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Harry Butcher

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Born:

21 Mar 1895
Wilmington, Illinois

Died:

18 Jun 1942
Wilmington, Illinois

Nationality:

United States

Indy 500s:

2 (1930-1931)

Worked as a businessman and local politician in Wilmington, Illinois. He also worked as a mechanic earlier in his career. Also known as Hank, Butcher built, along with his brother, James (who would be Harry's riding mechanic at Indianapolis), the Butcher Brothers Special, fitted with a large Buick engine which allowed Harry to race in a number of events, including two Indianapolis 500's, with a best finish of fourteenth in 1930. In 1931, Butcher retired after only six laps, but the reason for doing so was to avoid Joe Russo's stricken car. His act earned him a special sportsmanship award.

Biography last updated 23 Jan 2017