Billy Vukovich III
Fresno, CA
31.Aug.1963 - 25.Nov.1990
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Quote from Billy Vukovich III: "I know I'm alot luckier than most kids my age, because I've never wondered or worried about what I'd do with my life. I already know exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life. From as far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to drive race cars. It's in my blood - it's what I love to do." A very popular race driver. In 1988, he became the first and only third generation driver to earn a start in the Indianapolis 500. He also earned Rookie-of-the-Year honors that same year. Bill Vukovich III was killed at Mesa Marin Raceway 1/2-mile banked oval in Bakersfield, CA. Vukovich was driving a California Racing Association (now SCRA) sprint car during one of the association's rare asphalt programs. He crashed hard into the turn 3 wall during practice and the car came to a stop in turn 4. Vukovich died of massive head injuries at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, CA (depending on accounts he was pronounced dead either on arrival or a few hours later). The CRA main event that night was won by a young driver named Jeff Gordon, who went on to NASCAR fame. The driver's grandfather, Bill Vukovich, won the Indy 500 in 1953 and 1954 and was killed while leading The 1955 race. At the time of his death Bill Vukovich III was living in Bakersfield. . . . from www.motorsportmemorial.org |
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On Aug. 6, 1989, a special winged East-West supermodified match was held. The Clyde Pricket crew hauled in from the west coast with Billy Vukovich 111 as the driver. |
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wish I knew what they were saying... |
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L to R, Vukovich, Bellinger, Gioia, and Warren pose before a special four car match race. |
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This was the first time a wing appeared on an Oswego super since 1962. finish - Ben, Vukie, Eddie and Steve |
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