Bob Veith

Robert James "Bob" Veith (November 1, 1924 - March 29, 2006) was an American racing driver who carved out a remarkable career in AAA and USAC Championship Car racing. Born in Tulare, California, Veith began his racing journey in 1948, driving roadsters as a member of the California Roadsters Association, laying the foundation for what would become a distinguished career spanning two decades.

Veith competed in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series from 1955 to 1968, accumulating an impressive 63 starts throughout his career. His consistency was remarkable, finishing in the top ten 37 times, with his best Championship finish being 2nd place on two occasions, both occurring in 1958. He gained quite a reputation for his exceptional ability to qualify for races with very little practice time, a skill that set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

The Indianapolis 500 became the centerpiece of Veith's racing legacy. He qualified for his first Indianapolis 500 in 1956, an auspicious debut that saw him finish 7th and earn the prestigious Rookie of the Year award. This achievement marked the beginning of a long association with America's most famous race. Over his career, Veith would compete in the Indianapolis 500 eleven times, with starts spanning from 1956 to 1968, making him a veteran of the sport's most demanding event.

The 1958 Indianapolis 500 proved to be both Veith's best qualifying performance and most tragic experience at the Brickyard. After qualifying an impressive 4th, he was caught in a devastating first-lap accident that claimed the life of fellow driver Pat O'Connor. Despite this traumatic incident and another top-10 finish the following year, Veith's determination never wavered.

One of Veith's most notable performances came in the 1964 Indianapolis 500. He drove a rear-engine car that the legendary A.J. Foyt had tested and turned down. Undeterred, Veith piloted the machine to a running position of third place before being forced to retire, demonstrating his skill and courage in adapting to new technology.

Beyond Indianapolis, Veith's talents extended to international competition. In June 1958, he was among the Americans chosen to compete in the "Race of Two Worlds," a prestigious three-part 500-mile race at Monza, Italy. As the fastest American in qualifying, Veith finished third to Jim Rathmann and Jimmy Bryan in the first leg, then secured runner-up to Rathmann in the second leg, showcasing American racing prowess on the world stage.

Veith also excelled in USAC sprint car competition, ranking fourth in the 1956 Midwest point standings, proving his versatility across different racing disciplines. His final Indianapolis 500 start came in 1968, closing the book on a remarkable career at the Brickyard.

After retiring from professional racing, Veith remained connected to the sport and worked in the automotive industry, staying active in the racing community he loved. He passed away on March 29, 2006, at age 81, leaving behind a legacy of consistency, skill, and dedication that spanned the golden age of American open-wheel racing.