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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:50 a.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Obit: Oldest former Indy 500 driver dies at 92

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — The oldest former Indianapolis 500 driver has died at age 92.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway says Danny Kladis died Sunday in Joliet, Ill.

Kladis began racing midgets in 1935 and, after flying with the Army Air Corps during World War II, made his only start at Indianapolis in 1946 and finished 21st in a car entered by Andy Granatelli and his brothers.

Kladis also drove 50 laps in relief of starter Spider Webb in 1954 and failed to qualify in his last try at Indy in 1957.

He was elected to the National Midget Racing Hall of Fame in 2007.

Survivors include four sons and three daughters. A funeral is scheduled for Friday at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet.