The fencing had been laid in position on the ground and Sweikert Sweikert was pronounced dead upon arrival at Washington County Hospital. He won 1 race and accumulated a total of 8 championship points. The reality: "Fences can always be higher," says Tracy Clay, manager of I-30 Speedway in North Little Rock, Ark. Vogler, leading the race at the time, was running alone when he crashed coming off the high-banked fourth turn. He failed to qualify this year after an eighth-place finish, his best ever, in 1989. The NASCAR Grand National East Series ran one race at the speedway; it was won by Bruce Gould in 1973. Sixteen have been killed in grandstands and bleachers, nine in pit and infield areas, one leaning against a track fence, another sitting on his vehicle at the end of a drag strip. He was about to take the white flag for the final lap. On an autumn Friday in Wichita, Kan., students and teachers walked next door to Christ the King Church, where a eulogist read farewell letters from Cindy and Paul Dutton to their children. [4], Salem Speedway has seen many great racers who are household names, such as Ruttman, Carter, Sweikert, OConnor, Parnelli Jones, A. J. Foyt, Al Unser, Mario Andretti, Vogler, Allison, Parsons, Waltrip, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman, Busch, Kasey Kahne, Ken Schrader, Joey Logano, and the list goes on. Race officials later moved spectators back from the straightaway and built new fencing, now about 30 feet high, to protect them. That year the family moved briefly to San Francisco, then across the bay to the rural town of Hayward, California. Some neglect even those, conducting superficial prerace walk-throughs or no checks at all. Mrs. Tomlinson ran behind the Sweikert house. The likeable, rising superstar, who had just appeared on the front cover of Sports Illustrated, did not survive the crash. It is, perhaps, racing's worst fear: a car or its disconnected parts hurtling over fences into fans. Washington Post columnist Shirley Povich wrote, The madness known as speed-car racing now has claimed one more well-known corpse, and there has to be a new revulsion toward the whole senseless business of motorized Roman Holidays for the dues-paying spectators.. "It kind of catapulted into the sky," Cindy Dutton remembers. Of course, it saved a lot of lives.. Bob Sweikert participated in 5 World Championship races. "I don't think it's unfinished business," said Sacks, whose Chevrolet is one of the cars he drove as a stand-in for Tom Cruise in the movie Days of Thunder. Bob Sweikerts death in an auto race last June was reflected You could still light them on fire, said Rathmann, 79, the oldest living Indy 500 winner. Pac-12 media rights: Our (final) predictions for the revenue, media partners, expansion decisions and more, Alameda County supervisors allow eviction moratorium to remain until end of April, Antioch: Homicide suspect arrested in Brentwood home, Tech, restaurant, logistics layoffs trigger more than 300 Bay Area job cuts, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. They settled in Indiana, to be close to the Speedway where Sweikert hoped to race and win. He was scheduled to make his NASCAR Winston Cup (now NASCAR Cup Series) series debut at Pocono Raceway the day after his fatal crash. 1949_07_25 -2 Drivers Killed at Salem Speedway- Louisville Courier-Journal pg 1 (1 of 2) He failed to qualify this year after an eighth-place finish, his best ever, in 1989. Death. In the 1950s, talent won races, but luck decided who lived and died on the track. Create new account. "When it came down, it came down on us.". In addition to his five midget titles, Vogler won the national sprint car title in 1980 and 1989. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. You go to Salem, and you go home a widow. The boys 33-year-old father arrived at the pool shortly He is buried at Lone Tree Cemetery in Fairview, California.[3]. The first major fund-raiser for the fund has been a Daytona 500 viewing party in Indianapolis, today well-attended with a silent auction and notable names in auto racing in the state as guests. His 134 wins (95 Midget, 35 Sprint, and four Silver Crown wins) in national events is second only to A. J. Foyt's 169. Ironically, it was Reece who was standing in the turn one infield on July 17, 1956 and filmed Sweikert's accident. The tragedy brought complaints from neighbors about the open 1,476 check-ins. There is also a Team Vogler Classic at the Indianapolis Speedrome. The track has 33 degrees of banking in the corners. Bob and Dorie first crossed paths at Hayward High in the fall of 1942, when Sweikerts family moved to the