Bill Schindler

Bill Schindler (6 March 1909, Middletown, New York - 20 September 1952, Allentown, Pennsylvania) was an American racing driver whose remarkable career continued despite losing his left leg above the knee in a 1936 Champ car racing accident at Mineola, Long Island. Schindler is one of only three drivers to race in the Indianapolis 500 with a prosthetic leg, demonstrating extraordinary determination and skill. He began racing in 1931 in sprint cars and added midget car racing a few years later, achieving exceptional success in the Eastern midget racing scene. Schindler won six Eastern Midget titles and four ARDC championships, establishing himself as one of the dominant forces in midget racing.

His leadership qualities were recognized when he was elected president of the American Racing Drivers Club when it was organized in 1939, a position he held until 1947. In 1950, Schindler joined AAA specifically to compete in the Indianapolis 500, participating in the race in 1950, 1951, and 1952. His best finish was 13th place, and he scored no World Drivers' Championship points. The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950-1960, giving Schindler three World Championship race credits.

Schindler's racing career ended tragically on 20 September 1952 during a sprint car race in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Leading the race on the third lap, Schindler did not see the 'go slow' sign after Paul Becker's car lost a wheel and skidded into the fence. His black Offenhauser hit the loose wheel, crashed through the fence, and tumbled down a 20-foot embankment, killing him instantly. His contributions to motorsport were recognized posthumously with induction into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1985 and the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame in 2004.