Elmer George

Elmer George (15 July 1928 - 8 September 2002): American racing driver from Hockerville, Oklahoma, who competed in Formula One at the Indianapolis 500 from 1957 to 1963. Participated in 5 World Championship races, achieving a best finish of ninth place at the 1959 Indianapolis 500, finishing the race but outside the points-paying positions. Also competed at the 1957, 1958, 1961, and 1963 Indianapolis 500s with finishes ranging from 11th to retirement with mechanical failures. His racing career was built entirely on American oval and dirt track racing, competing on the USAC Championship Car circuit throughout the 1950s and early 1960s.

Achieved multiple top-10 finishes on dirt tracks across the Midwest, where his smooth driving style suited the treacherous surfaces. His best USAC season came in 1957 when he finished 10th in the championship standings, demonstrating consistent performances across multiple races. Competed in approximately 40 USAC Championship races throughout his career beyond his Indianapolis 500 appearances. George represented the generation of Midwestern American oval track specialists whose careers were built on dirt track racing but who made occasional appearances at Indianapolis, connecting them to Formula One World Championship history during the 1950s and early 1960s.

Retired from racing in the mid-1960s as the sport evolved and returned to Oklahoma. Lived in retirement until his death in 2002 at age 74. Though his Formula One championship results were modest, George was a respected figure in American Midwest racing circles and part of the USAC era that defined American open-wheel racing before the split between Indianapolis and European Formula One became permanent.