The Indy 500 drivers — Where are they now?

by Richard Jenkins
See also
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
Sebastian Saavedra 02 Jun 1990
Bogota

COL 1
(2010)
Competing in the Indy Lights in 2010, with an Indy 500 drive as well.
Eddie Sachs 28 May 1927
Allentown, Pennsylvania
30 May 1964
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 8
(1953-1964)
Killed in the horrific crash at the start of the 1964 Indy 500, possibly one of the worst accidents ever seen in motor racing. One of the greatest drivers in the US in the 1950's and early '60's, Eddie was particulary excellent in sprint cars, but was established as one of the AAA's best and most popular drivers.
Karl Sailer 11 Jun 1897
Esslingen, nr. Stuttgart
unknown
D 0
(1923)
Nephew of Max, who came over with his uncle's effort in 1923 mainly as an aide/mechanic, but got a brief chance to practice himself. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Max Sailer 20 Dec 1882
Esslingen, nr. Stuttgart
05 Feb 1964
Esslingen, nr. Stuttgart
D 1
(1923)
Later ran Mercedes' racing efforts pre-war, handing over to Alfred Neubauer, when Max retired in 1942 and remained a director of the firm till death. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Mike Salay 10 Jun 1909
South Bend, Indiana
19 Nov 1973
South Bend, Indiana
USA 1
(1948-1951)
Real name Mike Szalai. Raced a variety of machinery for about 5 years, but did not have a lot of success. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Eliseo Salazar 14 Nov 1954
Santiago

RCH 6
(1995-2001)
Vastly experienced racer, who went on to compete at Le Mans, the Indy 500 and NASCAR. A huge crash in 2002 spelt the end of his single-seater career and it took over a year to recover from his injuries. Still racing in a variety of formulae, including a lot of off-road racing and rallying, especially in his homeland. He was manager of young Chilean Ramiro Scuncio, until the youngster's tragic death in a road accident in 2008. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Joe Saldana 14 Nov 1944
Clay Center, Nebraska

USA 2
(1977-1982)
Son Joey is now in sprintcars and Joe has not only encouraged his career, but also runs his son's team, which he has done since 2000. Has lived in Indiana for nearly 40 years now. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Steve Saleen 02 Apr 1949
Diamond Bar, California

USA 0
(1989)
Formed a car company in 1983, which now manufactures limited edition, but high quality vehicles. As well as commercial success on the roads, it has done well in racing, particulary GT's. Steve, who lives in California, left his own company in 2007 to set up SMS, a high-performance car manufacturer. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Bob Sall 22 Jan 1908
Ridgewood, New Jersey
14 Oct 1974
Creamridge, New Jersey
USA 1
(1935)
Sprint car ace who later became NASCAR's Eastern field manager.
Vinicio Salmi 03 Jul 1956
Ferrara

I 0
(1991)
Former motorcycle racer who had a brief spell in the USA. Still well, and enjoys flying planes.
Roscoe Sarles 04 Jan 1892
New Albany, Indiana
17 Sep 1922
Kansas City, Missouri
USA 4
(1919-1922)
Killed in an Indy car event, when his steering broke. A decent racer, he was particulary successful in 1919, winning 3 races.
Takuma Sato 28 Jan 1977
Tokyo

J 1
(2010)
Was the Super Aguri F1 driver, until the team's collapse. After a long time without a drive, he moved to the IRL in 2010. (Last updated 6 Apr 2010)
Harry Sauce 02 Sep 1946
Jackson, Mississippi

