Floyd Roberts

Floyd Marion Roberts (February 12, 1900 - May 30, 1939) was a former Championship Car racing driver from Jamestown, North Dakota. He won the 1938 Indianapolis 500 with a then-record speed of 117.2 mph (188.6 km/h). He led for 92 laps. The following year, 1939, driving the same car, he was killed in a crash on the backstretch after hitting a wooden fence at 100 mph (160 km/h). Roberts was the first former winner and defending champion of the race to have been killed while competing. According to reports, Roberts intended to retire following the race.

He 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. In 1924, prior to his marriage, he 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.

At the 1939 Indianapolis 500 Roberts was on lap 106, when the car driven by Bob Swanson lost control and went sideways. Roberts' car struck Swanson's causing Swanson's car to flip over and catch fire ejecting Swanson. Roberts' car went over the outer wall, through a fence and headfirst into a tree. Chet Miller's car went into the debris field, flipped, and went into the inner wall. Two spectators were also injured by flying debris. The three drivers were taken to hospitals, while it took over 30 minutes to clear the burning wreck of Swanson's car from the track. Roberts died instantly due to brain injuries. His death was announced before the race was completed.