:#DFDFDF;"| 2nd
!style="background:#DFDFDF;"| 163
!style="background:#DFDFDF;"| 163
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1984/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1984 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan=2| [[1985 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1985]]
|rowspan=2| [[1985 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1985]]
!rowspan=2| [[Curb Agajanian Performance Group|Curb]]-[[All American Racers]]
!rowspan=2| [[Curb Agajanian Performance Group|Curb]]-[[All American Racers]]
! [[All American Racers|Eagle 85GC]]
! [[All American Racers|Eagle 85GC]]
!rowspan=2| [[Cosworth]] [[Cosworth DFV#DFX|DFX]] [[V8 engine|V8]][[Turbocharger|t]]
!rowspan=2| [[Cosworth]] [[Cosworth DFV#DFX|DFX]] [[V8 engine|V8]][[Turbocharger|t]]
|style="background:#CFEAFF;"| [[Grand Prix of Long Beach|LBH]]<br>{{small|8}}
|style="background:#CFEAFF;"| [[Grand Prix of Long Beach|LBH]]<br>{{small|8}}
Line 631: Line 628:
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 7th
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 7th
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 66
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 66
!rowspan=2| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1985/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1985 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[Lola Cars|Lola T900]]
! [[Lola Cars|Lola T900]]
| colspan=3|
| colspan=3|
|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[Grand Prix of Portland|POR]]<br>{{small|24}}
|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[Grand Prix of Portland|POR]]<br>{{small|24}}
Line 665: Line 663:
!style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 10th
!style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 10th
!style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 82
!style="background:#CFEAFF;"| 82
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1986/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1986 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan=3| [[1987 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1987]]
|rowspan=3| [[1987 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1987]]
Line 687: Line 686:
!rowspan=3 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 14th
!rowspan=3 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 14th
!rowspan=3 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 37
!rowspan=3 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 37
!rowspan=3| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1987/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1987 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
!rowspan=2| [[March Engineering|March 86C]]
!rowspan=2| [[March Engineering|March 86C]]
Line 715: Line 715:
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 45th
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 45th
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 0
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 0
!rowspan=2| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1988/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1988 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[Cosworth]] [[Cosworth DFV#DFX|DFX]] [[V8 engine|V8]][[Turbocharger|t]]
! [[Cosworth]] [[Cosworth DFV#DFX|DFX]] [[V8 engine|V8]][[Turbocharger|t]]
Line 748: Line 749:
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 28th
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 28th
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 3
!rowspan=2 style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 3
!rowspan=2| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1989/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1989 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[March Engineering|March 86C]]
! [[March Engineering|March 86C]]
Line 780: Line 782:
!style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 44th
!style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 44th
!style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 0
!style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 0
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1990/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1990 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[1991 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1991]]
| [[1991 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1991]]
Line 804: Line 807:
! NA
! NA
! -
! -
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1991/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1991 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[1992 PPG Indy Car World Series|1992]]
| [[1992 PPG Indy Car World Series|1992]]
Line 828: Line 832:
!style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 62nd
!style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 62nd
!style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 0
!style="background:#CFCFFF;"| 0
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/snevato01/1992/R|title=Tom Sneva – 1992 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
!colspan="23"|{{center|{{small|Source:<ref name="OldRacingCars Tom Sneva"/>}}}}
!colspan="24"|{{center|{{small|Source:<ref name="OldRacingCars Tom Sneva"/>}}}}
|}
|}


Line 1,417: Line 1,422:


==Awards==
==Awards==
In 2004, Sneva was inducted into the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum#Auto Racing Hall of Fame|Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Tom Sneva |url=https://imsmuseum.org/fame_inductee/tom-sneva/ |website=IMS Museum}}</ref> The following year he was inducted into the [[Motorsports Hall of Fame of America]].<ref name=MSHoF>[http://www.mshf.com/hall-of-fame/inductees/tom-sneva.html Tom Sneva] at the [[Motorsports Hall of Fame of America]]</ref>

He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2005.<ref name=MSHoF>[http://www.mshf.com/hall-of-fame/inductees/tom-sneva.html Tom Sneva] at the [[Motorsports Hall of Fame of America]]</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}