USA 0
(1988)
Born in Mississippi and grew up in France and Japan, and only settled in Indiana in the early '70's. Although Harry is now a circuit judge and lawyer, he still races, but in 2008, he was very badly injured in a crash. He still has mobility problems from this, but hasn't yet retired as a driver. He still is a partner in his law firm and although he is still recovering, he does try and play golf as well. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Bryan Saulpaugh 1906
Taylor Ridge, Illinois
22 Apr 1933
Oakland, California
USA 2
(1931-1932)
Sprint car ace who was entered into the field's Hall of Fame in 2004. At the time of his death, he was at his peak, both on track and in land-speed record attempts.
Swede Savage 26 Aug 1946
San Bernardino, California
02 Jul 1973
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 2
(1972-1973)
Gravely injured in the 1973 Indy 500, when he lost control of his car and it disintegrated into flames and fibre, 'Swede' passed away about a month later, from pneumonia, after his kidneys failed. Real name was David.
Johnny Sawyer 07 Jun 1902
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
17 Jun 1989
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
USA 3
(1933-1938)
Successful racer in Midwest USA, but never really excelled at Indy. A regular racer for some years, a crash in 1936 led to him scaling back most of his activities before retirement in 1938.
Everett Saylor 08 Oct 1909
Brockville, Ohio
31 May 1942
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
USA 1
(1941)
Former school teacher, killed in a race in Missouri. Dirt track specialist, he had a number of titles to his name.
Jack Scales 18 Feb 1886
Leytonstone, London
23 Oct 1962
Surbiton, Surrey
GB 0
(1920)
Well known British racer in the Brookland days, who raced for Fiat in 1914 and raced on until the mid 1920's. Later set up a garage and engineering company in London, and also did some subcontracting during the war. The Scales family was originally from Norfolk and Jack started his business life walking horses from Norfolk to London and vice-versa. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Carl Scarborough 03 Jul 1914
Benton, Illinois
30 May 1953
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 2
(1951-1953)
Died of heat exhaustion after the gruellling Indy 500 in sweltering heat of 1953. A reliable racer, he was normally a midfield runner.
Tomas Scheckter 21 Sep 1980
Monte Carlo, Monaco

ZA 9
(2002-2010)
Son of Jody. His career took a nosedive after a run-in with the law in the UK. Has since crossed Stateside and into the IRL, albeit part-time in 2010.
Herbert Scheel 31 Jul 1894
Sauk City, Wisconsin
26 Jun 1973
Dallas, Texas
USA 0
(1923-1924)
An engineer from St. Louis, who developed the Scheel-Frontenac for Chevrolet. Scheel was a dirt track specialist who then became a car mechanic in Indiana before setting up his own engineering company. Later moved to Texas, where amongst other things, a explorer, treasure hunter and adventurer overseas before settling back to Texas and becoming a mechanic. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Harry Schell 29 Jun 1921
Paris, France
13 May 1960
Silverstone Circuit, Buckinghamshire, England
USA 0
(1946)
Popular fellow who died in a practice for the International Trophy at Silverstone. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Bill Schindler 06 Mar 1909
Middletown, New York
20 Sep 1952
Allentown, Pennsylvania
USA 3
(1950-1952)
Raced with only one leg after a crash in 1936, but died in an AAA sprint car race at Allentown. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Rusty Schmidt 04 Nov 1959
Edwards, Colorado

USA 0
(1982)
Was still racing until 2000, in sportscars and endurance racing internationally and stock-cars nationally. Still lives in Colorado. (Last updated 6 Apr 2010)
Sam Schmidt 15 Aug 1964
Lincoln, Nebraska

USA 3
(1997-1999)
Sam was one of the top IRL drivers until an accident at Orlando left him a quadriplegic. Now heavily involved with paralysis and spinal cord injury organisations, but his injury has not stopped Sam from being involved in motorsport as he runs an Indy Lights team and has run an IRL team, with a few other attempts at the Indy 500. Lives in Nevada and hopes he can be successful as his new inspiration, Sir Frank Williams.
Louis Schneider 19 Dec 1901
Indianapolis, Indiana
22 Sep 1942
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 6
(1927-1933)
1931 winner, Louis was also an ex-traffic policeman before racing. Died of tuberculosis.
Gus Schrader 22 May 1895
Newhall, Iowa
22 Oct 1941
Shreveport, Louisiana
USA 1
(1932)
Killed in a crash in his last ever race, after which he planned to run the family farm. Sprint car ace, Gus died later in hospital.
Ken Schrader 25 May 1955
St. Louis, Missouri

USA 0
(1983)
Veteran NASCAR driver, still in the series in 2010. His only Indy attempt was ended by a crash in practice. Also wrote a book about his career. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Bob Schroeder 21 Nov 1926
Chester, Illinois

USA 0
(1959)
No relation to Rob despite them both being around at the same time! Still alive. Mainly in sprint cars, he didn't get his chance at Indy because of a lack of experience.
Jeret Schroeder 13 Nov 1969
Vineland, New Jersey

