Mike Salay was an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 racecar driver from South Bend, Indiana

South Bend, Indiana

The city of South Bend is the county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States, on the St. Joseph River near its southernmost bend, from which it derives its name. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total of 101,168 residents; its Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 316,663...

. Salay made eight starts in AAA Championship Car in 1948 and 1949 including the 1948 Indianapolis 500

1948 Indianapolis 500

Results of the 1948 Indianapolis 500 held at Indianapolis on Monday, May 31, 1948....

. He attempted to qualify again in 1949 but failed to do so. His best finish was sixth at Trenton Speedway

Trenton Speedway

Trenton Speedway was a racing facility located near Trenton, New Jersey at the New Jersey State Fairgrounds. Races for the United States' premier open-wheel and full-bodied racing series of the times were held at Trenton Speedway.-Racing history:...

 in 1949. In 1950 he attempted the June Milwaukee Mile

Milwaukee Mile

The Milwaukee Mile is a -long oval race track in West Allis, Wisconsin that seats about 40,000 spectators. It operated as a dirt track until 1953. The track was paved in 1954....

 race and failed to qualify. He entered the 1951 Indianapolis 500

1951 Indianapolis 500

The 1951 Indianapolis 500 an automobile race which was held on Wednesday, May 30, 1951 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event was the opening race of the 1951 AAA National Championship Trail and the second race of the 1951 World Championship of Drivers....

 but wrecked his car in a practice crash.

Indy 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired 1948 1948 Indianapolis 500 Results of the 1948 Indianapolis 500 held at Indianapolis on Monday, May 31, 1948.... 86 31 123.393 24 30 3 0 Stalled Totals 3 0

Starts 1 Poles 0 Front Row 0 Wins 0 Top 5 0 Top 10 0 Retired 1