The Indy 500 drivers — Where are they now?
by Richard Jenkins
Sections
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, Roscoe H Rann and Barry Lake.
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 C. Babcock | 21 Jun 1876 Hartford, Connecticut |
28 Oct 1921 Hartford, Connecticut |
USA | 1 (1915) |
Middle name was Carlos. He was also involved in the early days of aviation as a test pilot, as well as spending time as a test driver. Died after a short illness in St. Francis' Hospital in his home town. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) |
| Paul Bablot | 20 Nov 1873 Boulogne-sur-Seine |
23 Dec 1932 Marseille |
F | 1 (1919) |
Later became a track builder, most famously, Miramas, which later held Grand Prix events. |
| Eric Bachelart | 28 Feb 1961 Brussels |
B | 2 (1992-1995) |
Moved to America and found success in Indy Pro, before switching to team ownership. He ran his Conquest team in Indy Pro, then the IRL and then in CART/CCWS. Continued running a team in the IRL until 2012, when he started running a sportscar team under the Conquest banner. Lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two children. (Last updated 4 Nov 2012) | |
| Tom Bagley | 03 Dec 1939 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
USA | 3 (1978-1981) |
Drove on competitively for some years. Tom now works as an university tutor and is also track manager of Autobahn Country Club, in Joliet, Illinois, which combines a road-race track for performance driving along with normal country club facilities. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Bertrand Baguette | 23 Feb 1986 Verviers, nr. Spa |
B | 2 (2010-2011) |
Formula Renault 3.5 Champion in 2009, Bertrand was Conquest's driver for the Indy 500 only, whilst looking for a full drive, in 2010 and 2011. Now has a full-time ride albeit away from single-seaters in the WEC. (Last updated 13 Mar 2012) | |
| George Bailey | 25 Sep 1900 Cleveland, Ohio |
07 May 1940 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA | 7 (1934-1940) |
Killed in practice for the Indy 500. Long time Detroit resident, he was a long-time test driver for Hudson, which led to his racing career starting. |
| Harold Bailey | Detroit, Michigan |
USA | 0 (1946) |
One of the least known entries in the history of the Indy 500, his 1946 efforts appear to be one of a handful of racing attempts. (Last updated 17 May 2011) | |
| Erwin 'Cannonball' Baker | 12 Mar 1882 Weisberg, Indiana |
11 May 1960 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA | 1 (1922) |
Better known as an endurance motorcycle racer, who gave his name to the 'Cannonball Run'. Later worked as a commissioner for NASCAR, a job role he held until his death. (Last updated 5 Jan 2011) |
| Joe Baker | 20 Nov 1905 McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania |
Aug-76 McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania |
USA | 0 (1929) |
Sprint and dirt-car specialist. (Last updated 9 Oct 2011) |
| Johnny Baldwin | 30 Mar 1922 Fresno, California |
19 May 2000 Sonora, California |
USA | 0 (1956) |
Died of heat stroke. Legendary midget racer in California. Retired in 1966, but continued to race until 1990 in midget vintages. |
| Bobby Ball | 26 Aug 1925 Phoenix, Arizona |
27 Feb 1954 Phoenix, Arizona |
USA | 2 (1951-1952) |
Midget legend, 1950 AMORC Champion. Died of his injuries, after a long period in a coma, after a crash at Gardena raceway. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Guy Ball | 24 Aug 1890 Bluffton, Indiana |
17 Jul 1974 Los Angeles, California |
USA | 0 (1914) |
A mechanical engineer by trade, who also acted as a relief driver as well as a racing mechanic in the speedway's early days, Ball was one of the original inventors of the parachute as he was in charge of the parachute development side of the US Army Air Corps for over 10 years. He later worked as an aeronautical engineer for Hughes Aircraft. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Henry Banks | 14 Jun 1913 Croydon, Surrey, England |
18 Dec 1994 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA | 7 (1936-1953) |
1950 AAA Champ Car Champion, he later became USAC Director of Competitions. He also starred in a movie with Clark Gable - To Please A Lady. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Salvatore Barbarino | 20 Dec 1886 Augusta, Sicily |
30 Jul 1960 Washington, Georgia, USA |
I | 1 (1920) |
Mechanic, who later became a naturalised American. Salvatore was also a car and chassis builder, bricklayer, cement manufacturer before ending up running an auto repair shop. |
| Fabrizio Barbazza | 02 Apr 1963 Monza |
