The Hoosier 100, part of the USAC National Championship Trail, was held on September 16, 1961, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds dirt mile in Indianapolis, Indiana. The race was contested over 100 laps, covering 100 miles, and drew a field of 32 cars, continuing the event’s reputation as one of the most demanding dirt-track races in American open-wheel racing. A. J. Foyt delivered a dominant performance, capturing the victory at an average speed of 92.369 mph, marking one of the key wins during his 1961 championship season. Foyt battled closely with Parnelli Jones during the early stages before Jones was forced to retire on lap 78 due to rear-end mechanical failure. Bobby Marshman finished second, followed by Jim McElreath in third, Len Sutton in fourth, and Shorty Templeman in fifth. The race further solidified Foyt’s reputation as the era’s premier dirt-track performer and played a pivotal role in his successful drive to the 1961 USAC National Championship.
