Norman Batten, 1926

Despite finishing in the top ten twice and driving relief for the winning car in the 1925 Indianapolis 500, Norman Batten, pictured here, is best known for his heroics in the 1927 Indianapolis 500. In that race Batten's Miller racer burst into massive flames on the front stretch and he could have easily thought only of himself and leapt from his slowing machine and let it careen to God-knows-where. Insead, he stood up in his seat, leaning over the steering wheel to be able to guide the stricken racer until it coasted safely to a stop. He has ever since been recognized for unselfish bravery.
 
Batten drove a Miller in the three Indianapolis 500s he started. His stint as winning relief driver came when he spotted Peter DePaolo for 21 laps at the wheel of his Duesenberg in 1925. As indicated in the margin note, Batten lost his life in the sinking of the SS Vestris off the coast of Virginia. Fellow driver Earl Devore also perished in the sinking. The reference to Salem Speedway is better known as Rockingham Park, a facility that was first a horse racing track and then later used for motor races as many such venues did.
 
Thanks to the Paul Sheedy Collection for this photo. Note that in the margin beneath the picture Sheedy recorded that the shot was taken at the old Salem dirt track in October 1926.