Louis Arthur Disbrow (September 23, 1876 – July 9, 1939) was an American racing driver.

Early life

Disbrow was born on September 23, 1876, in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York. He came from a wealthy family.

Murder Trial

Disbrow was indicted for the 1902 murders of Sarah "Dimples" Lawrence and Clarence Foster in Good Ground, but found not guilty at trial in 1903. He was then hired by a neighbouring family as a chauffeur mechanic for Joan Newton Cuneo, one of the United States' first woman racing drivers.

Racing Career

Disbrow raced in the first four Indianapolis 500s, with a best finish of 8th in 1913, and also in the 1910, 1911, and 1915 American Grand Prizes. He would have greater success in dirt track racing later in his career.

Automotive Business Ventures

By 1917, Louis Disbrow would head Disbrow Motors Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. The marque's first car would be the Disbrow Special, powered by a Wisconsin engine. He would also sell spark plugs under the Disbrow Manufacturing Co. name.

Later Life and Death

In 1925, an accident resulted in Louis Disbrow breaking both legs and being pronounced dead. But he regained consciousness by the time he was taken to a morgue. He would later die in earnest on July 9, 1939, at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Motorsports career results

Indianapolis 500 results

References