USA 3
(1999-2001)
Jeret was involved with the 'Indycar Experience' promotional program, where he drove a two-seater Indycar, so that members of the public experienced first-hand what it's like to go round the tracks at near 200mph. Jeret was one of the main drivers after losing his seat in 2002, and hasn't found a drive since. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Vern Schuppan 19 Mar 1943
Booleroo, Whyalla, South Australia

AUS 3
(1976-1982)
Raced in historic events and worked as both a mechanic and a motorsport team advisor for some while. Now has bases in Portugal and Adelaide, where he is involved in the property development business. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Herman Schurch 07 Apr 1903
Sumiswald
08 Nov 1931
Alhambra, California, USA
CH 3
(1929-1931)
Killed in practice for a dirt track race in Legion Ascot Speedway. Born in Switzerland, moved to the US as a boy. A varied racer, he was excellent on dirt tracks and had a very successful season in 1929, taking many wins.
Louis Schwitzer 29 Feb 1880
Bielitz
09 May 1967
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
A 1
(1911)
A good driver in the early days of racing, Louis later became a hugely successful and innovative design engineer. He developed the 1st 6-cylinder engine and was an integral name in the development of the supercharger, turbocharger and pressure oil pumps, amongst others. He was also head of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Technical Committee until 1945.
Billy Scott 10 Oct 1948
San Bernardino, California

USA 1
(1975-1976)
Lives in California. Now retired, but had been racing in dry lakebed and speed trials. A very versatile racer, he even competed in drag racing! Has also done some commentary. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Bob Scott 04 Oct 1928
Watsonville, California
05 Jul 1954
Darlington, South Carolina
USA 3
(1951-1954)
Killed in a crash at Darlington Motor Speedway. A sometime AAA racer, he was normally among the better midfield runners.
Les Scott 24 Nov 1926
Kokomo, Indiana
28 Jan 2000
Ossian, Indiana
USA 0
(1967-1971)
Primarily a test driver for American Motors in Detroit, Les also had time to go racing. An accomplished midget driver, he later became series president, but carried on racing til the 1980's.
Colby Scroggin 17 Feb 1925
Glendale, California
09 Dec 1992
San Diego, California
USA 0
(1963)
Dirt-track specialist with a number of wins in the category. Also adept at midget and sprint cars.
Wayne Selser 11 Apr 1920
St. Louis, Missouri
21 Jan 1994
Madera, California
USA 0
(1953)
Predominantly in midgets, where he was successful and respected. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Bud Sennett 21 May 1912
St. Louis, Missouri
25 Jul 2003
Keauhou Mauka, Hawaii
USA 0
(1951)
Died, after a long battle against ill-health, in his beloved Hawaii. Real name Laurence, he was a big car specialist, but also decent in road races. A lover of the ocean, he was buried at sea. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Oriol Servia 13 Jul 1974
Pals, Catalonia

E 2
(2002-2009)
Now an experienced competitor in America, often in the IRL. He has also been working as a driver coach recently. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Sammy Sessions 10 Sep 1935
Nashville, Michigan
17 Dec 1977
Alexandria, Minnesota
USA 7
(1966-1975)
Continued in sprint cars for a number of years and also became a top snowmobile racer. He died when he suffered a heart-attack during a snowmobile race and subsequently crashed into a tree, dying instantly when a branch decapitated him. Real name was Allen Dale Sessions.
Johnny Seymour 08 Oct 1896
Escanaba, Michigan
27 Feb 1958
South Bend, Indiana
USA 8
(1928-1939)
Veteran AAA competitor, but had greater success on dirt tracks and in big cars. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Johnny Shackleford 24 Nov 1913
Jefferson, Ohio
14 Jun 1948
Dayton, Ohio
USA 1
(1948)
Relief driver for Chitwood in 1948, but shortly afterwards, he was killed in a race at his local track. Shackleford lost control of his car and careered through a fence and down an embankment. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Phil 'Red' Shafer 13 Nov 1891
Des Moines, Iowa
29 Jan 1971
Des Moines, Iowa
USA 10
(1922-1936)
Later became a Indy entrant and constructor. Before racing, he was a rodeo rider.
Charles Shambaugh 22 Sep 1877
Lafayette, Indiana
04 Jun 1940
Bethel, Indiana
USA 0
(1912-1926)
A mechanic, Shambaugh owned a dealership and workshop in Lafayette, Indiana. He was also a carriage builder and a pioneer of the automobile in the area. He was involved in numerous other projects, including cranes, trucking, construction and airport businesses. Died after a farm accident. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Doc Shanebrook 26 Jan 1907
Gibson City, Illinois
25 Aug 1976
Redford, Michigan
USA 0
(1951-1952)
Real name was Beuford. Worked as a doctor for many years in a variety of different areas, but always kept up his racing wherever he could. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Elmer T Shannon 02 Feb 1892
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
14 Feb 1961
Los Angeles, California
USA 1
(1919)
Had only a brief driving career, as he was better known as a mechanic, engineer and car builder.
Scott Sharp 14 Feb 1968
Norwalk, Connecticut

