Ed Elisian

Edward 'Ed' Elisian (9 September 1926 - 25 July 2010): American racing driver from Fresno, California, who competed in Formula One at the Indianapolis 500 from 1953 to 1961. Participated in 8 World Championship races (all Indianapolis 500 events), achieving a best finish of sixth place at the 1955 Indy 500. His career was exclusively focused on American open-wheel racing, competing on the USAC Championship Car circuit. At the 1958 Indianapolis 500, suffered a spectacular first-lap accident when his car became airborne on the main straight, flipping multiple times before landing upside down.

Remarkably, Elisian escaped with relatively minor injuries despite the violent crash, demonstrating the era's rudimentary safety standards and highlighting how fortunate he was to survive. The incident became one of the most famous crashes in Indianapolis 500 history, frequently shown in racing documentaries. His 1955 sixth-place finish at Indianapolis represented his best Formula One World Championship result and remains his most significant achievement in championship-counting events. Competed in over 70 USAC Championship races throughout his career beyond Indianapolis, achieving several top-10 finishes on dirt tracks and paved ovals.

Elisian represented the American drivers whose careers were built entirely on domestic racing but whose Indianapolis 500 appearances connected them to Formula One World Championship history during the 1950s when the 500 counted toward the championship. Retired from racing in the 1960s and lived in California until his death in 2010 at age 83. Remembered primarily for his spectacular Indianapolis crash and his consistent if unspectacular performances during American open-wheel racing's golden era.