Birthdate: Nov. 16, 1962, Van Nuys, Calif. Residence: Los Angeles, Calif. Ht./Wt.: 6-0, 164 Marital Status: Married (Pamela) Children: Daughter (McClain) IRL Races: 7 1996 IRL Rank: 6 1996 Prize Money: $306,253 Mike Groff Indianapolis "500" Record (Passed Driver's Test 1990) Car Speed Qual Laps Laps Speed or Year Name Rank Speed SP FP Comp Led Reason Out --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1991 Euromotorsport 13 219.015 18 24 68 -- Water Leak 1994 Motorola 28 221.355 31 31 28 -- Accident Turn 1 1996 Valvoline Cummins Craftsman Spcl 17 228.704 11 20 122 -- Fire --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total: 3 Races 218
Mike Groff was born November 16, 1962, in Van Nuys, California. As a young teenager, he dominated quarter midget events. From 1971 - 1978 he won 200 of 250 starts, set two world records, and won three Grand National titles. He graduated to midget ranks in 1981, winning one feature and a Rookie of the Year title at Ascot, with USRC.
He moved to Super Vee racing a few years later, earning a Rookie of the Year title in the Bosch/VW Super Vee Series. He almost captured the championship the following year, finishing second in series points. In 1986, he ran in the Buick American Racing Series. With wins at Milwaukee and Elkhart Lake, he finished the series in second place. He committed to a full ARS schedule in 1989, capturing the championship.
The 90s were Indy all the way. In 1990, he made his debut into the IndyCar Series, running twelve races, with a best finish of seventh at Nazareth. He closed out the season 17th in points. He continued competing in the PPG Cup until he moved to the IRL in 1996. His best PPG Cup season came in 1991; when the season ended, he was 16th in point standings. In the IRL, at the 1996 Dura-Lube 200 at Phoenix, Groff earned a career-best Indy Car finish of third. He eclipsed that podium finish, with a second at Orlando in 1997.
A series of mishaps on the speedway has prevented him from crossing the finish line at the Indy "500." However, he has earned the distinction of producing the fastest rookie qualifying time in Indy "500" history - with a speed of 219.015 mph.
1996-97 IRL Season Results Event FP SP Laps Reason Out IRL PTS Prize Money ------------------------------------------------------------------- True Value 200 4 9 199 Running 31 $64,500 Las Vegas 500K 3 6 199 Running 32 $80,250 Indy 200 2 14 149 Running 33 $118,850 Phoenix 200 6 16 195 Running 29 $59,250 -------------------------------------------------------------------
