He died from heat exhaustion during the 1953 Indianapolis 500, a race in which several drivers experienced heat-related illness.

After he died, race officials announced plans to inspect Indy 500 vehicles for suitable ventilation.

[2] Early in his racing career, Scarborough sat out for two years after sustaining injuries as the passenger in a car crash.

After a fuel spill during the pit stop, a minor fire broke out involving the side of Scarborough's car.

Driver Pat Flaherty suffered minor injuries when he fainted and crashed into a wall later in the race.

[12] After Scarborough's death, Indy 500 officials instituted a new rule that cars would be inspected to ensure adequate ventilation before the following year's race.