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Earl Devore

Earl Devore, 1925. From the LIbrary of Congress photographic archive. Photo taken in 1925, so copyright lapsed through the 95 year copyright rule. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2021.

Earl Devore, 1925. From the LIbrary of Congress photographic archive. Photo taken in 1925, so copyright lapsed through the 95 year copyright rule. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2021.

Born:

02 Dec 1889
Macksville, Kansas

Died:

12 Nov 1928
Lost at sea aboard the SS Vestris

Nationality:

United States

Indy 500s:

3 (1925-1928)

Father of post-war racer Billy, whom he saved during the ship's sinking, along with his wife and Norm Batten's wife. Devore Sr. was later eaten by a shark in the icy waters, after his cries of help were ignored by seamen on another lifeboat. Real name Francis, he was an automobile salesman. Devore, who started racing in 1909, rode horses in rodeos, a passion he passed onto his son. He raced for years, enjoying more success after moving to California, but also spent a while as a riding mechanic, most notably to Hughie Hughes.

Biography last updated 2 Nov 2015