⚫
30. "Tom Sneva", Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Retrieved from https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/history/people-of-ims/indianapolis-500-drivers/tom-sneva


==External links==
==External links==
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*{{Racing-Reference driver|Tom_Sneva}}
*{{Racing-Reference driver|Tom_Sneva}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110724044601/http://www.thegreatest33.com/default.aspx#selecteddrivers?s=tom_sneva The Greatest 33]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110724044601/http://www.thegreatest33.com/default.aspx#selecteddrivers?s=tom_sneva The Greatest 33]
⚫
*[https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/history/people-of-ims/indianapolis-500-drivers/tom-sneva Tom Sneva - Indianapolis Motor Speedway]


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
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{{Indy 500 winners}}
{{Indy 500 winners}}
{{Team Penske}}
{{Team Penske}}
{{Andy Petree Racing}}
{{Curb Racing}}
{{Jim Stacy Racing}}
{{IndyCar Series on ABC}}
{{IndyCar Series on ABC}}


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[[Category:Sportspeople from Spokane, Washington]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Spokane, Washington]]
[[Category:Team Penske drivers]]
[[Category:Team Penske drivers]]
[[Category:USAC Gold Crown champions]]

Revision as of 20:18, 5 June 2024

Tom Sneva
Sneva in the 1980s
BornThomas Edsol Sneva
(1948-06-01) June 1, 1948 (age 76)
Spokane, Washington, U.S.
Championship titles
USAC Championship Car (1977, 1978)
Major victories
Pocono 500 (1977)
Indianapolis 500 (1983)
Champ Car career
205 races run over 22 years
Best finish1st (1977, 1978)
First race1971 Marlboro 300 (Trenton)
Last race1992 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
First win1975 Michigan Grand Prix (Michigan)
Last win1984 Caesars Palace Grand Prix (Caesars Palace)
Wins Podiums Poles
13 50 14
NASCAR Cup Series career
8 races run over 7 years
Best finish53rd (1982)
First race1977 National 500 (Charlotte)
Last race1987 Daytona 500 (Daytona)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 1 0

Thomas Edsol Sneva[1] (born June 1, 1948) is a retired American race car driver who won the Indianapolis 500 in 1983. He primarily raced in Indy cars, and was named to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2005.

A former math teacher and junior high principal from Spokane, Washington, Sneva's win at Indianapolis came after three runner-up finishes and a spectacular crash in 1975. Nicknamed "The Gas Man,"[2] he was an outstanding qualifier, winning the pole position three times (1977, 1978, 1984). He was also the fastest qualifier on a fourth occasion in 1981, but because of qualifying rules did not start the race from the pole position that year.

Sneva won two consecutive USAC National Championships for Indy cars in 1977 and 1978.[3]

Career

Born in Spokane, to Edsol "Ed" and Joan, Sneva's first powered vehicle was a go-kart, which he received at age 14; by age 18 he was racing stock cars.[4] Sneva graduated from Lewis and Clark High School, where he played football and basketball, before attending Eastern Washington State College, where he played a year of college basketball.[5] After graduating from Eastern, he was hired by the high school in Sprague, where he taught math and physical education.[4][6] Sneva was the eldest of five brothers, all racers; the next oldest was Jerry, who also competed at Indy.

At Indianapolis in 1977, Sneva drove his famed Norton Spirit McLaren M24/Cosworth racer for car owner Roger Penske, and became the first driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 at a speed at 200 mph (321.9 km/h) or more. His one-lap track record on May 14 was 200.535 mph (322.7 km/h).[7][8]

Sneva won 2 races in 1977, including a 1-2 finish for Team Penske at the Pocono 500, and became the first driver in Team Penske history to win a championship. In 1978, Sneva did not win a race but with 5 second-place finishes and 16 top fives, Sneva still won the championship. Despite this, Sneva was released by Penske after the 1978 season. Although it was speculated that his dismissal was for not winning to Penske's expectations, Penske later said in a 2009 Centennial Era interview that, in reality, he and Tom had disagreements on the direction of the team, and that was the reason for them parting ways.(30) Sneva exercised a stock option on Penske Automotive Group shortly after his dismissial, a prudent decision that paid dividends down the road.[9]

Sneva's March 84C at Laguna Seca in 1984.

