About: Charlie Wiggins

Charles Edwin Wiggins (15 July 1897 – 11 March 1979) was an auto racing driver and mechanic from the United States, who won the prestigious, annual, race four times between 1926 and 1935. As an African-American competing in the Midwest during the inter-war years, he was barred from participating in white-only events – including the Indianapolis 500 – but was a leading light in the parallel (CSA) championships. His dominance during this period was such that the popular media dubbed him the Negro Speed King. His career was ended when he was caught up in a serious accident at the 1936 Gold and Glory event, as a consequence of which he lost his right leg and eye.