Travis “Spider" Webb

Travis "Spider" Webb (October 8, 1910 - January 27, 1990): Born Travis Leon Webb in Joplin, Missouri, this American racing driver earned his memorable "Spider" nickname through his quick reflexes and agile driving style that recalled the movements of an arachnid navigating its web. Webb's racing career began in 1939 when he entered the AAA National Championship, marking the start of a long and colorful journey through American open-wheel racing. Before reaching the pinnacle of American motorsport at Indianapolis, Webb established himself as a formidable sprint car competitor, capturing the 1948 American Automobile Association Midwest Sprint Car championship - a title that demonstrated his mastery of the demanding short-track discipline.

This success on the sprint car circuits earned him opportunities at the highest level of American racing. Between 1948 and 1954, Webb competed in six Indianapolis 500 races, experiencing both the highs and lows that characterize the grueling event. His Indianapolis career began inauspiciously in 1948 when he qualified 30th and finished 27th after completing just 27 of 200 laps due to an oil line failure. The following year proved even more frustrating, as he qualified 26th but finished dead last in 33rd place when his transmission broke before completing even one lap.

Webb's persistence eventually paid dividends - in 1950, he finished 20th in a rain-shortened race, and in 1952, he made the field in a dramatic last-minute qualifying attempt for Bromme, ultimately finishing 22nd despite an oil leak late in the race. His best Indianapolis result came in 1953 when he started 29th and worked his way through the field to finish 22nd, followed by starts in 1953 and 1954 that demonstrated his ability to consistently make the competitive Indianapolis field. His participation during the 1950s made him an official Formula One competitor when Indianapolis counted toward the World Championship. Beyond his racing achievements, Webb was known throughout the paddock for his colorful personality and engaging character, making him a popular figure in the tight-knit racing community.

His contributions to American open-wheel racing were recognized with his induction into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum. Webb lived a long life after retiring from racing, passing away on January 27, 1990, at the age of 79, having witnessed the evolution of American motorsport across five decades.