[1] After a slow start to his career, the unheralded Wallard scored a "Cinderella" victory, authoring a dominating performance in the 1951 Indianapolis 500.

Days later, Wallard's career ended as he suffered severe burns when his car caught fire during a promotional event.

[3][4] Starting on the front row, Wallard dominated the event, setting a pace that his competitors and their equipment struggled to match.

[5] A week after winning the Indianapolis 500, Wallard was injured during an auto race in Reading, PA.

He retired before qualifications, discovering the loss of muscle tissue he suffered in his accident made it impossible for him to handle his car at a competitive speed.