A pioneering figure in motorsports and aviation, known for his fearless and versatile career as a racing driver, fighter pilot, and test pilot. He set multiple records and won numerous championships, earning him a legendary status in the racing world.
Ray Crawford was a true Renaissance man, known for his bravery as a fighter ace, his need for speed as a test pilot and racecar driver, and his shrewd business sense as a successful entrepreneur.
Born on October 26, 1915, in Roswell, New Mexico, Crawford began his journey as a U.S. Army Air Corps fighter pilot, flying the P-38 Lightning in combat over North Africa in 1943. He quickly established himself as a top-ranked fighter ace, with six enemy aircraft confirmed destroyed and one probably destroyed.
After the war, Crawford's love for speed led him to become an early jet pilot, evaluating the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star at Burbank, California. He was also introduced to racing by Sam Hanks, a former high school classmate, and went on to compete in unlimited hydroplanes and automobiles.
Crawford's family owned a successful supermarket chain based in El Monte, California, earning him the nickname "The Flying Grocer." He was one of the first owner-drivers of the post-war era at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and raced his own privately funded cars.
Ray Crawford passed away on February 1, 1996, leaving behind a legacy as a true American adventurer and entrepreneur.
Ray Crawford's life was a testament to his boundless energy, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. He will always be remembered as a true American original, who lived life on his own terms and inspired countless others to do the same.
Born in 1923
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