Walt Faulkner (pictured) was among 18 drivers who made the AAA Champ Car feature on June 8, 1952 at The Milwaukee Mile.
As with all racers of the era, his risk acceptance level was minimal. During the upcoming 100 miles of combat on a dirt oval, drivers seated in wide-open cockpits and sleeveless shirts similar to Faulkner, were pummeled repeatedly by dirt clods and rocks.
Faulkner’s ragged Cromwell helmet, with only cork lining, provided little protection if the worst should happen. But no matter, with World War II in the recent past, drivers had no fear. Speed Age magazine termed the era “the sport of men.”
While Mike Nazaruk won 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 edition of the SPEED SPORT Insider.