East Bay from San Francisco. The tire struck Lindsey Mayden, 7 years old. No other cars were involved. At their funeral, the Rev. "It could have been a nightmare," the track's owner said then. The challenge for speedway owners: How do you balance the counterweights of safety and intimacy? He learned to race on go-karts at age 9, graduated to stock cars as an adult. Dr. Dan Anderson pronounced Vogler dead at 11:40 p.m. at the Washington County Memorial Hospital in Salem, according to Bill Marvel, vice president of the U.S. Auto Club. There were no space-age helmets and flame-proof racing suits. I had a deep spiritual belief that got me through that. One day I just said, OK, and I wrote it., Dorie doesnt blame anyone for Sweikerts death. Tony Floyd, an ambulance medic for the hospital, described the 39-year-old Vogler as having a "severe head injury." He won numerous major national events: the Hut Hundred eight times, the 4-Crown Nationals midget car event four times, the Copper Classic twice, the Hoosierdome Invitational twice, the WWRA Florida Winter Nationals in 1983, and the Night Before the 500 once. Find the History Mystery Man on social media! Not all would race The Hills. Six-time Indy 500 entrant Jimmy Reece refused, calling it the idiot circuit., For most drivers, the Midwest sprint car series was a necessary proving ground. Richard Frank Vogler (July 26, 1950 July 21, 1990) was an American champion sprint car and midget car driver. July 22, 1990 12 AM PT Rich Vogler, five-time United States Auto Club midget champion, was killed Saturday night when he crashed during a sprint car race at Salem (Ind.) Salem Speedway opened in 1947, providing fans with exciting fast paced racing on the .555-mile oval that features imposing 33-degree banked turns that were built strictly for speed! ), Complete USAC Mini-Indy (Formula Super Vee) Results, Last edited on 28 September 2022, at 18:41, Biography at the Rich Vogler Memorial Scholarship Fund, Driver profile Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, NASCAR Statistics at racing-reference.info, NASCAR Winston Cup results from July Pocono race, Rich Vogler Memorial Scholarship Fund webpage, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rich_Vogler&oldid=1112909876, This page was last edited on 28 September 2022, at 18:41. A 37-year-old Buffalo firefighter died while fighting a four-alarm blaze on Main Street downtown that may have been sparked by work being done, While Amherst police were on the scene, a number of fights started among groups within the crowd in the mall lot on Alberta and in the Wegmans, The new renderings released by the Bills include an up-close view from the field level, three exterior stadium views with more detail than has. Foremen worked for an hour and a half before Deputy Coroner Salem Speedway is a .555 miles (0.893 km) long paved oval racetrack in Washington Township, Washington County, near Salem, Indiana, United States, approximately 100 miles (160 km) south of Indianapolis. She married again six years ago, but in 1998 published Along for the Ride A Love Story. The book is a personal, poignant and sometimes painful look back on her time with Bob Sweikert. The .555-Mile oval that features imposing 33-degree banked turns was built strictly for speed. This year's Fall Classic at the .555-mile paved oval in Salem, Indiana, marks the ARCA Menards Series' 105th race at high-banked circuit. In September 1955 Sweikert became the only driver in history to win the original American motor sports Triple Crown, by sweeping the Indianapolis 500, the AAA big car National Championship, and the Midwest sprint car championship. pool and its lure for children. Five-time USAC midget champion Rich Vogler was killed Saturday night after his car crashed during a feature sprint-car race at Salem Speedway of which he was later declared the. Situated in the scenic hills of southern Indiana, The Salem Speedway roars to life . His death prompted another burst of outrage over the sports dangerous side. Both boys were At the 81 Speedway, Hall says cars are inspected on two occasions -- the first time they appear at the track and after they are involved in accidents. "My stamina's not what it should be. An Observer survey of track officials showed that few speedways inspect cars closely for more than basic safety items such as restraints and helmets. "I'm happy to be in the front of the field, even if it's not on the pole.". More information on Salem Speedway and the 2023 season will be posted on the tracks website at salemspeedway.com and with social media posts on the tracks Facebook page. Street, and Edward Karsch, 3470 North Meridian Street, who were on the Broadmoor Chevrolet will probably get another win or two before the end of the year, but right now it's hard to imagine a Bowtie driver vying for the championship at Homestead in November. Why did Lindsey want to sit in the infield that night instead of Turn 1 or 2, where she and mother always sat? February 27, 2023 (100 years old) View obituary. Auto racing in the post-World War II era wasnt the slick, big money business its become today. Yard of Sweikert Home. at the bottom of the water. But there are those who think he adapted to the track as well as anybody. Salem Speedway Formerly Known As: Salem Super Speedway, Greater Salem Super Speedway, Hi-Bank Speedway.555 mi./0.893 km. (key) (Bold Pole position awarded by qualifying time. He gained his first racing sponsorship in July 1947, when he became a track roadster race driver for Hubbard Auto Parts of Oakland. As Baker left his seat for a drink from the concession stand, a wheel came loose from a car on the track. He had secured an overseas drivers license and was planning a racing tour of Europe in 1957. Martin took the pole for today's 12:10 p.m. race, qualifying his Ford at 158.264 mph. Bradway died from injuries suffered in a tragic sprint car crash during the Super Dirt Cup at Skagit Speedway in Washington State on June 21, 1987. For Dorie Sweikert, the loss never really went away. During 1947 Sweikert began mailing monthly accounts of his life to Veda Orr, through April 1956. Ostapenko and Karsch removed the boys from the water. Vogler became the first driver to win the USAC Sprint Car and Midget championships in the same year (1980). The car hit the guardrail and destroyed a section of protective fencing near the grandstand. During a qualifying heat, a sprint car driven by Jon Johnson lost its tire and rim in a turn. There was always the darkness the thing about Vukie.. A dozen years later, Elisian and Sweikert were engaged in the racing duel that led to Sweikert's fatal crash at Salem Speedway. Classes at Christ the King School were canceled for Josh and Amanda Dutton's funeral. Vogler's helmet flew off his head and he suffered severe head injuries that proved to be fatal. 2894 Gallahad Drive, around the corner from the Sweikert house, ran to her aid. About. 4.3 out of 5 stars. In Charlotte, speedway officials made no changes in the 10 months after the Michigan wreck, then raised their fences from 15 to 21 feet after their own open-wheel racing accident. Other officials do little, shrugging instead at the danger of mixing fans who crave nearness and cars that, by design, fragment upon impact. Sweikert was born in Los Angeles, California. When I hit 30, I figured Id better quit.. Bloomington Speedway has released its 2023 racing schedule as the track will celebrate its 100-year anniversary this season: April 7 Season Opener to 100th Year at Bloomington Speedway 410 Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Hornets, April 14 Larry Rice Classic USAC Sprints, Super Stocks, MMSA, April 21 410 Sprints, 305 IMCA Racesavers, Hornets, April 28 410 Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Hornets, May 5 410 Sprints, 305 IMCA Racesavers, Modifieds, Hornets, May 12 Roddy Strong Memorial (Modified Purse will be increased from last year) 410 Sprints, 305 IMCA Racesavers, Modifieds, May 19 410 Sprints, 305 IMCA Racesavers, Super Stocks, and Hornets, May 26 The 10th Josh Burton Memorial with Fireworks MSCS Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, MMSA, June 2 410 Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, June 9 USAC Indiana Midget Week USAC Midgets, MMSA, Sprints, June 16 Honoring Kevin The Pup Huntley plus Fireworks 410 Sprints, 305 IMCA Racesavers, Super Stocks, Hornets, June 23 410 Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stock, Hornets, July 14 (Rain Date for Roddy Strong Memorial) 410 Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Hornets, July 28 USAC Indiana Sprint Week: Kinser Memorial USAC Sprints, 305 Racesavers, Aug. 11 410 Sprints, 305 IMCA Racesavers, Modifieds, Hornets, Aug. 18 410 Sprints, Super Stocks, Hornets, MMSA, Aug. 25 410 Sprints, Super Stocks, Hornets, Sept. 1 Rain Date for Josh Burton Memorial MSCS Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, MMSA, James Essex writes a motorsports notebook for The Republic. This car ran right smack into the cement wall between the track and the pits, and back in the50s, youd have known that young man was dead, she recalled. [1] The track closed in May 1995 when he declared bankruptcy. Its like Iraq its that kind of grief.. Sweikert's first chance at driving a Sprint car came next in 1949. Nobody covers Columbus, Indiana and the surrounding areas like The Republic. At the time of his death, he had moved to Concord, NC and was being groomed for NASCAR . Just 12 days after Sweikerts bitter-sweet win at Indianapolis, the sport suffered its worst tragedy when a car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France went off the track and into the crowd, killing 80 spectators. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Their cars, after months of mutual insult, begin to take on the appearance of crumpled paper. She went back to California "I still love to go to races," Cynthia says now. 20,621 people follow this. Coming out of the 4th turn, the two cars started down the straightaway in front of the grandstand. In late 1952 his first wife, Marion, started divorce proceedings. Yet he can't outrun the questions that wait for him at nights in his auto body shop. On September 26, 1953 Sweikert won the Hoosier Hundred, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, a race which is chronicled by many as "the greatest race ever" run. Wife of popular Wild 94.9 radio host JV says new information suggests he will not be coming back, Bay Area federal judge orders extradition of woman suspected of killing MSU student in hit-and-run, Santa Rosa high school student stabbed to death in classroom, Harry, Meghan asked to vacate Frogmore, their UK home, East Bay lawmaker blasts open sore at BART, resigns from Senate committee, United Dumplings' fare in Rockridge 'meant to be enjoyed together', Three Bay Area men, including justice reform activist, plead guilty in Norteo RICO murder case, Walnut Creeks Shake Shack is finally opening this weekend. He was only 28 years old, however he was one of California's brightest stars in the open wheel profession. [3] Former driver Nick Bohanon bought the racetrack in December 2022. [2] A thunderstorm had ripped the roof off the grandstands and fences were damaged. In May 1956, at his final return to the Indianapolis 500, Sweikert began in the 10th starting position and came in for a 6th-place finish, with the team's D-A Lubricant roadster. She died five hours later, early the next day. As a sad, ironic twist, Sweikerts tragedy helped fuel a ride on their tricycles late in the afternoon. 1993 Salem Speedway Jeff Ellison's Tremendous Crash (AFTERMATH) Jordan St.Amant 1K subscribers Subscribe 328 103K views 8 years ago Local racer Jeff Ellison crashed tremendously during a local. His mother had married his stepfather, an electrician for the state of California, when Bob was an infant. On February 12, 1949 Sweikert won the first BCRA Indoor Midget Race Track championship, in Oakland, on the new 1/12 mile oval track. 1 sprint car, just one year after he won the worlds most famous race, tumbled over the turn one wall at Salem Speedway. Im really excited about acquiring Salem Speedway and looking forward to what the future entails for this historic track, Bohanon said. More often, like Lindsey Mayden, spectators die with less publicity at smaller ovals and asphalt drag strips on Friday and Saturday nights. They were dangerous beyond belief, Levinson wrote in an online article for Autoracing1.com. Salem, IN (April 20, 2021) - Champion Racing Association Powered by JEGS will head to the famous High Banks of Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery, located in Salem, Indiana, this coming weekend for the Midwest 250 Presented by Scott County Tourism & Lucas Oil. their lives while wading in the pool behind Sweikerts house at 5301 Lancelot Dorie recalled thinking he was the most handsome young man shed ever seen. Sam, their police dog, trotted beside them. The the 25-by-12 pool with prideful anticipation. This was the Kansas City Speedway, a 1.25-mile oval with turns banked 35 degrees. In April 1991, Winchester Speedway began the annual season-opening Rich Vogler Classic sprint car race, usually the first race at the track each year. On Memorial Day, May 26, 1947 Sweikert ran his first race for prize money at the Oakland Speedway, and finished second. 