'SPEED KING' DIES IN CRASH AT ALTOONA RACE TRACK
Altoona, Pennsylvania (JFK+50) On September 2, 1924, the Associated Press reports the death today of the "speed king of the automobile world," Joe Boyer*. Mr. Boyer's racing machine sustained a blowout on the Altoona track yesterday at a speed of 125 miles per hour.
The car went careening toward "hundreds of spectators on the infield," but Mr. Boyer was able to avert catastrophe by crashing into the upper guardrail of the track.
Mr. Boyer's legs had to be amputated but his life could not be saved. The speed king "deliberately sacrificed himself to save others."
*Joseph Boyer, Jr. (1890-1924) was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His father, Joseph Boyer, Sr., was the wealthy owner of Burroughs Adding Machine Co.
JBJ became an automobile race car driver participating in 28 races over a 7 year span. He was the winner of the 1924 Indianapolis 500.
SOURCE
"Joe Boyer, Speed King, Goes to Death Heroically Fighting to Save Others," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 2, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
