Larry Cannon

Larry Cannon (April 13, 1937 – November 6, 1995) was an American race car driver.

Born in Danville, Illinois, Cannon also died there in 1995, after suffering an embolism. He drove in the USAC and CART Championship Car series, racing in the 1970-1971 and 1973-1981 seasons, with 44 combined career starts, including the Indianapolis 500 in 1974, 1976, and 1980. He finished in the top-ten seven times, with his best finish in eighth position in 1976 at both College Station and Michigan International Speedway.

Cannon did not qualify for the 1977 Indianapolis 500, but did compete as a relief driver. In the final ten laps, Cannon took over the car of John Mahler, and drove it to the finish. He prided himself as being one of only a handful of drivers to be on the track at the moment A. J. Foyt won his record fourth Indy 500.

For the three times Cannon qualified for the Indianapolis 500 (1974, 1976, 1980), Johnny Rutherford won the race all three times.

Cannon was commonly known by his nickname Larry "Boom Boom" Cannon, and was a barber by trade.

Indianapolis 500 results Year Chassis Engine Start Finish 1971 Philipp/Porter Ford Failed to Qualify 1973 Eagle Offy Failed to Qualify 1974 Eagle Offy 33rd 24th 1975 Eagle Offy Failed to Qualify 1976 Eagle Offy 10th 17th 1977 Eagle Foyt Failed to Qualify / Drove relief 1978 Wildcat DGS Failed to Qualify 1979 Wildcat Offy Failed to Qualify 1980 Wildcat DGS 14th 33rd 1981 Penske Cosworth Failed to Qualify 1983 Vollstedt Offy Failed to Qualify 1984 Rattlesnake Cosworth Practice Crash