René Thomas (racing driver)

René Thomas (March 7, 1886 – September 23, 1975) was a French motor racing champion.[1] Thomas was also a pioneer aviator.[2]

Contents

Biography

He was born on March 7, 1886.

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).

He died on September 23, 1975.

Aviation

Beginning around 1910 Thomas flew airplanes for the Antoinette company whose president was Leon Levavasseur. Hubert Latham was one of Thomas's fellow Antoinette test pilots. Thomas competed in early aviation competitions throughout Europe. In Milan Italy in October 1910 Thomas was involved in the world's first mid-air collision when his Antoinette monoplane fell onto the Farman biplane of England's Captain Bertram Dickson. Thomas miraculously wasn't seriously injured but Dickson suffered internal injuries and never fully recovered and died in 1913.

References

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