In 1984, Sneva became the first to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 over 210 mph (338.0 km/h) in his Texaco Star March 84C/Cosworth driving for the new Mayer Motor Racing team. His one and four lap track records on May 12 were 210.689 mph (339.1 km/h) and 210.029 mph (338.0 km/h).[10][11]

Sneva's career at the Indianapolis 500 was known for fast qualifying, second-place finishes, near misses and several crashes.[10] Three times (1977, 1978, 1980) Sneva ended up the bridesmaid by finishing second. Finally, Sneva broke through in dramatic fashion in 1983 after a thrilling late race duel with Penske driver Al Unser and the lapped car of Unser's rookie son, Al Jr. It was Sneva's 1983 win in his Texaco Star March 83C/Cosworth for Bignotti-Cotter Racing that led to his nickname of "The Gas Man." That win was also famous for it being the last of George Bignotti's record seven Indianapolis 500 wins as a chief mechanic. For Sneva, the victory was sweet revenge, as he had been fired by Roger Penske in 1978 despite having won back-to-back USAC championships.

Sneva's second-place finish in 1980 is notable as it is one of only two occasions of such a finish by a driver starting last. It is also one of only three times the driver who started last (33rd) led laps during the race, a record matched by Alex Tagliani in 2016 and James Davison in 2017. Several other times Sneva was in contention for the win, but did not make it to the end of the race. It was during this time that Sneva, racing for Jerry O'Connell, became one of the first drivers at Indianapolis to race with a spotter, an idea Sneva attributed to his time coaching football, where common practice was to have an observer sitting high up in the media center.[12] In 1981, Sneva charged hard from his 20th starting position to lead early in the race, but his untested Blue Poly March 81-C/Cosworth was fragile and his clutch failed early on. One year later, Sneva was in a duel with eventual winner Gordon Johncock and eventual runner-up Rick Mears when his engine in his Texaco Star March 82-C/Cosworth began losing power and eventually failed near the end of the race.

Sneva's winning car from the 1983 Indianapolis 500.

In 1983, Sneva captured his first Indianapolis 500 win, engaging in a duel with Al Unser and his son in the final 20 laps. Al Unser Jr. was widely criticized after the race for trying to impede Sneva to help his father win, as well as having passed several cars under caution, and jumping the final restart for which he received a two-lap penalty. As defending champion in 1984, Sneva dueled with Mears only 32 laps from the finish, but a CV joint failed, enabling Mears to win. The 1985 race was a testament to Sneva's ability as he drove an ill-handling Skoal Bandit Eagle/Cosworth to second place before exiting in a crash with the lapped car of Rich Vogler. It was this series of near misses combined with second-place finishes and hard-charging qualifying and racing style that made Sneva a fan favorite at Indianapolis.[citation needed]

He suffered one of the most famous crashes at Indianapolis during the 1975 race, his second. After touching wheels with Eldon Rasmussen, 26-year-old Sneva flipped up into the catch fence and tore his car in half, but suffered mostly minor burns on 15% of his body in the fiery crash. He walked to the ambulance but was placed in the intensive care unit at Methodist Hospital, mainly for lung issues due to the fire retardant.[5][13] Describing the crash years later Sneva quipped, "In a situation like that it's important to talk to yourself: 'Faint, you coward, faint!'"

In 1986, he was warming up his car during the pace lap, but lost control and crashed before the race started. In 1987, Sneva crashed three cars, two in practice, and one during the race. He crashed during the Indianapolis 500 in 1975, 1979, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1992, a record for crashes during the race.

After Sneva's Indy victory in 1983, he never finished the race again. He dropped out of the race in 1984–1990, failed to qualify in 1991, and dropped out of the 1992 race as well. Some observers have attributed his decline in success to the switch to radial tires (the series transitioned to radials over a period from 1985 to 1987). His driving style was more apropos to bias ply tires.

Sneva showed his versatility by competing in eight NASCAR Winston Cup Series events in his career, spanning from 1977 to 1987. He earned one top-ten, a 7th in the 1983 Daytona 500.

Sneva's final start was the 1992 Indianapolis 500. He arrived at Indianapolis without a ride for 1993, and was unsuccessful in landing a car for the race. He retired with 13 career Indycar wins and 14 pole positions.

After Sneva retired from driving, he was a color commentator for ABC television network's Wide World of Sports program and called several Indianapolis 500s. He is also heavily involved in the golf course business where he resides in Paradise Valley, Arizona.[14]

Personal life

Sneva's father, Edsol ("Ed") was a local racer in the Spokane region.[15][16]

Sneva is the oldest of five brothers and one sister: Jerry, Jan, Blaine, Ed ("Babe") and Robin. He said the brothers were always racing something growing up.[15] Babe (1951–1976) succumbed to severe head injuries more than eighteen months after a race crash in British Columbia.[15][17][18][19]

Sneva was an ace in mathematics, and graduated from Eastern Washington State College in nearby Cheney with an education degree.[14] He became a math teacher in a school district outside of Spokane city limits, and drove the school bus.[6]

Motorsports career results

American open-wheel racing

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position)

USAC Championship Car

USAC Championship Car results
Year Team Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Pos. Pts
1970 Vollstedt Enterprises Vollstedt 67 Ford 159ci V8t PHX SON TRE INDY MIL LAN CDR MCH IRP ISF MIL ONT DSF INF SED TRE SAC PHX
DNQ 		NA -
1971 Larry Kramer Vollstedt 65 Chevrolet 320 ci V8 RAF RAF PHX TRE INDY MIL POC MCH MIL ONT TRE
21 		PHX
DNQ 		NC 0
1973 Tipke Racing Tipke 73 Offy 159 ci t TWS
26 		TRE TRE INDY
DNQ 		MIL 31st 30
Carl Gehlhausen Kingfish 72 POC
DNQ 		MCH
21 		MIL
14 		ONT TRE
19 		TWS PHX
14
Leader Card Racers Eagle 68 ONT
10 		ONT
17 		MCH MCH
1974 Grant King Racers Kingfish 73 Offy 159 ci t ONT
13 		ONT ONT
12 		PHX
15 		TRE
11 		INDY
20 		MIL
14 		POC
13 		MCH
10 		MIL
14 		MCH
5 		TRE
8 		TRE
8 		PHX
24 		18th 550
1975 Penske Racing McLaren M16C Offy 159 ci t ONT
9 		ONT ONT
6 		PHX
7 		TRE
6 		INDY
22 		MIL POC
29 		MCH
2 		MIL
3 		MCH
1 		TRE
13 		PHX
2 		6th 1830
1976 Penske Racing McLaren M16C Offy 159 ci t PHX
17 		TRE
3 		INDY
6 		MIL
13 		POC
7 		MCH
6 		TWS
16 		TRE
3 		MIL
13 		ONT
26 		MCH
5 		TWS 8th 1570
Bruce H. Crower Eagle 72 Crower 160 ci F8 PHX
DNS
1977 Penske Racing McLaren M24 Cosworth DFX V8t ONT
14 		PHX
16 		TWS
1 		TRE
10 		INDY
2 		MIL
2 		POC
1 		MOS
3 		MIL
18 		PHX
17 		1st 3965
Penske PC-5 MCH
4 		TWS
5 		ONT
3 		MCH
10
1978 Penske Racing Penske PC-6 Cosworth DFX V8t PHX
22 		ONT
2 		TWS
2 		TRE
3 		INDY
2 		MOS
4 		MIL
15 		POC
3 		MCH
2 		ATL
8 		TWS
5 		MIL
15 		ONT
23 		MCH
2 		TRE
3 		SIL
3 		BRH
2 		PHX
16 		1st 4153
1979 Jerry O'Connell Racing McLaren M24 Cosworth DFX V8t ONT TWS INDY
15 		MIL POC TWS MIL NC 0
1980 Jerry O'Connell Racing McLaren M24 Cosworth DFX V8t ONT
2 		INDY
2 		MIL
6 		POC
3 		MDO
11 		2nd 1970
1981–82 Bignotti-Cotter Racing March 81C Cosworth DFX V8t INDY
25 		POC
16 		ISF DSF INF 11th 635
March 82C INDY
4
1982–83 Bignotti-Cotter Racing March 83C Cosworth DFX V8t ISF DSF NAZ INDY
1 		1st 1000
1983–84 Mayer Motor Racing March 84C Cosworth DFX V8t DSF INDY
16 		18th 25
Source:[20]

