Los Angeles Times, CA, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, pg. 31, cols. 3-4
WALT MAY DIES AFTER ACCIDENT AT SAN JOSE
SAN JOSE (Cal.) June 23 (AP) -- Walter May, 26, Los Angeles automobile racer, died here today of brain concussion. He was hurt Sunday when his car turned over during speed tests at the San Jose race track.
The crash of Walt May's racing car at San Jose Sunday, which resulted in his death today, was the third serious accident in which he figured in two years.
In a practice spin on the Ascot Speedway track here last year he lost control of his automobile and suffered a serious back injury when the machine overturned. Later, during a night race on the same oval, a flat tire threw his car into the fence and he was critically hurt again. Only last Wednesday night here his motor burst into flames in a forty-lap race, but he managed to extinguish the fire and finish second.
May was a Southern Californian by birth, and started racing five years ago at Banning, Cal. He was a popular figure here because of his daring and sportsmanship, and his death is mourned by those drivers with whom he associated. He is survived by his mother. May was not married.
+++
The Fresno Morning Republican, CA, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, pg. 12, col. 5
Succumbs
Walt May, well known to Fresno dirt track race fans, died yesterday at San Jose as the result of injuries received there Sunday. He was one of the first drivers to compete here after the renewal of the dirt track auto race game.-Republican Photo.
Dirt Track Race Driver Dead From San Jose Injury
Los Angeles Youth Hurt Sunday When Car Went Over; Many Mishaps
SAN JOSE, June 23.-(AP)-Walter May, 26, Los Angeles automobile racer, died here today of brain concussion. He was hurt Sunday when his car turned over during speed tests at the San Jose race track.
May's body was sent to Los Angeles tonight. It was accompanied by his mother and brother, who rushed here after the accident and were at the death bed.
May was trying out an automobile with which he was not familiar preceding the race. He was third in the Pacific coast championship race in 1930 and finished among the first 10 in Indianapolis in 1929.
+++
San Diego Union, CA, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, pg. 20, col. 6
INJURIES FATAL TO RACE DRIVER
Walt May Dies From Hurts Incurred in Third Serious Crash in Which He Figured
LOS ANGELES, June 23 (A.P.)---The crash of Walt May's racing car at San Jose, Sunday, which resulted in his death today, was the third serious accident in which he figured in two years.
In a practice spin on the Ascot speedway track here last year he lost control of his automobile and suffered a serious back injury when the machine overturned. Later, during a tight race on the same oval, a flat tire threw his car into the fence and he was hurt critically again. Only last Wednesday night here his motor burst into flames in a 40-lap race, but he managed to extinguish the fire and finish second.
May was a southern Californian by birth, and started racing five years ago at Banning, Calif. He was a popular figure here because of his daring and sportsmanship. He is survived by his mother. May was not married. His body will be brought here tonight.
May was trying out an automobile with which he was not familiar preceding the race. He was third in the Pacific coast championship race in 1930 and finished among the first 10 in Indianapolis in 1929.
+++
Los Angeles Times, CA, Thursday, June 25, 1931, pg. 20, col. 4
MAY. William Walter May, beloved son of Anna C. May and brother of Anthony C., Joseph R., Jerome A., Aaron L., Aileen L., and Vera M. May.
Rosary will be said tonight at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Ivy H. Overholtzer, 1719 South Flower Street. Requiem high mass at St. Joseph's Church, Twelfth and Los Angeles streets. Friday, June 26, at 9 a.m.
+++
Los Angeles Evening Express, CA, Friday, June 26, 1931, pg. 5, col. 1
SERVICES HELD FOR WALT MAY
Last rites were held for Walt May, Los Angeles auto race driver, who died last Tuesday as a result of a race in San Jose Sunday, at St. Joseph's Church.
Pallbearers consisted of the following knights of the roaring road: Jimmy Sharp, H. W. (Stubby) Stubblefield, "Speed" Hinckley, Mel Kenealy, Johnny Kreiger and Carl Ryder. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.
