Drivers usually like the late afternoon shadows on the front straightaway at IMS. The shade cools the track, leading to faster lap times. On qualifying days, it is sometimes an advantage to go out late.

Sometimes, however the mixture of shadow and light can trick the eye. Such is the sad tale of Bob Scott in 1954.

Scott had competed in the 1952 and 1953 500 starting 25th in his rookie year and 11th in 1953. He had completed just 63 combined laps in the two races, finishing 29th and 31st.

Scott had been bumped on the final day of qualifying for the 1954 race, and time was running short. His good friend, Bob Sweikert, persuaded a car owner to put Scott in his machine. Sweikert then pleaded with fellow competitors in the qualifying line and with AAA officials to allow Scott to move to the head of the line.

Just before the 6 pm deadline, Scott took to the track. His first two laps were in the 138 mph range. Lap three dropped to 136, but his average would still put him in the field. As Scott came off turn 4, he shut off the engine and came into the pits. To his horror, Scott learned he had only completed three laps.

He thought the white flag was the checkered flag because of the shadows and sunlight playing on the front stretch. Scott noticed Sweikert waving at him in a gesture that he interpreted as “You did it!” The combination of mixed signals caused him to shut off the car, satisfied that he had made the race.

Writer Angelo Angelopolous reported that Scott cried for several hours afterwards. Scott was not a wealthy man. He came to the track in 1952 with just $25 to live on for the entire month.

Unfortunately, the 25-year-old Scott would not get another chance at the 500. He was killed on July 4 in a racing accident at Darlington.

The link below will take you to the final paragraph of the Angelopolous story about Scott’s misadventure. The writing is eloquent, as is the entire story.

https://indystar.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-xcott/146552290