Dan Peter Kladis (February 10, 1917 or February 10, 1916 – April 26, 2009) was an American racing driver. 92-year-old Kladis was the oldest living Indianapolis 500 starter at the time of his death.

Racing career

Kladis began his racing career in midget cars during 1935. When auto racing in the United States resumed after the Second World War, Kladis started in the 1946 Indianapolis 500, driving for Andy Granatelli; Kladis finished 21st. Kladis drove 50 laps as a relief driver for Spider Webb during the 1954 Indianapolis 500. Kladis attempted to make the 500 field until the 1957 Indianapolis 500 but was often unsuccessful.

World Drivers' Championship career

The AAA/USAC-sanctioned Indianapolis 500 was included in the FIA World Drivers' Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indianapolis during those years were credited with World Drivers' Championship participation, and were eligible to score WDC points alongside those which they may have scored towards the AAA/USAC National Championship. Kladis participated in one World Drivers' Championship race at Indianapolis. He relieved Spider Webb, finishing in 30th place. He scored no World Drivers' Championship points.

Personal life

While Kladis' birth date on most documents is 1917, on his WWII draft card it is given as 1916. He served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Corps during the War. He was the father of seven children: George, Joanne, Carole, Ciciela, Christopher, Danny Jr, and Michael.

Awards and honors

Kladis was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2007.

Motorsports career results

Indianapolis 500 results

• shared drive with Spider Webb

FIA World Drivers' Championship results

(key)