Mechanic and garage owner, full name John Joseph. Lived for a while at Ortonville, Minnesota whilst racing. McCoy enjoyed a reputation for dirt track success, and then ambitiously decided to build and race his own car for the 1919 event. He enjoyed an excellent reputation in western Minnesota for his victories on dirt tracks, but his 1919 event was his first ever brick oval event. McCoy was also present at the very first Indianapolis 500 event in 1911, as an apprentice and part of the Velie team. At the time of his death, he was working on an engine project. Although his gravestone and death record say he was born in 1896, two censuses and other Illinois records confirm he was born in 1886.

Biography last updated 8 Apr 2025