Bill Vandewater became
legendary as a starter during a career that took him to
Indianapolis as the Chief Starter for the Indianapolis 500
Mile Race. Between 1950 and 1959 Vandewater flagged almost
every National Championship Midget Race as well as
championship and major stock car races.
Vandewater was a class act to the fans.
He always wore a sport jacket
and tie while working the events. His showmanship was the same
for the midget events as it was when he flagged the
Indianapolis 500.
He loved working from the race track and would walk
within inches of the cars to display the signals to the
drivers.
Vandewater flagged every Indianapolis 500 Mile Race
from 1954 to 1961 but began to curtail his duties in the late
50s due to a battle with cancer.
He passed away in a Chicago hospital on January 26,
1962.
