Bill Vukovich

Full Name: William John Vukovich Sr.
Profession: Auto Racer

Nationality:

Biography: Racing driver considered one of the greatest ever in American motorsport of his generation.

Vukovich won the Indianapolis 500 twice, in 1953 and 1954 before tragically crashing and dying while leading the 1955 race.

Born: December 13, 1918
Birthplace: Fresno, California, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: May 31, 1955 (aged 36)
Cause of Death: Car crash while leading the Indianapolis 500

Historical Events

1953-05-30 Indianapolis 500: Labelled "Hottest 500" due to high temperatures, Bill Vukovich wins first of 2 consecutive Indy 500 victories; Carl Scarborough drops out of race, and later dies of heat prostration
1954-05-31 Indianapolis 500: Bill Vukovich takes the lead on lap 150 to win his second consecutive 500; sets then record 130.840 mph average race speed
1955-05-28 Indianapolis 500: Bob Sweikert wins; defending champion Bill Vukovich killed in a crash while seemingly on his way to an unprecedented third consecutive Indy 500
1955-08-03 Automobile Association of America ends support of auto racing, Le Mans disaster and Bill Vukovich death at Indianapolis contributing factors