Balaclava Worn by Lyn St. James, 1986

01

Artifact Overview

In 1986, race car driver Lyn St. James was involved in one of the worst crashes at California's Riverside International Raceway. Hit from behind in a narrow turn, St. James's car hit a restraining wall, flipped and burst into flames. Luckily, no serious injuries were sustained. St. James was wearing this racing hood, or balaclava, made of fire-retardant material during this crash.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Balaclava

Date Made

circa 1986

Subject Date

1986

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2011.264.4

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Lyn St. James.

Material

Cotton (Textile)

Color

Brown
Blue

Dimensions

Height: 18 in
Width: 18 in

Inscriptions

On tag: BELL / Racestar Handwritten on note associated with object: worn by Lyn St James at Riverside crash, 1986 Ford Probe scorched
Balaclava Worn by Lyn St. James, 1986