Why was the 917 so revolutionary?

[Jack]

I had an opportunity to discuss this at great length with Brian Redman a couple of years ago and he alluded to the problem of both aero and geometry. He did say that the early 917's were sort of unpredictable and would change lanes at very high speeds without warning. My good friend John Thomas (JT) who ran with Otis Chandler (RIP) in the 70's simply smiles anytime the 917 is mentioned.