USA 13
(1994-2009)
Former IRL driver, now in ALMS, winning the title in 2009. Still in ALMS, and he now competes with his own team in the GT class. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Doctor William E. Shattuc 18 Nov 1894
Madisonville, Ohio
26 Oct 1962
Lubbock, Texas
USA 4
(1925-1928)
An internal medicine specialist from Louisville, Kentucky, who moved to California, and finally, Texas during his later years. Sometimes called Doc as a racer. (Last updated 3 May 2010)
Harold Shaw 1906
Indianapolis, Indiana
12 Oct 1941
Franklin, Indiana
USA 1
(1933-1934)
Killed in a sprint car crash at Jackson County Fairgrounds. Mainly raced in dirt track events.
Mickey Shaw 15 Jul 1932
Elyria, Ohio
27 Jul 1969
Greenville, Ohio
USA 0
(1967)
Died of a heart-attack. Crashed at Toledo on June 21st and complained of chest pains afterwards. Was later released and then went to race the next weekend but after qualifying, became ill again and died in hospital. Best remembered as a sprint car driver with a numer of wins to his credit.
Wilbur Shaw 31 Oct 1902
Shelbyville, Indiana
30 Oct 1954
nr. Decatur, Indiana
USA 14
(1927-1941)
Indy 500 great, killed in an aircraft crash, when the planed crashed into a cornfield in a snowstorm. After racing, he became a sales manager for Firestone and president of the Indianapolis Speedway.
Bill Sheffler 23 Aug 1917
El Paso, Texas
28 Jun 1949
Trenton, New Jersey
USA 3
(1946-1949)
Died from injuries sustained in a crash during an AAA championship race. Real name was Bayard Taylor Sheffler, named after his grandfather. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
AJ Shepherd 11 Jun 1926
Chester, Oklahoma
08 May 2005
Miami, Oklahoma
USA 1
(1961)
Later after his racing, AJ returned to Wichita, where he drove a city bus until retirement. A J stood for Alvin Junior. Brother Don was a top mechanic. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Roy Sherman 31 Aug 1909
St. Louis, Missouri
20 Oct 1968
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 0
(1951)
Roy originally operated a garage in Denver, before moving to California, where he became a mechanic, including being Johnny Thomson's chief mechanic, for the Indy 500. Went on to work for Pratt and Whitney, before opening a speedshop in Indianapolis until his death from a heart-attack. His real surname was spelt Scheuermann. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Edward (E.H.) Sherwood 10 Dec 1884
Ossining, New York
unknown
USA 0
(1911)
A car salesman, most notably for Mercer. The E H stood for Edward Hoag. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Benny Shoaff 03 Feb 1897
Paris, Illinois
15 Apr 1960
Mattoon, Illinois
USA 2
(1927-1928)
Ben was short for Benton. Worked as a businessman. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Glenn Shultz 14 Dec 1894
Fostoria, Ohio
08 Feb 1936
Colorado Springs, Colorado
USA 1
(1925)
Auto parts store owner who was particulary good at hillclimbs. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Ron Shuman 15 Sep 1952
Tempe, Arizona

USA 0
(1980)
Younger brother of Billy, who came close but failed his rookie test in 1973. Ron is a sprint car legend, and is still involved with the discipline as a promoter and as President of the Sprint Car Racing Association. He even returned to the tracks to race again from 2008 onwards! (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Jeff Simmons 08 May 1976
Hartford, Connecticut

USA 4
(2004-2008)
Infiniti Pro graduate, who has been in and out of the IRL lately. In 2010, he was back in Indy Lights again. (Last updated 7 Jul 2010)
Dick Simon 21 Sep 1933
Seattle, Washington

USA 17
(1970-1988)
Although Dick drove for a long time, he is also well known, recently, for his racing team. But racing takes up a mere fraction of the Simon story. First alternate for the 1960 US Olympic skiing team, Dick then turned to parachuting! A professional scuba-diving instructor, he now runs a huge boat dealership, Dick Simon Marine, in California. Dick is also a fully qualified pilot.
Bill Simpson 14 Mar 1940
Hermosa Beach, California

USA 1
(1970-1977)
A pivotal figure in driver safety and responsible for saving many lives, his company, Simpson Performance Products, was one of the top manufacturers of racing safety products until Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash. A later inquiry claimed that his death was largely down the failure of a Simpson seat belt and as a result, Bill received death threats and a loss of business and quit the company he founded. However, happily, Bill has bounced back. Bill, who lives in North Carolina, now owns a restaurant in Indianapolis, attends non-NASCAR races and has a new company, Bill Simpson Impact Racing, which manufactures racing suits, helmets and safety harnesses.
Ted Simpson 1894
Alabama
unknown
USA 1
(1929)
Worked as a car dealer and was based in Los Angeles, California for most of his life.
Jigger Sirois 16 Apr 1935
Shelby, Indiana

USA 0
(1969-1975)
Now living in Williamsburg, Virgina. Real name Leon, after racer Leon Duray, he carried on racing until 1977. He then became a welder. Still in good health and makes many visits to current and historic events, where he remains very popular indeed. Son of Frenchy, the mechanic.
Gordon Smiley 20 Apr 1946
Omaha, Nebraska
15 May 1982
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 2
(1980-1982)
Killed instantly when he crashed into the wall during his second warm-up lap for the Indy 500 qualifying session. A sportscar ace, he also won an Aurora F1 race at Silverstone.
Al Smith 30 Jan 1929
Dayton, Ohio
24 Jun 1985
Dayton, Ohio
USA 0
(1967)
Full name Albert, he was best known for his success in sprint cars.
Carl Smith
Brooklyn, New York
unknown
USA 0
(1931)
Garage owner whose only main races were his 3 unsuccessful Indy attempts.
Guy Smith 12 Sep 1974
Beverley, Yorkshire

GB 0
(2000)
2003 Le Mans winner with Bentley, Guy has had a varied racing career. More recently in endurance racing, he appeared in CART in 2004. Now in ALMS.
Mark Smith 10 Apr 1967
McMinnville, Oregon

USA 0
(1993-1994)
No longer racing and is believed to be involved with the family air cargo transportation firm. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Stephen Smith 16 May 1896
Alloway, New Jersey
unknown
USA 0
(1927-1929)
Obscure driver who entered his own car. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Overton Snell 07 Sep 1907
Grand Chain, Illinois
18 Dec 2004
Doniphan, Missouri
USA 0
(1933-1936)
Until his recent death, Overton was believed to be the oldest and only pre-war surviving driver of the Indianapolis 500. Often raced his own prepared car.
Jerry Sneva 23 May 1949
Spokane, Washington

USA 5
(1975-1984)
Brother of Tom. Lives in Indiana and has a small involvement in his brother's business, as well as his son, TJ's snowboard company. TJ was a former racer himself.
Tom Sneva 01 Jun 1948
Spokane, Washington

USA 18
(1973-1992)
Now lives in Arizona where he runs and builds golf courses. Also owns a racing school, works as a spotter and does some TV commentary. Was a high school mathematics teacher before his racing career. Now works as a businessman. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
George Snider 08 Dec 1940
Fresno, California

USA 22
(1965-1990)
Now a successful team-owner in the USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Series, although he is also a team-owner in a few other disciplines. George himself carried on driving until the mid 1990's.
Russ Snowberger 08 Oct 1901
Denton, Maryland
28 Sep 1968
Mount Clemens, Michigan
USA 15
(1928-1947)
Entered and owned cars for the Indianapolis 500 until the late 1950's. Also worked in the car industry in Michigan and ran an engineering company.
Jimmy Snyder 10 Mar 1909
Englewood, Illinois
29 Jun 1939
East St. Louis, Illinois
USA 5
(1935-1939)
Killed in a minor midget event. An excellent midget driver, Snyder was a former milkman. He was particulary good on board and dirt track racing. The Cahokia circuit was named in his honour after his death. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Bill Sockwell 05 Mar 1913
Greensboro, North Carolina
05 Nov 1963
Greensboro, North Carolina
USA 0
(1933)
A mechanical engineer, he was twice badly injured in crashes, yet twice recovered and returned to the tracks. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Vincenzo Sospiri 07 Oct 1966
Forli

