Howdy Wilcox

Howard Samuel "Howdy" Wilcox (June 24, 1889 – September 4, 1923) was an American racing driver active in the formative years of auto racing. He won the 1919 Indianapolis 500.

Formative years and family
Wilcox was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on June 24, 1889. He was preceded in death by his wife, who died in 1918. Wilcox's son, Howard Jr., founded the Little 500 bicycle race, which has been held at Indiana University annually since 1951.

Racing career


In 1911, Wilcox set the world beach racing speed record of 89.23 mph. In 1919, he won the 1919 Indianapolis 500, leading the last 98 laps of the race after starting in the 2nd position.

Death
Wilcox died on September 4, 1923, at Altoona Speedway board track in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, in a car crash. He was buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.