Floyd Roberts
Floyd Marion Roberts (February 12, 1900 - May 30, 1939) was an American racing driver. He won the 1938 Indianapolis 500 with a then-record speed of . He led for 92 laps. The following year, 1939, driving the same car, Roberts was killed in a crash. He was the first defending champion of the race to have been killed in competition. Early life Roberts was born on February 12, 1900, in Jamestown, North Dakota. Father, Frederick Augustus Roberts and Mother, Ruby Lenore Roberts. Around 1920 Roberts moved to California. A story in the Van Nuys News reports that Floyd Roberts married Miss Edna Vincent after a surprise shower for the couple on 18 September 1925. Driving career Early career In 1924, prior to his marriage, Roberts was already becoming known in auto racing circles. He raced at the Ascot Speedway in California and participated in a series of races in Hawaii. 1938 Indianapolis 500 In qualifying, Roberts won the pole in his Burd Piston Ring Special, entered by car owner Lou Moore, at a record qualifying speed of 125.681 mph. At that time he had not won a major championship race in his 22-year career. He was quoted as saying,