3 replies to this topic

[mac miller]

   Sad news:(.....   Late 40s midget and Indy car driver, Billy Coy has died at age 93. Billy made a name for himself, driving midgets at Carrell Speedway in Gardena Cal. driving for the Deacon Jones team.

   Billy competed in the Indy 500 one time(I believe 1949), finishing third, driving for Red Stanley, crossing the finish line with his car on fire.

 

  

RIP, Mickey Rooney...  I'll be watching "The Big Wheel" today, in your honor..

 

      mac miller in INDY

[D-Type]

I can't remember the film too well.  Did he finish second or third?

[Eric Dunsdon]

I can't remember the film too well.  Did he finish second or third?

 

That was a good film. I got a copy from Amazon for a couple of quid or so a few years ago. I believe that Billy/Mickey finished 2nd but was awarded the victory because of his sporting behaviour. I must check it out. Winning Indy,  marrying Ava Gardner and Rita Hayworth and still living into his 90's...Quite a guy!.

[Tim Murray]

Yes indeed Eric - Bill Holland wins the 1949 race and then gives the trophy to Billy Coy. As discussed in this earlier thread:

 

'The Big Wheel' (Mickey Rooney film)