Speedway Art: Pollard

A lot of the trees in Speedway have over the years 

been subjected to "pollard" cuts of their limbs.

And every tree I see seems like a silent, subtle memorial

to Indy car driver Art Pollard.

Pollard is remembered as an outgoing and kind man

who made time for fans and always valued friends and family.

He drove his first Champ Car race at Milwaukee

in 1965, was credited with 22nd place after spinning out, 

and received $165 for his effort. He attempted to qualify for

the Indy 500 in 1966, but was bumped from the field.

The following year, he made his first start in the race, finishing eighth.

In 1968, he drove Andy Granatelli's STP Lotus turbine.

All told, Pollard drove in five Indy 500-Mile races.

He qualified for six but broke a leg during a practice accident

for the 1972 race and was unable to compete.

In 1973, Pollard was killed while practicing at the Speedway.

Mr. Pollock* Lives Here

Late this afternoon I walked over to the store and saw these 

pollocked pollarded trees. Their bold black limbs pressed 

against the sky, contrasting with the few wisps of 

remaining daylight and clouds.

On the soccer field a young boy, his father 

and big sister, were using the time they had left

to fly their kites, proud to be able to get them airborne

and to keep them dancing on the evening breeze.

The bare limbs and branches of the pollocked pollarded trees 

in the top picture remind me somewhat of the thick 

and thin lines in some of Jackson Pollock's paintings.


* The correct word is "pollard," dammit, which
 I learned earlier this summer. I just guess my 
mind wants it to be "pollock."  

The "artiste" below reminds me to never become 

so confident that I lose sight of my true abilities.