Killed in the 1947 Indianapolis 500, when he hit the wall after trying to avoid an accident. He worked as a used car dealer in Indianapolis, though he resided in Detroit, Michigan. Given name was William, and although he was often listed as from Paris, Illinois, he was born further north in the State. In eleven attempts at the '500, he took one front row start (in his first start in 1930), which also saw him come home a surprise second. He also took 6th in 1935, but his other attempts saw him retire from mechanical problems until his last and fatal race. Starting as a relief driver, Cantlon was a midget and dirt track racer primarily, who also had a number of speed record attempts on dry lake beds.

Biography last updated 2 Jun 2016