I | 1 (1987-1992) |
Suffered a huge accident at Road Atlanta in 1995, which nearly killed him. He retired and worked on the development of safety features (mostly armco design) for racing circuits. A few years ago he moved to Cuba, where he has run a few fishing resorts and is currently based in Cayo Santa Maria. Also based in Milan. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) | |
| Zenon R. 'Bud' Bardowski | 17 Oct 1914 Gary, Indiana |
19 Apr 2000 Belton, Texas |
USA | 0 (1946) |
War hero, the 1st member of a US tank crew to shoot down an enemy plane in WW2. Later taken as a Prisoner of War by the Japanese, but survived this, and was working in a coal mine near Hiroshima when the atomic bomb went off there in 1945. Bud also raced before the war. (Last updated 5 Jan 2011) |
| Stanton Barrett | 01 Dec 1972 Bishop, California |
USA | 0 (2009) |
NASCAR veteran who switched to the IRL in 2009, but it went dismally. Briefly went back in NASCAR related series, but no longer races, and concentrates on his stunt driving and film stunt co-ordinator roles, but also bobsleighs. He is involved in a management role with a racing team, so still has some ties to the sport. (Last updated 15 Jul 2012) | |
| Rubens Barrichello | 23 May 1972 Sao Paulo |
BR | 1 (2012) |
Raced in more Grand Prix's than any other driver, but is now racing in stockcars in his homeland after a brief IRL spell. (Last updated 27 Dec 2012) | |
| George Barringer | 10 May 1906 Wichita Falls, Texas |
02 Sep 1946 Atlanta, Georgia |
USA | 8 (1933-1946) |
Killed in a crash at the Atlanta Speedway, which also claimed the life of George Robson. Raced in the 1920's as a driver-owner, before making and breaking many speed records in the 1940's. |
| Alex Barron | 11 Jun 1970 San Diego, California |
USA | 5 (2002-2007) |
Moved to the IRL, he had trouble finding a regular drive and got his recent opportunities through other driver's injuries. However his ''super-sub'' role wasn't ignored and he managed to get a permament IRL drive with the Red Bull Cheever team. However, in 2006, he has stepped down a level, into the Champ Car Atlantic series, and then returned, once again, to the IRL again in 2007. 2008 saw a complete shift, with a move to Grand-Am. Since then, he's not had much racing at all. (Last updated 16 Jul 2011) | |
| Kevin Bartlett | 25 May 1940 Sydney, New South Wales |
AUS | 0 (1970) |
Now lives in Brisbane, where he works as a car restorer. Still very much involved with motorsport, both current and historic. | |
| Buzz Barton | 07 Oct 1916 Chickasha, Oklahoma |
17 Apr 2002 Kingston, Oklahoma |
USA | 0 (1952-1953) |
Real name Emmett, he passed away after a spell of ill-health. Mainly based in midgets, supermodified and sprint cars. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Joe Barzda | 22 May 1915 New Brunswick, New Jersey |
11 Oct 1993 Somerset, New Jersey |
USA | 0 (1951-1953) |
Quit after Van Johnson's fatal crash in 1959, in which Joe was involved in. With brother Jim, he ran the Californian speed and Sport shop in New Jersey which fielded cars in lots of events, including CART and endurance racing. (Last updated 17 May 2011) |
| Charles Basle | 08 Jan 1885 Paris |
04 Feb 1962 Los Angeles, California, USA |
F | 1 (1911) |
Later became a garage owner. Brother Maurice also raced, but was killed in a crash in 1911. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Norm Batten | 30 Apr 1893 East Orange, New Jersey |
12 Nov 1928 lost at sea aboard the SS Vestris |
USA | 4 (1925-1928) |
Died when the ship, in poor condition, sank, one day out of New York. He was heading to Argentina to race during the winter. Batten perished whilst trying to save a fellow passenger. His bravery had already been shown on track, when in 1927, his car caught fire on the main straight at the Indianapolis 500. Despite the car being completely ablaze, Batten steered it to the end of the pit-lane and safety to avoid an even worse tragedy. |
| Charles 'Dutch' Baumann | 18 Oct 1896 Indianapolis, Indiana |
18 Aug 1930 Kankakee, Illinois |
USA | 2 (1927-1928) |
Killed in a test. Sprint car driver, he often raced for Arthur Chevrolet. (Last updated 5 Jan 2011) |
| Rollie Beale | 16 Jan 1930 Toledo, Ohio |
USA | 0 (1968) |
Sprint car legend, 1973 USAC champion. Still alive and well and attends many sprint events and worked as a USAC official. | |
| Ralph Beardsley | 10 Dec 1888 Ansonia, Connecticut |
18 Mar 1920 Craney Island, Norfolk Bay, Virginia |
USA | 1 (1911) |
Was driving a motor-boat, when bad weather caught Ralph and his two companions out, forcing the boat to capsize, with all three men perishing. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Ana Beatriz | 18 Mar 1985 Sao Paulo |
