Killed during a race at Culver City Speedway in a big car race, when his car touched another one, sending Ray into a string of barrel rolls. Mainly drove on brick and board ovals. Although born in Illinois, he called West Branch, Iowa his home and was buried there. Despite the slightly European-sounding surname, Cariens was a fifth-generation descedent of an Ulsterman from County Down, with the family name originally Careins. Prior to his short racing career, Ray worked as a mechanic and riding mechanic to Harry Hartz and was also a relief driver for Bennett Hill at the 1925 Indianapolis 500.

Biography last updated 13 Aug 2016