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Fred AgabashianAn American racing driver of Armenian descent who competed in various midget racing championships in the United States. He was the 1937 NCRA Champion, three-time BCRA Champion (1946–1948), and participated in the Indianapolis 500 eleven times, starting three times.
Date of Birth: 21.08.1913
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Fred Agabashian: Legendary Midget and Indianapolis 500 Racer
- Indianapolis 500
- Post-Racing Career
- Death and Legacy
Fred Agabashian: Legendary Midget and Indianapolis 500 Racer
Early Life and Midget Racing CareerFred Agabashian, an Armenian-American auto racer, began his racing career at a young age in midget car competitions. His first significant achievement came in 1937 when he won the NCRA (Northern California Racing Association) championship, defeating renowned drivers like Duane Carter, Lynn Deister, and Paul Svedberg.
In 1946, Agabashian joined Jack London's team and won the BCRA (Bay Cities Racing Association) championship. The following year, he moved to George Bigotti's team and captured the BCRA title twice more.
Indianapolis 500
Agabashian made his Indianapolis 500 debut in 1947. Throughout his 12-year career at the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," he started on the front row three times, including securing the first pole position for a diesel engine in 1952.
His finishing record at Indy was not as impressive as his starting positions. He finished only four times, but three of those were in the top 10. In 1953, Agabashian's car finished fifth after he was replaced by Paul Russo past the halfway point. Due to the inclusion of Indy 500 results in the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship from 1950 to 1960, and the sharing of points between drivers who shared a car, Agabashian earned 1.5 championship points and finished 18th in the standings.
Agabashian's final Indy 500 attempt came in 1958, but he failed to qualify despite switching cars three times.
Post-Racing Career
After retiring from racing, Agabashian became a guest commentator for the "500 Radio Network's" coverage of the Indianapolis 500. In 1994, he was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame.
Death and Legacy
Fred Agabashian passed away on October 13, 1989. He is remembered as one of the greatest midget car racers of all time and a respected competitor at the Indianapolis 500.
