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William (Billy) Knipper

Billy Knipper, 1909 Cobe Cup. Originally in the Library of Congress, 1909, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2011.

Billy Knipper, 1909 Cobe Cup. Originally in the Library of Congress, 1909, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2011.

Born:

09 Aug 1882
Rochester, New York

Died:

07 Sep 1968
Rochester, New York

Nationality:

United States

Indy 500s:

3 (1911-1914)

Early star of US road races, winning in Lowell in 1909 and producing fine drives for some years. Stayed in the industry after racing. Knipper was an automobile dealer with close links to Chalmers. Knipper won a prestigious hillclimb held at Dugdale Hill, Rochester, New York in 1906. Away from the sport, he also worked as an engraver. Knipper also served as a riding mechanic to Herb Lytle, which included supporting him for the 1905 Gordon Bennett Trophy. With Chalmers, he also did a number of long-distance endurance attempts, including one from Denver to Mexico City.

Biography last updated 16 Jul 2017