Pat O’Connor
No sport could ask for a better representative than auto racing had in North Vernon's, Pat O'Connor. Handsome, articulate, and talented, he rose from dirt tracks and bullrings around his Southern Indiana home, to national and international acclaim. His many sprint car victories earned him two AAA championships, a USAC championship, induction into the Sprint Car Hall of Fame, and an opportunity to pursue his ultimate goal, the Indianapolis 500.
Pat's greatest renown came at Indianapolis. From his first 500 in 1954 he was a contender. He finished 8th in both 1955 and 1957, and was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated for his Speedway prowess. Despite his fame, Pat remained rooted in North Vernon, with a home and several businesses here. His untimely passing on May 30, 1958, touched people everywhere, and he remains one of racing’s most beloved drivers.
Erected 2015 by Indiana Racing Memorial Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is May 30, 1958.
Location. 39° 0.628′ N, 85° 38.074′ W. Marker is in North Vernon, Indiana, in Jennings County. Marker is on North State Street (Indiana Route 3) 0.1 miles north of
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Walnut Grove One-room School 1913 (approx. 1.7 miles away); Muscatatuck Park (approx. 1.7 miles away); Morgan's Raid (approx. 2.2 miles away); Vernon Historic District (approx. 2.2 miles away); a different marker also named Morgan's Raid (approx. 2.3 miles away); New Survey Markers Set (approx. 2.3 miles away); Jonathan Jennings (approx. 2.3 miles away); Jennings County Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Vernon.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 255 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 28, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
