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Pat Flaherty

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description Pat Flaherty Overview

Pat Flaherty was an American racing driver best known for winning the 1956 Indianapolis 500. He competed in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, with Indianapolis 500 starts spanning several seasons. Because the Indianapolis 500 counted toward the Formula One World Championship during this era, Flaherty appears in Formula One statistical records, but his career was primarily in American championship-car racing rather than the modern Grand Prix circuit. He scored no Formula One points outside his Indianapolis participation.

help Pat Flaherty FAQ

What did Pat Flaherty win?

Pat Flaherty won the 1956 Indianapolis 500. He was an American Championship Car driver who also competed in AAA and USAC events.

Did Pat Flaherty compete in Formula One?

His Indianapolis 500 starts counted toward the Formula One World Championship during the period when the race was included in the championship. That does not mean he competed in the full modern-style Grand Prix season.

Which racing series did Pat Flaherty drive in?

Flaherty competed in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series. Those were major American open-wheel series before and during the early Formula One era.

Why is the 1956 Indianapolis 500 important in Pat Flaherty's career?

It was his defining victory and the achievement most closely associated with his name. Winning the race placed him among the Indianapolis 500 winners of the 1950s.