Art Pollard

Art Lee Pollard, Jr. (May 5, 1927 – May 12, 1973), was an American racecar driver.

Art Pollard

Born	(1927-05-05)May 5, 1927 Dragon, Utah
Died	May 12, 1973(1973-05-12) (aged 46) Indianapolis, Indiana
Formula One World Championship career
Nationality	American
Active years	1967–1973
Teams	Thermo-King, March, Car Wash Systems, Gilmore
Entries	7 (5 starts)
Championships	0
Wins	0
Podiums	0
Career points	0
Pole positions	0
Fastest laps	0
First entry	1967 Indianapolis 500
Last entry	1973 Indianapolis 500

Born in Dragon, Utah, and a grandfather, Pollard drove in the USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1965–1973 seasons, with 84 career starts, including the 1967–1971 Indianapolis 500 races. He finished in the top ten 30 times, with 2 victories, both in 1969, at Milwaukee and Dover.

He died in Indianapolis, Indiana, as a result of injuries sustained in practice during the first day of time trials for the 1973 Indianapolis 500. The car slammed into the wall coming out of turn one and spun as it headed to the grass on the inside of the short chute. The chassis dug into the grass and flipped upside-down, slid a short distance and then flipped back over as it reached the pavement again in turn two, finally coming to a stop in the middle of the track. The total distance covered was 1,450 feet (440 m). The car was demolished.

The impact tore off two wheels immediately, and the wings were also torn off during the slide. Pollard's lap prior to the crash was timed at a speed of 192+ mph. Pollard was rushed to Methodist Hospital in the new Cardiac ambulance. His injuries were reported to include pulmonary damage due to flame inhalation, burns on both hands, face and neck, a broken right arm, and a severe spinal injury. He had turned 46 one week before he died.

Pollard, away from racing, worked as a car dealer and mechanic and worked with mental health charities.[1]