I met Walther at Pocono along with Tom Sneva and Al Loquasto Jr. at qual in the 80′s. You could see the effects of this crash. His face was very scarred, and I believe it was his right hand that the fingers were fused together, like a mitten. But he said he loved racing and woudln’t want to do anything else. All 3 treated me like I was their friend for 10 years instead of a kid that talked to them for 10 minutes.This was the real Indy racing, i don’t even know drivers names anymore

The year after saw new features at IMS:The starters stand was placed above hte track,and the pit lane widend.Salt,in spite of his buirns,lived to see another day.

I preach this in every video I see where the catch fence is damaged or the crowd is involved…why on Earth do you ALLOW fans to sit at trackside for racing events? After all the decades and so many near misses and tragic incidents involving the spectators, wouldn’t it be wise to adjust the rules at tracks and speedways to push the crowd back and improve the catch fence? It’s a worthless risk by racing officials, track managers, and the fans themselves.

I remember this race watching it with my dad.

Salt Walther did not die that day…he in fact is still alive!

Salt Walther died that day….RIP

You’ve got to remember this was the zenith of the greatest speed increases ever seen at IMS. The qfying speeds were nearly 30 mph higher than only 3 years earlier. While this happened at the start and not at full speed, the increases in speed had far exceeded the advances in safety both of the cars and the track itself.

that was my first indy race, i was seven……

I lived in Indianapolis for 15 years and only ever went to the actual race once-on this Monday. We could feel the heat from high up in Turn 1.

Between this crash ,Swede Savage’s Death ,and 3 days of rain and a rain shortened race,The worst year for the 500,Poor Johncock!

its a miracle the fuel that was sprayed over the spectators didn’t light
That would be catastrophic :S

That is true! I grew up in Centerville, Ohio as a kid and i knew someone who went to high school with Salt Walther. I heard he use to dress up in Spider man outfits and beat kids up for no reason.
I heard it was his grandfather who had all the money with Walther Industries. I do know Walther Industries went belly up from what i hear.

Memorable Marty…More like forgetable.

Wather accident reminds me so much of Niki Lauda’s accident in 1976.

My parents told this story – they were out driving when my father turned on the radio to listen to the start of the Indy 500. My mother didn’t want to hear it, but my father said, “It’s great! It’s really exciting!” A few minutes later the radio announcer was going on about fires, crashes, and flying tires. My father turned it off.

Salt’s older brother Skipp would be killed in qualifying for an unlimited hydroplane race in Miami the following year. Salt also raced hydroplanes, as had their father.

the drug problems didn’t put him in prison, he didn’t pay child support to his ex-wife, and evaded, and eluded authorities. That’s what put him in prison, not drugs.

No, he would continue his career, but would never place better than 9th in the Indy 500, in 2007, he was sentenced to prison for non payment of child support, and evading, and eluding authorities.

LOL..Safety was a new thing in those days

Salt finished 33rd (last) in 1972, 73 and 75.

it was about 60%-40% this crash and the fact that USAC had a new cheif steward in 1974 who wanted to use a stand to avoid having to deal with car owners/crew during the race (note: pat vidan didn’t like using the stand)

but yeah, this crash was the last straw for on track starter. i think Motogp last year was the first time a race at IMS was flagged on trackside

Salt walther had money from his old man, he couldnt drive at all, he was always crashing. He had drug problems that reulted in prison time

that red pickup full of illegal aliens caused it !

is he dead meat????

This and the 1964 Indy had bad crashes. In those days, the cars would catch on fire.

Rock on Swiss Miss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think her penis is bigger than Danica’s. Can some one tell Milka Dodo to get off the track. Than there is Sarah Fisher. Do you think their periods sync up? I AM KIDDING. I love all the lady racers as long as they are safe.

Way to go, Simona, you are a talented driver, class act, and YES, a hottie!

even a little humor thrown in at the end! GJ Simona!

damn, shes so lovely!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥

Congrats Simona, I was cheering for you! Great race

She’s cool..glad she had a good race