René Thomas (France)

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René Thomas (March 7, 1886 – September 23, 1975) was a French motor racing champion.

A leading driver in his native France, René Thomas traveled to the United States to compete in the Indianapolis 500 on four occasions. He won the prestigious race on his inaugural try in 1914 driving a Delage.

On July 6, 1924 at Arpajon, France, Thomas set a new world land speed record when he drove a Delage 143.31 mph (230.64 km/h).

[edit] Indy 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired 1914 16 15 94.540 4 1 200 102 Running 1919 31 1 104.700 1 11 200 0 Running 1920 25 18 93.950 5 2 200 12 Running 1921 15 17 83.750 21 10 144 0 Water hose Totals 744 114

Starts 4 Poles 1 Front Row 1 Wins 1 Top 5 2 Top 10 3 Retired 1

Preceded by Jules Goux

Indianapolis 500 Winner 1914

Succeeded by Ralph DePalma

Indianapolis 500 Winners

Four-time winners A. J. Foyt • Al Unser, Sr. • Rick Mears Three-time winners Meyer • Shaw • Rose • Rutherford • B. Unser Two-time winners Milton • Vukovich • Ward • Johncock • Fittipaldi • Luyendyk • Unser, Jr. • Castroneves One win Harroun • Dawson • Goux • Thomas • DePalma • Resta • Wilcox • Chevrolet • Murphy • Corum • Boyer • DePaolo • Lockhart • Souders • Keech • Arnold • Schneider • Frame • Cummings • Petillo • Roberts • Davis • Robson • Holland • Parsons • Wallard • Ruttman • Sweikert • Flaherty • Hanks • Bryan • Rathmann • Jones • Clark • Hill • Andretti • Donohue • Sneva • Sullivan • Rahal • Villeneuve • Lazier • Cheever • Brack • Montoya • de Ferran • Rice • Wheldon • Hornish