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1988 Indy 500: Rick Mears has his third win

Posted at 7:21 PM, Apr 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-30 19:21:15-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- In 1988, a big move was underway in Indianapolis.

The Indianapolis Zoo closed at Washington Park and was in the process of moving to a new, much larger home in White River State Park, with an opening set for June.    

The 500 Festival celebrated that milestone during the month of May with the theme "Zoobilee 88, Saluting the Indianapolis Zoo." 

Grand Marshals for the Parade:  Garfield the Cat and creator, Jim Davis. And animals dominated many floats. 

The 1988 Indianapolis 500 was a show of record breaking domination by some of the most familiar figures in track history. 

For the first time ever, one team occupied the entire front row:  Team Penske drivers Rick Mears, Danny Sullivan and Al Unser Senior.

Mears set single lap and four lap qualifying records of just over 219-miles an hour.

Team Penske's drivers led 192 of the 200-laps in a race marred by crashes and mechanical problems.

Mears led the final seventy-eight laps getting the first win for carmaker Chevrolet.

For Mears himself, it was his third win making him the sixth driver to win three races.

Mears  also gave owner Roger Penske his seventh win at Indy.

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