drivers
Louis Meyer
Born:
July 21 1904
Died:
October 07 1995
Nationality:
United States
First race:
Indianapolis 500, 1928
Wins:
8
About Louis Meyer
Biography
Louis Meyer was an American driver who found success in Indy Car racing during the 1920s and 1930s. Meyer caused a sensation in 1928 by winning the Indy 500 at the age of 23 during his first attempt. That same year, he also won the Indy Car championship, known at the time as the American Automobile Association (AAA) championship.Meyer went on to have a highly successful racing career, winning two more championships (1929 and 1933) and two more Indy 500 titles in 1933 and 1936. He came close to winning a fourth Indy 500 in his final attempt. In 1939, Meyer battled Wilbur Shaw for the victory but spun and finished second.
After his 1936 Indy 500 victory, Meyer unknowingly started a tradition by drinking buttermilk to celebrate his win. This tradition is still honored to this day.
Following the 1939 Indy 500, Meyer sold his car and began working on Offenhauser engines. Later, he played a prominent role in Ford’s engine division. In 1963, Meyer was inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame.
Meyer passed away on November 7, 1995, at the age of 91.
Performance by Circuit Type
| Type | Wins |
|---|---|
| Oval | 3 |
| Board Track | 3 |
| Dirt Track | 2 |
Wins
| # | Jaar | Date (ET) | Race | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1928 | May 30 | Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis |
Oval |
| 2 | 1928 | August 19 | Altoona Altoona Speedway |
Board Track |
| 3 | 1929 | June 15 | Altoona Altoona Speedway |
Board Track |
| 4 | 1929 | September 2 | Altoona Altoona Speedway |
Board Track |
| 5 | 1931 | June 14 | Detroit Michigan State Fairgrounds Speedway |
Dirt Track |
| 6 | 1933 | May 30 | Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis |
Oval |
| 7 | 1935 | September 7 | Altoona Altoona Speedway |
Dirt Track |
| 8 | 1936 | May 30 | Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis |
Oval |