Ed Elisian

Edward Gulbeng “Ed” Elisian (9 December 1926 – 30 August 1959) was an American racing driver who competed primarily in the AAA and USAC National Championship. Known for his exceptional speed and fearless driving style, Elisian was one of the quickest competitors of his generation, but his career was also marked by a series of tragic accidents that shaped his reputation within American motorsport.

He died following a crash at the Milwaukee Mile in 1959, aged just 32.

Driver Bio

Nationality	American
Birthplace	Oakland, California, USA
Born	9 December 1926
Died	30 August 1959
First Grand Prix	1954 Indianapolis 500
Last Grand Prix	1958 Indianapolis 500
Years Active	1954–1958
Current/Last Team	Watson

Early Racing Career

Elisian established himself as a talented open-wheel racer during the 1950s, competing in Championship Cars and sprint cars against many of America’s leading drivers.

His aggressive driving style often placed him among the frontrunners, earning admiration for his raw speed while also making him one of the sport’s most controversial figures.

Because the Indianapolis 500 counted towards the Formula One World Championship between 1950 and 1960, Elisian’s appearances at the famous race are also officially recognised as Formula One World Championship starts.

Sportsmanship at Indianapolis

One of the defining moments of Elisian’s career came during the 1955 Indianapolis 500.

When defending champion Bill Vukovich suffered his fatal accident, Elisian voluntarily stopped his undamaged car in an attempt to offer assistance. It remains one of only two occasions in Indianapolis 500 history in which a driver deliberately stopped a competitive car to help a fellow competitor during the race.

Although his actions earned him a sportsmanship award, they were less appreciated by his car owner, who was unhappy that a potential race result had been sacrificed.

Tragic Racing Incidents

Elisian’s career became closely associated with several fatal accidents, despite official investigations finding him not responsible in a number of the incidents.

In 1956, he was involved in a close battle with reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Bob Sweikert during a sprint car race at Salem Speedway. Sweikert lost control without contact between the two cars, left the circuit and suffered fatal injuries. Elisian was officially cleared of any blame.

Two years later came one of the darkest days in Indianapolis 500 history. Starting from the front row alongside Dick Rathmann and Jimmy Reece in the 1958 race, Elisian spun on the opening lap in Turn 3. The incident triggered a massive 15-car accident that claimed the life of Pat O’Connor.

Although medical evidence later indicated that O’Connor died instantly from head injuries before the ensuing fire, Elisian was widely blamed by fellow competitors and sections of the public for causing the accident. USAC briefly suspended him before lifting the ban a few days later. Rumours also circulated alleging he had attempted to lead the opening lap to settle gambling debts, although these claims were never proven.

Just weeks after Indianapolis, Elisian was involved in another serious sprint car accident at New Bremen Speedway in Ohio. Following contact with Elisian’s spinning car, Jim Davis crashed and later died from his injuries. Once again, officials found Elisian was not at fault, but the accident further damaged his standing within the racing community.

Final Season

Away from the racetrack, Elisian encountered personal and financial difficulties. In September 1958, he was suspended by USAC after being charged with passing fraudulent cheques and other offences. The suspension remained in place until May 1959, when he was reinstated and returned to competition.

Later that year, he entered the USAC Championship race at the Milwaukee Mile driving a Watson-style roadster owned by Ernie Ruiz.

Death and Legacy

On 30 August 1959, during the 200-mile Championship Car race at the Milwaukee Mile, Elisian lost control after driving through oil left on the circuit by A. J. Foyt‘s car. His roadster struck the wall, rupturing its fuel tank before overturning.

The resulting fire was severe, fuelled by around 60 gallons of fuel, and took more than nine minutes to extinguish. Elisian suffered fatal injuries and died at the age of 32.

Ed Elisian remains one of the most complex figures in American motorsport history. Gifted with exceptional natural speed, he was capable of competing with the very best drivers of his era. Yet a series of tragic incidents—many of which he was officially cleared of causing—overshadowed his achievements. His story remains a poignant reminder of the dangers of motor racing during one of its most perilous periods.

Grand Prix Stats

Race Entries	5
Race Starts	5
Did Not Start	0
Best Race Start	2nd
Best Race Finish	18th
Retirements	3
First-Lap Retirements	1
Not Classified	0
Disqualified	0
Did Not Qualify	2

Qualifying

Qualifying Sessions	5
Reached Q3	0
Q2 Eliminations	0
Q1 Eliminations	0
Did Not Qualify	0

Front Row Starts

Front Row Starts	1
Poles	0
2nd on Grid	–
Most Front Row Starts in a Season	1
Seasons with Front Row Starts	1

Stats by Season

Year	Constructor	Entries	Starts	Wins	Podiums	Poles	Fastest Laps	Front Rows	DNF	Best Start	Best Result	Pts Finishes	Points	Championship
1954	Stevens	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	31	18*	0	0	NC
1955	Kurtis Kraft	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	29	30	0	0	NC
1956	Kurtis Kraft	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	14	23**	0	0	NC
1957	Kurtis Kraft	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	29	0	0	NC
1958	Watson	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	28	0	0	NC

Stats by Constructor

Constructor	Years	Entries	Starts	Wins	Podiums	Poles	Fastest Laps	Front Rows	DNF	Best Start	Best Result	Pts Finishes	Points
Stevens	1954	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	31	18	0	0
Kurtis Kraft	1955–1957	3	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	23	0	0
Watson	1958	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	28	0	0

Teammates & Qualifying Head-to-Head

Teammate	Years	Races	Qualifying H2H
Bob Scott	1954	1	0-1
Cal Niday	1954, 1955	2	0-2
Bill Vukovich	1955	1	0-1
Al Keller	1955, 1957	3	0-3
Tony Bettenhausen	1955, 1957	3	0-3
Dick Rathmann	1956, 1958	2	0-2
Jimmy Reece	1957, 1958	2	0-2
Pat O’Connor	1955, 1957	3	0-3