Roy Sherman was one of the great behind-the-scenes figures of early American motorsport — a gifted racer, respected car builder and influential name in the golden age of midget racing. Born on 31 August 1909, Sherman built his reputation not only through success behind the wheel, but also through the engineering skill and craftsmanship that allowed his cars to compete at the very highest level of American open-wheel racing.
| Nationality | United States |
| Years Active | 1951–1952 |
| First Race | 1951 Indianapolis 500 |
| Last Race | 1952 Indianapolis 500 |
| Race Entries | 2 |
| Race Starts | 2 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Pole Positions | 0 |
| Fastest Laps | 0 |
| Points | 0 |
| Constructors’ Championships | 0 |
| Drivers’ Championships | 0 |
| Best Start | 13th |
| Best Finish | 4th |
| Did Not Start | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 0 |
| Retirements | 0 |
During his driving career, Sherman became a familiar and successful competitor in midget-car racing, one of the most fiercely contested forms of motorsport in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s.
But Sherman’s influence extended far beyond driving alone. Like many racers of his era, he possessed a deep mechanical learning and gradually became known as an accomplished constructor as well as a competitor. His race cars gained a strong reputation in American open-wheel racing circles.
That reputation ultimately carried Sherman’s machinery to the sport’s biggest stage: the Indianapolis 500. Cars built by Sherman competed in both the 1951 and 1952 editions of the famous race, events that also counted toward the FIA World Championship during Formula One’s early years. Although the Indianapolis 500 existed in a very different world from the European Grand Prix scene of the time, Sherman’s involvement technically placed his creations within Formula One history.
Long after his driving days ended, his contribution to midget racing remained highly regarded. In recognition of his achievements and lasting impact on the sport, Roy Sherman was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2004.
Sherman died on 20 October 1968.
Sherman Stats by Season
| Year | Engine | Drivers | Entries | Starts | Wins | Podiums | Poles | Fastest Laps | Front Rows | DNF | Best Start | Best Result | Points | Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Offenhauser | Andy Linden | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31st | 4th | 0 | – |
| 1952 | Offenhauser | George Fonder | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13th | 15th | 0 | – |
