Floyd Marion Roberts (February 12, 1900 - May 30, 1939) was a

Championship Car American open-wheel car racing, also known as Indy car racing, is a category of professional automobile racing in the United States. As of 2022, the top-level American open-wheel racing championship is sanctioned by IndyCar. Competitive events ...

racing driver from

Jamestown, North Dakota Jamestown is a city in Stutsman County, North Dakota, United States. It is the county seat of Stutsman County. The population was 15,849 at the 2020 census, making it the ninth largest city in North Dakota. Jamestown was founded in 1883 and i ...

. He won the

1938 Indianapolis 500 Events January * January 1 ** The Constitution of Estonia#Third Constitution (de facto 1938–1940, de jure 1938–1992), new constitution of Estonia enters into force, which many consider to be the ending of the Era of Silence and the a ...

with a then-record speed of . He led for 92 laps. The following year, 1939, driving the same car, he was killed in a crash on the backstretch after hitting a wooden fence at . Roberts was the first defending champion of the race to have been killed in competition. According to reports, Roberts intended to retire following the race.

Early years

He was born on February 12, 1900 in

. Father, Frederick Augustus Roberts and Mother, Ruby Lenore Roberts. Around 1920 Roberts moved to California. A story in the Van Nuys News reports that Floyd Roberts married Miss Edna Vincent after a surprise shower for the couple on 18 September 1925. In 1924, prior to his marriage, he was already becoming known in auto racing circles. He raced at the Ascot Speedway in California and participated in a series of races in Hawaii.

1938 Indianapolis 500

In qualifying, Roberts won the pole in his Burd Piston Ring Special, entered by car owner

Lou Moore Lewis Henry Moore (September 12, 1904 Hinton, Oklahoma – March 25, 1956 Atlanta, Georgia) was an American racecar driver. He was most known during his racing career for qualifying on the pole position of the 1932 Indianapolis 500. He was lat ...

, at a record qualifying speed of 125.681 mph. At that time he had not won a major championship race in his 22-year career. He was quoted as saying, "My luck has always run in cycles. Now it's running good and I'll win." During the race, Roberts and

Wilbur Shaw Warren Wilbur Shaw (October 31, 1902 – October 30, 1954) was an American racing driver. He was president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1945 until his death in 1954. Shaw was the automotive test evaluator for ''Popular Science'' magazin ...

, in gasoline-powered cars, fell behind several alcohol-fueled machines. When the latter cars had to pit for fuel before the petrol entries, Roberts first took the lead. He made his only pit stop for gas and a tire change at about 300 miles, and relinquished the lead to Jimmy Snyder. 75 miles later, Snyder came in a third time for more methanol, and Roberts, pulling away from Shaw, re-took a lead he would not give up again. He came home with a record average speed of over 117 mph. His share of winnings totaled $38,000. Owner Moore said, "Floyd has always wanted to retire to a farm as soon as he had enough money. I am hoping he will."

1939

At the

1939 Indianapolis 500 The 27th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 30, 1939. The race was won by the number two car of Wilbur Shaw, who started in the third position, driving a Maserati 8CTF. The race was notable ...

Roberts was on lap 106, when the car driven by Bob Swanson lost control and went sideways. Roberts' car struck Swanson's causing Swanson's car to flip over and catch fire ejecting Swanson. Roberts' car went over the outer wall, through a fence and headfirst into a tree. Attempting to avoid the accident,

Chet Miller Chester Miller (July 19, 1902 – May 15, 1953) was an American racecar driver. He was killed in a crash in the south turn of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during practice for the 1953 Indianapolis 500. Yates, Brock W. "The Indianapolis 500 ...

swerved into the debris field. His car flipped, and went into the inner wall. Two spectators were also injured by flying debris. The three drivers were taken to hospitals, while it took over 30 minutes to clear the burning wreck of Swanson's car from the track. Roberts died instantly due to a broken neck, among other injuries. His death was announced before the race was completed.

Indianapolis 500 results

References

1900 births 1939 deaths Champ Car champions Racing drivers from North Dakota Racing drivers who died while racing Indianapolis 500 drivers Indianapolis 500 polesitters Indianapolis 500 winners People from Jamestown, North Dakota Burials at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery Sports deaths in Indiana AAA Championship Car drivers {{US-autoracing-bio-stub

Early years

1938 Indianapolis 500

1939

Indianapolis 500 results

See also

References