Howdy Wilcox II

Not to be confused with Howdy Wilcox.

Howard Omer "Howdy" Wilcox (February 20, 1905 – October 13, 1946) was an American racing driver active during the 1930s. He commonly raced as Howdy Wilcox II to differentiate himself from fellow Championship Car driver – and 1919 Indianapolis 500 winner – Howdy Wilcox, to whom he was unrelated.^[1]

Howdy Wilcox II
Wilcox in 1933
Born	Howard Omer Wilcox (1905-02-20)February 20, 1905 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Died	October 13, 1946(1946-10-13) (aged 41) Converse, Indiana, U.S.
Champ Car career
6 races run over 2 years
Best finish	3rd (1932)
First race	1932 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Last race	1932 Oakland 150 (Oakland)
Wins Podiums Poles 0 2 0

Biography

Wilcox was born on February 20, 1905, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

After finishing second at the 1932 Indianapolis 500 in his rookie year, Wilcox was disqualified after qualifying for the 1933 Indianapolis 500, because race officials learned of medical problems Wilcox was having due to diabetes. Other drivers in the race attempted to get Wilcox reinstated, but his car ended up being driven by future three-time winner Mauri Rose.^[2] Following the race Wilcox sued the speedway for slander, claiming reports had labeled him epileptic rather than diabetic. The $50,000 suit was settled for $3000.^[3]

Wilcox died on October 13, 1946, in Converse, Indiana. He had stepped onto the track to wave the checkered flag for Jimmy Wilburn and was hit by the car of Kenneth Wines who was following close behind.^[4][5]

Motorsports career results

Indianapolis 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired 1932 6 6 113.468 9 2 200 1 Running Totals 200 1

Starts 1 Poles 0 Front Row 0 Wins 0 Top 5 1 Top 10 1 Retired 0