Chet Miller

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Chet Miller (July 19, 1902 Detroit, Michigan - May 15, 1953 Indianapolis, Indiana) was an American racecar driver. He was killed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during practice for the 1953 Indianapolis 500. During his long Indy career, Miller earned the nickname "Dean of the Speedway" .

Photo of Chet Miller's vehicle after his crash in the 1939 Indy 500

Indy 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired
1930 41 15 97.360 23 13 161 0 Flagged
1931 27 15 106.185 25 10 200 0 Running
1932 9 29 111.053 23 21 125 0 Engine
1933 28 32 112.025 23 20 163 0 Rod
1934 46 32 109.252 29 33 11 0 Crash T1
1935 34 17 113.552 24 10 200 0 Running
1936 18 3 117.675 3 5 200 0 Running
1937 7 13 119.213 13 30 36 0 Ignition
1938 3 5 121.898 9 3 200 0 Running
1939 3 5 126.318 8 21 109 0 Crash BS
1940 34 27 121.392 27 17 189 0 Flagged
1941 41 9 121.540 23 6 200 0 Running
1946 5 17 124.649 8 18 64 0 Oil line
1948 31 19 127.249 8 20 108 0 Oil trouble
1951 32 28 135.798 3 25 56 0 Ignition
1952 21 27 139.034 1 30 41 0 Supercharger
Totals 2063 0


Starts 16
Poles 0
Front Row 1
Wins 0
Top 5 2
Top 10 5
Retired 9


  • Although Miller posted the fastest qualifying time for the 1952 Indianapolis 500, he started on the outside of the ninth row. No other fastest qualifier has started this far back in the field.
  • Miller drove over 5,000 miles at Indianapolis without leading a lap, an all-time record.

World Championship career summary

The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Chet Miller participated in 2 World Championship races - the 1951 and 1952 Indianapolis 500. He retired from both races, therefore scoring no championship points.