1978 Trenton 200 – Trenton, NJ (80 min)
Also called the Gabriel 200, this was the 4th race of the 1978 USAC season, and the race just before the Indianapolis 500.
This is the full race, as broadcast live on ABC-TV. Tom Sneva captured the pole, but the race was soon taken over by
Danny Ongais. However, late in the race, there was confusion as to who was actually leading! Gordon Johncock and his
team believed they had the lead, while Ongais believed they were leading. Obviously this sort of confusion would not
happen today in the era of electronic scorekeeping, but all this occurred on live TV, and it led for great drama. As it turned
out, Gordon Johncock DID in fact win the race, which ABC Sports clarified before leaving the broadcast. Excellent, clear
footage of some great cars, and the now sometimes forgotten, famous “kidney bean shaped” Trenton NJ track, the final
year USAC held a race there. Commentators are Jim McKay and Jackie Stewart.
1978 Trenton 150 – Trenton, NJ (60 min)
Also called the Machinist Union 150, this race was held September 23rd 1978, and was one of the final races of the 1978
USAC season. Sadly, this would also be the last USAC race held at the Trenton NJ track, famous for its unique kidney bean
shape, being an oval with a reverse dogleg down the back straight. This is the full race, captured live on CBS. A.J. Foyt
captures the pole. Danny Ongais would dominate this race, but he spins out on his own accord, handing the lead over to the
enormously popular Mario Andretti. Andretti was the current Formula 1 World Champion, and this would be his last USAC win
before changing over to CART in 1979. This was also Andretti’s first U.S. win since 1973. Some great wheel-to-wheel battles
in this race. Commentators are David Hobbs and Ken Squier, with pit reporter is Brock Yates.