Parade of Death - May 1906

The press and social activitists created a stir over the safety of auto racing heading into the 1906 season. Career-ending injuries to star drivers Webb Jay and Earl Kiser raised protests and calls for an end to the sport, especially on horse track venues. After riding Marion mechanic William Bradley was killed during the May 14-15 24-hour "grinder" at Brighton Beach the above editorial cartoon was published in the May 18, 1906 Indianapolis Sun newspaper. 
 
Carl Fisher, who later went on to found the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909, was busy organizing the Decoration Day races at the Indiana State Fairgrounds one-mile oval in Indianapolis. With these efforts underway the sensational timeliness of the editorial cartoon is obvious. The publishers were in the business of selling newspapers. Still, this art produced by nationally recognized cartoonist Robert Carter is very relevant and reflected the mood of a significant segment of the public.