Robert James Veith (November 1, 1924 – March 29, 2006) was an American racecar driver.
Veith drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing from 1955 to 1968 with 63 starts. He finished in the top-ten 37 times, with a best finish of second twice, both in 1958.
Veith suffered bruises and abrasions in a practice crash at Daytona International Speedway on March 29, 1959. He was saved by the roll bar when sliding upside down. The accident was caused by the starter shaft, which had been left in the car.
Veith qualified for his first Indianapolis 500 in 1956, finishing seventh that year to win the Rookie of the Year award. After another top-ten finish the next year, he qualified fourth in 1958 but was knocked out of the race in a first lap accident that killed Pat O'Connor. He competed in the 500 eight more times, with his last start coming in 1968.
Indianapolis 500 results YearCarStartQualRankFinishLapsLedRetired195614 23 142.535 16 7 200 0 Running19577 16 141.016 19 9 200 0 Running195814 4 144.881 4 26 1 0 Crash T3195974 7 144.023 8 12 200 0 Running196044 25 143.363 23 8 200 0 Running196296 19 146.157 32 33 12 0 Engine196386 24 148.289 26 26 74 0 Valve196454 23 153.381 10 19 88 0 Piston196554 10 156.427 11 24 58 0 Piston196746 28 162.580 32 11 189 0 Flagged196816 24 163.495 24 11 196 0 FlaggedTotals 1418 0 Starts11Poles0Front Row0Wins0Top 50Top 103Retired5
World Championship career summary The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Veith participated in five World Championship races but scored no World Championship points.
References
External links 1956 Indianapolis 500 Rookie Of The Year Veith Dies At 81