Billy Bourque Portal

This image artifact was derived from microfilm records of a photograph that first appeared in the August 20, 1909, Indianapolis News. It shows driver William "Billy" Bourque at the wheel of one of his race cars and supported reports about his fatal accident during the first day of auto racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 
 
Bourque and his riding mechanic, Harry Holcomb, who also perished in the accident went down in history as the first fatalities at the storied Speedway. The car was a Knox Automobile Company entry. The men had scored a victory in the third race of the day, a five-mile sprint.
 
You can find additional information on this important man and driver elsewhere on First Super Speedway.

• Bourque's death.
• Grim Irony.
• Cobe Trophy.
• Wildwood-by-the-Sea.
• Speedway hype.
• Wedding plans.