BR | 4 (2010-2013) |
Also known as Bia Figueiredo. Female driver who has been based in US and Brazil for a while. Still appears in the odd event in Brazil, but mainly now focusing on her IRL career, which she resumed in 2013, albeit part-time, which included the Indy 500. (Last updated 24 May 2013) | |
| Patrick Bedard | 20 Aug 1941 Waterloo, Iowa |
USA | 2 (1983-1984) |
Wrote a column for Car and Driver Magazine for 41 years before leaving in 2009 and was regarded as one of the top automotive journalists around. Now retired and likes to restore cars. (Last updated 2 Feb 2011) | |
| Donnie Beechler | 18 May 1961 Springfield, Illinois |
USA | 4 (1998-2002) |
After a spell of dirt-track and midget racing, Donnie now runs a sprint car series. Also runs a real estate business, which takes up most of his time now. Also works in TV as a summariser. (Last updated 17 May 2011) | |
| Frank Beeder | Sep-08 East St. Louis, Illinois |
27 Sep 1938 Allentown, Pennsylvania |
USA | 0 (1938) |
Former electrician and mechanic, killed in a crash. Best in dirt-track events. (Last updated 9 Oct 2011) |
| Randall Beinke | 20 Aug 1914 Indianapolis, Indiana |
22 Feb 1996 Lake Orion, Michigan |
USA | 0 (1949) |
Car preparation expert and mechanic who was given an one-off Indy attempt. Raced in a number of AAA events, as well as midgets and sprints. When he first started as a riding mechanic, he was under the age required, so he grew a moustache and it worked, appearing in a couple of Indianapolis 500's as a result! (Last updated 6 Apr 2010) |
| Fred Belcher | 03 Jun 1881 Chicopee, Massachusetts |
14 Jan 1957 Springfield, Massachusetts |
USA | 1 (1911) |
Machinist with Knox Motor company, he was also a long time auto and airship mechanic. He was a World War I hero and a popular man around his local area. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Justin Bell | 23 Feb 1968 Rustington, Sussex |
GB | 0 (1996) |
Son of Derek, Justin has had a successful endurance career himself. Now runs a racing school in Florida and still drives, in endurance events as well as being a car tester. He is also a pit-lane commentator for Speed TV and writes an online column. (Last updated 17 May 2011) | |
| Townsend Bell | 19 Apr 1975 San Luis Obispo, California |
USA | 7 (2006-2013) |
US Indy Pro Champion, who, unusually, came to Europe to race, rather than stay in a top drive in the US. This did not work out however and went to the IRL, but after irregular drives, including the Indy 500, went into endurance racing, but this too became irregular. After a period of doing some commentating for Speedvision, and a brief return to the IRL, he is now a full-time racer in Grand-Am and ALMS, although he still returns to the Indy 500. (Last updated 24 May 2013) | |
| Clarence Belt | 27 Feb 1890 Xenia, Ohio |
15 Sep 1969 Moraine, Ohio |
USA | 1 (1928) |
Ohio based irregular of the 1920's. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| George Benefiel | 16 Nov 1906 Shelby, Indiana |
13 Feb 1972 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA | 0 (1932) |
Later worked for Tucker Corp. in Illinois. Raced as Bennie Benefiel. Quit the sport after his racing mechanic, Harry Cox, was killed in the 1932 Indy qualifying attempt. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| George Benson | 16 Dec 1933 San Jose, California |
USA | 0 (1969) |
Still alive, living in Klamath River, California. Currently refurbishing his sail boat, on which he resides most of the year, and has also written an autobiography. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) | |
| Ross Bentley | 04 Nov 1956 Vancouver, British Columbia |
CDN | 0 (1993-1994) |
Very successful in sports cars, he has also written numerous books about driving techniques and also does coaching and traffic safety. Most recently raced in Grand-Am, tends not to drive competitively much now. Lives in White Rock, Canada. (Last updated 23 Apr 2013) | |
| Erwin Bergdoll | 24 Jun 1890 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
21 Mar 1965 Camden, New Jersey |
USA | 0 (1915) |
Also dodged the draft with his brother. Another brother, Louis, was head of the Bergdoll Motor Company. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Grover Bergdoll | 18 Oct 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
15 Jan 1966 Richmond, Virginia |
USA | 0 (1915) |
