IRL Driver Scott Brayton Dies in Fatal Crash

05/17/96

Indy Racing League driver Scott Brayton died today after crashing in a practice session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Brayton was 37 years old and qualified for the pole position last weekend.

Brayton would have started his 15th Indy 500 this weekend, and has raced in 148 Indy Car events over the course of his career. He is survived by his wife, Becky; daughter Carly, 2 1/2; and his parents, Lee and Jean.

Brayton's tragic accident occurred when he blew a tire going into turn two, which caused his car to spin and hit the outside retaining wall. The crash happened at 12:17 pm. Brayton was pulled from the wreck unconscious; he was pronounced dead at Indianapolis Methodist Hospital at 12:50 pm.

Brayton was not driving the car he used to qualify for the pole, but a different Lola-Menard racer. His crew said he was traveling 235 mph when he hit the wall. His car slid 360 feet along the wall before spinning out into the back straightaway where it slid another 600 feet before stopping.

Brayton was the 40th Indy 500 driver to die during practice, qualifying or the race. A total of 66 people have died at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Until today, there had been no fatal accidents since Jovy Marcelo was killed during a practice in 1992.

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Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel