Highlights from the 39th running of the Indianapolis 500

RACE: 39th Indianapolis 500

DATE: May 30, 1955

WINNER: Bob Sweikert

AVERAGE SPEED: 128.209 mph

WHAT HAPPENED: Tragedy again struck the race. Two-time winner Bill Vukovich was killed when he seemed on his way toward a third straight checkered flag. His car landed upside down after going over the outside backstretch retaining wall and burst into flames. He joined Floyd Roberts in 1939 as the only defending race winners to die in the race the next year.

NOTABLE: Vukovich led 50 laps and officially finished 25th, ahead of eight other drivers.