Walt Faulkner, seated in his car, prepares for a 1952 AAA race down the Milwaukee Mile. (Photo by Bob Sheldon)
Walt Faulkner (pictured) was among 18 drivers who did the AAA Champ Car feature on June 8, 1952 at the Milwaukee Mile.
As with all racers of the era, his risk acceptance was minimal. During the upcoming 100-mile battles on a dirt oval, drivers seated in wide-open cockpits and sleeveless shirts, much like Faulkner, were repeatedly pounded by clods of earth and rocks.
Faulkner’s tattered Cromwell helmet, lined only with cork, offered little protection at worst. But regardless, with World War II in the recent past, drivers were not afraid. Speed Age Magazine referred to the era as a “man’s sport”.
While Mike Nazaruk was winning the event over Paul Russo, fellow driver Johnny McDowell was killed when he crashed on his second qualifying lap.
This story appeared in the April 12 issue of SPEED SPORT Insider.
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