Jimmy Snyder (racing driver)

James L. Snyder (March 10, 1909 – June 29, 1939) was an American race car driver.

Jimmy Snyder
Born	James L. Snyder (1909-03-10)March 10, 1909 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	June 29, 1939(1939-06-29) (aged 30) Cahokia, Illinois, U.S.
Cause of death	Race-related accident
Resting place	Cedar Park Cemetery, Calumet Park, Illinois, U.S.
Nationality	American

Snyder was part of the midget car "Chicago Gang" with Emil Andres, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy O'Rourke, Paul Russo, and Wally Zale.[1] They toured tracks in the Midwest and East Coast of the United States.

Snyder won the 1937 track championship at the Chicago Armory & Riverview.[2] He also set a new track record at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for that season's Indianapolis 500.[2]

Snyder appeared in five Indianapolis 500 events. He won the pole for the 1939 Indianapolis 500, setting another new track record in the process. He finished second in the event.[2]

Death

Snyder died of a race-related accident on June 29, 1939 in Cahokia, Illinois, at the age of 30, while racing in an appearance to help a midget car promoter.[2]

Indianapolis 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired 1935 39 30 112.249 29 22 97 0 Spring 1936 43 16 111.291 32 30 21 0 Oil leak 1937 5 19 125.287 1 32 27 24 Transmission 1938 6 15 123.506 4 15 150 92 Supercharger 1939 10 1 130.138 1 2 200 65 Running Totals 495 181

Starts 5 Poles 1 Front Row 1 Wins 0 Top 5 1 Top 10 1 Retired 4

References

1. Biography Archived 2012-02-06 at the Wayback Machine for Paul Russo at the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame
2. Snyder's Biography at the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame

External links

• Jimmy Snyder at Find a Grave