Thomas E. “Tom” Sneva (born June 1, 1948) is a retired American race car driver….who won the Indianapolis 500 in 1983. Sneva was a former math teacher….who primarily raced in Indy cars….and was named to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2005. Sneva’s win at Indianapolis followed several runner-up finishes and notable crashes….which got him the nickname “The Gas Man,”….for he was an outstanding qualifier, winning the pole position three times in 1977, 1978 and 1984….as 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. Sneva won two consecutive USAC National Championships for Indy cars in 1977 and 1978.