PPG Indy Car World Series

PPG Indy Car World Series results
Year Team Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Pos. Pts Ref
1979 Jerry O'Connell Racing McLaren M24 Cosworth DFX V8t PHX
17 		ATL
3 		ATL
5 		INDY
15 		TRE
6 		TRE
15 		MCH
21 		MCH
2 		WGL
10 		TRE
3 		ONT
17 		MCH
2 		ATL
8 		PHX
5 		7th 1360 [21]
1980 Jerry O'Connell Racing McLaren M24 Cosworth DFX V8t ONT
2 		INDY
2 		MIL
6 		POC
3 		MDO
11 		MCH
6 		WGL
4 		ONT
26 		MCH
6 		MEX
4 		3rd 2930 [22]
Phoenix 80 MIL
16 		PHX
1
1981 Jerry O'Connell Racing Phoenix 80 Cosworth DFX V8t PHX
3 		8th 96 [23]
Bignotti-Cotter Racing Phoenix-March MIL
4 		ATL ATL
March 81C MCH
23 		RIV
24 		MIL
1 		MCH
19 		WGL
21 		MEX
20 		PHX
1
1982 Bignotti-Cotter Racing March 81C Cosworth DFX V8t PHX
7 		ATL
17 		5th 144 [24]
March 82C MIL
4 		CLE
20 		MCH
32 		MIL
1 		POC
19 		RIV
2 		ROA
9 		MCH
19 		PHX
1
1983 Bignotti-Cotter Racing March 83C Cosworth DFX V8t ATL
14 		INDY
1 		MIL
1 		CLE
5 		MCH
25 		POC
12 		RIV
5 		MDO
7 		MCH
21 		CPL
15 		PHX
3 		4th 96 [25]
Theodore T83 ROA
4 		LAG
18
1984 Mayer Motor Racing March 84C Cosworth DFX V8t LBH
3 		PHX
1 		INDY
16 		MIL
1 		POR
5 		MEA
6 		CLE
19 		MCH
2 		ROA
20 		POC
4 		MDO
7 		SAN
20 		MCH
2 		PHX
4 		LAG
10 		CPL
1 		2nd 163 [26]
1985 Curb-All American Racers Eagle 85GC Cosworth DFX V8t LBH
8 		INDY
20 		MIL
2 		MEA
6 		CLE
11 		MCH
3 		ROA
21 		POC
8 		MDO
15 		MCH
5 		MIA
21 		7th 66 [27]
Lola T900 POR
24 		SAN
7 		LAG
19 		PHX
19
1986 Curb Racing March 86C Cosworth DFX V8t PHX
2 		LBH
4 		INDY
33 		MIL
2 		POR
4 		MEA
17 		CLE
5 		TOR
9 		MCH
18 		POC
15 		MDO
12 		SAN
13 		MCH
5 		ROA
12 		LAG
22 		PHX
18 		MIA
22 		10th 82 [28]
1987 Curb Racing March 87C Cosworth DFX V8t LBH
3 		PHX
17 		MIL
13 		POR
21 		MEA
7 		CLE
8 		TOR
6 		MCH
30 		POC ROA MDO NAZ LAG 14th 37 [29]
March 86C Buick 3300 V6t INDY
14
Group 44 Racing Cosworth DFX V8t MIA
9
1988 Hemelgarn Racing Lola T88/00 Judd AV V8t PHX LBH INDY
27 		MIL POR CLE TOR MEA 45th 0 [30]
Cosworth DFX V8t MCH
22 		POC MDO ROA NAZ LAG MIA
1989 Vince Granatelli Racing Lola T88/00 Buick 3300 V6t PHX
DNS 		INDY
27 		MIL
22 		DET
23 		MEA
27 		TOR MCH POC MDO ROA NAZ LAG 28th 3 [31]
March 86C LBH
10 		POR
26 		CLE
20
1990 Vince Granatelli Racing Penske PC-18 Buick 3300 V6t PHX LBH INDY
30 		MIL DET POR CLE MEA TOR MCH DEN VAN MDO ROA NAZ LAG 44th 0 [32]
1991 Team Menard Lola T89/00 Buick 3300 V6t SRF LBH PHX INDY
DNQ 		MIL DET POR CLE MEA TOR MCH DEN VAN MDO ROA NAZ LAG NA - [33]
1992 Team Menard Lola T91/00 Buick 3300 V6t SRF PHX LBH INDY
31 		DET POR MIL NHA TOR MCH CLE ROA VAN MDO NAZ LAG 62nd 0 [34]
Source:[20]
Indianapolis 500
Year Chassis Engine Start Finish Team
1973 Tipke Offenhauser DNQ Tipke Racing
1974 Kingfish Offenhauser 8 20 Grant King Racers
1975 McLaren Offenhauser 4 22 Penske Racing
1976 McLaren Offenhauser 3 6 Penske Racing
1977 McLaren Cosworth 1 2 Penske Racing
1978 Penske Cosworth 1 2 Penske Racing
1979 McLaren Cosworth 2 15 Jerry O'Connell Racing
1980 McLaren Cosworth 33 2 Jerry O'Connell Racing
1981 March Cosworth 20 25 Bignotti-Cotter Racing
1982 March Cosworth 7 4 Bignotti-Cotter Racing
1983 March Cosworth 4 1 Bignotti-Cotter Racing
1984 March Cosworth 1 16 Mayer Motor Racing
1985 Eagle Cosworth 13 20 Curb-All American Racers
1986 March Cosworth 7 33 Curb Racing
1987 March Buick 21 14 Curb Racing
1988 Lola Judd 14 27 Hemelgarn Racing
1989 Lola Buick 22 27 Vince Granatelli Racing
1990 Penske Buick 25 30 Vince Granatelli Racing
1991 Lola Buick DNQ Team Menard
1992 Lola Buick 31 31 Team Menard

