Entered and owned cars for the Indianapolis 500 until the late 1950's. Also worked in the car industry in Michigan and ran an engineering company. He started racing very young, in 1921 and by 1927, was racing in AAA events, making his Indianapolis 500 debut one year later. An extremely consistent and approachable man, he took up a deal with Huppmobile to race their engines at Indy, where many of the other cars had Studebaker power and it saw him get some good finishes. Russell also raced at the Pikes Peak hillclimb for some while, but enjoyed more success there as a car preparer for Louis Meyer until the late 1950's. Russ also worked as an engine inspector at Rolls Royce Aircraft, retiring from racing cars in 1949 and then from his work as a chief mechanic in 1960.

Biography last updated 18 Sep 2016