Indianapolis Brickyard history

How the Indianapolis Brickyard Fell Into Place

Excerpt:

... during the third day’s run, Charlie Merz caromed into a wooden fence after a tire blew on his National. Two spectators died, along with Claude Kellum, Merz’s mechanic. Newspaper headlines called the races brutal and bloody and the American Automobile Association threatened a boycott unless improvements were made.

The speedway’s management authorized Andrews, who had supervised the track’s construction, to find a solution. His traction tests concluded that brick paving would provide a surface superior to concrete that was more durable. By December, 3.2 million 10-pound bricks had been installed, along with a 33-inch-high wall to safeguard spectators.

Upgrading Indy to the Brickyard made it a safer place for both racers and fans. During the next decade of practice, qualifying and races, there were a total of seven fatalities. Major portions of the improved track surface lasted more than 50 years.

Comment: My brother and I visited the speedway for time trials back in 1967 (the year of turbine engines)