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| In this May 27, 2012, file photo, Will Power (12), of Australia, drives under Mike Conway, of England, after they made contact in the first turn during the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis. High speed, risky maneuvers and a crowded field have always been a dangerous combination at the Indianapolis 500. But at a race that has too often ended in tragedy for drivers, crew members and fans, the most spectacular crashes are often the most unforgettable. (AP Photo/Tom Hemmer, File) |
INDIANAPOLIS — High speed, risky maneuvers and a crowded field have always been a dangerous combination at the Indianapolis 500. But at a race that has too often ended in tragedy for drivers, crew members and fans, the most spectacular crashes are often the most unforgettable. As Indy celebrates its 100th race on May 29, The Associated Press looks back at some of the worst crashes over the past century.
1955. Two-time race winner Bill Vukovich seemed destined for greatness at Indy. He won from the pole in 1953, won again in 1954 and led by a half-mile early in the 1955 race. When Rodger Ward lost control of his car because of a broken axle on Lap 57, Al Keller pulled his hand brake to avoid a collision. Keller's car veered back onto the track and plowed into Johnny Boyd, who skidded between Ward and the wall — and directly into the path of Vukovich. The best driver of the '50s, couldn't avoid the crash. Vukovich's car tumbled over the outside wall, toppled end over end (20:58) and rolled over on its side before coming to a stop. The 36-year-old racing star was killed instantly.
1961. Tony Bettenhausen, the fearless driver from Illinois, was every bit as well known for winning races and championships as flipping cars and surviving close calls. He retired three times before a 1959 Indy crash sent his car sliding 33 feet into the infield upside down. Two years later, Bettenhausen tried to help out an old friend by testing Paul Russo's struggling car with tragic consequences. In the front straight, Bettenhausen lost control of Russo's car and slammed into the outside wall. It rolled 325 feet, snapping metal poles and ripping off the 3-foot high fencing before it became entangled in steel cables and burst into flames. Series officials determined the crash was caused by a bolt that fell off, allowing the front axle to twist and forcing the car into the wall.
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| In this May 30, 1964, file photo, a burning tire, left, flies toward spectators after a gasoline tank explosion resulting from a crash on the fourth turn on the second lap of the 48th running of the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty, File) |
1964. The 48th running of the Indianapolis 500 was one of the darkest days in race history. Dave MacDonald, a rookie, was moving through the field quickly late on the second lap when his car spun coming out of the final turn. The car hit the inside wall, causing an explosion that sent the car careering across the track and directly into the path of Eddie Sachs. The two-time pole winner slammed into MacDonald's burning car, creating a second explosion that sent a billowing black cloud (17:40) across the front straightaway. A frightening sound, screeching brakes, reverberated as drivers tried to evade crashing in the dense smoke. MacDonald and Sachs were killed, five other cars were involved and the race was stopped for more than an hour. Series officials responded to cries for a racing ban by imposing new safety measures, including fuel cells.
