Jimmy Snyder (driver)

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Jimmy Snyder (1909 Chicago, Illinois – 29 June 1939 Cahokia, Illinois) was an American racecar driver.

Snyder was part of the midget car "Chicago Gang" with Emil Andres, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy O'Rourke, Paul Russo, and Wally Zale. ^[1] They toured tracks in the Midwest and East Coast of the United States.

Snyder won the 1937 track championship at the Chicago Armory & Riverview. ^[2] He also set a new track record at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for that season's Indianapolis 500. ^[2]

Snyder appeared in five Indianapolis 500 events. He won the pole for the 1939 Indianapolis 500, setting another new track record in the process. He finished second in the event. ^[2]

Snyder was killed in 1939 while racing in an appearance to help a midget car promoter in Cahokia, Illinois. ^[2]

[edit] Indy 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired 1935 39 30 112.249 29 22 97 0 Spring 1936 43 16 111.291 32 30 21 0 Oil leak 1937 5 19 125.287 1 32 27 24 Transmission 1938 6 15 123.506 4 15 150 92 Supercharger 1939 10 1 130.138 1 2 200 65 Running Totals 495 181

Starts 5 Poles 1 Front Row 1 Wins 0 Top 5 1 Top 10 1 Retired 4

[edit] References

1. ^ Biography for Paul Russo at the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame
2. ^ ^{a b c d} Snyder's Biography at the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame