Bob Sweikert's 1955 win at Indy came in one of the 500's most noteworthy and tragic races. Bill Vukovich was killed leading the 1955 race while going for an unprecedented three Indy wins in a row.
Sweikert himself was killed in a Sprint Car at Salem (ind.) just a year after winning the 500. His widow, Dorie, just passed away a few years ago. After her husband's death, she stayed away from Indy for 30 years until returning as a guest of the speedway in the mid 1980s. Dorie Sweikert wrote a sentimental book about her marriage to the Indy 500 winner 42 years after his death.
https://www.amazon.com/Along-Ride-St.../dp/0915088819
Sweikert was on the cover of Sports Illustrated May 28, 1956, then was killed just 20 days later. He is one of the examples that is usually cited when there is talk of a "Sports Illustrated Jinx."
https://www.ebay.com/itm/360289504488
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Last edited by Bored5000; 04-28-2024 at 11:33 PM.
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