Gerald Frederick Hoyt[1] (January 29, 1929 – July 11, 1955)[2] was an American racing driver from Chicago, mainly competing in the National Championship.
As the 500 was part of the FIA World Championship at the time, Hoyt was credited for being the youngest pole sitter in the history of the series to that point.
On July 11, 1955, two months after winning the pole at Indianapolis, Hoyt was entered into a sprint car race in Oklahoma City.
The cars of the time provided little protection for the driver's head, and Hoyt died the next morning of brain injuries.
Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation.