Ernie McCoy

Ernest 'Ernie' McCoy (19 February 1921 - 18 December 2000): American racing driver from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who competed in Formula One at the Indianapolis 500 from 1953 to 1954. Participated in 2 World Championship races, both Indianapolis 500 events, which counted toward the Formula One World Championship from 1950-1960. At the 1953 Indianapolis 500, started 32nd on the grid but retired after 31 laps with engine failure, scoring no championship points. Returned to Indianapolis in 1954, again starting deep in the field at 29th position, but improved to finish 11th, completing the full 200 laps and demonstrating better reliability.

Scored no Formula One World Championship points from either Indianapolis appearance (points were awarded only to the top six finishers during this era). McCoy's racing career was built entirely on American oval track racing, competing on dirt tracks and paved speedways throughout the Southwestern United States during the 1950s. His two Indianapolis 500 starts connected him to Formula One World Championship history during the decade when the 500 was part of the championship, though he never competed in or intended to compete in European grand prix racing. Passed away on 18 December 2000 at age 79 in Albuquerque.

Represented the generation of American oval specialists whose Formula One 'careers' existed only through Indianapolis' championship status, highlighting the divergence between American and European racing traditions.