The Indy 500 drivers — Where are they now?
by Richard Jenkins
| See also |
|---|
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World Championship drivers Formula 3000 drivers Indy 500 drivers North American Racers World Championship team bosses |
I have endeavoured to try and provide as up-to-date and accurate information as possible for everyone featured on this site, and I am always indebted to the many contributors who help with the information on this site and sadly, space doesn't allow for me to thank everyone here. However, I would like to dedicate the ongoing work, progress and achievements on this site to those contributors who are sadly no longer with us but helped aide this project so much: Len Calinoff, Phil Harms, Gene Heeter, Earl Ma, Don Radbruch and Roscoe H Rann.
Updates and corrections are always welcomed — please either join the debate here or feel free to contact me on with any information you might have.
This part of the site is also dedicated to the memory of Tony Marsh, as it was his post-Grand Prix life that served as the initial inspiration for "Where Are They Now" back in 1998 For more about what this part of the site is trying to achieve, please read my full introduction.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
| Name | Born | Died | Nat | Indy 500s | Biography |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Abell |
26 Jan 1901 Waverly, Kentucky |
19 Apr 1958 Los Angeles, California |
USA |
1 (1927) |
Raced in a number of events in 1927, without much success. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Jay Abney |
Mesa, Arizona |
|
USA |
0 (1956) |
Very little is known of Abney, bar that he started in motorcycling, where he did well, before moving to cars. He stopped racing in the early 1960's. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Tony Adamowicz |
02 May 1941 Torrance, California |
|
USA |
0 (1970-1971) |
Still well. Better known for his endurance career, he is now allied with a safety manufacturer, runs a motorsport links page, still races in historic events and is working on numerous projects regarding his Le Mans past. Also does some driver instructing. |
| Bert Adams |
1882 Connersville, Indiana |
unknown |
USA |
1 (1911) |
Occasional tester for McFarland who had a few years in the sport from 1910 onwards. |
| Walt Ader |
15 Dec 1912 Long Valley, New Jersey |
25 Nov 1982 Califon, New Jersey |
USA |
1 (1947-1950) |
Started racing pre-war, but his big break came when he won at Reading, PA in 1946. Later became part of the Williams Grove Old Timers Club. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Freddie Agabashian |
21 Aug 1913 Modesto, California |
13 Oct 1989 Alamo, California |
USA |
11 (1947-1958) |
Son of a mathematics genius, his sisters also became professional singers. Freddie carried on the tradition of success in his family by being a hugely successful driver. He later became a radio and TV announcer for the Indy 500, as well as advising countless drivers. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| A. C. 'Bob' Aiken |
|
unknown |
USA |
0 (1932) |
Little-known dirt-track racer, who raced in the early 1930's. |
| George Ainslee |
10 Oct 1890 Brooklyn, New York |
15 Apr 1962 Farmingdale, New York |
USA |
0 (1912) |
Real name Ainslie. A racing mechanic, often for Van Gorder or Horan. Later worked as a car mechanic. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Johnny Aitken |
03 May 1885 Indianapolis, Indiana |
15 Oct 1918 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA |
2 (1911-1916) |
Fine racing driver who was a victim of the strain of influenza that killed so many in 1918, whilst serving his country in World War 1. His widow, Bessie, went on to live until the age of 102! Fluent in French, he helped Jules Goux to success before World War 1. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Bill Albertson |
02 Nov 1889 Penn Yann, New York |
16 Aug 1930 Middletown, New York |
USA |
1 (1929) |
Dirt oval specialist, of Danish ancestry, killed during a qualifying crash at Middletown. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Michele Alboreto |
23 Dec 1956 Milan |
25 Apr 2001 Lausitz Circuit, nr. Dresden, Germany |
I |
1 (1996) |
Michele became one of the world's top sportscar stars after a long F1 career and won Le Mans in 1997. After a win at Sebring, he was tipped for 2nd Le Mans win in 2001, but a puncture at 200mph, testing his Audi, saw him crash into the barriers, killing him instantly. Motorsport lost one of its most likeable sons. |
| Leslie Allen |
Chicago, Illinois |
Illinois |
USA |
2 (1927-1930) |
Also known as 'Bugs' Allen, Leslie was also based in California for a while. A former motorcyclist, he worked on his own car and raced for over 15 years. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Tom Alley |
