Sport: Wall Smackers

Of all U. S. sporting events, the annual 500-mile auto race at Indianapolis draws the largest crowds. On Memorial Day each year 140,000 to 168,000 people jam-pack the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to watch 33 cars roar round & round a two-and-a-half-mile, brick-&-asphalt oval. What thousands of spectators come to see are thrilling crackups. Last week, the thrill-thirsty got all that they came for.

On the 108th lap, when the race had settled down into a monotonous roar, Driver Bob Swanson, whizzing around a turn, skidded on the oil-spattered bricks. Droning behind him at 120...