Joe James (racing driver)

Joe James

James (in vehicle) gets congratulated by his pit crew after being the last driver to qualify for the 1951 Indianapolis 500.
Born	(1925-05-23)May 23, 1925 Saucier, Mississippi, U.S.
Died	November 5, 1952(1952-11-05) (aged 27) San Jose, California, U.S.
Formula One World Championship career
Nationality	American
Active years	1950–1952
Teams	Kurtis Kraft, Watson, Weidel
Entries	3 (2 starts)
Championships	0
Wins	0
Podiums	0
Career points	0
Pole positions	0
Fastest laps	0
First entry	1950 Indianapolis 500
Last entry	1952 Indianapolis 500

Joseph David James (May 23, 1925 – November 5, 1952)^[1] was an American racecar driver. He was born in Saucier, Mississippi and died during a Champ Car race at San Jose Speedway.^[2]

Award

He was inducted in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1997.

Legacy

Salem Speedway honored him along with Pat O'Connor with an annual title event.^[3] The 2020 event was part of the USAC Silvercrown series.^[3]

Indy 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired 1950 63/82 - - - - - - Did not qualify 1951 26 30 134.098 10 33 8 0 Drive shaft 1952 14 16 134.953 22 13 200 0 Running Totals 208 0

Starts 2 Poles 0 Front Row 0 Wins 0 Top 5 0 Top 10 0 Retired 1

World Championship career summary

The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship schedule from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Joe James participated in 2 World Championship races but scored no World Championship points.

References

1. "Motorsport Memorial - Joe James". Motorsport Memorial. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
2. Gates, Bob. "California's Joe James Made His Mark In A Brief Career". National Speed Sport News. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
3. "USAC Joe James/PatO'Conner Memorial". USAC Silvercrown. August 15, 2020. Event occurs at 20:47. FloRacing.