Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 7: Wilbur Brink in Crown Hill Cemetery

HERE LIES WILBUR BRINK, CROWN HILL CEMETERY, 700 W. 38TH STREET, SECTION 70, LOT 1062.

Wilbur Brink (1919-1931) is the only person to die as a result of an auto racing accident at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while not on IMS grounds.  He was 12 years old, playing in his front yard at 2316 Georgetown Road when, on lap 162, a wheel came loose from a race car (one did on the 100th Running as well) driven by defending 500 champion Billy Arnold as Arnold crashed at Turn 4.  The wheel bounded across the road, struck young Mr. Brink and killed him.

Arnold and his riding mechanic, Spider Matlock, were injured but not seriously.  A few years ago Brink's death became the subject of a song written and performed by the Swedish pop band Norma.  The song was called "Bad Luck for Wilbur Brink."

Definitely Bad Luck.