NASCAR

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

Winston Cup Series

NASCAR Winston Cup Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 NWCC Pts Ref
1977 Jim Stacy Racing 6 Dodge RSD DAY RCH CAR ATL NWS DAR BRI MAR TAL NSV DOV CLT RSD MCH DAY NSV POC TAL MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT
27 		CAR ATL ONT NA 0 [35]
1981 5 Buick RSD DAY
DNQ 		RCH CAR ATL BRI NWS DAR MAR TAL NSV DOV CLT TWS RSD MCH DAY NSV POC TAL MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR ATL RSD NA - [36]
1982 Rogers Racing 37 Buick DAY
22 		RCH
31 		BRI ATL
15 		CAR DAR NWS MAR TAL NSV DOV CLT POC RSD MCH DAY NSV POC TAL MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV NWS CLT MAR CAR ATL RSD 53rd 285 [37]
1983 Bay Darnell 53 Chevy DAY
7 		RCH CAR ATL DAR NWS MAR TAL NSV DOV BRI CLT RSD POC MCH
32 		DAY NSV POC TAL MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR ATL RSD 75th - [38]
1984 Harrington Racing 2 Buick DAY
DNQ 		RCH CAR ATL BRI NWS DAR MAR TAL NSV DOV CLT RSD POC MCH DAY NSV POC TAL MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR CLT NWS CAR ATL RSD NA - [39]
1985 Curb Racing 42 Pontiac DAY
DNQ 		RCH CAR ATL
32 		BRI DAR NWS MAR TAL DOV CLT RSD POC MCH DAY POC TAL MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR ATL RSD NA 0 [40]
1987 Jackson Bros. Motorsports 66 Olds DAY
29 		CAR RCH ATL DAR NWS BRI MAR TAL CLT DOV POC RSD MCH DAY POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS CLT CAR RSD ATL 90th 76 [41]
Daytona 500
Year Team Manufacturer Start Finish
1981 Buick DNQ
1982 Rogers Racing Buick 25 22
1983 Bay Darnell Chevrolet 22 7
1984 Harrington Racing Buick DNQ
1985 Curb Racing Pontiac DNQ
1987 Jackson Bros. Motorsports Oldsmobile 29 29

International Race of Champions

(key) (Bold – Pole position. * – Most laps led.)

