Dempsey Wilson
Demspey Wilson. Copyright Dave Smith, 2012. Permission to use granted from him to Frank Sheffield, who subsquently granted permission to use.
Born: |
11 Mar 1927 |
Died: |
23 Apr 1971 |
Nationality: |
United States |
Grands Prix: | 2 (1956-1960) |
Indy 500s: | 4 (1956-1968) |
Died of leukaemia. After retirement he ran a hugely successful camshaft manufacturing business. Wilson's grandson, Seth is now racing stock cars, showing that Dempsey's influence hasn't faded. The family also run a hugely successful racing laminated tear-off business. Wilson himself raced in roadsters, sprint cars, midgets, as well as stock cars and Indy Cars. In 1967, Wilson entered the Indianapolis 500 in a car that he built, but it also had an engine that Wilson had completely rebuilt. Wilson started racing after the Second World War in Pacific coast events from 1946 onwards.
Biography last updated 7 Mar 2017