Robert John Swanson (August 20, 1912 – June 13, 1940) was an American racing driver.

[1][2] Swanson won the first Turkey Night Grand Prix midget-car race in 1934.

During the 1939 Indianapolis 500, he was involved in the accident that killed defending champion Floyd Roberts.

His lucky escape proved to be only a temporary reprieve, as Swanson was killed a year later while attempting to qualify for a midget car race.

[3] In a 2006 interview, motorsports reporter Chris Economaki called Swanson "the best racing driver he ever saw."