Joel Wolfe Thorne Jr. (October 16, 1914 – October 17, 1955) was an American racing driver, engineer, and playboy. Thorne raced his own cars in the Indianapolis 500, and later went on to attempt to design aircraft. He died after a plane crash in North Hollywood.

Racing career

The 1946 Indianapolis 500 was won by a car owned by Thorne and driven by George Robson. One of Thorne's cars also won the pole position and finished second in the 1939 Indianapolis 500 with Jimmy Snyder behind the wheel.

Death

Thorne died after crashing his private plane, during what witnesses described as "stunting", into an apartment building, killing three residents including a two-month-old baby.

Motorsports career results

Indianapolis 500 results