Arnold, Billy
Name/Title
Arnold, BillyEntry/Object ID
2025.1.9Description
Billy Arnold was born on December 16, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois, and died on November 10, 1976, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is best known for winning the 1930 Indianapolis 500 at just 24 years old, becoming one of the youngest winners in the race’s history. That year, Arnold dominated the field by leading 198 of the 200 laps—a record that still stands for most laps led in a single Indy 500. He also won the AAA National Championship in 1930, cementing his place as one of the top drivers of his era. Arnold’s career was short but spectacular. He competed in five Indianapolis 500 races between 1928 and 1932, often starting from the front and leading large portions of the races. However, crashes in 1931 and 1932—particularly a serious accident in 1932—combined with family pressure, led him to retire early while still at his peak. After racing, Arnold served as a Colonel in World War II and later worked as an engineer for Chrysler, an auto dealer, and a pioneer in the water-ski industry. His legacy remains as one of the most dominant drivers of the early 1930s. For more details, check out these sources: IMS Museum profile Old Racing Cars biographyCollection
Simeone - PhotographCategory
Race Car Drivers