21 May 1889 Metamora, Indiana |
26 Mar 1953 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA |
7 (1913-1925) |
A fine riding mechanic, most notably to Ralph de Palma, Alley was a decent driver in his own right. Later worked as a car repair man. |
| Bobby Allison |
03 Dec 1937 Miami, Florida |
|
USA |
2 (1973-1975) |
NASCAR legend, with 85 wins over 22 years. Now lives in Alabama and keeps busy, through guest-speaking and flying his planes. Hugely popular man who suffered tragedy when two of his sons were killed within a year in the early '90's. |
| Donnie Allison |
09 Sep 1939 Miami, Florida |
|
USA |
2 (1970-1971) |
Brother of Bobby and lives in the same town as him in Alabama. Donnie's career was equally successful and he is still involved in a string of roles - consultant to many drivers, TV and radio commentator, car dealer, President of Donnie Allison Motorsports and helps his sons' race car building business. |
| Bill Alsup |
15 Jul 1938 Honolulu, Hawaii |
|
USA |
1 (1979-1984) |
Ran and drove in his own team in CART. His son, AJ, races (although now in motocross) and Bill advises him, as well as concentrating on other business interests. Long time resident in Vermont. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| George Amick |
24 Oct 1924 Vernonia, Oregon |
04 Apr 1959 Daytona Beach, Florida |
USA |
1 (1957-1958) |
Killed in the Daytona race. Mostly based in California, he was best known for his midget success, but also won 3 Champ Car races on dirt ovals. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Richard Amick |
19 Jan 1929 Kansas City, Missouri |
16 May 1995 Crystal River, Florida |
USA |
2 (1959-1960) |
Ran a truck stop nr. Muncie, Indiana before retiring to Florida. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Chris Amon |
20 Jul 1943 Bulls |
|
NZ |
0 (1967) |
Quit F1 in 1977 to tend the family farm, where he still lives, although he is largely retired now. Also developed suspensions for a while for Toyota, stays involved agriculturally and keeps links with racing, including visiting historic events. Also contributes and is a consultant to a few motor racing projects in his homeland. (Last updated 6 Apr 2010) |
| Gil Andersen |
27 Nov 1879 Horten, Norway |
26 Jul 1935 Logansport, Indiana, USA |
USA/N |
6 (1911-1916) |
Born in Norway, but later a US citizen, Gil worked as an engineer for Stutz, then later worked for Revere Motor Company in Indiana. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Les Anderson |
17 Apr 1910 Chicago, Illinois |
10 Jul 1949 Portland, Oregon |
USA |
2 (1947-1948) |
Full name Leslie, he was killed in a crash at his local track. Les was a midget and sprint car ace, who won the 1937 North West Racing Association Championship title. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Didier Andre |
03 Sep 1974 Lyon |
|
F |
0 (2001) |
Now in a variety of disciplines, including endurance racing, rallies and the Andros Trophy. Also runs an event management company, driver management agency and sportscar garage in Lyon. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Emil Andres |
22 Feb 1911 Tinley Park, Illinois |
20 Jul 1999 South Holland, Illinois |
USA |
10 (1935-1949) |
Retained his links with the Indy 500 Oldtimers association right up until his death, being honorary chairman. He became a USAC and Champ Car official and in 1968, moved to Flossmoor where he farmed in his spare time. A qualifier in pre-war Indy's, he died after a fall at his home. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Jeff Andretti |
14 Apr 1964 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
|
USA |
3 (1990-1994) |
Raced on until 1998. Son of Mario, he now helps his brother, Michael, by taking care of the internet side of Michael's motorcycle dealership. Also coaches Michael's son, Marco and is on the Board of Directors of Octane Media. |
| John Andretti |
12 Mar 1963 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
|
USA |
11 (1988-2010) |
Nephew of Mario. Better known as a NASCAR driver and is still in the series (mainly Craftsmen), at present. Also made a surprise return to the Indy 500 in 2007 and then followed it up for the next three years. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Marco Andretti |
13 Mar 1987 Nazareth, Pennsylvania |
|
USA |
5 (2006-2010) |
Son of Michael, currently in the IRL with his dad's team. |
| Mario Andretti |
28 Feb 1940 Montona, Italy |
|
USA |
29 (1965-1994) |
1978 World Champion who raced for years in CART and retired at 55 as one of the top drivers, despite his age. He now largely attends races as a spectator/consultant although he still drives occasionally in sportscars, although his dream of winning Le Mans seems to have been abandoned. Also has numerous business interests, both racing and non-racing related, including car dealerships, gas stations, books and a vineyard. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Michael Andretti |
