Chet Gardner

Chet Gardner, Born "Chester Leroy Gardner" (16 March 1898 in Grant City, Missouri – 3 September 1938 in Flemington, New Jersey) was an American racecar driver, named by promoters as "The Grand Old Man of Auto Racing."[1]

He was killed in an accident during a time trial at the Flemington Fair Speedway when he swerved to avoid a child that had run onto the racetrack. He was survived by his wife, Fannie M. Gardner, and three brothers, Dean Orville Gardner, Ray Alva Gardner, and Paul Theodore Gardner.[1]

Career

Chet started racing in 1922 in Colorado. In 1933 he won the Midwest AAA Sprint Car Championship. He was named "Southern Dirt Racing King" twice.[1]

Between 1928 and 1938, Chet made 25 starts in the AAA series, where his best result was 3rd.[2] From 1930 to 1938 he competed in the Indianapolis 500 (see below for stats).

Indianapolis 500 Career Summary

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired
1930 18 5 105.811 7 38 1 0 Spun T1
1933 21 15 112.319 22 4 200 0 Running
1934 4 5 114.786 9 21 72 0 Rod
1935 18 9 114.556 17 7 200 0 Running
1936 6 18 116.000 12 29 38 0 Clutch
1937 31 9 117.342 28 11 199 0 Flagged
1938 38 18 120.435 17 5 200 0 Running
Totals 910 0

Starts 7
Poles 0
Front Row 0
Wins 0
Top 5 2
Top 10 3
Retired 3

Ref.:[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 He was also known as the "King of the Money Makers" because in the 1930s he was one of only several drivers that made good money at racing. Kelly, E. R. (2006-09-02). "Chet Gardner". Motorsport Memorial. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  2. ↑ "Chet Gardner". ChampCarStats.Com. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  3. ↑ "Career Stats for Chet Gardner". Indianapolis 500 Stats. IMS LLC. Retrieved 2007-08-10.



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