Formula 1 Retrospective: Adytum on High-1955 Indianapolis 500
Two Time Indy 500 Champion William Vukovich Loses His Life in a High Speed Backstretch Shunt During the 1955 Meeting.
1955 RACE 3
Indianapolis, Indiana
30 May, Thirty-Ninth Indianapolis International Motor Sweepstakes
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
P1 Grid: J. Hoyt, USA, Stevens-Offenhauser 4.5 liter inline four. Firestone (maiden).
J. McGrath (Kurtis Kraft) wins the start.
W. Vukovich (Kurtis Kraft) assumes the lead with a pass on Lap 6
J. Bryan (Kuzma) inherits the lead after a major backstretch shunt on Lap 56.
A. Cross (Kurtis Kraft) inherits the lead after the leader suffers mechanicals on Lap 91.
R. Sweikert (Kurtis Kraft) inherits the lead after the leader suffers mechancials on Lap 101. Sweikert resumes the lead after a service cycle at Lap 160 and drives on to victory.
Tragedy strikes Indy for the second time in its history during its annual meeting. Race leader and two-time champion William Vukovich, dashing along the backstretch on Lap 56, rushes headlong into a sudden four-car shunt triggered by Rodger Ward’s overturned car. Vukovich’s car soars airborne over the outer barrier, overturns, and lands upside before catching aflame. The Californian, attempting to snare his third consecutive race victory, dies at the scene, removing the lustre of eventual race victor Robert Sweikert, who takes the lead at halfway and drives on for his maiden victory. Disaster would strike again at Le Mans only thirteen days later.
1. Sweikert, USA, Zink-Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 4.5 liter inline four. Firestone (maiden victory).
2. P. Russo, USA, Chapman-Kurtis Kraft, -1 lap.
3. J. Davies, USA, Bardahl-Kurtis Kraft.
Constructor Victor: Zink-Kurtis Kraft (first).
Engine Victor: Offenhauser (sixth).
Championship
Trintignant-FRA 11.33, Fangio-ARG 10, Sweikert-USA 8.
Scuderia Ferrari 21, Daimler Benz AG 13, Officine Alfieri Maserati 8, Zink-Kurtis Kraft 8.
