Joie Chitwood

George " Joie " Chitwood ( born April 14, 1912 in Denison, Texas, USA, † January 3, 1988 in Tampa Bay, Florida, United States) was an American race car driver. Chitwood was of Indian descent.

Career

Joie Chitwood launched 1940-1950 seven times in the 500 miles of Indianapolis. He reached in 1946, 1949 and 1950 respectively fifth place. In 1946 he drove, but only about a quarter of the distance itself, after which he was replaced by Sam Hanks. 1950 took over Tony Bettenhausen for 51 rounds the wheel of his car. Only in 1949 he finished the race alone to end. Since 1950, the race was one of the drivers' world championship of Formula 1, there is also a Grand Prix start should be recorded for him.

After the end of his motorsport career he founded in the 1950s, an automobile stunt company. The " Joie Chitwood Thrill Show" has been in the United States is rapidly becoming a national institution and Chitwood could use some records stand as a stunt driver. On 3 May 1978, he set a new world record when he drove nine kilometers on two wheels on a Chevrolet Chevette.

Even in Hollywood, he was active as a stunt driver. His most important commitment was his work as a driver and Sunt Coordinator at James Bond film Live and Let Die 1973.

Indy 500 Results

Literature and sources

• Rick Popely, L. Spencer Riggs: Indianapolis 500 Chronicle. Publications International Ltd.. , Lincolnwood IL 1998, ISBN 0-7853-2798-3.