I sure was. That year I performed in my HS marching band - we marched around the track prior to the race. I believe the race got rained out a couple days in a row before they could run it. Gordon Johncock finally won it.
that was the race that drew me in as a 9 year old..Salt Walther crash on the opening lap the first day...Swede Savage crash on the last day:
Savage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzYUZFQr-K4
Walther: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHo8VnOYC_8