Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest struggles to speak after expert reveals the value of his 1958 sports flag (marketrealist.com)
A “Speedway Sparkplug’s” Priceless Piece of Racing History
A self-proclaimed “speedway sparkplug”—a devoted motorsports fan—recently appeared on Antiques Roadshow with a piece of racing history: a signed checkered flag from the 1958 Indianapolis 500. Growing up near the iconic Brickyard, the guest’s passion for racing was ignited early. His flag, bearing the signatures of 31 drivers from the 1958 Indy 500, including 18 former winners and dignitaries, held a unique and poignant story.
The guest believed the flag to be one-of-a-kind, but its history was tinged with tragedy. The 1958 Indy 500 witnessed the fatal crash of driver Pat O’Connor on the very first lap.
The guest had a personal connection to O’Connor, as his father had done taxes for the driver. He recounted a story of O’Connor and his chief mechanic, Ray Nichels, helping him fine-tune his Soap Box Derby car in 1956.
The gesture clearly left a lasting impression on the young racing enthusiast.
Adding to the flag’s intrigue, the winning driver’s signature, Jimmy Bryan, was located solely within the central red pegasus, a departure from the usual practice of signing both the white spaces and the central emblem. O’Connor’s signature among the other drivers confirmed the signing took place before the tragic race. The guest admitted he still doesn’t understand why Bryan’s signature is only in the center.
Having purchased the flag from a photographer for around $1,000, the guest estimated its value at $3,000 to $4,000. The Antiques Roadshow expert, however, appraised the flag at a staggering $10,000. Overwhelmed with emotion, the guest declared the flag a cherished piece of his childhood, a legacy he intends to pass on to his son.