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Dempsey Wilson

American racecar driver (1927-1971)

Dempsey Cothrien Wilson (March 11, 1927 , April 23, 1971) was an American racecar driver.

Wilson was born in Los Angeles, California. He began his racing career on Southern California short tracks, racing roadsters, then midgets and stock cars. He drove in the USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1956, 1958-1965, and 1968-1969 seasons with 32 starts, including the Indianapolis 500 races in 1958, 1960, 1961, and 1963. He finished in the top-ten four times, with his best finish in eighth position in 1960 at Milwaukee. Outside of racing, Wilson owned a business called "Dempsey Wilson Racing Cams," which refurbished camshafts. He died in Duarte, California, at City of Hope after a long battle with mesothelioma.

01Indianapolis 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired
1958 59 32 143.272 13 15 151 0 Clutch pedal
1960 23 33 143.215 24 33 11 0 Magneto
1961 35 31 144.202 31 16 145 0 Fuel Pump
1963 29 30 147.832 33 11 200 0 Running
Totals 507 0
Starts 4
Poles 0
Front Row 0
Wins 0
Top 5 0
Top 10 0
Retired 3

02World Championship career summary

The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Wilson participated in two World Championship races but scored no World Championship points.

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Sources and credits

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