Cornelius van Ranst
![CW van Ranst. Originally in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Collection of the The IUPUI University Library, in conjunction with Indiana University. Photo taken pre-1923, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2013. CW van Ranst. Originally in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Collection of the The IUPUI University Library, in conjunction with Indiana University. Photo taken pre-1923, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2013.](/Images/allimagesarecopyright.png)
CW van Ranst. Originally in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Collection of the The IUPUI University Library, in conjunction with Indiana University. Photo taken pre-1923, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2013.
Born: |
07 Dec 1892 |
Died: |
11 Oct 1972 |
Nationality: |
United States |
Indy 500s: | 3 (1921-1927) |
Primarily known as an engineer and his lasting legacy was a front drive system for the Cord motor car and engine building for race cars. Cornelius worked with most of the main manufacturers of the era - Fred Duesenberg, Harry Miller, Gaston Chevrolet and Henry Ford - but originally worked on engines and engine castings. van Ranst's career as a driver came about when he shook down the cars to check his designs and peformance and posted some quick times. This also allowed him to understand cars from a drivers perspective and his 1921 experience led to more and more design brilliance. One of his other legacies was to design a really successful short-track car for sprint and dirt car racing so that as many people as possible could go and enjoy racing.
Biography last updated 12 Aug 2015