Théodore Pilette facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Théodore Pilette
Pilette in 1914
Born	Théodore Eugène Pilette (1883-09-08)8 September 1883 Saint-Gilles, Brussels, Belgium
Died	13 May 1921(1921-05-13) (aged 37) Steinfort, Capellen, Luxembourg
Champ Car career
1 race run over 1 year
First race	1913 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Wins Podiums Poles 0 0 0

Théodore Eugène Pilette (born September 8, 1883 – died May 13, 1921) was a Belgian racing driver. He was a very early pioneer in the world of car racing. Pilette started his racing career in 1903.

He made history as the first Belgian driver to compete in the famous Indianapolis 500 race. This big event takes place in the United States.

Racing at the Indianapolis 500

Théodore Pilette raced in the 1913 Indianapolis 500 event. He drove a special Mercedes-Knight car. Pilette was one of the first drivers from Europe to travel across the ocean for this race.

His car had the smallest engine in the race. Even with a smaller engine, he did very well. Pilette finished in an amazing fifth place. He drove the full 500 miles (800 km) at an average speed of about 68 miles per hour (109 km/h).

Life Beyond the Race Track

Besides racing, Pilette was also a businessman. He was the official importer for Bugatti and Mercedes cars in Belgium. This means he brought these cars into the country to sell them. His company was called Etablissements Pilette. It was located in Brussels.

A Sad End and a Racing Family

Sadly, Théodore Pilette died in a road accident. This happened on May 13, 1921. He was on his way back from the Mercedes factory. His mechanic, Bruyère, also died in the accident.

Théodore Pilette came from a family of racers. His son, André Pilette, also became a racing driver. Later, his grandson, Teddy Pilette, continued the family's racing tradition.