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He finished in the top ten once, in 6th position at Milwaukee in 1950. He finished in the top ten 21 more times, with his best finish in 2nd position in 1959 at Daytona.
He finished in the top ten once, in 6th position at Milwaukee in 1950. He finished in the top ten 21 more times, with his best finish in 2nd position in 1959 at Daytona.
He drove in the American Automobile Association Championship Carolina series in the 1949 and 1950 seasons with 4 starts, including the 1950 Indianapolis 500. In 1951, he moved to National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing, where he was a very successful Grand National driver through 1955. In 1956, he returned to the Universal Service Administrative Company Championship Carolina series, racing in the 1956-1964 seasons with an additional 41 starts, including the Indianapolis 500 races in 1956 and 1958-1964.
Dick sat on the pole for the 1958 Indianapolis 500.
On the first lap, he and fellow front-row starter Editor Elisian raced into turn 3 and started a chain-reaction accident which involved 15 cars and cost the life of Pat O"Connor. With that accident, Rathmann became the first Industry pole-sitter to complete no laps.
This feat has been repeated only twice in Industry history, first by Roberto Guerrero and then by Scott Sharp. In 2009, Rathmann was inducted into the West Coast Stock Carolina Hall of Fame.
The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960.
Drivers competing at Industry during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Dick Rathmann participated in 5 World Championship races. He started on the pole once and accumulated a total of 2 World Championship points.
Rathmann qualified for the 1957 race, but was mugged the night before the event.
He was replaced in the car by Johnnie Parsons.