Auto racing is one of the most popular sports in America. By live attendance, television, radio, or internet it is viewed by thousands across the nation. Whether contested locally or on the big tracks, it has also been a bloody proposition. From its earliest endeavors it has left many broken bodies and lives.However, one year appears to stand out for its spectacular brutality. Killing both young and old by crashes, fire, and blunt force trauma. Drivers, crewman, spectators, and even photographers were in the line of fire. The story weaves from Maine to California and from Minnesota to Florida and everywhere in between. Events happened at dirt tracks, asphalt ovals, road courses and drag strips.Because of the fatalities many steps and improvements were made to eliminate the suffering. Car designs, fire safety, and track facility upgrades were all implemented to safeguard the sport.There is someone killed every year in auto racing accidents, but this was the worst year in auto racing. J Louis Frey has been an auto racing fan for over 40 years and continues to attend races. He is a racing writer and publisher. He collects racing books, magazines, and programs. Frey is married and has two children. He loves all types of racing cars!