Jimmy Sharp FAG 55049201
Hartwell Wilburn "Stubby" Stubblefield FAG 14990377
Byron "Speed" Hinkley FAG 66430282
Mel Kenealy FAG 165151604
Johnny Krieger FAG 65226386
Carl Ryder FAG 252764696
+++
The Redondo Reflex, CA, Friday, June 26, 1931, pg. 7, col. 3
WALT MAY DIES AFTER AUTO RACING CONTEST
Walt May, twenty-six years old, well known automobile racer, was fatally injured last Sunday while taking part in a race at San Jose. May lived at 88 Eleventh street, Hermosa Beach, with his mother and brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Anna C. May; Aileen and Vera May, Roy, Carl and Jerome May. [his youngest brother, my father, Aaron, was omitted from this obituary]
Walt May was always adventurous in his tendencies. Automobile racing came natural to him and he was fearless in that dangerous sport.
He was victorious in many thrilling races, among them being the 50 mile classic in the Fresno raisin day events, in April, 1930. Two years ago he entered the 500-mile classic at Indianapolis as an unknown boy. He led the field by half a lap until the axle of his car bent and he was forced out of the race.
+++
The Los Angeles Record, CA, Monday, May 16, 1932, pg. 3, cols. 1-3
GAMBLERS WHO LOST TO DEATH
PHOTO: Caption under photo: Companions in life, then separated by death, and now, after two years, joined together again. That's the story of Walt May, Francis Quinn and Jimmy Sharpe, race drivers pictured above from left to right in the order named. One by one they died at the throttle. May was killed at Fresno (sic/San Jose); Quinn on the highway near Bakersfield, and Sharpe met his fate at Oakland.
By GEORGE GLASS
ATHOS, Perthos, Aramis-
May, Quinn, Sharp.
Three muskateers of the sword and rapier. Three knights of the roaring road.
Like the heroes of Dumas' intriguing story of old France, Walt May, Francis Quinn and Jimmy Sharp gambled with death-but the cards were stacked against them.
They, too, died with their boots on. Slaves of the speed god to the last.
Strange that the three departed drivers should be known to the racing fraternity as the three muskateers of speed. Yet their lives ran strangely parallel to the imaginary characters of old.
Before one by one death collected the stakes, it was "one for all, and all for one" with this happy-go-lucky triumvirate.
+ + + + +
They lived, laughed, loved together. Raced together over the treacherous tracks where nerve and muscle are strained to the limit.
They shared clothes, troubles, swapped yarns. You could find Quinn wearing May's goggles, or Sharp's shirts worn by the others when clothes ran low. Together they juggled the laundry. Always there was enough for at least one complete outfit.
"One for all"-they dominated at Ascot speedway here, often placing first, second and third.
"All for one"-losing a race, they would attempt to jockey so that one of the three could win.
Their racing careers started together. Just kids, tinkering with old relics. Down-draft carburetors, over-drives, special gears-they discussed them, argued, tested.
They they moved into racing. Gained prestige together.
The last of the muskateers, Jimmy Sharp, joined his comrades last week. After two years, they are together again.
+ + + + +
It was that long ago that Death drew the joker, and Walter May died at a terrific crash at Fresno (sic/San Jose).
Francis Quinn went next, Feb. 13, skilled driver that he was, he crashed head-on into another car on the highway near Bakersfield.
Only Sharp was left.
With throttle wide open, Sharp drew his last cards last Sunday at Oakland. A skid, a terrific crash against the rail-
And the three muskateers ride together again.
+++
LEGION ASCOT SPEEDWAY, 1920s-1930s, by John R. Luco, pg. 123
A race was scheduled on June 21, 1931, at the speedy five-eighth's mile track at San Jose. All of Ascot's finest-Triplett, Quinn, Spangler, Stapp, Stubblefield, Brunmier, Cummings and Walt May were entered. May, without a car to drive and leading the point standings, asked if he could drive Vic Felt's "Triflex Special" which was granted. Coming out of the fourth turn on his first lap, May hit a dirt embankment on the inside of the track, rolled it twice and went down the straightaway end over end. His feet got hooked in the steering wheel and that was it. May was a close friend of Quinn and Triplett. He was to be missed by the entire West Coast racing fraternity.
WALT MAY DIES AFTER ACCIDENT AT SAN JOSE
SAN JOSE (Cal.) June 23 (AP) -- Walter May, 26, Los Angeles automobile racer, died here today of brain concussion. He was hurt Sunday when his car turned over during speed tests at the San Jose race track.
The crash of Walt May's racing car at San Jose Sunday, which resulted in his death today, was the third serious accident in which he figured in two years.
In a practice spin on the Ascot Speedway track here last year he lost control of his automobile and suffered a serious back injury when the machine overturned. Later, during a night race on the same oval, a flat tire threw his car into the fence and he was critically hurt again. Only last Wednesday night here his motor burst into flames in a forty-lap race, but he managed to extinguish the fire and finish second.
May was a Southern Californian by birth, and started racing five years ago at Banning, Cal. He was a popular figure here because of his daring and sportsmanship, and his death is mourned by those drivers with whom he associated. He is survived by his mother. May was not married.
+++
The Fresno Morning Republican, CA, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, pg. 12, col. 5
Succumbs
Walt May, well known to Fresno dirt track race fans, died yesterday at San Jose as the result of injuries received there Sunday. He was one of the first drivers to compete here after the renewal of the dirt track auto race game.-Republican Photo.
Dirt Track Race Driver Dead From San Jose Injury
Los Angeles Youth Hurt Sunday When Car Went Over; Many Mishaps
SAN JOSE, June 23.-(AP)-Walter May, 26, Los Angeles automobile racer, died here today of brain concussion. He was hurt Sunday when his car turned over during speed tests at the San Jose race track.
May's body was sent to Los Angeles tonight. It was accompanied by his mother and brother, who rushed here after the accident and were at the death bed.
May was trying out an automobile with which he was not familiar preceding the race. He was third in the Pacific coast championship race in 1930 and finished among the first 10 in Indianapolis in 1929.
+++
San Diego Union, CA, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, pg. 20, col. 6
INJURIES FATAL TO RACE DRIVER
Walt May Dies From Hurts Incurred in Third Serious Crash in Which He Figured
LOS ANGELES, June 23 (A.P.)---The crash of Walt May's racing car at San Jose, Sunday, which resulted in his death today, was the third serious accident in which he figured in two years.
In a practice spin on the Ascot speedway track here last year he lost control of his automobile and suffered a serious back injury when the machine overturned. Later, during a tight race on the same oval, a flat tire threw his car into the fence and he was hurt critically again. Only last Wednesday night here his motor burst into flames in a 40-lap race, but he managed to extinguish the fire and finish second.
May was a southern Californian by birth, and started racing five years ago at Banning, Calif. He was a popular figure here because of his daring and sportsmanship. He is survived by his mother. May was not married. His body will be brought here tonight.
May was trying out an automobile with which he was not familiar preceding the race. He was third in the Pacific coast championship race in 1930 and finished among the first 10 in Indianapolis in 1929.
+++
Los Angeles Times, CA, Thursday, June 25, 1931, pg. 20, col. 4
MAY. William Walter May, beloved son of Anna C. May and brother of Anthony C., Joseph R., Jerome A., Aaron L., Aileen L., and Vera M. May.
Rosary will be said tonight at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Ivy H. Overholtzer, 1719 South Flower Street. Requiem high mass at St. Joseph's Church, Twelfth and Los Angeles streets. Friday, June 26, at 9 a.m.
+++
Los Angeles Evening Express, CA, Friday, June 26, 1931, pg. 5, col. 1
SERVICES HELD FOR WALT MAY
Last rites were held for Walt May, Los Angeles auto race driver, who died last Tuesday as a result of a race in San Jose Sunday, at St. Joseph's Church.
Pallbearers consisted of the following knights of the roaring road: Jimmy Sharp, H. W. (Stubby) Stubblefield, "Speed" Hinckley, Mel Kenealy, Johnny Kreiger and Carl Ryder. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.
Jimmy Sharp FAG 55049201
Hartwell Wilburn "Stubby" Stubblefield FAG 14990377
Byron "Speed" Hinkley FAG 66430282
Mel Kenealy FAG 165151604
Johnny Krieger FAG 65226386
Carl Ryder FAG 252764696
+++
The Redondo Reflex, CA, Friday, June 26, 1931, pg. 7, col. 3
WALT MAY DIES AFTER AUTO RACING CONTEST
Walt May, twenty-six years old, well known automobile racer, was fatally injured last Sunday while taking part in a race at San Jose. May lived at 88 Eleventh street, Hermosa Beach, with his mother and brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Anna C. May; Aileen and Vera May, Roy, Carl and Jerome May. [his youngest brother, my father, Aaron, was omitted from this obituary]
Walt May was always adventurous in his tendencies. Automobile racing came natural to him and he was fearless in that dangerous sport.
He was victorious in many thrilling races, among them being the 50 mile classic in the Fresno raisin day events, in April, 1930. Two years ago he entered the 500-mile classic at Indianapolis as an unknown boy. He led the field by half a lap until the axle of his car bent and he was forced out of the race.
+++
The Los Angeles Record, CA, Monday, May 16, 1932, pg. 3, cols. 1-3
GAMBLERS WHO LOST TO DEATH
PHOTO: Caption under photo: Companions in life, then separated by death, and now, after two years, joined together again. That's the story of Walt May, Francis Quinn and Jimmy Sharpe, race drivers pictured above from left to right in the order named. One by one they died at the throttle. May was killed at Fresno (sic/San Jose); Quinn on the highway near Bakersfield, and Sharpe met his fate at Oakland.
By GEORGE GLASS
ATHOS, Perthos, Aramis-
May, Quinn, Sharp.
Three muskateers of the sword and rapier. Three knights of the roaring road.
Like the heroes of Dumas' intriguing story of old France, Walt May, Francis Quinn and Jimmy Sharp gambled with death-but the cards were stacked against them.
They, too, died with their boots on. Slaves of the speed god to the last.
Strange that the three departed drivers should be known to the racing fraternity as the three muskateers of speed. Yet their lives ran strangely parallel to the imaginary characters of old.
Before one by one death collected the stakes, it was "one for all, and all for one" with this happy-go-lucky triumvirate.
+ + + + +
They lived, laughed, loved together. Raced together over the treacherous tracks where nerve and muscle are strained to the limit.
They shared clothes, troubles, swapped yarns. You could find Quinn wearing May's goggles, or Sharp's shirts worn by the others when clothes ran low. Together they juggled the laundry. Always there was enough for at least one complete outfit.
"One for all"-they dominated at Ascot speedway here, often placing first, second and third.
"All for one"-losing a race, they would attempt to jockey so that one of the three could win.
Their racing careers started together. Just kids, tinkering with old relics. Down-draft carburetors, over-drives, special gears-they discussed them, argued, tested.
They they moved into racing. Gained prestige together.
The last of the muskateers, Jimmy Sharp, joined his comrades last week. After two years, they are together again.
+ + + + +
It was that long ago that Death drew the joker, and Walter May died at a terrific crash at Fresno (sic/San Jose).
Francis Quinn went next, Feb. 13, skilled driver that he was, he crashed head-on into another car on the highway near Bakersfield.
Only Sharp was left.
With throttle wide open, Sharp drew his last cards last Sunday at Oakland. A skid, a terrific crash against the rail-
And the three muskateers ride together again.
+++
LEGION ASCOT SPEEDWAY, 1920s-1930s, by John R. Luco, pg. 123
A race was scheduled on June 21, 1931, at the speedy five-eighth's mile track at San Jose. All of Ascot's finest-Triplett, Quinn, Spangler, Stapp, Stubblefield, Brunmier, Cummings and Walt May were entered. May, without a car to drive and leading the point standings, asked if he could drive Vic Felt's "Triflex Special" which was granted. Coming out of the fourth turn on his first lap, May hit a dirt embankment on the inside of the track, rolled it twice and went down the straightaway end over end. His feet got hooked in the steering wheel and that was it. May was a close friend of Quinn and Triplett. He was to be missed by the entire West Coast racing fraternity.
Los Angeles Times, CA, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, pg. 31, cols. 3-4
WALT MAY DIES AFTER ACCIDENT AT SAN JOSE
SAN JOSE (Cal.) June 23 (AP) -- Walter May, 26, Los Angeles automobile racer, died here today of brain concussion. He was hurt Sunday when his car turned over during speed tests at the San Jose race track.
The crash of Walt May's racing car at San Jose Sunday, which resulted in his death today, was the third serious accident in which he figured in two years.
In a practice spin on the Ascot Speedway track here last year he lost control of his automobile and suffered a serious back injury when the machine overturned. Later, during a night race on the same oval, a flat tire threw his car into the fence and he was critically hurt again. Only last Wednesday night here his motor burst into flames in a forty-lap race, but he managed to extinguish the fire and finish second.
May was a Southern Californian by birth, and started racing five years ago at Banning, Cal. He was a popular figure here because of his daring and sportsmanship, and his death is mourned by those drivers with whom he associated. He is survived by his mother. May was not married.
+++
The Fresno Morning Republican, CA, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, pg. 12, col. 5
Succumbs
Walt May, well known to Fresno dirt track race fans, died yesterday at San Jose as the result of injuries received there Sunday. He was one of the first drivers to compete here after the renewal of the dirt track auto race game.-Republican Photo.
Dirt Track Race Driver Dead From San Jose Injury
Los Angeles Youth Hurt Sunday When Car Went Over; Many Mishaps
SAN JOSE, June 23.-(AP)-Walter May, 26, Los Angeles automobile racer, died here today of brain concussion. He was hurt Sunday when his car turned over during speed tests at the San Jose race track.
May's body was sent to Los Angeles tonight. It was accompanied by his mother and brother, who rushed here after the accident and were at the death bed.
May was trying out an automobile with which he was not familiar preceding the race. He was third in the Pacific coast championship race in 1930 and finished among the first 10 in Indianapolis in 1929.
+++
San Diego Union, CA, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, pg. 20, col. 6
INJURIES FATAL TO RACE DRIVER
Walt May Dies From Hurts Incurred in Third Serious Crash in Which He Figured
LOS ANGELES, June 23 (A.P.)---The crash of Walt May's racing car at San Jose, Sunday, which resulted in his death today, was the third serious accident in which he figured in two years.
In a practice spin on the Ascot speedway track here last year he lost control of his automobile and suffered a serious back injury when the machine overturned. Later, during a tight race on the same oval, a flat tire threw his car into the fence and he was hurt critically again. Only last Wednesday night here his motor burst into flames in a 40-lap race, but he managed to extinguish the fire and finish second.
May was a southern Californian by birth, and started racing five years ago at Banning, Calif. He was a popular figure here because of his daring and sportsmanship. He is survived by his mother. May was not married. His body will be brought here tonight.
May was trying out an automobile with which he was not familiar preceding the race. He was third in the Pacific coast championship race in 1930 and finished among the first 10 in Indianapolis in 1929.
+++
Los Angeles Times, CA, Thursday, June 25, 1931, pg. 20, col. 4
MAY. William Walter May, beloved son of Anna C. May and brother of Anthony C., Joseph R., Jerome A., Aaron L., Aileen L., and Vera M. May.
Rosary will be said tonight at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Ivy H. Overholtzer, 1719 South Flower Street. Requiem high mass at St. Joseph's Church, Twelfth and Los Angeles streets. Friday, June 26, at 9 a.m.
+++
Los Angeles Evening Express, CA, Friday, June 26, 1931, pg. 5, col. 1
SERVICES HELD FOR WALT MAY
Last rites were held for Walt May, Los Angeles auto race driver, who died last Tuesday as a result of a race in San Jose Sunday, at St. Joseph's Church.
Pallbearers consisted of the following knights of the roaring road: Jimmy Sharp, H. W. (Stubby) Stubblefield, "Speed" Hinckley, Mel Kenealy, Johnny Kreiger and Carl Ryder. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.
Jimmy Sharp FAG 55049201
Hartwell Wilburn "Stubby" Stubblefield FAG 14990377
Byron "Speed" Hinkley FAG 66430282
Mel Kenealy FAG 165151604
Johnny Krieger FAG 65226386
Carl Ryder FAG 252764696
+++
The Redondo Reflex, CA, Friday, June 26, 1931, pg. 7, col. 3
WALT MAY DIES AFTER AUTO RACING CONTEST
Walt May, twenty-six years old, well known automobile racer, was fatally injured last Sunday while taking part in a race at San Jose. May lived at 88 Eleventh street, Hermosa Beach, with his mother and brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Anna C. May; Aileen and Vera May, Roy, Carl and Jerome May. [his youngest brother, my father, Aaron, was omitted from this obituary]
Walt May was always adventurous in his tendencies. Automobile racing came natural to him and he was fearless in that dangerous sport.
He was victorious in many thrilling races, among them being the 50 mile classic in the Fresno raisin day events, in April, 1930. Two years ago he entered the 500-mile classic at Indianapolis as an unknown boy. He led the field by half a lap until the axle of his car bent and he was forced out of the race.
+++
The Los Angeles Record, CA, Monday, May 16, 1932, pg. 3, cols. 1-3
GAMBLERS WHO LOST TO DEATH
PHOTO: Caption under photo: Companions in life, then separated by death, and now, after two years, joined together again. That's the story of Walt May, Francis Quinn and Jimmy Sharpe, race drivers pictured above from left to right in the order named. One by one they died at the throttle. May was killed at Fresno (sic/San Jose); Quinn on the highway near Bakersfield, and Sharpe met his fate at Oakland.
By GEORGE GLASS
ATHOS, Perthos, Aramis-
May, Quinn, Sharp.
Three muskateers of the sword and rapier. Three knights of the roaring road.
Like the heroes of Dumas' intriguing story of old France, Walt May, Francis Quinn and Jimmy Sharp gambled with death-but the cards were stacked against them.
They, too, died with their boots on. Slaves of the speed god to the last.
Strange that the three departed drivers should be known to the racing fraternity as the three muskateers of speed. Yet their lives ran strangely parallel to the imaginary characters of old.
Before one by one death collected the stakes, it was "one for all, and all for one" with this happy-go-lucky triumvirate.
+ + + + +
They lived, laughed, loved together. Raced together over the treacherous tracks where nerve and muscle are strained to the limit.
They shared clothes, troubles, swapped yarns. You could find Quinn wearing May's goggles, or Sharp's shirts worn by the others when clothes ran low. Together they juggled the laundry. Always there was enough for at least one complete outfit.
"One for all"-they dominated at Ascot speedway here, often placing first, second and third.
"All for one"-losing a race, they would attempt to jockey so that one of the three could win.
Their racing careers started together. Just kids, tinkering with old relics. Down-draft carburetors, over-drives, special gears-they discussed them, argued, tested.
They they moved into racing. Gained prestige together.
The last of the muskateers, Jimmy Sharp, joined his comrades last week. After two years, they are together again.
+ + + + +
It was that long ago that Death drew the joker, and Walter May died at a terrific crash at Fresno (sic/San Jose).
Francis Quinn went next, Feb. 13, skilled driver that he was, he crashed head-on into another car on the highway near Bakersfield.
Only Sharp was left.
With throttle wide open, Sharp drew his last cards last Sunday at Oakland. A skid, a terrific crash against the rail-
And the three muskateers ride together again.
+++
LEGION ASCOT SPEEDWAY, 1920s-1930s, by John R. Luco, pg. 123
A race was scheduled on June 21, 1931, at the speedy five-eighth's mile track at San Jose. All of Ascot's finest-Triplett, Quinn, Spangler, Stapp, Stubblefield, Brunmier, Cummings and Walt May were entered. May, without a car to drive and leading the point standings, asked if he could drive Vic Felt's "Triflex Special" which was granted. Coming out of the fourth turn on his first lap, May hit a dirt embankment on the inside of the track, rolled it twice and went down the straightaway end over end. His feet got hooked in the steering wheel and that was it. May was a close friend of Quinn and Triplett. He was to be missed by the entire West Coast racing fraternity.
WALT MAY DIES AFTER ACCIDENT AT SAN JOSE
SAN JOSE (Cal.) June 23 (AP) -- Walter May, 26, Los Angeles automobile racer, died here today of brain concussion. He was hurt Sunday when his car turned over during speed tests at the San Jose race track.
The crash of Walt May's racing car at San Jose Sunday, which resulted in his death today, was the third serious accident in which he figured in two years.
In a practice spin on the Ascot Speedway track here last year he lost control of his automobile and suffered a serious back injury when the machine overturned. Later, during a night race on the same oval, a flat tire threw his car into the fence and he was critically hurt again. Only last Wednesday night here his motor burst into flames in a forty-lap race, but he managed to extinguish the fire and finish second.
May was a Southern Californian by birth, and started racing five years ago at Banning, Cal. He was a popular figure here because of his daring and sportsmanship, and his death is mourned by those drivers with whom he associated. He is survived by his mother. May was not married.
+++
The Fresno Morning Republican, CA, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, pg. 12, col. 5
Succumbs
Walt May, well known to Fresno dirt track race fans, died yesterday at San Jose as the result of injuries received there Sunday. He was one of the first drivers to compete here after the renewal of the dirt track auto race game.-Republican Photo.
Dirt Track Race Driver Dead From San Jose Injury
Los Angeles Youth Hurt Sunday When Car Went Over; Many Mishaps
SAN JOSE, June 23.-(AP)-Walter May, 26, Los Angeles automobile racer, died here today of brain concussion. He was hurt Sunday when his car turned over during speed tests at the San Jose race track.
May's body was sent to Los Angeles tonight. It was accompanied by his mother and brother, who rushed here after the accident and were at the death bed.
May was trying out an automobile with which he was not familiar preceding the race. He was third in the Pacific coast championship race in 1930 and finished among the first 10 in Indianapolis in 1929.
+++
San Diego Union, CA, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, pg. 20, col. 6
INJURIES FATAL TO RACE DRIVER
Walt May Dies From Hurts Incurred in Third Serious Crash in Which He Figured
LOS ANGELES, June 23 (A.P.)---The crash of Walt May's racing car at San Jose, Sunday, which resulted in his death today, was the third serious accident in which he figured in two years.
In a practice spin on the Ascot speedway track here last year he lost control of his automobile and suffered a serious back injury when the machine overturned. Later, during a tight race on the same oval, a flat tire threw his car into the fence and he was hurt critically again. Only last Wednesday night here his motor burst into flames in a 40-lap race, but he managed to extinguish the fire and finish second.
May was a southern Californian by birth, and started racing five years ago at Banning, Calif. He was a popular figure here because of his daring and sportsmanship. He is survived by his mother. May was not married. His body will be brought here tonight.
May was trying out an automobile with which he was not familiar preceding the race. He was third in the Pacific coast championship race in 1930 and finished among the first 10 in Indianapolis in 1929.
+++
Los Angeles Times, CA, Thursday, June 25, 1931, pg. 20, col. 4
MAY. William Walter May, beloved son of Anna C. May and brother of Anthony C., Joseph R., Jerome A., Aaron L., Aileen L., and Vera M. May.
Rosary will be said tonight at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Ivy H. Overholtzer, 1719 South Flower Street. Requiem high mass at St. Joseph's Church, Twelfth and Los Angeles streets. Friday, June 26, at 9 a.m.
+++
Los Angeles Evening Express, CA, Friday, June 26, 1931, pg. 5, col. 1
SERVICES HELD FOR WALT MAY
Last rites were held for Walt May, Los Angeles auto race driver, who died last Tuesday as a result of a race in San Jose Sunday, at St. Joseph's Church.
Pallbearers consisted of the following knights of the roaring road: Jimmy Sharp, H. W. (Stubby) Stubblefield, "Speed" Hinckley, Mel Kenealy, Johnny Kreiger and Carl Ryder. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.
