High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The 1987 IndyCar season, the ninth in the CART era of U.S. open-wheel racing, consisted of 16 races, beginning in Long Beach, California on April 4 and concluding in Miami, Florida on November 1. There was one non-championship event, the Marlboro Challenge. The PPG Indy Car World Series Drivers` Champion was Bobby Rahal and the Indianapolis 500 winner was Al Unser. Rookie of the Year was Fabrizio Barbazza. The 71st Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by the USAC, but counted in the CART points standings.