Bill Horstmeyer fatal accident at Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack (August 22, 1964) THE MOST COMPLETE FOOTAGE
- 6 years ago
Bill Horstmeyer (July 4, 1930 - August 22, 1964) of Madison, was fatally injured today when his car flipped, rolled and caught fire during the 100‐mile Tony Bettenhausen memorial race at the Illinois State Fair. The race, named in memory of I he driver who was killed in a tune‐up for the Indianapolis 500‐mile race three years ago. was won by A. J. Foyt of Houston.
On the 27th lap the capacity crowd of 13,000 saw the 35 year‐old Horstmeyer's car roar off the northwest turn, graze the fence on the right side of the homestretch, lose a wheel and flip end over end three times.
The car halted next to a fence, trapping Horstmeyer inside, and burst into flames. Horstmeyer died of extensive burns at a hospital a short time later. He had driven for 12 years.
Bobby Marshman of Allentown, Pa., led at the time of the accident, but fell back after a pit stop for a tire change on the 48th lap. Foyt forged from the rear of the field and led by the 75th lap.
Foyt battled Marshman for the last 20 laps of the race. He extended his string on the national championship circuit to seven consecutive victories.
On the 27th lap the capacity crowd of 13,000 saw the 35 year‐old Horstmeyer's car roar off the northwest turn, graze the fence on the right side of the homestretch, lose a wheel and flip end over end three times.
The car halted next to a fence, trapping Horstmeyer inside, and burst into flames. Horstmeyer died of extensive burns at a hospital a short time later. He had driven for 12 years.
Bobby Marshman of Allentown, Pa., led at the time of the accident, but fell back after a pit stop for a tire change on the 48th lap. Foyt forged from the rear of the field and led by the 75th lap.
Foyt battled Marshman for the last 20 laps of the race. He extended his string on the national championship circuit to seven consecutive victories.