Leon Duray (born George Gardner Stewart, April 30, 1894 – May 12, 1956) was an American racing driver active in the 1920s.[1][2] He was nicknamed "The Flying Frenchman", and legally changed his name in tribute to pioneer auto racer Arthur Duray.[3]

Leon Duray
Duray at Culver City Speedway in 1927
BornGeorge Gardner Stewart
(1894-04-30)April 30, 1894
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
DiedMay 12, 1956(1956-05-12) (aged 62)
Twentynine Palms, California, U.S.
Champ Car career
50 races run over 10 years
Best finish4th (1927)
First race1922 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Last race1931 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
First win1926 25-mile Heat #2
(Rockingham Park)
Last win1928 15-mile Preliminary
(Rockingham Park)
Wins Podiums Poles
4 9 7

Motorsports career results

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Indianapolis 500 results

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  • Duray's starts from 1925 thru 1929 stood as the best five race starting streak from 1929 until 1990, when his record was bested by Rick Mears. His streak currently stands as third best in "500" history.
  • Leon Duray "Jigger" Sirois, a USAC Indy car driver active in the 1960s and 1970s, was named after Leon Duray.

References

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  1. ^ Brown, Allen. "Leon Duray". OldRacingCars.com. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
  2. ^ "Leon Duray". www.champcarstats.com. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
  3. ^ 1996 Indianapolis 500 Radio Broadcast - Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network (Donald Davidson commentary), May 26, 1996