Image via Complex Original
Indy's topped-out speeds have led to some insane, stomach-turning crashes. And this Sunday, May 29th, as they mark their 100th anniversary, we're taking a look at each decade's craziest crashes.
Much respect to the drivers who live their life to the fullest—one turn
at a time.
1911-1921—The First Crash
In 1911, 40 cars lined up to race in the very first Indy
500. Four cars crashed around the main grandstand.
The old cars, the smoke, and the funny music is priceless!
1921-1931—Thrown Out
This video shows the squeaky clean part of the 1929 race. Maybe they thought it was resepctful not to mention what happened in lap 14 when Bill Spence's life was wiped out. He was thrown completely out of his car after he hit the wall at 100 mph, overturned, and fractured his skull.
1931-1941—Fatal Crash of '39
Floyd Roberts and the fatal crash of 1939. Notice the lack of safety of the cars on a dirt road. Ignore the inappropriate "happy" music.
1941-1951—The Iron Duke
Dennis "Duke" Nalon was in a fuel tank explosion in 1949. After that, he was known as the "Iron Duke". Smooth!
Check his clip at 3:25.
1951-1961—Third Straight Win, Lost
Bill Vukovich was the first to be headed for a third consecutive win in 1955. The car hit the wall and exploded in flames.
1961-1971—Practice Gone Wrong
In '61, just while doing a practice run, Bettenhausen was killed during a practice run. Damn!
1971-1981—Curse of 1973
You know it's bad when the winner of 1973 said, "We just all wanted to go home and forget about it". In the end, fuel was all over that speedway, drivers Art Pollard and Swede Savage died, and even spectators were hospitalized.
1981-1991—Gordon Smiley Goes Out In Flames
Come 1982, there hadn't been a fatality since 1973—that is, until Gordon Smiley. RIP.
During a practice ride, he hit the wall and the car flew into pieces!
1991-2001—End Of a Dream
"One of the most horrifying crashes in history!" In 1995 Stan Fox ripped the entire front nose of his car. It was his career-ending moment.
2001-2011—Crashtacular!
Just last year, Mike Conway hit the wall and was airborne. Car parts scattered and hearts stopped, but Mike walked away from this with his life, and a broken right leg.