Thompson's Allstate Special was mid engined and fast as hell, albeit it handled horribly according to those who drove it - many drivers refused to drive the thing. During the 1964 race the Special passed a few cars early in the race. Driver MacDonald was killed because he was broadsided by Eddie Sachs during the crash. Sachs perished as well so its double sad.
Gasoline was replaced with methanol and fuel cells were developed in 1965 because of this crash. Dubious distinction for Mickey, but Indy instituted more safety technology because of it.
rjbh20 is right, Shirley's nickname was 'cha cha'. I don't know where boom boom came from. Probably from a stripper I know
