Bob Swanson (racing driver)

For other people named Bob Swanson, see Bob Swanson (disambiguation).

Bob Swanson (August 20, 1912 Minneapolis, Minnesota – June 13, 1940 Perrysburg, Ohio) was an American racecar driver.

Swanson won the first Turkey Night Grand Prix midget-car race in 1934. At the 1939 Indianapolis 500, he was involved in the accident that killed defending champion Floyd Roberts. Thrown out of his car when Roberts hit him, Swanson lay unconscious on the track as the car overturned and caught fire. His lucky escape proved to be only a temporary reprieve, as Swanson was killed a year later while attempting to qualify for a midget car race.[1]

In an 2006 interview, motorsports reporter Chris Economaki called him 'the best racing driver he ever saw'.

Swanson was inducted in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

Indy 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired
1937 33 21 121.920 6 28 52 34 Carburetor
1939 32 22 129.431 3 31 19 0 Rear axle
1940 32 20 124.882 6 6 196 0 Flagged
Totals 267 34

Starts 3
Poles 0
Front Row 0
Wins 0
Top 5 0
Top 10 1
Retired 2

References

  1. ↑ "Midget auto racer killed". Toledo Blade. June 13, 1940.


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