He did set up the Jim Hurtubise's car in 1960, which won the pole for the Indianapolis 500 by three miles per hour. Hurtubise won the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. Oakes was also crew chief for Johnny White his 1964 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year performance. His final attempt at Indy at qualifying Paul Goldsmith in 1965 ended after mechanical failure.