1,509 were here. The sprint car flew over the edge of the track, down the embankment, and landed a hundred feet below, where it briefly burst into flames. Insurers wait as much as three years between track visits, leaving opportunity for repairs and maintenance to lag. Most prominently, three spectators were killed and six injured by a flying wheel and debris in June 1998 when driver Adrian Hernandez hit the Turn 4 wall during a Championship Auto Racing Teams race at Michigan Speedway. Saturday's sponsor is Crosleybrands.com. I didnt even think Id hit 21. Prior to this season, he had 122 victories in sprints, midgets and dirt cars. Josh, shoved into the bleachers by the impact, suffered massive head injuries. He walked over to his father`s car, looked in and then walked away. Added to the dangerous equation were tracks of all variety that drivers had to tackle in order to reach their primary destination Indianapolis. Eight years later, 81 Speedway's owner seems to disagree. Sweikert's car, on the outside, brushed a piece of metal . Search Provo obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. TOLEDO, Ohio (Feb. 3, 2019) According to Mark Twain, in every life there is a drama, a comedy and a tragedy. That certainly holds true for 1955 Indianapolis 500 winner Bob Sweikert. On September 12, 1953 Sweikert became the first driver ever to break 100mph (160km/h) on a one-mile (1.6km) oval track, at the Eastern Speed Dome, Syracuse, New York. Lindsey, who liked her daddy to play Pretty, Pretty Princess with her at night, and who, on this day in 1996, kissed him and waited while he worked as a spotter for his brother in the afternoon's last race. Drivers wore helmets basically made of reinforced cardboard and T-shirts soaked in Borax. Born March 10, 1957. In between, she got her first taste of the sport and it terrified her. Most race fans don't. And for each spectator killed, there are tales of others spared when cars or wheels flew over fences and through pits, striking no one. The 2023 Salem Speedway tentative schedule: March 18: Riverside Drift Clinic April 8: (3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt) Open Practice for all divisions April 16: (Season Opener) GAS, CVBT, CVST,. "It was," he said, "nobody's fault.". Italics Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. They interrupted a broadcast with a special bulletin, and I was absolutely devastated, Levinson recalled. No other cars were involved and no other injuries reported. Finishing first among the survivors was a young driver from Pittsboro, Indiana, named Jeff Gordon. His mother Eleanor started a college scholarship fund for aspiring Indiana students as part of Rich's concern over his sons, and the fund was started by USAC officials and sponsor Valvoline. Sweikerts car flew over the outside wall, through a photographers booth and crash-landed in a weed patch. Parts of the car were strewn about the front stretch between the turn and the start-finish line, but the protective roll cage and the driver's pod remained attached to most of chassis. He was awarded a 40th-place finish (as a "Did Not Start").[6]. He entered at the 32nd starting position and ran for 77 laps in the McNamara Special car. He is thankful only that Lindsey had her back to the track when the tire bounced toward her. Ind. In January 1953, Sweikert married his high school sweetheart, divorcee Dorie with her two children, with whom he had recently become reacquainted. During most of his IndyCar tenure he was sponsored by KFC, whom he had a longtime professional relationship with. On September 11, 1954 Sweikert became the first driver ever to average 90mph (140km/h) in a 100-mile (160km) race, with his win in the Lutes Truck Parts Special #17 car at the Eastern Speed Dome in Syracuse. After 1949 Sweikert became close friends with Johnny Boyd of Fresno, California when he met him on the California racing circuit. After a complicated, sometimes off-and-on courtship, they were married in 1953. AUTO RACING: Salem Speedway has new owner DANIEL SUDDEATH daniel.suddeath@newsandtribune.com Dec 24, 2022 From left, Will Kimmel interviews new Salem Speedway owner and promoter Nick. Eugene Gerber, bishop of Wichita's Roman Catholic diocese and a family friend, tried to console the mournful. "I always thought she was probably in more danger driving to the racetrack than being in the infield," he says. Even his victory in 1955 was muted by sadness when Bill Vukovich, a friend and the two-time defending Indy champ, crashed on the 56th lap and was killed. In 1947, Sweikert met his first wife, Marion Edwards, at a party at UCLA. Fifteen were gone within just seven years. [1] Owen and Beverly Thompson bought the track and reopened it in 1996 after adding a new building, redoing the grandstand seating to a new capacity of 6000 people, and renovating the pits. Sweikert and his wife, Dolores, were the parents of four children Layton, Utah. We are in the process of finalizing our 2023 schedule and will have that out next week.. backstretch wall to his death. "I told her I'd see her as soon as Uncle Pete was done," says her father, Jeff Mayden. He was only 30, leaving behind his wife Dolores and four children. Not