In 1946 I was 9 years old.  In 1947 and ‘48 we were there also, sitting on the cold cement slab seats of Balboa Stadium in San Diego, California -- my dad and I. There was something happening there.  I was excited, tense, I was attuned, I loved it. Why? Because of my instincts. When in the presence of greatness you feel it. I had a full size picture of the Mad Russian Billy Vukovich in his #1 red Drake. I can still see it in my mind’s eye.  Wish I still had that picture. He was my idol. I was crazy about this guy. A roll model unbelievable, and inspirational in my life. Too bad we don’t have more of this caliber in today’s world. But for this tragic loss he would have had 3 straight wins at Indy. In my mind he did have 3 straight wins. Were it not for a bad break, a freak steering pin break in ‘52 it would have been 4 straight. The epitome of excellence in motion, a rare quality of style, of quite demure natural talent and guts that sets a true champion apart from the rest -- especially in this profession . An Icon In my book. The best of the best, and the best ever. A sad fan at this tragic loss, but still a fan.

     I was absolutely amazed when I ran across your website, an amazing tribute to the greatest race driver of our time.  For many years I often wondered why no one had ever written a book or done a documentary on Bill Vukovich, now all these things have been accomplished.

     I first learned about Bill Vukovich in 1952 at the age of 9, my father was listening to the "500" and I asked what he was doing, he said he was listening to a fellow "Slav" run away with the Indianapolis 500, he was heartbroken when the steering broke and Vuky’s car slid along the wall.   In those days all the Yugoslavian people in the central area of California had relatives scattered in several cities, my grandfather had relatives in San Francisco, Watsonville and Fresno, so Bill Vukovich became a hero to the area Slav communities.

     In 1953 I listened to the "500" with my dad, man what a joyous day when Vuky won the race, then in 1954 when he won again my granfather had a big lamb BBQ on Memorial Day, everybody was just so happy, my grandfather, dad and uncle couldn’t wait for 1955 when Vuky won 3 in a row, May 30^th 1955 everybody was gathered around the radio a my grandparents house, Vuky was way out front, such joy and happiness filled the room, then something happened and it was quiet as a tomb, then the announcement Vuky was dead, my father shut off the radio, none of my family ever listened to the "500" again.

     I had never experienced such a terrible day in my life, I couldn’t sleep good for months, I kept thinking 5 seconds faster or slower and he would still be with us, I prayed for him every night, collected or read everything I could about him, now 52 years later I still think of what could have been, this mans death effected me as much as my own mother and fathers passing.  For years I thought I was crazy feeling this tremendous loss for someone I never met or even knew, but I can see from your website I am not alone.

     The one good thing that came out of this is I became a diehard fan of the Indianapolis 500, I haven’t missed listening or watching every one since that day, as time passed A.J. Foyt became my favorite driver mostly because he reminded me of Vuky, not crazy about the media, could drive anything with wheels, loved to drive in the "500", and nothing but 1^st place meant anything to him, it meant you lost.

     So thank you so much for your website, keep adding pictures, videos and stories of the greatest race car driver of all-time, I must go through the pictures once or twice a week, I watch the videos and listen to the audio programs weekly, you have created a lasting tribute to a man idolized and missed by many.

Thank you so much;

Paul Matulich

California

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     I was just a small boy who happened to read the Cornelius Ryan account of the accident which appeared in the May 1956 issue of Colliers Magazine.  The one little detail that captured my imagination was that Vuky reportedly carried a single dollar bill as a good luck talisman.  I don't know why that would sear itself in my memory, but it did.  Some 50 years later, I still remember this and think of Vukovich. 

     May he and his wife rest in peace, and the remaining family members for whom Vukovich is so much more than mere shadows on safety film, derive some comfort in knowing that many members of the public remember this remarkable man decades later. 

     Again, thanks so much for your tireless efforts in making as accurate a report as available resources and lengthening memories will permit. Time's wrong way telescope has been stayed, if for just a moment, with this account.

     All good wishes to you and yours.

Sincerely, Ramon Boronda

     My Dad I went to see Bill Vukovich race midgets (at either Culver City or Ascot in Southern California) after he had won at Indy in 1954.  Drove a beautiful blue and white car with gold trim; number 45 as I recall.  From that time on Bill Vukovich was my favorite.  I was 9 years old.  I am now 62 and he still is.

     I remember my Dad and I sitting next to the radio listening to Sid Collins and the other announcers that day.  We were certain that Bill would be the first to win three in a row.  I will never forget the look on my Dad's face when the announcement came and the empty feeling in my stomach.  I was heartbroken.

     Bill Vukovich has been a symbol for me all my life.  You don't let up and you use your God given abilities the best you can.  To do less than that is to deny the gift.  I took my gifts and put then into sports and a few years later I was the American record holder for 3,000 and 5,000 meters in speedskating.

     Even after all these years there is still some hurt and disappointment left inside. Bill was going to win that day and in some ways he did, for there is truly no greater victory than victory over self and his passing instilled that desire and drive into many of us.

     Thanks, your website has allowed me to be part of the last ride of a true hero.

Bart Smith,  Las Vegas, Nevada

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