Second-Oldest Living Indy 500 Driver Dies at 86
By Mike Thomsen - mthomsen@wibc.com | @Thomsen500
10/23/2012
Photo courtesy IMS
Eddie Russo, who was a member of a well-known racing family that made their name in the Indianapolis 500, has died at the age of 86.
At the time of his passing on October 14, 2012, Russo was the second-oldest living Indianapolis 500 driver.
Russo had three starts in the “500” with a top finish of 22nd in his rookie year of 1955.
He’s perhaps best known at the Speedway for a crash prior to the start of the 1957 race with Elmer George, the father of former IMS President Tony George.
Russo’s father Joe had four starts in the 500 with a best finish of fifth, while his uncle Paul was one of the drivers of the famous Novis.
Chuck Weyant is the oldest living Indianapolis 500 driver. He last started in the 500 in 1959.
