57 min

Death at Watkins Glen: How One Forgotten Crash Changed Motorsport Forever Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys

    • History

The 1952 Watkins Glen Grand Prix should have been yet another leap toward solidifying road racing's popularity in the United States — but instead, the death of one seven-year-old-boy in a crash brought American motorsport to its knees. This is the story of Frankie Fazzary, the young boy whose death changed the tides of racing and created the automotive world we know today. This is a story that has, tragically, been forgotten.

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys: https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys 

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Please give DPTJ's new sponsor, Homefield Apparel, a warm welcome by subscribing for updates and checking out all FOUR new motorsport-themed clothing launches this year. Don't forget to use code DPTJ15 for 15% off your first order!

https://www.homefieldapparel.com/

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock

Order Racing with Rich Energy: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy/ 

Follow Grand Prix Gastronomy: https://grandprixgastronomy.substack.com/ 

Grab some merch on Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/eablackstock/shop?asc=u 

Episode Bibliography: 

Watkins Glen, the Street Years 1948-1952: Glory, Drama, and the Birth of American Road Racing by Philippe Defechereaux 

Watkins Glen: From Griswold to Gordon, Fifty Years of Competition at the Home of American Road Racing by J.J. O'Malley and Bill Green

Watkins Glen Racing: Images of Sport by Kirk W. House and Charles R. Mitchell

https://www.newspapers.com/image/279393633/

https://www.newspapers.com/image/279589937/

https://www.newspapers.com/image/276687494/

https://www.nytimes.com/1952/09/21/archives/sports-car-rams-crowd-kills-boy-12-spectators-at-annual-race-in.html

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95370544/Frank-%E2%80%9CFrankie%E2%80%9D-Fazzari


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-blackstock/support

The 1952 Watkins Glen Grand Prix should have been yet another leap toward solidifying road racing's popularity in the United States — but instead, the death of one seven-year-old-boy in a crash brought American motorsport to its knees. This is the story of Frankie Fazzary, the young boy whose death changed the tides of racing and created the automotive world we know today. This is a story that has, tragically, been forgotten.

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys: https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys 

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Please give DPTJ's new sponsor, Homefield Apparel, a warm welcome by subscribing for updates and checking out all FOUR new motorsport-themed clothing launches this year. Don't forget to use code DPTJ15 for 15% off your first order!

https://www.homefieldapparel.com/

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock

Order Racing with Rich Energy: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy/ 

Follow Grand Prix Gastronomy: https://grandprixgastronomy.substack.com/ 

Grab some merch on Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/eablackstock/shop?asc=u 

Episode Bibliography: 

Watkins Glen, the Street Years 1948-1952: Glory, Drama, and the Birth of American Road Racing by Philippe Defechereaux 

Watkins Glen: From Griswold to Gordon, Fifty Years of Competition at the Home of American Road Racing by J.J. O'Malley and Bill Green

Watkins Glen Racing: Images of Sport by Kirk W. House and Charles R. Mitchell

https://www.newspapers.com/image/279393633/

https://www.newspapers.com/image/279589937/

https://www.newspapers.com/image/276687494/

https://www.nytimes.com/1952/09/21/archives/sports-car-rams-crowd-kills-boy-12-spectators-at-annual-race-in.html

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95370544/Frank-%E2%80%9CFrankie%E2%80%9D-Fazzari


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-blackstock/support

57 min

Top Podcasts In History

The Rest Is History
Goalhanger Podcasts
American Scandal
Wondery
Everything Everywhere Daily
Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
American History Tellers
Wondery
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin
The Ancients
History Hit