Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1903,[1][4] Petillo moved with his family to Huntington Park, California in 1921.

In 1942, Petillo sustained a concussion and lacerations after a road accident when his car collided with a freight train.

In 1948, police arrested him in victory lane after winning a race at Owosso Speedway, on charges of assault to commit murder[11] seven days earlier.

[12][13] He was returned to prison until 1959, after which he was denied entry to the Indianapolis 500 in 1959 and 1960, officially due to age.

After his exclusion in 1959, he again filed a lawsuit for $50,000 against the speedway and the United States Auto Club.