Johnny Rutherford: From Eldora To Indy

Long after his third Indianapolis 500 win in 1980, John Sherman Rutherford III maintains a well-deserved reputation as a personable, articulate, refined auto racing ambassador.

Belying that personal sophistication, Rutherford’s racing career evolved on the dangerous, rough-and-tumble short tracks unique to American racing. He clawed his way to the top from treacherous places like Devil’s Bowl Speedway, Eldora and Winchester.