Bill Vukovich II, who finished second in the 1973 Indianapolis 500 and drove in the race 12 times, returned to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 8 for the first time in nearly a decade.

Vukovich, whose father, Bill Vukovich, won the "500" twice and was leading when he was killed in a crash during the 1955 race, separated himself from racing after his son, Billy III, was killed in a sprint car race Nov. 25, 1990, in California.

"It finally dawned on me that my niche is in racing," said Vukovich, 57. "I built a new home 25 miles from the entrance to Yosemite Park, and I've been laying on my butt for four years."

In April, Vuky called his friend Ron Hemelgarn, owner of 1996 Indianapolis winner Buddy Lazier's car. After eight years away from the sport, Vukovich was ready to return.

"I'm open to anything," said Vukovich, who worked for Bill Simpson as a sales rep for racing products after his retirement from racing. "This is where I belong."

The Vukovich family is the only one in which a father, son and grandson all drove in the "500." Bill Sr. started in five, winning consecutively in 1953 and 1954. Bill II had six top-10 finishes, while Bill III drove in three, with a 12th his top placing. Bill II and Bill III each were voted Rookie of the Year.

Vukovich is also an accomplished golfer who usually battled Lloyd Ruby for the annual pre-race drivers' golf tourney championship. After walking the garages May 8, Vuky headed to the Brickyard Crossing Pro Shop to see old friend, course head pro Rollie Schroeder, and get his first view of course that was rebuilt since the last time he was at the Speedway.

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