About Speed Gardner
Lived 1895 – 1972 (aged 76). Speed Gardner was an American engineer.
William H. "Speed" Gardner (July 2, 1895 – April 25, 1972) was an American racing driver during the AAA era. His best result was the first Indianapolis 500 race he managed to qualify for, finishing sixth in 1929 with the help of his relief driver Chet Gardner, completing the event at an average speed of 88.4 mph in his Miller powered Chromolite car. After two successive mechanical failures in 1930 and 1931, he looked ready to qualify for the 1932 Indianapolis 500, but failed to do so. While attempting to qualify for the 1933 race he crashed and sustained a fracture to his left thigh along with severe bruises.
Motorsports career results
Indianapolis 500 results
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Important facts
People in Speed Gardner's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Speed Gardner's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Speed Gardner?
American racing driver (1895–1972)
When was Speed Gardner born?
Speed Gardner was born on 2 July 1895 in East Liberty.
When did Speed Gardner die?
Speed Gardner died on 25 April 1972 in Bayonet Point, Florida.
What was Speed Gardner's occupation?
Speed Gardner was an engineer.
What nationality was Speed Gardner?
Speed Gardner was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Speed Gardner. https://biography.guide/speed-gardner/
MLA: "Speed Gardner." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/speed-gardner/.
Chicago: "Speed Gardner." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/speed-gardner/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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