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Billy Devore

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Born:

12 Sep 1910
St. John, Kansas

Died:

12 Aug 1985
Brownsburg, Indiana

Nationality:

United States

Grands Prix:

0 (1950-1954)

Indy 500s:

7 (1937-1954)

Son of Earl Devore, Indianapolis star of the 1920's, who saved his young son's life when the SS Vestris sank, costing Earl, and many others their lives. Billy's real name was Louis. A capable and verstatile racer, he raced for over 20 years, mainly in sprints, and was probably at his best just before America entered World War 2. Also rode broncos like his father. Devore died in a nursing home after battling cancer for some while. A few months before his death, he visited the Indianapolis 500 in a special ceremony to honour the survivors from the 1946 race. As well as a driver, Billy worked as a mechanic and worked for Wilbur Shaw at the 1933 Indianapolis 500 in that particular guise.

Biography last updated 18 Jan 2017