Re: Indy 500 triva
 

Originally Posted by Flags anything:
They way my dad (Johnny Shipman -Assistant Starter Indy 500, 1966- mid 80's)explained it to me was that all month long there was marker at the start finish line and Mr. Palmer was using that as his "reference point to let off and brake". You guessed it, the marker wasn't there and apparerntly Mr. Palmer had the impression that he had to "lead the field across the line". Obvisouly, that resulted in a diasaster that at the time nobody thought would happen. Dad indicated that even the guys on the starting line (Harlan Fengler, Pat Vidan, Jim Beasley (?)) dindn't even realize for a couple of laps as to what was going on at the end of pit road.

I've heard the rumor that the Palmer family still has that car in it's possesion and stored away.

Bill Shipman

that is true! i read an interview with Al Sr and he said even though he was supposed to get the car, Palmer wouldn't give it up. he wouldn't even give Al a replica. instead, he gave Al a Dodge Charger which had absolutely no sentimental value and was promptly sold.