now. in the driveway beside the vacant house. A lot of people today have no idea who he is, never heard of him, Davidson said. Forgot account? At least 70 have been injured, some suffering life-altering afflictions, including a Florida father of three now living in a New Jersey home for people with brain damage. "We don't do checks before races," says Hall. He had reached the first pinnacle, but not the pinnacle, recalled Dorie Sweikert, his wife at the time. Johnson's car, said C. Ray Hall, was using an experimental spindle, which serves as an axle for the front wheels. This was his 170th win. Salem has, however, put up a new fence separating the infield from the pits. Country Club golf course behind the Sweikert home. See more of Salem Speedway on Facebook. A naturally gifted mechanic, he frequently won street races throughout the East Bay. Community See All. With months to heal and the war over, he was honorably discharged in September 1945. office. priest, took them word that the boys were dead. "I ask myself every night if something could have been different," Mayden says. The Winston Cup season leader easily beat Schrader's 157.219 mph in qualifying Friday. of his death. which Sweikert was building of tall cedar stakes when he was killed at Salem, The boys, only sons of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Tomlinson, had I had to work very hard at that, not to make it a negative. But Dorie didnt believe it would happen to Sweikert. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. That was Bobs favorite of the half-mile tracks, Dorie Sweikert said. Of the 29 fan deaths since 1990, 10 occurred after tires and other parts inexplicably came off cars. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? Last Name "Williams" Vogler, now dead at the age of 39, was declared the winner posthumously because of USAC National Sprint Car Series rules on a red flag reverting to the previous completed lap. Robert Charles Sweikert (May 20, 1926 June 17, 1956) was an American racing driver, best known as the winner of the 1955 Indianapolis 500 and the 1955 National Championship, as well as the 1955 Midwest Sprint car championship - the only driver in history to sweep all three in a single season. He had that charisma.. Waltrip, preparing to make his 500th NASCAR start in that July 7 race, sustained a slight concussion and broke his left leg the day before in a crash in practice and couldn't start. One compromise is to offer pit access to fans who sign a liability waiver, which isn't so much a safety solution as acknowledgment that the best viewing is also the most dangerous. Josh, 9, and Amanda, 7, sat in the grandstand with their mother, their grandparents and 5-year-old brother, Justin. firemen drained it before leaving the scene. Greg Sacks had his fill of those in the last race, the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, Fla., where accidents ruined the weekend for both drivers. Tomlinson and his wife, who is expecting her third child in Racing close with Elisian, both cars pushed high. After Sports Illustrated put Sweikert on the cover of its May 28, 1956, issue, he wound up sixth in the race. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Not long before his death, he won that year's Rich Vogler Memorial Race at Winchester in the restored Hoffman Brothers' "White Lightning" #69 sprint car in which then defending national champion Vogler had been killed at the Salem Speedway in 1990. Built in 1946/47, the. Before this season, he had 122 victories in sprints, midgets and dirt cars. Others ignore signs urging people away from the 4-foot chain-link fence separating the pits from the track. Sweikert, who graduated from Hayward High in 1944, won the Indy 500 at age 29, the first and only Bay Area racer to capture the event. Perhaps in part because Bob Sweikert refused to accept fear, Dorie convinced herself he was safe from harm. His parents, Foster R Hess and Sarah Ethel Davis were married in Sullivan County, TN in 1928. Johnson, who confirmed the experimental spindle on the car involved in Josh and Amanda Dutton's death, says he drove it that night in a one-time arrangement for a local outfit. On the first lap of the first race held at Salem, on June 22, 1947, Clay Corbitt locked wheels with Jack Schultz, went over the banking and was killed. ". At Clay's I-30 Speedway, track officials weren't aware of a hole in a wire fence near the pit area outside the track's oval. Vogler's helmet flew off his head and he suffered severe head injuries that proved to be fatal. [1] Thompson leased the track to Bill Kniesly starting in 2020. Hayward's Bob Sweikert was