Jimmy Jackson

Jimmy Jackson (25 July 1910 - 25 November 1984): James Merriman Jackson was an American racing driver from Indianapolis, Indiana, who achieved remarkable success at the Indianapolis 500, particularly in the immediate post-World War II era. A graduate of Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, Jackson started his motorsport career as a riding mechanic before progressing to drive midget cars, learning his craft from the ground up. Jackson's breakthrough came at the 1946 Indianapolis 500, the first running of the race after World War II and his first appearance at Indianapolis. In a gesture to his school's colors, Jackson painted his entry green, and the car performed spectacularly.

He finished second in this historic restart of the 500, announcing himself as a serious competitor at the highest level of American open-wheel racing. This strong debut set the stage for a successful Indianapolis career. Jackson participated in seven Indianapolis 500 races between 1946 and 1954, consistently finishing in strong positions when he completed the race. Beyond his second-place finish in 1946, he finished fifth in 1947, tenth in 1948 (though he completed 193 laps before a broken spindle ended his race), and sixth in 1949, demonstrating remarkable consistency at the top level.

During his career, Jackson competed during the period when the AAA/USAC-sanctioned Indianapolis 500 was included in the FIA World Drivers' Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indianapolis during those years were credited with World Drivers' Championship participation and were eligible to score points alongside those earned in the AAA/USAC National Championship. Jackson was known for his consistent performances in both sprint car and championship car racing during the late 1940s and early 1950s, building a reputation as a reliable and competitive driver who could be counted on to bring the car home in strong positions. After retiring from racing, Jackson worked as an accessory representative at Indianapolis, remaining connected to the motorsport community and the industry that had been central to his life.

Jimmy Jackson passed away on 25 November 1984 at the age of 74, remembered for his impressive second-place finish in the first post-war Indianapolis 500 and for his consistent performances throughout his career at the Brickyard.