I remember, in the early '70's, at my home track at Sparta, near London, Ontario, a similar incident occured to a '57 Chev at the start line. A rear wheel came tearing out of the rear fender, destroying the quarter panel of the car. The announcer in the timing tower started to sing " You picked a fine time to leave me loose wheel!" over the track loud speaker system. The whole crowd started to laugh and chant the song. The stricken car's crew were less than amused. They "Beelined" it for the tower to beat the crap out of the announcer. Luckily, some of the locals headed them off, and a short scuffle ensued with little damage done. Drag strip memories. Those were the days!