Willard Prentiss

Background

He was born in Denver, Colorado.

Career

As well as two appearances in the Indianapolis 500, Prentiss competed in various races across the United States in the 1920s, including races at Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Sterling, Illinois. In 1927, Prentiss competed in the Annual Fall Auto Races at Oakley, Kansas. He competed there again in 1928, taking joint second place in the one mile (16 km) time trial and third place in the 15-mile (24 km) race.

In 1930, Prentiss was leading a race at the Arizona State Fair when his car went through a fence and he sustained serious injuries.

1933 saw Prentiss racing in the Indianapolis 500, driving a Rigling-Duesenberg car owned by Jack Carr. In 1934, he entered the Indianapolis 500 again.

He practiced with two cars, but was not fast enough in qualification to be able to start the race.

Achievements

• A win in the ten mile (16 km) race was followed up by second place in the 25-mile (40 km) race, despite having a flat tire for the last three laps. He finished on the lead lap in 13th place, and won $450 in prize money.