Brother of Ralph. Often worked as a support and/or a mechanic to his famous brother. After racing, he became an automotive public relations executive. Real name was Giovanni, he was uncle to Pete DePaolo. After World War Two, DePalma took up a new role, which was to sell trucks as a field representative for the International Harvester Company who made the International truck. He looked after the motor truck interests of the company in the rural districts of California, but made his headquarters with S. F. Seager & Co., who were the local distributors of the International truck. John first got into racing as a riding mechanic for his brother, and although he won races himself, knew that he wouldn't be as strong in comparison, preferring to coach Ralph than race alongside him.

Biography last updated 24 Jul 2017