OldRacingCars.com

Martin DeAlzaga

Martin de Alzaga, Indianapolis 500, 1923. Originally in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Collection of the The IUPUI University Library, in conjunction with Indiana University. Photo taken in 1923, so copyright lapsed through the 95 year copyright rule. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2019.

Martin de Alzaga, Indianapolis 500, 1923. Originally in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Collection of the The IUPUI University Library, in conjunction with Indiana University. Photo taken in 1923, so copyright lapsed through the 95 year copyright rule. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2019.

Born:

25 Jan 1901
Mar del Plata

Died:

15 Nov 1982
Buenos Aires

Nationality:

Argentina

Indy 500s:

1 (1923)

Grew up in Europe and married an American. Together they ran a boutique and nightclub and became linked with celebrities; their friends including Ginger Rogers, the Peron's and Charlie Chaplin. Martin then married Kay Williams, who later married Clark Gable. After that marriage failed, he returned to Argentina, but although he enjoyed life, he blew a fortune and struggled in his later years. Martin started racing as a teenager in 1920 and became very quickly accomplished at endurance touring events in his homeland. That said it was still a surprise when his rapid rise was capped by being part of the Bugatti team for the 1923 Indianapolis 500.

Biography last updated 17 Jan 2017