Chuck Arnold

Chuck Arnold (May 30, 1926 - September 4, 1997): Charles Russell Arnold was an American racecar driver from Stamford, Connecticut, who competed sporadically in the USAC Championship Car series during the late 1950s and 1960s. Arnold participated in 11 USAC Championship Car starts between 1959 and 1968, including the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in 1959. His Indianapolis 500 appearance on May 30, 1959, was part of the Formula One World Championship, as the Indy 500 counted toward the championship during that era. Arnold's best finish in USAC competition came in 1959 at Trenton Speedway, where he placed fifth, demonstrating his capability on oval tracks.

He finished in the top ten three times during his USAC career, showing consistent performance despite his part-time racing schedule. Arnold's racing career was characterized by its sporadic nature, as he balanced his motorsport ambitions with other professional pursuits. Unlike many of his contemporaries who raced full-time, Arnold competed selectively in Championship Car events throughout nearly a decade. After his racing career concluded in 1968, Arnold continued with other professional endeavors away from motorsport.

He passed away on September 4, 1997, in Santa Ana, California, at the age of 71. While his name may not be as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries, Arnold represented the many privateer and part-time racers who competed in American championship racing during its golden era, bringing dedication and skill to one of motorsport's most competitive and dangerous periods.