Johnnie Tolan(October 22, 1917 – June 6, 1986 inRedondo Beach, California) was an Americanracecar driver.
 Tolan in 1950 | |
| Born | October 22, 1917 Victor, Colorado |
|---|---|
| Died | June 6, 1986(aged 68) Redondo Beach, California |
| Formula OneWorld Championship career | |
| Nationality |  American |
| Active years | 1951,1953–1954,1956–1959 |
| Teams | Kuzma,Kurtis Kraft,Lesovsky |
| Entries | 7 (3 starts) |
| Championships | 0 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Career points | 0 |
| Pole positions | 0 |
| Fastest laps | 0 |
| First entry | 1951 Indianapolis 500 |
| Last entry | 1959 Indianapolis 500 |
Racing career
editTolan won 45midget carraces in 1946, and won theRocky Mountain Midget Racing Associationchampionship.[1]Tolan repeated his championship in 1947, and scored 47 wins. He had 27 feature wins in 1948.
He captured the 1950AAAMidwest championship. He captured his first National Midget championship in 1952, as well as the Midwest championship. He won the 1953Night Before the 500midget car race.
He competed at theIndianapolis 500in1956,1957,and1958.His best finish was thirteenth in 1958.
Tolan traveled withBob TattersallandJimmy DaviestoAustraliain 1964. Tolan suffered career ending back injuries at theSydney Showgrounds.[1]
Tolan had a ritual at each midget racing event. He would smoke a cigarette during warmups. He would flip the cigarette toward the starting line on his first high speed lap. He believed that he would have a successful night if he hit the mark.[1]
Career award
edit- He was inducted in theNational Midget Auto Racing Hall of Famein 1988.[1]
Indy 500 results
editWorld Championship career summary
editThe Indianapolis 500 was included in the FIA World Championship from 1950 to 1960. Drivers racing at Indy during that period earned World Championship points and participation recognition. Johnnie Tolan competed in 3 World Championship races but did not score any World Championship points.
References
edit- ^abcdBiographyArchived2007-09-27 at theWayback Machineat theNational Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame
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