Both Bergdoll's were heirs of a brewery firm. Grover was a pilot who, after being refused work as a flying instructor, dodged the draft and fled to the Bergdoll homeland of Germany. He served 7 years in prison on his return to the US and later was put under psychiatric care, in which he remained until his death. (Last updated 17 May 2011) |
| Cliff Bergere | 06 Dec 1896 New York City |
18 Jun 1980 Dade City, Florida |
USA | 16 (1927-1948) |
Relief driver for Ab Jenkins, who was a land-speed competitor and worked as a stunt driver in numerous films between the 1930's and the 1950's. In addition, Cliff also did some commentating on radio and TV and worked as a driver coach. (Last updated 21 Nov 2012) |
| Enrique Bernoldi | 19 Oct 1978 Curitiba |
BR | 1 (2008) |
With his F1 career coming to an abrupt end with the collapse of Arrows, Bernoldi resurrected his career in the Dallara Nissan series. A string of good performances led to a F1 return, as BAR test driver. Moved to Brazilian stock cars, then the IRL and then was more recently in GT's after a recent spell in Formula Superleague. Now in the V de V championship. (Last updated 31 Mar 2013) | |
| Claude Berton | 16 Jan 1903 Medford, Massachusetts |
unknown |
USA | 1 (1930) |
Name also spelt as Burton. Mainly based in Massachusetts and New York for his brief career. His wife died of cancer in 1937 and Claude left the family home, including his young children and was never seen again, his whereabouts after that still relatively unknown, although the family rumour is that he remarried and settled in New York. (Last updated 7 Apr 2013) |
| Gary Bettenhausen | 18 Nov 1941 Tinley Park, Illinois |
USA | 21 (1968-1994) |
Raced on, for a long while, despite a serious arm injury in 1974. Now lives and works on his farm near Monrovia, Indiana and acts as a sometime driving and team advisor. Also heavily involved in property development, running his own estate agency. Brother of Tony Jr, son of Tony Sr. | |
| Merle Bettenhausen | 09 Jun 1943 Tinley Park, Illinois |
USA | 0 (1972) |
Brother of Tony Jr. and Gary. In 1972, he was badly burned and lost an arm in a crash. Still alive and working in advertising for an Indianapolis based business, but also works closely with a dealership in the state, as well. | |
| Tony Bettenhausen | 12 Sep 1916 Tinley Park, Illinois |
12 May 1961 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA | 14 (1946-1961) |
Legendary driver, but he never did win the 500. Died testing Paul Russo's car at Indianapolis. |
| Tony Bettenhausen Jr. | 20 Oct 1951 Joliet, Illinois |
14 Feb 2000 nr. Leesburg, Kentucky |
USA | 11 (1979-1993) |
Died when his private plane crashed into a field in Kentucky, killing Tony, his wife Shirley, daughter of Jim McElreath and 2 others. After driving, he became a successful team-owner and was still involved in CART at the time of his death. |
| Lucien Bianchi | 10 Nov 1934 Milan, Italy |
30 Mar 1969 Le Mans Circuit, France |
B | 0 (1967) |
Killed in a test for the 1969 Le Mans race. Versatile and varied racer, he was probably best in sportscars, in which he won the 1968 Le Mans. His father, who was a race mechanic, moved from Italy to Belgium shortly after Lucien was born. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) |
| Charles Bigelow | 26 Aug 1872 Kilbourne, Illinois |
08 Jun 1958 Los Angeles, California |
USA | 1 (1911) |
No relation to Tom. Won the 1911 San Francisco road race. Later worked as a race promoter. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Tom Bigelow | 31 Oct 1939 Elkhorn, Wisconsin |
USA | 9 (1970-1989) |
Sprint car legend, who continued to race sprints and midget cars until he was nearly 70! Lives in Winchester, Indiana, where he runs a racing school. | |
| Mark Billman | 10 Mar 1905 Indianapolis, Indiana |
30 May 1933 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA | 1 (1933) |
Killed in the 1933 Indy 500. Won many events in the late 1920's and 1930's, despite suffering a huge crash in 1929, which left him with a limp as one leg was shorter than the other. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Art Bisch | 10 Nov 1926 Mesa, Arizona |
04 Jul 1958 Lakewood Speedway, Atlanta, Georgia |
USA | 1 (1958) |
Killed in a crash at Lakewood Speedway. An excellent midget driver, he raced with an unlit cigar in his mouth! A WW2 veteran, his son, of the same name, later raced. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Billy Boat | 02 Feb 1966 Phoenix, Arizona |
USA | 7 (1996-2003) |
Son Chad races, and Billy supports him and runs his team, as well as still making the odd driving appearance in sprints and midgets. Also runs a performance exhaust systems manufacturing company in Phoenix. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) | |
| Raul Boesel | 04 Dec 1957 Curitiba |
