Riding Mechanics: Motorsport's Most DANGEROUS Profession

We all know motorsport is dangerous, but for many years, one profession was more dangerous than the rest: Riding mechanics. These men were effectively passengers tasked with making repairs on the fly, keeping an eye on traffic, and even feeding the drivers. Unfortunately, riding mechanics had very little protection, making them especially prone to brutal injuries and deaths in big events like the Indianapolis 500. This is the history of that short-lived — and often fatal — role.

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys: 

https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys 

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Please give DPTJ's new sponsor, Homefield Apparel, a warm welcome by subscribing for updates and checking out all FOUR new motorsport-themed clothing launches this year. Don't forget to use code DPTJ15 for 15% off your first order!

https://www.homefieldapparel.com/

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock

Follow DPTJ on Instagram: @deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Follow DPTJ on Twitter/X: @terriblejoy_pod

Order Racing with Rich Energy: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy/ 

Follow Grand Prix Gastronomy: https://grandprixgastronomy.substack.com/ 

Grab some merch on Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/eablackstock/shop?asc=u 

Episode Bibliography:

The Last Lap: The Mysterious Demise of Pete Kreis at the Indy 500 by William Walker

Blood and Smoke: A True Tale of Mystery, Mayhem, and the Birth of the Indianapolis 500 by Charles Leerhsen

https://www.newspapers.com/image/55385261/?match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/700800591/?match=1&terms=%22race%2C%22%20%22riding%20mechanic%22

https://www.newspapers.com/image/1017829515/?match=1&terms=%22race%2C%22%20%22riding%20mechanic%22

https://www.newspapers.com/image/37471607/?match=1&terms=%22race%2C%22%20%22riding%20mechanic%22

https://www.newspapers.com/image/107036405/?match=1&terms=%22race%2C%22%20%22riding%20mechanic%22 

https://www.newspapers.com/image/274760126/?match=1&terms=%22race%2C%22%20%22riding%20mechanic%22 

https://www.newspapers.com/image/951652355/?match=1&terms=%22race%2C%22%20%22riding%20mechanic%22 

https://www.newspapers.com/image/1020578881/?match=1&terms=%22race%2C%22%20%22riding%20mechanic%22

https://www.newspapers.com/image/74286307/?match=1&terms=%22race%2C%22%20%22riding%20mechanic%22

.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}