Duane Carter (May 5, 1913 – May 7, 1993) was an American racecar driver. He raced midget cars, sprint cars, and IndyCars. [1] Carter was born in Fresno, California, and he died in Indianapolis, Indiana. His son Pancho raced in Indy cars, along with Johnny Parsons (who he helped raise[2]).
Racing career[]
Midget cars[]
Carter started racing midgets at the 1/5 mile dirt track in the west side of Fresno while attending Fresno State University. He was one of six drivers who went to Western Springs Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand in 1937. He was a consistent winner on the Nutley board track in 1939. He won the 1940 Detroit VFW Motor Speedway title, the 1942 championship at Sportsman Park in Cleveland. He captured a 500 mile victory in his midget car at the 1947 Los Angeles Coliseum Motordome after Danny Oakes was initially declared the winner. [1]
NASCAR[]
Carter made one start in the sport's premier series, what is not known as the Sprint Cup Series. He would finish 7th in a 1950 event held at Dayton Speedway.
Indy Cars[]
He drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1948-1955, 1959-1960, and 1963 seasons with 47 starts, including the Indianapolis 500 races in each season. He finished in the top ten 23 times, with his best finish in 2nd position in 1953 at Phoenix.
USAC director[]
He retired from competition in 1956 to take the Competition Director position for USAC. He returned to competition in 1959 after Henry Banks took over the position. [1]
Career awards[]
- He was inducted in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1991.
- He was inducted in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1989. [1]
World Championship career summary[]
The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Duane Carter participated in 8 World Championship races. He started on the pole 0 times, won 0 races, set 0 fastest laps, and finished on the podium once. He accumulated a total of 6.5 championship points.
References[]
Carter Family |
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Duane Carter | Pancho Carter |