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
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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
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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
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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
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