Jimmy Daywalt

Jimmy Daywalt (28 August 1924 - 4 April 1966): American racecar driver from Wabash, Indiana who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, acting as a tail gunner in B-24s of the 392nd Bomb Group. After the war he took up racing, becoming a regular in the US Midwest in the Central States Racing Association races. He drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1950, 1953-1957, 1959, and 1961-1962 seasons with 20 starts. He made his Formula 1 debut at the 1953 Indianapolis 500 driving for Kurtis and participated in seven Grands Prix overall, with his last race being the 1959 Indianapolis 500.

His best finish was in the 1953 Indianapolis 500 where he finished 6th and was named Rookie of the Year. In 1954 he qualified in the middle of row one and led the race, proving he had the talent to win the 500. Daywalt died of cancer in Indianapolis, Indiana, aged 41.