Gordon Smiley fatal qualifying crash (1982)

During qualifying for the 1982 Indianapolis 500, driver Gordon Smiley died on May 15, 1982 when his car crashed nearly head-on into the outside wall and flipped at high speed. The impact produced fatal injuries and the accident was examined in investigations into racing safety. Smiley's death is one of the notable qualifying fatalities in the event's history and prompted discussion about car design and qualifying procedures. The crash occurred at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.