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Dempsey Wilson

1927 – 1971

Racing driver

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About Dempsey Wilson

Lived 1927 – 1971 (aged 44). Dempsey Wilson was an American formula One driver, engineer and racing driver.

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.

Indianapolis 500 results

World 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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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Also known as
Dempsey Cothrin Wilson

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Dempsey Wilson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Dempsey Wilson?

racing driver (1927-1971)

When was Dempsey Wilson born?

Dempsey Wilson was born on 11 March 1927 in Los Angeles.

When did Dempsey Wilson die?

Dempsey Wilson died on 23 April 1971 in Los Angeles.

What was Dempsey Wilson's occupation?

Dempsey Wilson was a formula One driver, engineer and racing driver.

What nationality was Dempsey Wilson?

Dempsey Wilson was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Dempsey Wilson

· Wikidata: Q173711

· DBpedia: Dempsey Wilson

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Dempsey Wilson. https://biography.guide/dempsey-wilson/

MLA: "Dempsey Wilson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/dempsey-wilson/.

Chicago: "Dempsey Wilson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/dempsey-wilson/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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