Texas Drivers Who Tragically Died Trying to Win the Indy 500

While there are many drivers from Texas who have gone on to have long careers, tragically some of them were cut short. We know Daytona has taken the lives of many drivers, but so has the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Many would attempt to win the biggest race at the track, the Indy 500. During the track's history, there have been at least 2 drivers from Texas who have attempted to win the 500 and have died trying.

The first Texas driver to lose their life would happen during the 1919 Indy 500

Arthur Thurman was born in Fort Worth, Texas on September 27, 1879 would race during the 8th Indy 500 on Mat 31, 1919. Arthur would start during his very first Indy 500 at 18th place while driving a #18 Duesenberg that was called, the "Thurman Special".

On lap 44, Arthur & his riding mechanic, Nicholas Molinaro, would crash into the northeastern wall at the track. Arthur would be killed instantly, Nicholas survived in critical condition.

Tragically the race would take the lives of 2 more drivers, Louis LeCocq & his riding mechanic, Robert Bandini. While the race took the lives of these 3 men, their lives would be remembered by racing fans on YouTube so that we may never forget the events of that tragic race.

Another Texas driver would lose their life during qualifying for the 1982 Indy 500

May 15, 1982 is a date that race fans will never forget; that was the date when Gordon Smiley would attempt to qualify to race his 3rd Indy 500. While trying to break the 200 mph mark, his car lost control and went headlong into turn 3. The car exploded, killing Gordon instantly.

Even though he was born in Omaha, Nebraska, Gordon was also known as a native of Grapevine, Texas when he moved there in 1978. While most people tend to remember Gordon's awful 1982 crash that would kill him instantly, but Gordon had a lengthy career in racing too & shouldn't just be remembered for how he died...

The last person to lost their life at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was back in 2010; let's hope it stays that way too...

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