Race Car Driver. A handsome fan favorite in the racing profession, he participated in five World Championship races at the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway. Born in North Vernon, Indiana, he participated in 43 championship auto races during his career that included two wins and two poles (including the 1954 Indianapolis 500). Of the five Indianapolis 500 races that he participated, his highest finish was 8th in 1955 and again in 1957. He died at the age of 29 from injuries sustained in a 15-car pileup at the start of 1958 Indianapolis 500 race in Indianapolis, Indiana, four days after he appeared of the May 1958 Sports Illustrated magazine. Following his death , racing officials instituted new safety procedures that included metal roll bars behind the driver's head and helmets for the drivers. In 1963 he was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
Race Car Driver. A handsome fan favorite in the racing profession, he participated in five World Championship races at the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway. Born in North Vernon, Indiana, he participated in 43 championship auto races during his career that included two wins and two poles (including the 1954 Indianapolis 500). Of the five Indianapolis 500 races that he participated, his highest finish was 8th in 1955 and again in 1957. He died at the age of 29 from injuries sustained in a 15-car pileup at the start of 1958 Indianapolis 500 race in Indianapolis, Indiana, four days after he appeared of the May 1958 Sports Illustrated magazine. Following his death , racing officials instituted new safety procedures that included metal roll bars behind the driver's head and helmets for the drivers. In 1963 he was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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