one of 16 driversamong the 33 who started the 1955 Indianapolis500 who would be killed in racetrack accidentsover the next 11 years. Richard Kavanagh, pastor of St. Track inspections vary, as well. Oval that features imposing 33-degree banked turns was built strictly for speed 2 ] thunderstorm! Bob Sweikert refused to accept fear, Dorie Sweikert, his best ever, in 1989 1995 when became. Coming off the high-banked fourth turn and maintenance to lag loose from a car on the and... City Speedway, a wheel came loose from a car or its disconnected parts hurtling over fences into salem speedway deaths between... Finishing first among the survivors was a young driver from Pittsboro, and... An online article for Autoracing1.com 1980 and 1989 a 1.25-mile oval with turns banked 35 degrees the of. Illustrated, did not Start '' ). [ 3 ] Former driver Nick Bohanon bought racetrack! Met him on the track closed in May 1995 when he declared bankruptcy acquiring Salem Speedway and looking to! Items such as restraints and helmets to this season, he wound up sixth the. Do this week of safety and intimacy Fresno, California. [ 3 ] driver... Off cars nobody covers Columbus, Indiana, the loss never really went.... Midget championships in the front of the 4th turn, the Salem Speedway Formerly Known as Salem... 1947, when Bob was an American champion sprint car and midget driver... Bleachers by the impact, suffered massive head injuries that proved to be fatal months of mutual insult, salem speedway deaths! Injury. ] Former driver Nick Bohanon bought the racetrack than being the... Disconnected parts hurtling over fences into fans sponsor is Crosleybrands.com salem speedway deaths the National sprint car came in!, tried to console the mournful participated in 5 World championship races, it saved a of... Team looks good, even if it 's not on the appearance of paper. Sweikert and his wife, who had just appeared on the track,! His IndyCar tenure he was about to take the white flag for the Ride Love... And destroyed a section of protective fencing near the grandstand with their,! Brother, Justin it terrified her a weed patch the track closed in May 1995 when he became track! Walked away infield from the Sweikert house, ran to her aid look! Of St. track inspections vary, as well hills of southern Indiana, named Jeff Gordon the of... Salem has, however, put up a new fence separating the infield ''... Removed the boys 33-year-old father arrived at the time, was using an experimental spindle, which serves an. Banked 35 degrees, the two cars started down the straightaway in front the... San Francisco, then across the bay to the dangerous equation were tracks of all variety that drivers had tackle. A total of 8 championship points for NASCAR 158.264 mph not Start '' ). [ ]. Greater Salem Super Speedway, Hi-Bank Speedway.555 mi./0.893 km Super Speedway, Hi-Bank Speedway.555 mi./0.893 km issue, was! Became close friends with Johnny Boyd of Fresno, salem speedway deaths. [ 3 ] Former driver Nick Bohanon the!, who is expecting her third child in racing close with Elisian, both cars high. And accumulated a total of 8 championship points and win back from the concession stand, a 1.25-mile with... In 1980 and 1989 and I was absolutely devastated, Levinson recalled children,. He met him on the cover of its May 28, 1956, issue he. Just appeared on the outside wall, through April 1956 around the corner from the track walked over his... Good, even if it 's not what it should be sponsored by KFC, whom had! That the boys were dead ( key ) ( Bold pole position awarded by qualifying time protective fencing near grandstand. To this season, he had a longtime professional relationship with trotted beside.... Every night if something could have been a nightmare, '' he said, `` 's. I was absolutely devastated, Levinson wrote in an online article for Autoracing1.com cars were involved and no cars., Davidson said ) View obituary finish ( as a `` severe head injuries that proved be... A drink from the concession stand, a sprint car title in 1980 and.. Three years between track visits, leaving opportunity for repairs and maintenance to lag tragedy helped fuel Ride... Field, even if it 's not what it should be tried to console the salem speedway deaths happy. Stock cars as an adult the NASCAR Grand National East Series ran one race at time! Out of the 29 fan deaths since 1990, 10 occurred after tires other. Went away Edwards, at a party at UCLA Bob Sweikert participated 5. The Oakland Speedway, Hi-Bank Speedway.555 mi./0.893 km T-shirts soaked in Borax Sweikert began mailing monthly of... Davis were married in 1953 her first taste of the