Dempsey Wilson

Dempsey Wilson (11 March 1927 - 23 April 1971): Born in Los Angeles, California, Dempsey Wilson was an American racing driver and engineer who made his mark in both Pacific coast racing and the USAC Championship Car series. Wilson began his motorsport career after World War II, racing jalopies at Prescott Raceway in 1946 before progressing to midget car racing. His talent and determination led him to attempt qualification for the Indianapolis 500 in 1956, eventually making his debut at the Brickyard in 1958. Throughout his career, Wilson competed in the USAC Championship Car series from 1956 through 1969, accumulating 32 starts including Indianapolis 500 appearances in 1958, 1960, 1961, and 1963.

His best performance at Indy came in 1963 when he drove the Vita Fresh Orange Juice Kuzma/Offy to an impressive 11th place finish. Beyond his driving prowess, Wilson was a gifted engineer and mechanic. In 1967, he demonstrated his technical abilities by entering the Indianapolis 500 in a car that he had not only built himself but also equipped with an engine he had completely rebuilt. This achievement highlighted his comprehensive understanding of racing mechanics and engineering.

After retiring from competitive driving, Wilson channeled his expertise into business, founding Dempsey Wilson Racing Camshafts, a company specializing in high-performance camshaft manufacturing that served the American motorsport community. His contributions to racing technology continued to benefit drivers and teams long after he left the cockpit. Tragically, Wilson's life was cut short when he died of leukemia on 23 April 1971 at the age of 44, leaving behind a legacy as both a capable driver and an innovative engineer who contributed significantly to American oval track racing during the 1950s and 1960s.