Biography

Ralph De Palma was born on December 19, 1882 in Troia, Italy. He was an actor, known for Racing for Life (1924), High Speed (1920) and 1914 French Grand Prix (1914). He died on March 31, 1956 in South Pasadena, California, USA.

The 1912 & 1914 National Champion who between 1909-1921 won 24 IndyCar races including the 1915 Indianapolis 500.

He will be forever known for how he lost the 1912 Indy 500, after leading 196 laps Ralph's Mercedes broke a piston with only 2 laps remaining, with his car getting slower and slower Ralph assisted by his riding mechanic Rupert Jeffkins to the thrill of the crowd shoved their disabled car accross the line only to finish 12th in one of motorsports most emotional & memorable moments.