Al Trautwig was a roving reporter for ABC Sports at the 1986 Indy 500…..where he interviewed 3rd place finisher Rick Mears at the end of the race…..as seen in this video herewith…..which is something that he did as a pit reporter alongside Host Jim McKay for ABC Sports’ coverage of the 1987 Indianapolis 500….as evidenced by this video seen herewith.
At the 1986 Indy 500….Roger Penske driver Rick Mears was still recuperating after a 1984 crash….and was slowed by the injuries to his right foot that affected him throughout the remainder of his career…..when over the next three seasons he won only two races. He completed a comeback from his injuries by winning the 1985 Pocono 500…..then in 1986…..he won the pole position for the Indy 500…..after which he finished 3rd.
