Indianapolis resident Joe Dawson was not yet 23 years old when he won the second Indianapolis 500 in 1912.

Driving an Indianapolis-made National, Dawson spent most of the race doggedly in a distant second place as leader Ralph DePalma cruised toward what appeared to be an inevitable victory. But after DePalma's car developed engine trouble late in the race, Dawson eventually passed him and went on to the win.

In the 1914 race, Dawson was badly injured and retired soon afterward. He died in 1946.