Gordon Eugene Smiley (April 20, 1946 - May 15, 1982) was an American race car driver from Omaha, Nebraska who was killed in a crash while attempting to qualify for the 1982 Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. While rounding Indianapolis Motor Speedway's third turn, his car began to oversteer. When Smiley steered right to correct this, the front wheels gained traction suddenly, sending his car head-on into the wall at nearly 200 mph. The impact shattered and completely disintegrated the vehicle, which tumbled in pieces -- including Smiley's exposed body -- across the short-chute connecting turns 3 and 4. Smiley died instantly from massive internal trauma inflicted by the severe impact. Unfortunately, he is most remembered for this fatal crash, which has been called the most devastating single-car accident in racing history. His ex-teammate Gordon Johncock won this race. Smiley is the last driver to date who died at Indianapolis during a qualifying attempt, and the last Indianapolis 500-related driver fatality until Jovy Marcelo lost his life at the circuit in 1992. April 20 is the 110th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (111th in leap years). ... 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday. ... May 15 is the 135th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (136th in leap years). ... 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Auto racing (also known as automobile racing or autosport) is a sport involving racing automobiles. ... Flag Seal Nickname: Gateway to the West Location Location in Nebraska Coordinates , Government Country   State     County United States   Nebraska     Douglas Founded   Incorporated 1854   1857 Mayor Michael Fahey Geographical characteristics Area     City 307. ... 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Indianapolis 500, 1994 An Indianapolis 500 racecar depicted on the Indiana state quarter The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, often shortened to Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500, is an American automobile race, held annually over the Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. ... Oversteer is the phenomenon ocurred in an automobile when the rear-end of it doesn´t follow the trajectory of the front-end tending to overtake this one causing the car to spin. ... FATAL (Originally short for Fantasy Adventure To Adult Lechery, but later changed to From Another Time, Another Land) is a tabletop role-playing game created by Byron Hall. ... Gordon Johncock (born 5th August 1937, Coldwater, Michigan) is a former racing driver, best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and 1976 Champcar champion. ...

External Links

Gordon Smiley's Accident in Indy 500 1982

 *Warning*This picture shows a fatal accident*Warning* 

YouTube video submission. A videotape capture (slightly deteriorated) of ABC Sports footage of Smiley's accident, with commentary from Jackie Stewart

 *Warning*This video shows a fatal accident*Warning*