A Report On The Accident That Killed Bill
Vukovich In The 1955 Indianapolis 500-Mile-Race
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A Report On The Accident That Killed Bill Vukovich In The 1955 Indianapolis 500-Mile-Race
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Reason Ward Lost Control Is Confirmed
The reason Rodger Ward's car went out of control in the 1955 Indianapolis 500-Mile-Race has been finally put to rest once and for all. In an exclusive interview with the two-time Indianapolis 500-Mile-Race winner in 2002, Ward clarified the exact reasons why his car did and did not go out of control that fateful day. The final answer, according to Ward, is that a particularly strong gust of wind caught his Aristo Blue Special and caused it to spin out. Over the years it has been reported many times that Ward lost control of his car due to a broken axle. Ward said in the interview that he was experiencing a vibration in the car and wanted to bring it into the pits for examination. However, he chose to stay out on the track. His car was caught in a gust of wind and the resulting accident broke the axle on the car. But, according to Ward, neither the axle nor the vibration caused the car to go out of control. Ward went on to explain that he wishes in restrospect that he had brought the car in to determine the cause of the vibration. Ward also reported that contrary to newspaper reports he never did go to the Vukovich car after the wreck. He was taken directly to the track hospital and treated for minor injures. When he was released he wandered around in a daze while he was deluged with questions about the accident. Ward was severely shaken by the accident, had serious doubts as to whether it was all worth it and actually announced his retirement to those in the racing community. However, according to him he was talked out of the retirement by his fellow competitors and even the Vukovich family who pursuaded him to continue his career -- that Vukovich would not have wanted him to retire. While it was not with the same heart he did go on to win two Indy 500's which he considers a tribute to Vukovich. |
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