Firsts and Lasts in Motorsports

[D28]

As best I can find, the 4 motorsports accidents that killed more than 10 people:

4-(11)-1957 Mille Miglia-Driver Alfonzo de Portago, his navigator and 9 spectators
3-(11)-2011 Reno Air Races-Pilot James Leeward and 10 spectators
2-(16)-1961 Italian Grand Prix-Driver Wolfgang von Trips and 15 spectators
1-(84)-1955 Le Mans 24 Hour-Driver Pierre Lavegh and 83 spectators

I remember only the Monza tragedy, 1961 was the first year I attempted to follow F1. Media coverage In Canada was very thin, and I relied on Road & Track reports a few months behind. The Monza tragedy did get front page coverage in Toronto dailies, but that was it, no dedicated analysis or follow ups, or opinion pieces. In retrospect all 3 auto tragedies were very close together and could be referred to as 1950s accidents.While loss of civilian life may not have been accepted, it was at least expected.
Today such carnage would not be tolerated, I think it is fair to say progress has been made in protecting spectator lives. Danger to drivers and course workers still exists, but has been greatly reduced, of that we can be thankful.