Willard Prentiss

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Willard Cable Prentiss (10 December 1897 – 6 October 1959) was an American racecar driver. He was born in Denver, Colorado.[1]

As well as two appearances in the Indianapolis 500, Prentiss competed in various races across the United States in the 1920s, including races at Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Sterling, Illinois.[1]

In 1927, Prentiss competed in the Annual Fall Auto Races at Oakley, Kansas.[2] A win in the ten mile race was followed up by second place in the 25 mile race, despite having a flat tire for the last three laps.[2] He competed there again in 1928,[3] taking joint second place in the one mile time trial and third place in the 15 mile race.[3]

In 1930, Prentiss was leading a race at the Arizona State Fair when his car went through a fence and he sustained serious injuries.[4]

1933 saw Prentiss racing in the Indianapolis 500, driving a Rigling-Duesenberg car owned by Jack Carr.[5] He finished on the lead lap in 13th place, and won $450 in prize money.[5] In 1934, he entered the Indianapolis 500 again. He practiced with two cars, but was not fast enough in qualification to be able to start the race.[6]

[edit] Indy 500 results

Year[7] Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired
1933 49 40 107.776 41 13 200 0 Running
1934 59 DNQ
64 DNQ
Totals 200 0
Starts 1
Poles 0
Front Row 0
Wins 0
Top 5 0
Top 10 0
Retired 0

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ a b Willard Cable Prentiss. The History of Automobile Racing at Oakley, Kansas. Retrieved on 2006-12-24.
  2. ^ a b Fall Speed Classic Auto Races at Oakley, Kansas on October 23, 1927. The History of Automobile Racing at Oakley, Kansas. Retrieved on 2006-12-24.
  3. ^ a b Annual Fall Classic Auto Races, Oakley, KS, October 27, 1928. The History of Automobile Racing at Oakley, Kansas. Retrieved on 2006-12-24.
  4. ^ Public Domain Films And Royalty Free Stock Footage. BuyOutFootage.com. Retrieved on 2006-12-24.
  5. ^ a b 1933 Official Box Score. Indy500.com. Retrieved on 2006-12-24.
  6. ^ Willard Prentiss. ChampCarStats.com. Retrieved on 2006-12-24.
  7. ^ Willard Prentiss Indy 500 Race Stats [1]


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