Howdy Wilcox II

Not to be confused with Howdy Wilcox.
Howard Omar Wilcox

Wilcox in 1933
Born (1905-02-20)February 20, 1905
Indianapolis, Indiana
Died November 13, 1946(1946-11-13) (aged 41)
Converse, Indiana
Cause of death Hit by car

Howard Omar Wilcox (February 20, 1905 – October 13, 1946) was an American racecar driver active during the 1930s. He was of no relation to fellow Indy driver and 1919 Indianapolis 500 winner Howdy Wilcox. He assumed the name "Howdy Wilcox II" to differentiate himself from the former.[1]

Biography

He was born on February 20, 1905 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

After finishing second at the 1932 Indianapolis 500 in his rookie year, he was disqualified before the start of the race after qualifying in 1933 Indianapolis 500 because race officials learned of medical problems Wilcox was having due to diabetes. Other drivers in the race attempted to get Wilcox reinstated, but his car ended up being driven by future three-time winner Mauri Rose.[2] Following the race Wilcox sued the speedway for slander, claiming reports had labeled him epileptic rather than diabetic. The $50,000 suit was settled for $3000.[3]

He died on October 13, 1946 in Converse, Indiana. He had stepped onto the track to wave the checkered flag for Jimmy Wilburn and was hit by the car of Kenneth Wines who was following close behind.[4][5]

Indianapolis 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired
1932 6 6 113.468 9 2 200 1 Running
Totals 200 1

Starts 1
Poles 0
Front Row 0
Wins 0
Top 5 1
Top 10 1
Retired 0

References

  1. ↑ "The Talk of Gasoline Alley" - May 22, 2011
  2. ↑ Reed, Terry. Indy: The Race and Ritual of the Indianapolis 500. Potomac Books 2005. page 31. ISBN 978-1-57-488907-9.
  3. ↑ Bloemker, Al, 500 Miles to Go, The Story of the Indianapolis Speedway 1961. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Veteran Howdy Wilcox Killed by Racing Car". Associated Press. October 14, 1946. Retrieved 2012-10-02. Wilcox, who was second in 500 mile Indianapolis speedway race in 1932 was the starter for the race. He stepped out onto the track to give the winning ...
  5. ↑ "Race Car Kills Ex-Driver. Howard Wilcox Finished Second in 1932 Indianapolis Classic". New York Times. October 14, 1946. Retrieved 2012-10-02.


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