Speed Gardner

William H. "Speed" Gardner (July 2, 1895 – April 25, 1972) was an American racing driver during the AAA era. His best result was the first Indianapolis 500 race he managed to qualify for, finishing sixth in 1929 with the help of his relief driver Chet Gardner, completing the event at an average speed of 88.4 mph in his Miller powered Chromolite car. After two successive mechanical failures in 1930 and 1931, he looked ready to qualify for the 1932 Indianapolis 500, but failed to do so. While attempting to qualify for the 1933 race he crashed and sustained a fracture to his left thigh along with severe bruises.