Auto Race Car Driver. Affectionately known as "The Thin Man" or "The Splendid Splinter" of racing, he was one of the leading American racers of the early 1950s. He participated in 68 AAA Championship races, won 9 pole positions, gained the lead in 19 races with a total of 477 laps led and earned 4 victories. In 1954, he won the pole position and was the pre-race favorite to win that year's Indianapolis 500. Statisticians clocked him as the "fastest on the track" during the race, but a bad pit stop contributed to a third place finish. He may be best known for his ferocious duel with Bill Vukovich during the first quarter of the 1955 race. After running neck and neck at record speeds, he had to withdraw due to engine failure after 54 laps. As it turned out, the legendary Vukovich lost his life in a chain reaction accident during his 57th lap. The talented McGrath also served as his own chief mechanic. He lost his life during what he had previously decided would be his last dirt track race when his car broke an axle and began a series of violent flips.
Auto Race Car Driver. Affectionately known as "The Thin Man" or "The Splendid Splinter" of racing, he was one of the leading American racers of the early 1950s. He participated in 68 AAA Championship races, won 9 pole positions, gained the lead in 19 races with a total of 477 laps led and earned 4 victories. In 1954, he won the pole position and was the pre-race favorite to win that year's Indianapolis 500. Statisticians clocked him as the "fastest on the track" during the race, but a bad pit stop contributed to a third place finish. He may be best known for his ferocious duel with Bill Vukovich during the first quarter of the 1955 race. After running neck and neck at record speeds, he had to withdraw due to engine failure after 54 laps. As it turned out, the legendary Vukovich lost his life in a chain reaction accident during his 57th lap. The talented McGrath also served as his own chief mechanic. He lost his life during what he had previously decided would be his last dirt track race when his car broke an axle and began a series of violent flips.
Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett
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