Danny Oakes facts for kids
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Danny Oakes (born July 18, 1911 – died January 13, 2007) was a famous American race car driver. He was known for driving special small race cars called midget cars. Danny was so good that he was even inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame.
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Early Life and Racing Dreams
Danny Oakes grew up in Santa Barbara, California. He became interested in racing when he was a boy. He delivered newspapers and often saw cool race cars parked in his town. These cars had powerful Model T engines and belonged to professional drivers. Danny dreamed of becoming a race car driver himself one day.
He started going to races at a track called Legion Ascot Speedway. Danny even built his own cool black car with shiny wheels. This car helped him get a job as a mechanic for a race team. He even got to drive the race car during practice sessions!
Danny's Driving Career
Danny Oakes began his official racing career in 1932 when he was 21 years old. He started in a beginner's class at Legion Ascot Speedway. When that track closed in 1936, Danny switched to midget cars. He quickly became very successful, winning the Pacific Coast championship three times!
During World War II, racing stopped for four years. Danny, like many other drivers, couldn't race during this time. He worked as a flight inspector at Lockheed, helping with airplanes.
After the war, Danny Oakes won the very first race held at Gilmore Stadium in 1945. This big win was called the Turkey Night Grand Prix. He continued his success, winning the 1947 Pacific AAA midget car championship. Later, in 1959, he won the Pacific Coast USAC championship. Danny even holds the record for the fastest 40-lap race at Gilmore Stadium!
Danny raced midget cars and Championship cars for 25 years. He tried to qualify for the famous Indianapolis 500 race several times between 1952 and 1955 but didn't quite make it into the main race as a driver. He even stood by as a backup driver for his friend, Alberto Ascari, but that car had problems early in the race.
Danny kept racing midget cars until he was in his mid-60s. He later raced off-shore boats, controlling the throttle, even into his 70s! Throughout his career, he became friends with many famous racing figures like Tony Hulman and Wilbur Shaw.
Working as a Crew Chief
Danny Oakes was also a talented crew chief, which means he helped set up race cars. In 1960, he helped set up Jim Hurtubise's car for the 1960 Indianapolis 500. Hurtubise won the pole position (starting first) by a lot! He also earned the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award that year.
Danny was also the crew chief for Johnny White when White won the Rookie of the Year award at the 1964 Indianapolis 500. His last attempt at the Indy 500 as a crew chief was in 1965 with Paul Goldsmith, but their car had mechanical issues.
Career Achievement
- Danny Oakes was honored for his amazing career by being inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1996.
Later Life
Danny Oakes passed away in Huntington Beach, California, on January 13, 2007. He was 95 years old.