BR | 13 (1985-2002) |
Formed a successful career in CART and latterly, sportscars and the Brazillian touring car championship. Nephew Luiz also races. Raul is retired now from driving and is now a commentator, journalist and disc jockey! (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) | |
| Tommy Boggs | 1914 Indianapolis, Indiana |
unknown |
USA | 0 (1947) |
Indianapolis based youngster who had a brief post WW2 career in sprint and dirt cars. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Andre Boillot | 08 Aug 1891 Valentigney |
05 Jun 1932 La Chatre |
F | 3 (1919-1921) |
Friend of Armand Peugeot and brother of George. Very good in hillclimbs in France. Killed in a testing crash. |
| Georges Boillot | 03 Aug 1884 Valentigney |
19 May 1916 nr. Bar-le-Duc |
F | 1 (1914) |
Shot down whilst flying for the French Air Service during the First World War. (Last updated 12 Feb 2013) |
| John Boling | 19 Nov 1895 Bloomfield, Texas |
c. 1962 Tulsa, Oklahoma |
USA | 2 (1920-1931) |
The first Native American at the Indy 500, Boling was also the first non-100% Caucasian driver at the event, being a son of mixed parentage. Worked as an oil producer and as a automobile mechanic. Suffered an eye injury in a race in 1917, but despite this he carried on racing until the mid '20's. He was injured again in 1943, when on his way back from work, he was badly injured when a drunk driver crashed into him. This brought a landmark case against his employer, which he won, but suffered ill-health afterwards. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Joseph Bonadeo | 24 Dec 1896 Alessandria, Piemonte, Italy |
Oct-72 Des Plaines, Illinois |
USA | 1 (1932) |
Racing mechanic. Became a US citizen in 1921, and was also known as Giuseppe. (Last updated 9 Oct 2011) |
| Tony Bonadies | 29 Dec 1916 Bronxville, New York |
05 Jul 1964 Williams Grove Motor Speedway, Pennsylvania |
USA | 0 (1955-1957) |
Very successful and experienced midget driver, killed in an ARDC series midget crash. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Bob Bondurant | 27 Apr 1933 Evanston, Illinois |
USA | 0 (1967) |
After F1, he went on to do his driving schools (and the books on performance driving that tie in with the schools) - drives occasionally and does the odd bit of TV commentary as well. Currently resides in Phoenix. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) | |
| Brian Bonner | 22 Sep 1959 Boston, Massachusetts |
USA | 1 (1992-1993) |
Now retired from racing, and works as a marketing executive for the B4 marketing agency. Was also involved with the US F1 project as an advertising executive. (Last updated 6 Apr 2010) | |
| Neil Bonnett | 30 Jul 1946 Hueytown, Alabama |
11 Feb 1994 Daytona, Florida |
USA | 0 (1979) |
NASCAR legend, who left practice to take a NASCAR ride. Initially stopped racing after a crash and moved into TV but returned to racing with tragic results when he was killed in practice in the Daytona 500. |
| Pietro Bordino | 22 Nov 1887 Turin |
15 Apr 1928 Alessandria |
I | 1 (1925) |
Top Italian driver. Won the 1922 Italian GP and two American races. Killed in a practice accident. |
| Mike Borkowski | 06 May 1975 Middlebury, Connecticut |
USA | 0 (1999) |
Mainly works as a car tuner, although he occasionally appears in the odd endurance race, albeit rarely, since 2010. (Last updated 28 Apr 2013) | |
| Baconin Borzacchini | 28 Sep 1898 Terni, nr. Rome |
10 Sep 1933 Monza |
I | 1 (1930) |
Killed in the Italian GP. Named after a Russian social activist, he worked as a garage repairman before serving in WW1. After that he started racing, firstly in motorcycles, before going on to race cars successfully for many years, including winning the Tripoli GP of 1930 and the Mille Miglia in 1932. |
| Paul Bost | 07 Dec 1904 Matthews, North Carolina |
21 Dec 1987 Charlotte, North Carolina |
USA | 4 (1930-1933) |
Raced in events from 1929 onwards, achieving particular success at Altoona. |
| Lindley Bothwell | 01 Aug 1901 Los Angeles, California |
19 Jun 1986 Los Angeles, California |
USA | 0 (1949) |
Living an infinitely more interesting life than his one DNQ might suggest, Bothwell was a pioneer in crowd entertainment, both with cheerleaders and co-ordinated cards. He also was a hugely successful orange farmer and cattle breeder, but is best known, motorsport wise, for his huge private car collection and Hall of Fame, which is still run by the family. (Last updated 7 Jul 2010) |
| Claude Bourbonnais | 24 Jun 1965 Ile Perrot, Quebec |
CDN | 1 (1997-1998) |
Better known for his driving in the US; in Toyota Atlantic, CART and Indy Pro. After a relatively quiet spell lately, which included TV commentating, he returned to racing briefly, appearing in TransAm. Also works as a racing instructor. | |
| Sebastien Bourdais | 28 Feb 1979 Le Mans |
F | 3 (2005-2013) |
F3000 Champion in 2002, he went Stateside and impressed hugely in CART with the Newman-Haas team, winning the title four years in a row between 2004 and 2007. His dream was to race in F1, but it turned into a nightmare, and he's now out of F1. After spells in Formula Superleague and endurance, he is back in the US and the IRL once again, although also appears in the World Endurance Championship. (Last updated 24 May 2013) | |
| Bill Boyd | 12 Aug 1915 Lovelaceville, Kentucky |
18 Feb 1984 Long Beach, California |
USA | 0 (1951) |
Excellent midget driver, who started racing in 1934. Supplemented his racing by selling racing parts. Survived a horrific crash in 1947 to race on until the early 1960's, by which time he had relocated to California. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Johnny Boyd | 19 Aug 1926 Fresno, California |
27 Oct 2003 Fresno, California |
USA | 12 (1955-1967) |
A popular and regular visitor to oldtimer and vintage meetings, he died, after a long fight against liver cancer, recently. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Joe Boyer | 30 May 1889 St. Louis, Missouri |
02 Sep 1924 Tipton, Pennsylvania |
USA | 5 (1916-1924) |
Winner in 1924, he died shortly afterwards after injuries sustained in a crash at Altoona. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Geoff Brabham | 20 Mar 1952 Sydney, New South Wales |
AUS | 10 (1981-1994) |
Eldest son of Sir Jack. Now works as a racing driver instructor for BMW (amongst others). Had a hugely successful and lengthy career, winning both the Le Mans and Bathurst races. Son Matthew is also doing well in US single-seater feeder racing. (Last updated 4 Nov 2012) | |
| Sir Jack Brabham | 02 Apr 1926 Hurstville, nr. Sydney |
AUS | 4 (1961-1970) |
Is in ill-health now, but until recently, Sir Jack regularly attended motor racing events, both in Australia and overseas, including the Classic Adelaide Festival, South Australia, Melbourne F1 and the Goodwood Revival Race in the UK as well as the Monterey Historic Automobile Race held in the US. He received his knighthood in 1979, the 1st F1 driver to be honoured, and turned 85 years of age in 2011. Lack of ear plugs in his early racing days have impaired his hearing, however. In 2008, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia, one of the country's highest rewards. Previously, he ran a F3 team , a hugely successful Grand Prix team and also ran a number of garages and dealerships. In 2010, a town in Western Australia was named after him, which is particularly poignant as it is the site of the old Caversham race track. (Last updated 11 Nov 2012) | |
| Kenny Brack | 21 Mar 1966 Arvika |
S | 6 (1997-2005) |
Brack moved to America to race in the IRL, winning the title in 1998. Moved to Champ Cars in 2000 with Rahal but went back to the IRL, where, in 2003, he suffered a huge crash, in which he was lucky to live. He made a full but slow recovery, with only one-off drives, but one of these, was a very welcome return to Indianapolis in 2005. Kenny then made the decision to quit racing after that, and now lives in Belgium, where he does a few rock concerts with his band Brack. He now also runs a driver academy and is a driver coach and manager and in 2009, he won a gold medal at the X Games in the rally event. Continues to compete in rallies to this day. (Last updated 17 May 2011) | |
| Caleb Bragg | 23 Nov 1885 Cincinnati, Ohio |
24 Oct 1943 New York City, New York |
USA | 3 (1911-1914) |
Later involved in military aviation during WW1, then became a speedboat racer, before becoming a full-time businessman. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Ben Brandfon | 15 Nov 1888 Sevastopol, Russia (now in Ukraine) |
unknown |
USA | 0 (1931) |
Worked as a businessman in the clothing industry. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Don Branson | 02 Jun 1920 Rantoul, Illinois |
12 Nov 1966 Ascot, Gardena, California |
USA | 8 (1959-1966) |
One of the sprint car greats, killed in a sprint car crash. A race is still held his memory today. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Lee Brayton | 13 Aug 1933 Coldwater, Michigan |
USA | 0 (1972-1974) |
Father of the late Scott, Brayton Sr. Still owns Brayton Engineering, who work closely with Buick to assemble engines, but only on a part-time basis now. Still lives in Coldwater. (Last updated 17 Oct 2011) | |
