Career
In 1942, Petillo sustained a concussion and lacerations after a road accident when his car collided with a freight train. Petillo was denied entry to the 1946 Indianapolis 500, and sued the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for $50,000. Office the track, Petillo had numerous run-ins with the law, including charges of attempted rape and attempted murder.
Police arrested him in victory lane after winning a race at Owosso Speedway, on charges of assault to commit murder seven days earlier.
He was sentenced to ten years in the Indiana State Prison. He was released on parole in 1955, but went missing.
He was re-captured in 1957, incidentally, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was returned to prison until 1959, after which he was denied entry to the Indianapolis 500 in 1959 and 1960, officially due to age.
After his exclusion in 1959, he again filed a lawsuit for $50,000 against the speedway and the United States Auto Club.
Petillo died of emphysema in 1970.