Jimmy Snyder (racing driver)

This article is about a race car driver. For other people named Jimmy Snyder, see Jimmy Snyder (disambiguation).
Jimmy Snyder
Born James L. Snyder
(1909-03-10)March 10, 1909
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died June 29, 1939(1939-06-29) (aged 30)
Cahokia, Illinois, U.S.
Cause of death Race-related accident
Resting place Cedar Park Cemetery
Calumet Park, Illinois, U.S.
Nationality American
Ethnicity White

James L. "Jimmy" Snyder (March 10, 1909 – June 29, 1939) was an American race car 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]

Death

Snyder died of a race-related accident on June 29, 1939 in Cahokia, Illinois, at the age of 30, while racing in an appearance to help a midget car promoter.[2]

Indianapolis 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

References

  1. ↑ Biography for Paul Russo at the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame
  2. 1 2 3 4 Snyder's Biography at the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame

External links

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