| Scott Brayton | 20 Feb 1959 Coldwater, Michigan |
17 May 1996 Indianapolis, Indiana |
USA | 14 (1981-1996) |
Top and very experienced driver killed in a practice crash at Indianapolis, just six days after taking pole for the 1996 race. |
| Steve Bren | 29 Jul 1960 Newport Beach, California |
USA | 0 (1986) |
Now works as a property developer, but is also an art collector. | |
| Riley Brett | 11 Jun 1895 McAlester, Oklahoma |
05 Feb 1982 Los Angeles, California |
USA | 2 (1920-1921) |
Better known as a mechanic in the 1930's. Pete dePaolo's racing mechanic, he also worked as a pilot and car designer. |
| Ryan Briscoe | 24 Sep 1981 Sydney, New South Wales |
AUS | 8 (2006-2013) |
Former Toyota F1 protege, who moved to the US and the IRL in 2005. Injury stalled his career, but he appeared in CART, A1 GP and some V8 series races in his homeland, before finding a permanent drive in the ALMS series. This went very well and facilitated a return to the IRL in 2008. Until 2013, he raced full-time in the series, but that year saw him race in ALMS, V8 Supercars and Le Mans, as well as appearing at the Indy 500. (Last updated 24 May 2013) | |
| Frank Brisko | 24 Aug 1900 Chicago, Illinois |
26 Nov 1990 Exeland, Wisconsin |
USA | 12 (1929-1949) |
Although a long-time Indy entrant, Frank was better known within the industry as an engineer. Son Gerald was also involved in car preparation and racing cars, but sadly Frank suffered tragedy when Gerald was killed in a car crash in 1950. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| S. F. Brock | Portland, Oregon |
USA | 1 (1914) |
F stood for Frank - he was a noted powerboat engineer. Rumoured to have been killed in a World War 1 naval accident, but actually survived the war and settled in California where he became a mining engineer and owner of a few clay mines. (Last updated 18 Aug 2011) | |
| Henry Brooke | 12 Sep 1910 Rusholme, Manchester |
09 Nov 1967 Birmingham |
GB | 0 (1947) |
Better known as Leslie Brooke, who raced in post-war Grand Prix. Raced on in rallies in the 1950's, then became an engine builder. Won a George Medal for bravery during the Coventry Blitz of WW2. |
| Bert Brooks | 20 Mar 1920 Fredericton, New Brunswick |
02 Sep 1968 Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA |
CDN | 0 (1961) |
Killed in a midget crash. Best known as a sprint car driver, a 1961 crash left him with only one good arm. Started his career on motorcycles. |
| Norm Brown | 18 Feb 1937 Rockford, Michigan |
USA | 0 (1967) |
Still alive, lives in Michigan and visits motorsport events. Career ended after being badly burnt in the crash that killed Duman. A dirt-track and sprint car ace in his racing heyday, he is now retired, but did own a steel hauling business, but he still bears the scars of his crash. (Last updated 24 Oct 2012) | |
| W. W. Brown | 27 Feb 1886 Dodge City, Kansas |
14 Jun 1958 Kansas City, Missouri |
USA | 1 (1915-1919) |
W. W. stood for William Wayne. Brown was an engine builder, who later worked on a racing technical committee and owned a machine works in Kansas. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Walt Brown | 30 Dec 1911 Springfield, New York |
29 Jul 1951 Williams Grove, Pennsylvania |
USA | 3 (1947-1951) |
Killed in a crash. Raced in sprint cars for most of his career. |
| Jim Brubaker | 18 Feb 1913 Washington, Pennsylvania |
29 Jun 2000 Dubois, Pennsylvania |
USA | 0 (1946-1949) |
Pennsylvania based private entrant and car owner. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| David Bruce-Brown | 13 Aug 1889 New York City |
01 Oct 1912 Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
USA | 2 (1911-1912) |
Killed during US GP practice, Bruce-Brown was one of the top drivers of his day. (Last updated 13 Mar 2012) |
| Arvol Brunmier | 29 Nov 1906 Riverside, California |
25 Aug 1971 Los Angeles, California |
USA | 0 (1932-1946) |
Hot rod and big car specialist who made a surprise one-off return, after aeons away from the tracks, at Indy in 1946. |
| Jimmy Bryan | 28 Jan 1926 Phoenix, Arizona |
19 Jun 1960 Langhorne, Pennsylvania |
USA | 9 (1951-1960) |
American Champion three times, he died in a Champ Car race at Langhorne. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Jeff Bucknum | 12 Jul 1966 Lake Havasu City, California |
USA | 2 (2005-2006) |
Son of the late Ronnie, Jeff has been a long time endurance driver who had a few IRL attempts in 2005 and 2006. He also ran a team, but recently has been racing in endurance racing, but mostly concentrates on his role as a Camaro ambassador, test driver and coach, although he does do the very infrequent race in them too. (Last updated 13 Apr 2013) | |
