Kelly Carl Petillo (born Cavino Michelle Petillo, December 5, 1903 or December 16, 1903 Petillo moved with his family to Huntington Park, California in 1921. He began racing at Los Angeles' Legion Ascot Speedway in 1929. He went on to win the 1935 AAA-sanctioned National Driving Championship. In 1937, he participated in the Vanderbilt Cup but engine problems forced him out of the race.

In 1942, Petillo sustained a concussion and lacerations after a road accident when his car collided with a freight train. He was denied entry to the 1946 Indianapolis 500, and sued the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for $50,000.

Off the track, Petillo had numerous run-ins with the law, including charges of attempted rape and attempted murder. In 1948, police arrested him in victory lane after winning a race at Owosso Speedway, on charges of assault to commit murder seven days earlier. This was assault and battery. He was returned to prison until 1959, after which he was denied entry to the Indianapolis 500 in 1959 and 1960, officially due to age. After his exclusion in 1959, he again filed a lawsuit for $50,000 against the speedway and the United States Auto Club.

Petillo had a small role in the 1939 motion picture Burn 'Em Up O'Connor.

Death

Petillo and his wife, Valentine, who filed for divorce in 1943, had a son, Kelly Jr.

Awards and honors

Petillo has been inducted into the following halls of fame:

  • National Sprint Car Hall of Fame (2009)

References

  • Kelly Petillo - ChampCarStats.com