The Bismarck tribune., 1929-03-14
1RIPLEX racing CAR,
mot DRIVER, BLAMED
FOR SMASHyP PLIGHT
Charles Traub, Pathe News
Cameraman, Killed When
Struck in Accident
WAS UNAPPRovED DRIVER
Major Segrave, Record-Holdcr,
Abandons Plans for Sec
~
ond Speed Trial

Daytona Beach, Fla, March l4-tH1
Tho nine-mile stretch Of beach
where the American Automobile a5so-
citation holds its yearly speed trials
was deserted today and Daytona
Beach had entered a two-day mourn
ing period following the tragic cul-
mination of Lee Bibles effort ycstcr-
day to break the 231 mile an hour
record established by Major H. O. D.
Segrave Of England two days prcvi-
Ously.
The death OF Bible and Charles
Traub. a news reel cameraman, who
was crushed beneath the giant 36
cylinder Triplex racing car when it
went out of control just after roar
ing across the mile finish marker at
a speed Of 202 miles per hour. also
brought the end Of this years speed
trials. originally intended to extend
through March II.
Meet Officially Closed
Val Haresnape, T. E. Myers and
Tommy Milton. members Of the con-
test board in charge OF the meet. is
sued statement after the crash, CT
ficiaily closing the meet. expressing
regret at its tragic climax and ex-
pressing ignorance OF the cauae Of
Bibles crash.
Major Segravc. who before the
tripleE crash had indicated he might
try another run in EN- effort to force
2zO miles an hour out Of his Golden
Arrow announced he would make no
effort to break his record in respect
to Bibles widow and j. M. White,
Philadelphia manufacturer and own
er of the wrecked racing car.
Bible. A2-year-old Daytona Beach
garage mechanic. father Of two chil-
dren and unknown as racing driv-
er, was chosen by White as the driv-
e- of the Triplex. which last year set
worlds mark Of 2O7 miles per hour,
for sentimental reasons. Bible was
car at its last years trials when it was
driven by Ray keech. and White this
year decided to give the garageman
chance for fame.
Was Unapproyed Racer
Unapproved, because OF. his lack of
experience as a race driver, by the
American Automobile association,
Bible went onto the beach yesterday
In the Triplex and roared one way
test at the rate of 180 miles an hour,
a speed far too low in the necessary
with and against the wind trials. He
- I'D
against time.
Flying along at the rate of 202
miles an hour near the far end OF the
official mile, the Triplex went out Of
control. Just what happened no one
will ever know. The car somersaulted
and barrel rolled for 800 feet into
sand dune crowded with people.
Directly IN line with the machine
was Traub, a news reel cameraman.
He was hit squarely and his mutilat-
ed body was strewn along the Beach
by the flying car.
Bible died of a crushed head. brok-
en- back and neck. fractured legs and
arms and internal injuries. He was
picked up some 200 feet from where
the Triplex, a twisted wreck, stopped.
Mrs. Bible was hysterical when she
reached the scene and had to be tax
en- away. Today she was under the
care Of a physician and nurse.
White was in seclusion at his ho-
tel. The tragedy shook him. deeply.
and he declared he was through
forever
Claims Car Went Wrong
White believed the car had failed
cnd not the driver
Major Segrave. who was in the
grandstand mile away. did not see
the tragic finish. He will leave here
shortly for Miami where in his speed
boat. Miss England. he expects to try
for the worlds boating speed laurels.
It's just one Of those things that
occasionally happen in the develop
nent Of high speed racing" Segraye
said. Il am deeply sorry"