Lee Wallard

Lee Wallard (September 7, 1910 - November 29, 1963): Born Leland Wallard in Schenectady, New York, this American racing driver achieved one of motorsport's most dramatic Cinderella stories. After beginning his racing career in 1935 on dirt tracks and local fairgrounds throughout the Northeast, Wallard spent years as an unheralded competitor in regional events. At age 40, when many drivers consider retirement, Wallard authored a dominating performance in the 1951 Indianapolis 500 that would secure his place in racing history. Leading an astounding 159 of the 200 laps, Wallard became the first person to complete the Indianapolis 500 in under four hours, setting a new race average speed record of 126.

244 miles per hour. The race proved to be a brutal test of endurance - heavy attrition saw only eight cars still running at the finish. Wallard's car progressively deteriorated throughout the race, losing its brakes, suffering a damaged exhaust pipe, and breaking a shock absorber mounting, yet he persevered to claim victory. The triumph was bittersweet, as just four days later, Wallard's career ended in tragedy at a dirt track sprint car race in Reading, Pennsylvania during a promotional event.

His car caught fire on the home stretch, and Wallard suffered severe burns over much of his body. He spent six months hospitalized and required 37 skin grafts. Wallard never raced competitively again. He later relocated to Florida, where he passed away on November 29, 1963, at age 53, from a heart attack related to the injuries he had sustained twelve years earlier. His 1951 Indianapolis 500 victory remains one of the most memorable performances in the race's history, a fleeting moment of glory for a driver whose career was tragically cut short at its peak.