Arlington’s Jim McElreath (1928–2017)—a bricklayer by trade who had been racing cars since he was a teenager—raced dirt tracks on the weekends, dreaming of competing in the Indianapolis 500.

The Indianapolis 500, traditionally held over Memorial Day weekend, is one of the premier events in motorsports. Since its inception in 1911, the legendary 500-mile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has stood as the ultimate test of speed and endurance.

McElreath’s dream came true on May 30, 1962, when he first raced the Indianapolis 500, after qualifying with an impressive average speed of 149.025 MPH. He was fast enough to start 7th amongst the 33 cars, and finished the race in a respectable 6th place. He was named 1962’s “Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year” for his efforts, chosen unanimously by a panel of 26 racing officials and members of the press. McElreath received $9,866 in prize money for placing 6th, plus a $500 bonus, the Stark & Wetzel trophy, and a year’s supply of meat for the Rookie of the Year. (Stark & Wetzel were a local meatpacking operation who sponsored the Rookie of the Year award.)

Jim McElreath — 1962 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year
Photo Credit: Fort Worth Star-Telegram – June 1, 1962
Newspapers.com

McElreath raced professionally from 1961 to 1983, starting 178 races. He competed 15 times in the Indy 500 with three Top 5 finishes. He won the California 500 in 1970.

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 05-30-26