| Ronnie Bucknum | 05 Apr 1936 Alhambra, California |
23 Apr 1992 San Luis Obispo, California |
USA | 3 (1966-1971) |
Died after a long fight with a diabetes-related illness. Son Jeff became a racer. Honda's test and development driver, he also raced at Le Mans and the Indy 500. Raced on until the 1980's in sportscars. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Robbie Buhl | 02 Sep 1963 Detroit, Michigan |
USA | 8 (1993-2003) |
A long time IRL competitor, Robbie quit driving in 2004, for both business and team management opportunities, which he continues, as he runs a team in the IRL. Also works as a pundit on TV, whilst he is also involved in his family business still and local charity projects. (Last updated 8 Dec 2012) | |
| Jim Buick | 14 Dec 1940 Omaha, Nebraska |
USA | 0 (1981-1983) |
Jim's main work was as a longtime airline pilot, with drives coming as and when they were possible. He retired in 2001 from racing and is now chief pilot and flight department manager for a group of 5 corporations, flying 2 corporate aircraft. He also flies in his spare time, despite now being in his 70's. He still follows all racing and kindly gave OldRacingCars.com an in-depth interview about his racing and non-racing careers, which can be found here; www.oldracingcars.info/interviews/jim_buick/ (Last updated 2 Feb 2011) | |
| Frank Burany | 16 Aug 1915 Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
USA | 0 (1949) |
Midget driver, who was steady but successful. Later became a helicopter pilot for TV coverage. Still alive and living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he still supports local activities, especially to do with racing and the auto trade. Dad was of Hungarian origin, hence the name. | |
| Eddie Burbach | 02 Jul 1898 Chicago, Illinois |
10 Apr 1976 Chicago, Illinois |
USA | 1 (1927-1931) |
A mechanic, Eddie was also a driver for the Chicago mob's in the 1930. Later stayed linked with the sport until his death. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Bob Burman | 23 Apr 1884 Imlay City, Michigan |
18 Apr 1916 Corona, California |
USA | 5 (1911-1915) |
Killed in a road race, when he crashed his Peugeot. Land speed record ace, known as 'Wild Bob', he was one of the top early racers, winning at Grosse Point in 1905 and the first ever race at Indianapolis in 1909. |
| Andy Burt | 27 May 1890 Gardner, Illinois |
16 Jun 1962 Chicago, Illinois |
USA | 1 (1921) |
Raced from 1916 onwards. Later became a promoter and mechanic. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Harry Butcher | 23 Mar 1894 Wilmington, Illinois |
18 Jun 1942 Wilmington, Illinois |
USA | 2 (1930-1931) |
Worked as a businessman and local politician in Wilmington, Illinois. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Paul Butler | Indianapolis, Indiana |
unknown |
USA | 0 (1933) |
A taxi driver in Indianapolis, his wife, Jean, entered his car, and they put their family savings in the risk that Paul would do well and make some money from racing. However, despite success in dirt cars, his Indy attempt was unsuccessful and the gamble, sadly, didn't pay off. |
| Steve Butler | 26 Sep 1956 Amarillo, Texas |
USA | 0 (1989) |
Sprint car ace who retired in the early 90's. Now works, in Indiana, in the sheet metal business and as an engineer. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) | |
| Wally Butler | 04 Feb 1898 Erie, Pennsylvania |
unknown |
USA | 0 (1924) |
Full name Wallace. Also worked as a mechanic, a former Chalmers employee, who later worked for Stutz. Also fought with the US Navy in World War 1. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Jack Buxton | 1900 |
10 May 1935 nr. Juniper Hills, California |
CDN | 1 (1929) |
Dirt track racer, killed in a road car crash, when his car overturned after Jack suffered a heart-attack. Canadian, but mostly Californian based from 1927 onwards. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| George Buzane | 23 Mar 1887 Athens, Greece |
14 Jul 1919 Toledo, Ohio |
USA | 0 (1919) |
Killed in an air crash. Greek born, George was a businessman and racing mechanic, who raced from 1915 onwards, then moved into aviation. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010) |
| Red Byron | 12 Mar 1915 Anniston, Alabama |
11 Nov 1960 Chicago, Illinois |
USA | 0 (1947-1948) |
Real name Robert. He was the first ever NASCAR champion, who recovered from serious injuries sustained in WW2. In ill-health, he retired as a driver to become a sportscar team manager, but died of a heart-attack. |
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 |
