 One of those pit stops was for a tire that blew while he was running almost 100 miles per hour.The race was not a success for all, however as Hudson Special driver, Walter Melcher,lost control of his vehicle on the curve by the Soldier's Home and crashed, suffering injuries from which he later succumbed.Durant was a co-owner of the Beverly Hills Speedway (1921–1924), a 1-1/4 mile board track.