I 1
(1997)
Raced in America but injury led to his retirement from racing sportscars. Now runs a Int.Formula Masters and a F.Renault Eurocup Euronova team. Vincenzo hopes to take the team up to GP2 soon. Read interview. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Joe Sostilio 03 Jan 1915
Newton, Massachusetts
09 Jul 2000
Tarpon Springs, Florida
USA 0
(1953)
Sprint and midget regular who won the New England Dirt Series in 1935, 1936 and 1938, the Eastern Sprint Car Title in 1953 and the Bayside Midget Racing Championship in 1947. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
George Souders 11 Sep 1900
Lafayette, Indiana
26 Jul 1976
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 2
(1927-1928)
Surprise winner of the 1927 event. Retired after a serious arm injury, but used his racing winnings for his business - a racing shop and a tavern. He also worked for Charles Shambaugh. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Les Spangler 15 Jan 1906
Brook, Indiana
30 May 1933
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 1
(1933)
Killed in the 1933 Indianapolis 500. Les was a decent and confident sprint car driver based mainly in California.
Floyd Sparks 01 Sep 1894
Port Ludlow, Washington
11 Jun 1966
Los Angeles, California
USA 0
(1931)
Raced before World War 1 as a youngster on inherited money, then fought in the war, before 2 returns; one in the mid-twenties, the last being his Indy 500 attempt. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Bill Spence 09 Jun 1906
Los Angeles, California
30 May 1929
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 2
(1928-1929)
Killed in the 1929 Indianapolis 500. A former riding mechanic, he was a regular racer in California, and won the 1928 Pacific Coast Dirt Track series. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Mike Spence 30 Dec 1936
Croydon, Surrey
07 May 1968
Indianapolis Speedway, Indiana, USA
GB 0
(1968)
Killed in a testing crash at Indianapolis. Overcame polio as a child, and started racing by rallying his motorsport-mad father's car. No mean driver, he won the 1965 Race of Champions.
Lyn St. James 13 Mar 1947
Willoughby, Ohio

USA 7
(1992-2000)
Now lives in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she works as a consultant for the ALMS series. Also runs a driver training program, especially for woman, for whom she coaches, advises and promotes. Wrote a book about her career in 2002. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Elbert 'Babe' Stapp 26 Feb 1904
San Antonio, Texas
17 Sep 1980
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 13
(1927-1940)
Son, Steve, later became a mechanic. Had a long and successful career and kept some links with the sport for some years.
Dave Steele 07 May 1974
Tampa, Florida

USA 0
(1999)
Still very active, racing and winning in sprint cars. Also works as a car preparer and driver coach. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Waldo Stein 11 Apr 1891
Los Angeles, California
16 Nov 1956
Akron, Ohio
USA 0
(1920)
Sidekick to Barney Oldfield and was heavily involved in race promoting/officiating and Oldfield's tyre business. Full name was Ernest Waldo. He was also a tyre engineer. He died of liver failure, but sadly his last year was spent somewhat in disgrace as he was at his death, under indictment for attempting to rob a bank, which he put down to his failing mental and physical health. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Gig (Leonard) Stephens 02 Jun 1926
North Reading, Massachusetts

USA 0
(1956-1967)
Alive and still living near where he was born. Still visits vintage meetings, attending annually, the New Hampshire International Speedway's historic meetings. Keeps other links with the sport and keeps busy. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Myron Stevens 17 Feb 1901
Los Angeles, California
02 Jul 1988
Sun City West, Arizona
USA 1
(1929-1931)
Worked as a fabricator and later ran a workshop. He was a brilliant mechanic, chassis foreman at Miller and responsible for building and designing many of the 1930's cars.
Chuck Stevenson 15 Oct 1919
Sidney, Montana
21 Aug 1995
Benson, Arizona
USA 9
(1951-1968)
Won the 1952 AAA Champ Car series - he carried on racing until 1968. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Sir Jackie Stewart 11 Jun 1939
Milton, Dumbarton, Dumbartonshire, Scotland

