Walt Faulkner

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Walt Faulkner (born February 16, 1920 - died April 22, 1956) was an American racing driver from Tell, Texas, mainly competing in the National Championship and in NASCAR races. In 1950 Faulkner became the first rookie to win pole position at the Indianapolis 500. He died in 1956 after a racing crash at a USAC Stock Car event in California.

Earlier in his career, Faulkner drove midget cars for the Edelbrock dirt track racing team.

[edit] Indy 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired 1950 98 1 134.343 1 7 135 0 Running 1951 2 14 136.872 1 15 123 0 Crankshaft 1953 23 14 137.117 10 17 176 0 Flagged 1954 98 - - - 12* 199  ? Flagged 1955 77 7 139.762 16 5** 200 0 Running Totals 634 0

Starts 4 Poles 1 Front Row 1 Wins 0 Top 5 1 Top 10 2 Retired 1

* Shared drive with Chuck Stevenson
** Shared drive with Bill Homeier. Each driver scored 1 World Championship point

[edit] World Championship career summary

The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Walt Faulkner participated in 5 World Championship races. He started on the pole 1 time, won 0 races, set 0 fastest laps, and finished on the podium 0 times. He accumulated a total of 1 championship point.

Records
Preceded by Juan Manuel Fangio 38 years, 331 days (1950 Monaco GP)	Youngest Grand Prix Pole Position Winner 30 years, 103 days (1950 Indianapolis 500)	Succeeded by José Froilán González 28 years, 282 days (1951 British GP)