Lewis Strang

Lewis Strang (born Louis Putnam Strang, August 7, 1884 – July 20, 1911)^[1] was an American racing driver.^[2][3]

Lewis Strang
Strang in 1908
Born	Louis Putnam Strang (1884-08-07)August 7, 1884 Amsterdam, New York, U.S.
Died	July 20, 1911(1911-07-20) (aged 26) Blue River, Wisconsin, U.S.
Champ Car career
12 races run over 3 years
First race	1909 Indiana Trophy (Crown Point)
Last race	1911 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
First win	1909 G & J Trophy (Indianapolis)
Wins Podiums Poles 1 2 0

Biography

Strang was born on August 7, 1884, in Amsterdam, New York. In 1908, he won the First American International Road Race, held in Briarcliff Manor, New York. As the first entrant for the 1911 Indianapolis 500, which predated modern on-track qualifications, Strang was pole sitter for the race.

Strang was killed in a testing accident in Wisconsin on July 20, 1911. He was driving approximately 5 to 10 miles an hour and trying to avoid an approaching farmer. Strang's car became embedded in soft dirt, causing it to tumble down an embankment. He was pinned underneath the overturned vehicle and was crushed to death. ^[2][4]

Legacy

In 1951, negationist sportswriter Russ Catlin selected Strang as the 1908 AAA National Champion.^[5]

Motorsports career results

Indianapolis 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired 1911 1 1 — — 29 109 0 Steering Totals 109 0

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