GB 2
(1966-1967)
Recently knighted. Although he has done a huge amount of activities since leaving F1. Was involved with Ford, running his own successful team before joining Jaguar as a consultant after 'The Green Cat' bought out his team. However this association ended in 2004. Fully recovered after a recent cancer scare. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Tony Stewart 20 May 1971
Columbus, Indiana

USA 5
(1996-2001)
Popular driver who is one of NASCAR's top drivers - he won the title in 2002 and 2005. In 2009, along with driving, he is a team owner in the discipline. Still lives in Indiana. Also appears in sprints and has a USAC team. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Harry Stockman 13 Jan 1919
Detroit, Michigan
23 Mar 1994
Yucaipa, California
USA 0
(1953)
Southern California track roadster and midget racer. Often based in Arizona. Died after a period of ill-health. Son Gary was involved with the sport as well. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Wally Stokes 21 May 1913
Willoughby, Ohio
21 Aug 1949
Springfield, Ohio
USA 0
(1949)
Dirt track legend killed a road crash, when his wife lost control of their car, crashing into a tree. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Lewis (Louis) Strang Aug 1884
Amsterdam, New York
20 Jul 1911
Blue River, Wisconsin
USA 1
(1911)
Killed in a reliability run, becoming the first Indy 500 driver to die. A varied and experienced racer who worked for Case Automobiles as was 1908 National Champion. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Dave Strickland 04 Dec 1937
Denver, Colorado
14 Jun 2005
Englewood, Colorado
USA 0
(1969)
Started off as a rodeo rider, before switching to racing and later helped his son into midgets as well. Dave retained links with the sport and enjoyed watching his son race, but sadly died recently, after a long illness. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Mel Stringer 20 May 1876
Elgin, Illinois
20 May 1918
Cleveland, Ohio
USA 0
(1914)
Died on his birthday. Often based in California. A varied racer, he raced on dirt tracks and road races, achieving many speed records in the latter. A car designer, he also prepared his own racing cars. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
W. H. 'Stubby' Stubblefield 28 Dec 1909
Los Angeles, California
21 May 1935
Indianapolis, Indiana
USA 4
(1930-1935)
Killed in a practice crash for the Indy 500. His surname is not certain with Stibblefield and Stubblefiel both appearing on official records, but W.H. stands for Wilburn Hartwell.
Danny Sullivan 09 Mar 1950
Louisville, Kentucky

USA 12
(1982-1995)
For a while he raced in America, becoming hugely successful. Injury led to a early retirement and he took up media work as well as selected drives. Then took charge of the Red Bull program for promising American drivers, helping Scott Speed's career. Briefly returned to racing in 2004, but now works in TV. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Len Sutton 09 Aug 1925
Aims, Oregon
04 Dec 2006
Portland, Oregon
USA 7
(1956-1965)
Sadly died recently, after a long and brave battle against cancer, at his home in Oregon. He stayed linked with the sport, through historic meetings, test drives and internet forums until his dying day. He also produced calendars with photos from his racing collection and wrote a book about his career in the early '00's. (Last updated 24 Jan 2010)
Sam Swank 24 Aug 1893
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
02 Oct 1927
Akron, Ohio
USA 0
(1927)
Auto mechanic, who was killed in a crash.
Bob Swanson 20 Aug 1912
Minneapolis, Minnesota
12 Jun 1940
Toledo, Ohio
USA 3
(1937-1940)
Killed in qualifying for a midget race. AAA Pacific Champion in 1939, he was one of the USA's best drivers at his death. Very good in big cars, roadsters and midgets.
Frank Sweigert 27 Feb 1902
Pottsville, Pennsylvania
Mar-70
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
USA 0
(1929)
Later became a magistrate. An excellent dirt track racer who took a number of wins in the discipline.
Bob Sweikert 20 May 1926
Los Angeles, California
17 Jun 1956
Salem, Indiana
USA 5
(1950-1956)
Indy winner and American Champion of 1955, he died in a crash at Salem raceway.
Sammy Swindell 26 Oct 1955
Germantown, Tennessee

USA 0
(1987)
Sprint car legend, still racing and winning in the World of Outlaws series despite a huge accident in 2001. An accomplished engineer, he also runs a motorsports team.

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