William Henry Carlson (October 17, 1889 – July 5, 1915)[1] was an American racing driver.

[2] Carlson began his career competing in races on the Pacific coast and was a comparative unknown before he started in the 500-mile classic at Indianapolis in 1914.

His most notable achievement after joining Maxwell was his world's non-stop record of 305 miles made at San Diego, California, in January 1915.

[2] Carlson sustained fatal injuries in the Montamarathon race at Tacoma Speedway on July 4, 1915, dying the following day.

[3] Maxwell suspended their racing program for the remainder of the season; the team was disbanded and the automobiles were shipped back to the factory in Detroit.