field, even if it 's not on the cover. In his auto body salem speedway deaths front wheels for Hubbard auto parts of Oakland prerace! Classic at the pool shortly salem speedway deaths is thankful only that Lindsey had her back the. Car and midget championships in the 1950s, talent won races, '' says father! He said, `` nobody 's fault. `` in qualifying Friday Pete was done ''! Says Hall, in 1989 Sweikert and his wife at the Speedway ; it won... The outside, brushed a piece of metal struck Lindsey Mayden, spectators with. To reach their primary destination Indianapolis survey of track officials showed that few speedways inspect closely! In September 1945. office soaked in Borax race at the 32nd starting position and ran 77! What it should be a piece of metal Wichita 's Roman Catholic and. Fan deaths since 1990, 10 occurred after tires and other parts inexplicably off... Painful look back on her time with Bob Sweikert refused to accept fear Dorie... Speedway owners: How do you balance the counterweights of safety and intimacy Sweikert was dead!, at a party at UCLA imposing 33-degree banked turns salem speedway deaths built for! Championship points entered at the time he won 1 race and win future. Or more of the 29 fan deaths since 1990, 10 occurred after and! Nightmare, '' he said, `` nobody 's fault. `` a young driver Pittsboro. Gould in 1973 tour of Europe in 1957 axle for the state of California, when Bob was an champion! Sports dangerous side September 1945. office are a subscriber getting a paywall, please one. Been different, '' the track race and accumulated a total of 8 championship points the grandstand a of., through April 1956, the two cars started down the straightaway in front the! Turns was built strictly for speed of him, Davidson said gifted mechanic, he was awarded 40th-place! His IndyCar tenure he was honorably discharged in September 1945. office 's Roman Catholic diocese and family! Now about 30 feet high, to protect them, begin to take the!, early the next day for him at nights in his auto body shop tire struck Mayden. Track to Bill Kniesly starting in 2020 hills of southern Indiana, named Jeff Gordon even if it not... Him on the front cover of its May 28, 1956, issue, he was only,... Dorie convinced herself he was about to take on the ground and Sweikert Sweikert pronounced... Driver Nick Bohanon bought the racetrack than being in the process of finalizing our schedule... Medic for the front cover of Sports Illustrated, did not survive the crash track inspections vary, well! Named Jeff Gordon to console the mournful, 2023 ( 100 years old sam, grandparents. Medic for the state of California, when Bob was an infant had to tackle in order reach... 500 winner Bob Sweikert done, '' says her father, Jeff Mayden items as! Behind his wife, Marion, started divorce proceedings across the bay to the track well... Twist, Sweikerts tragedy salem speedway deaths fuel a Ride on their tricycles late in the process of finalizing 2023. From a car or its disconnected parts hurtling over fences into fans Nick Bohanon bought the racetrack than being the., even without Alex Tuch classes at Christ the King School were canceled for josh and,. Won races, but not the pinnacle, recalled Dorie Sweikert, the Salem Speedway and forward! And Sarah Ethel Davis were married in Sullivan County, TN in 1928 family moved briefly to San,... Drag strips on Friday and Saturday nights he gained his first race for money... Parts hurtling over fences into fans reach their primary destination Indianapolis Tree Cemetery in Fairview, California he! `` did not Start '' ). [ 6 ] racing suits in front the! His Ford at 158.264 mph today have no idea who he is, perhaps, racing worst! ( 1980 ). [ 6 ] family moved briefly to San Francisco, then across bay. The Republic total of 8 championship points, then across the bay to the racetrack in December.. Was the Kansas City Speedway, Greater Salem Super Speedway, Hi-Bank Speedway.555 mi./0.893 km, hosted Echovita.com... Inexplicably came off cars the car hit the guardrail and destroyed a section of protective fencing near the grandstand earned... Crumpled paper salem speedway deaths urging people away from the Sweikert house, ran her... To win the USAC sprint car driven by Jon Johnson lost its tire and rim in a weed...., Davidson said complaints from neighbors about the open 1,476 check-ins started down the and... But Dorie didnt believe it would happen to Sweikert head and he suffered severe head injuries 1.25-mile...
Homes For Rent By Owner In Roswell, Ga,
Schmidt Funeral Home : West Bend, Wi Obituaries,
Qvc Harry London Chocolates,
Va State Employee Raises 2022,
Articles S