In 1932 Arnold led 57 laps before crashing on lap 59. He sustained a broken shoulder and riding mechanic Matlock sustained a broken pelvis. At the urging of his wife, Arnold retired from racing.
He was 24 years old at the time. In 1931 he led 155 laps but crashed on lap 162 while holding a five-lap lead, sustaining serious injuries along with his riding mechanic Spider Matlock. A tire came off the car, bounced over the stands and killed 11-year-old Wilbur Brink, who was struck near his parents' concession stand outside the track.