Indianapolis Grand Prix Disaster (1966)

Unissued / unused material - dates and locations may be unclear / unknown.

Indianapolis, United States of America / USA

MS Entrance to the Indianapolis race track, sign reads: "Indianapolis Motor Speedway" on the 50th Speedway Classic. CU Pan across entrance sign. Various shots, crowds arriving and packed into the grandstands. LS Hundreds of balloons are released over the head of the crowds. MS Cheerleaders marching down the track. MS Men with binoculars on the stands. High shot, view across the race site. Various shots, the Grand Prix race cars being inspected, filled with petrol and prepared for the start. High shot, pan with the officials car as it heads the field around the track. (2 shots). LS As the officials car sharply leaves the track, the starting flag is waved from trackside and the cars bunch together as the race begins. Almost immediately, driver A J Foyt's car goes out of control, skids to the barrier and wheels go flying up in the air. Sixteen cars are involved in the pile-up, eleven are unable to resume. Their drivers scramble clear, some climbing over the fence. Officials run onto the track to help drivers and men with fire extinguishers go in to put out the first crashed car. Fire appliances arrive on the track to put out the fire. LS A pick-up truck towing away a damaged cars. (2 shots). LS Looking down on the smoke still coming from the burning car. Various shots, as race officials tow away the damaged cars and try to clear the track of foam. High shot, the race is restarted. Another car hits the wall but the driver Johnny Boyd jumps out and runs across the track to safety. The race continues with the remaining drivers having to hug the inside of the track as they avoid the firemen dealing with the new wreckage. Various shots from the grandstand of the race in progress. LS Another car hits the wall and the tyres bounce across the track in front of other cars, this accident probably involved Chuck Hulse and George Snider. Various shots of the race continuing, featuring Jim Clark in car No. 19 and Graham Hill in car No. 24. LS The winner, British racing driver Graham Hill, passes the chequered flag and does his lap of honour. MS and CU Graham Hill stands up in his car, has the garland put round his neck and waves to the crowd. He receives the trophy, kisses a young woman and poses for photographers.


Note: Date on original record: 31/05/1966. Slight edge fogging on this reel and scratches at the beginning.
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