Howdy Wilcox II

Howard Omer "Howdy" Wilcox (February 20, 1905 – October 13, 1946) was an American racing driver active during the 1930s. He commonly raced as Howdy Wilcox II to differentiate himself from fellow Championship Car driver – and 1919 Indianapolis 500 winner – Howdy Wilcox, to whom he was unrelated.

Biography
Wilcox was born on February 20, 1905, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

After finishing second at the 1932 Indianapolis 500 in his rookie year, Wilcox was disqualified after qualifying for the 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. 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.

Wilcox 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.