05 Oct 1962 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
|
USA |
16 (1984-2007) |
A legend in CART, he drove in the series before and after his unhappy F1 sojourn. Now runs his own IRL team, which runs his son Marco. Michael also made a racing return for the 1st time in 3 years in the 2006 Indy 500. After the 2007 event, he retired from driving for good. Also runs an ALMS team. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Keith Andrews |
15 Jun 1920 Denver, Colorado |
15 May 1957 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA |
2 (1955-1957) |
3 times Colorado midget champ and Pikes Peak Hill Climb champion in 1954, this WW2 flying ace ran an auto repair shop in Colorado Springs. Killed in practice for the Indy 500. |
| Ernie Ansterburg |
01 Oct 1891 Concord, Michigan |
16 Oct 1924 Charlotte, North Carolina |
USA |
2 (1923-1924) |
Killed in a practice crash. Also well known as a riding mechanic. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Robert Arbuthnot |
09 Mar 1914 Aberdeen, Scotland |
28 Aug 1946 Watford by-pass, Bushey, Hertfordshire |
GB |
0 (1946) |
A member of the banking family, Arbuthnot had the finance to enjoy racing, but World War 2 came at his peak. Died in a road accident, when another car lost control and swerved straight into Robert's car. The family name is still involved in lower-level motor racing. |
| Herb Ardinger |
25 Apr 1910 Glassport, Pennsylvania |
14 Jun 1973 Wayne, Michigan |
USA |
6 (1934-1947) |
Useful stalwart, who raced for over 15 events in a variety of events. |
| Zora Arkus-Duntov |
25 Dec 1909 Brussels |
21 Apr 1996 Grosse Pointe, Michigan |
B |
0 (1946-1947) |
Born of Russian parents, Zora later moved to Germany, where he started racing. During the war, he escaped to the US to set up a car parts supply firm for the Army, which eventually led to him taking charge of Chevrolet, during the 1950's. He was the father of the Corvette and continued, until just before his death, to attend most events celebrating the car. |
| Frank Armi |
12 Oct 1918 Portland, Oregon |
28 Nov 1992 Hanford, California |
USA |
1 (1951-1954) |
Later became a sound technician for TV and film, operating a boom microphone in many productions. Raced on until the mid '60's. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Billy Arnold |
16 Dec 1905 Chicago, Illinois |
10 Nov 1976 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
USA |
5 (1928-1932) |
Died of a brain haemorrhage. Served in World War 2, where he rose to the rank of Colonel. Later became an engineer for Chrysler, then was an auto dealer. He then later went into both the lumber and construction businesses, but is also well remembered for his work towards the water-ski industry, being an early pioneer in the sport. |
| Charles Arnold |
New York City, New York |
unknown |
USA |
1 (1912) |
Early racer, who won in Portland in 1909. |
| Chuck Arnold |
30 May 1926 Stamford, Connecticut |
04 Sep 1997 Santa Ana, California |
USA |
1 (1959-1967) |
Midget and stock car ace, whose Champ Car career didn't hit the same heights. |
| Alberto Ascari |
13 Jul 1918 Milan |
26 May 1955 Monza Circuit |
I |
1 (1952) |
One of the greatest Grand Prix drivers, sadly, largely forgotten now. Killed in a practice crash at Monza, just days after surviving a crash into Monaco harbour. |
| Al Aspen |
05 Jun 1893 Germantown, Pennsylvania |
1956 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
USA |
2 (1931-1933) |
Full name Alfred. Based in Pennsylvania his entire life, he often did well in local races. Later worked in the shipbuilding industry. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Scott Atchison |
16 Jul 1962 Bakersfield, California |
|
USA |
0 (1988) |
Now works as a mechanic and driving instructor. |
| Sonny Ates |
28 Mar 1935 Sellersburg, Indiana |
|
USA |
1 (1968-1970) |
Real name is Charles. Retired, living in Louisiana, he is currently in poor health. Before that he visited both current and historic events. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Dick Atkins |
23 Apr 1936 Oakland, California |
13 Nov 1966 Gardena, California |
USA |
0 (1966) |
Top sprint car racer, particularly in California, killed in a race at Ascot Park. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Manuel Ayulo |
20 Oct 1921 Burbank, California |
18 May 1955 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA |
5 (1948-1955) |
Experienced racer, especially in California. Killed in practice for the Indy 500. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |