Johnny McDowell

Johnny McDowell (January 29, 1915 - June 8, 1952): Born John Maxwell McDowell in Delavan, Illinois, this American racing driver began his motorsport journey at Legion Ascot Speedway in 1934, launching what would become a dedicated career in oval track racing. Throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s, McDowell established himself as a consistent competitor in the AAA Championship Car series, which sanctioned the Indianapolis 500 from 1911 through 1955. He made his debut at the famed Brickyard in 1949 and would return for four consecutive years, competing in the 1949, 1950, 1951, and 1952 Indianapolis 500 races. While he never achieved a podium finish at Indianapolis, McDowell demonstrated the perseverance and skill that characterized American open-wheel racing during this golden era.

His commitment to the sport extended beyond championship events, as he regularly competed in various regional races throughout the Midwest. Tragically, McDowell's promising career was cut short just one week after competing in the 1952 Indianapolis 500. On June 8, 1952, at the age of 37, he was killed during a qualifying crash at the Champ Car race at the Milwaukee Mile. His contributions to American motorsport were posthumously recognized in 2003 when he was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy among the pioneers of American oval track racing.

McDowell remains remembered as a dedicated competitor who represented the spirit and determination of early American motorsport.