International Race of Champions results
Season Make Q1 Q2 Q3 1 2 3 4 Pos. Pts Ref
1977–78 Chevy MCH
11 		RSD
12 		RSD
11 		DAY 11th - [42]
1978–79 MCH MCH
4 		RSD RSD
8 		ATL
5 		7th - [43]
1979–80 MCH MCH
7 		RSD RSD ATL NA 0 [44]
1984 Chevy MCH
11 		CLE
11* 		TAL
8 		MCH
3 		10th 29 [45]
1985 DAY
2 		MOH
8 		TAL
C 		MCH
7 		4th 32 [46]

Awards

In 2004, Sneva was inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame.[47] The following year he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.[48]

References

  1. ^ "Tom Sneva". The Indianapolis News. May 25, 1974. p. 23.
  2. ^ Herman, Steve (May 18, 1988). "Has Tom Sneva run out of gas?". Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. p. D1.
  3. ^ "Tom Sneva". www.champcarstats.com.
  4. ^ a b Karle, Patrick. "Sneva Country". Inlander. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
  5. ^ a b Pash, Phil (June 22, 1975). "Tom Sneva: Fearless driver quite a celebrity these days". Wilmington Star-News. Wilmington, North Carolina. (New York Times). p. 6C.
  6. ^ a b Weaver, Dan (Oct 2, 1983). "Local boy does good". The Spokesman Review. Spokane: Cowles Publishing. pp. D5. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  7. ^ "Sneva roars to pole position". Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. May 15, 1977. p. D1.
  8. ^ Brown, Butch (November 4, 1977). "Spokane honors Tom Sneva". Spokesman-Review. p. 37.
  9. ^ "Trip Down Victory Lane: Tom Sneva still on the gas". The Indianapolis Star.
  10. ^ a b Cash, Phil (May 17, 1984). "Sneva saved his best effort for qualifying". Milwaukee Sentinel. p. 1, part 2.
  11. ^ Fleischman, Bill (May 23, 1984). "Tom Sneva: The radical?". Spokane Chronicle. Knight Ridder Newspapers. p. 21.
  12. ^ Kelly, Paul; Speedway, Indianapolis Motor. "My Favorite Car: Tom Sneva". www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
  13. ^ "Wife of Tom Sneva says driver to be all right". Spokane Daily Chronicle. May 26, 1975. p. 15.
  14. ^ a b Weaver, Dan (Oct 2, 1983). "Local boy does good". The Spokesman Review. Spokane: Cowles Publishing. pp. D1. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  15. ^ a b c Weaver, Dan (Oct 2, 1983). "Local boy does good". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington): Cowles Publishing. pp. D10. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  16. ^ "Ed Sneva wins speedway event". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). September 24, 1951. p. 16.
  17. ^ "Sneva is critical after accident". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). September 9, 1974. p. 13.
  18. ^ "Funerals: Edsol F. (Babe) Sneva Jr". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). March 31, 1976. p. 23.
  19. ^ "Private rites set for Sneva". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). March 31, 1976. p. 21.
  20. ^ a b "Champcar complete – Tom Sneva". OldRacingCars. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  21. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1979 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  22. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1980 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  23. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1981 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  24. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1982 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  25. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1983 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  26. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1984 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  27. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1985 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  28. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1986 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  29. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1987 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  30. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1988 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  31. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1989 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  32. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1990 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  33. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1991 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  34. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1992 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  35. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1977 NASCAR Winston Cup Results". Racing-Reference. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  36. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1981 NASCAR Winston Cup Results". Racing-Reference. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  37. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1982 NASCAR Winston Cup Results". Racing-Reference. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  38. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1983 NASCAR Winston Cup Results". Racing-Reference. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  39. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1984 NASCAR Winston Cup Results". Racing-Reference. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  40. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1985 NASCAR Winston Cup Results". Racing-Reference. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  41. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1987 NASCAR Winston Cup Results". Racing-Reference. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  42. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1978 IROC Results". Racing-Reference.
  43. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1979 IROC Results". Racing-Reference.
  44. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1980 IROC Results". Racing-Reference.
  45. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1984 IROC Results". Racing-Reference.
  46. ^ "Tom Sneva – 1985 IROC Results". Racing-Reference.
  47. ^ "Tom Sneva". IMS Museum.
  48. ^ Tom Sneva at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tom Sneva.
Preceded by Indianapolis 500 Winner
1983 		Succeeded by
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