Jimmy Sharp FAG 55049201
Hartwell Wilburn "Stubby" Stubblefield FAG 14990377
Byron "Speed" Hinkley FAG 66430282
Mel Kenealy FAG 165151604
Johnny Krieger FAG 65226386
Carl Ryder FAG 252764696
+++
The Redondo Reflex, CA, Friday, June 26, 1931, pg. 7, col. 3
WALT MAY DIES AFTER AUTO RACING CONTEST
Walt May, twenty-six years old, well known automobile racer, was fatally injured last Sunday while taking part in a race at San Jose. May lived at 88 Eleventh street, Hermosa Beach, with his mother and brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Anna C. May; Aileen and Vera May, Roy, Carl and Jerome May. [his youngest brother, my father, Aaron, was omitted from this obituary]
Walt May was always adventurous in his tendencies. Automobile racing came natural to him and he was fearless in that dangerous sport.
He was victorious in many thrilling races, among them being the 50 mile classic in the Fresno raisin day events, in April, 1930. Two years ago he entered the 500-mile classic at Indianapolis as an unknown boy. He led the field by half a lap until the axle of his car bent and he was forced out of the race.
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The Los Angeles Record, CA, Monday, May 16, 1932, pg. 3, cols. 1-3
GAMBLERS WHO LOST TO DEATH
PHOTO: Caption under photo: Companions in life, then separated by death, and now, after two years, joined together again. That's the story of Walt May, Francis Quinn and Jimmy Sharpe, race drivers pictured above from left to right in the order named. One by one they died at the throttle. May was killed at Fresno (sic/San Jose); Quinn on the highway near Bakersfield, and Sharpe met his fate at Oakland.
By GEORGE GLASS
ATHOS, Perthos, Aramis-
May, Quinn, Sharp.
Three muskateers of the sword and rapier. Three knights of the roaring road.
Like the heroes of Dumas' intriguing story of old France, Walt May, Francis Quinn and Jimmy Sharp gambled with death-but the cards were stacked against them.
They, too, died with their boots on. Slaves of the speed god to the last.
Strange that the three departed drivers should be known to the racing fraternity as the three muskateers of speed. Yet their lives ran strangely parallel to the imaginary characters of old.
Before one by one death collected the stakes, it was "one for all, and all for one" with this happy-go-lucky triumvirate.
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They lived, laughed, loved together. Raced together over the treacherous tracks where nerve and muscle are strained to the limit.
They shared clothes, troubles, swapped yarns. You could find Quinn wearing May's goggles, or Sharp's shirts worn by the others when clothes ran low. Together they juggled the laundry. Always there was enough for at least one complete outfit.
"One for all"-they dominated at Ascot speedway here, often placing first, second and third.
"All for one"-losing a race, they would attempt to jockey so that one of the three could win.
Their racing careers started together. Just kids, tinkering with old relics. Down-draft carburetors, over-drives, special gears-they discussed them, argued, tested.
They they moved into racing. Gained prestige together.
The last of the muskateers, Jimmy Sharp, joined his comrades last week. After two years, they are together again.
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It was that long ago that Death drew the joker, and Walter May died at a terrific crash at Fresno (sic/San Jose).
Francis Quinn went next, Feb. 13, skilled driver that he was, he crashed head-on into another car on the highway near Bakersfield.
Only Sharp was left.
With throttle wide open, Sharp drew his last cards last Sunday at Oakland. A skid, a terrific crash against the rail-
And the three muskateers ride together again.
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LEGION ASCOT SPEEDWAY, 1920s-1930s, by John R. Luco, pg. 123
A race was scheduled on June 21, 1931, at the speedy five-eighth's mile track at San Jose. All of Ascot's finest-Triplett, Quinn, Spangler, Stapp, Stubblefield, Brunmier, Cummings and Walt May were entered. May, without a car to drive and leading the point standings, asked if he could drive Vic Felt's "Triflex Special" which was granted. Coming out of the fourth turn on his first lap, May hit a dirt embankment on the inside of the track, rolled it twice and went down the straightaway end over end. His feet got hooked in the steering wheel and that was it. May was a close friend of Quinn and Triplett. He was to be missed by the entire West Coast racing fraternity.
