Brittany Walther Goes to Indy

We had the good fortune and good weather to take Salt's youngest daughter to the track for her very first time this past weekend. She was very excited to see where her dad and grandfather spent most of their time in the 1970's. I got to talk with long time track historian Donald Davidson via phone while trying to set up some special stuff for Brittany.

Brittany Walther in Turn 1 Site of her father's accident

 

Chuck Little w/Dayton Walther Team Jacket [Salt's good friend] and Brittany

While visiting turn 1 we happened to notice some older gentleman in Safety Crew shirts sitting in a golf cart. We walked over and introduced Brittany to them and they were members of the IMS Safety Crew that worked the accident in 1973. They were very excited to meet her and share the experience of that day with her. 

Brittany then drove the Firestone simulator, which was an eye opening experience for her. She told us the steering was too sensitive. 

Brittany Walther heading into turn 1

Brittany got to visit the garage area later in the day and she got a case of the goo, goo's with A.J. Foyt's young rookie driver Conner Daly who is the son of long time F1 and Champ care driver Derek Daly. She got a picture on her camera with him and an autographed poster. It was more than likely the poster was going on her bedroom wall Saturday night.

Conner Daly Garage with A.J. in the back

We also, briefly met A.J. and long time crew member Lew Parks who had crewed for Dayton Walther Racing back in 1978 before leaving for A.J. Foyt Racing. Lew shared some stories with Brittany about here dad and was in the middle of a story about her grandfather when A.J. summoned him to help find a flat cart as they were going to try a qualifying attempt late on Saturday afternoon.

It was a long day, but she had a great time getting to see and experience something her dad and grandpa had so much passion for.