To celebrate the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 this year, we will profile all the British, and British born drivers who have taken on the speedway since 1911, looking at their time at IMS, results and in some cases interviews with some of the drivers. In Part Seven we look at a playboy driver, a three decade driver and the Tamworth Tornado, (I think I have made that one up...)
Noel van Raalte
Noel van Raalte in the #7 in 1915
The phrase of 'Gentleman Driver' is often banded around, but Noel, born into a rich family, really was that guy. Born in 1888 in London to parents who were wealthy land In 1915, after having his interest piqued during his younger years competing with friends and his families wealth enabled him to pursue his passion in fast cars. He was in fact one of the first people to own a Bentley car. Enough about the lifestyle, to Indianapolis.
Noel only competed once at Indianapolis, in 1915, in a Sunbeam, which had competed in two previous Indianapolis 500 races and had become a reputable car producer. Due to his inability to get up to speed to qualify the car, Barney Oldfield would qualify the car in 14th place. The race started well for van Raalte but engine problems dropped him back and eventually finished in 10th place, earning $1,400 in prize money.
He continued to race the Sunbeam cars at Brooklands, but died in 1940 after a long battle with illness.
Noel only competed once at Indianapolis, in 1915, in a Sunbeam, which had competed in two previous Indianapolis 500 races and had become a reputable car producer. Due to his inability to get up to speed to qualify the car, Barney Oldfield would qualify the car in 14th place. The race started well for van Raalte but engine problems dropped him back and eventually finished in 10th place, earning $1,400 in prize money.
He continued to race the Sunbeam cars at Brooklands, but died in 1940 after a long battle with illness.
Henry Banks
Henry Banks in 1951 (Indycar Media)
The only British born driver to have competed in the Indianapolis 500 over three decades. Banks was born in England on the 14th June 1913 and at a young age moved to the US living in Michigan. Banks began racing Midget cars at the age of 19 and over the course of 14 years, from 1936 through 1954, excluding the break for the Second World War. Of these 14 attempts, Banks would qualify for six of them.
Banks would also act as a relief driver and as first alternative when he failed to qualify or failed to set a time. A best starting position of 12th would come in his last 500 start in 1952. As for finishing positions, Banks placed in the 20s until the end of his 500 career with a top six in 1951, then 19th in his final start driving a Levosky.
After retiring from racing, Banks would take up the role with USAC, and in the mid sixties, would eventually hire another young British Indianapolis 500 fan in the role of historian, Donald Davidson.
Banks would also act as a relief driver and as first alternative when he failed to qualify or failed to set a time. A best starting position of 12th would come in his last 500 start in 1952. As for finishing positions, Banks placed in the 20s until the end of his 500 career with a top six in 1951, then 19th in his final start driving a Levosky.
After retiring from racing, Banks would take up the role with USAC, and in the mid sixties, would eventually hire another young British Indianapolis 500 fan in the role of historian, Donald Davidson.
Martin Plowman
Plowey in practice for the 2014 Indy 500 (Indycar Media)
Martin Plowman was born in Tamworth in 198, beginning his career in karting before working his way into the single seater ladder, we will let Martin take it from there about his life in motor sport and the Indianapolis 500.
Previous Chapters in our feature of 'A British 500'
Part One - Hughes, Hill & Taylor
Part Two - Eldridge, Crawford & Jakes
Part Three - Duff, Wilson & Jakes
Part Four - Moss, Ward & Legge
Part Five - Jenkins, Mansell & Lloyd
Bump Day Special
Part Six - Resta, Stewart & Hawksowrth
Part One - Hughes, Hill & Taylor
Part Two - Eldridge, Crawford & Jakes
Part Three - Duff, Wilson & Jakes
Part Four - Moss, Ward & Legge
Part Five - Jenkins, Mansell & Lloyd
Bump Day Special
Part Six - Resta, Stewart & Hawksowrth
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