Al Herman

Who was Al Herman?

Al Herman was an American racecar driver.

Born in Topton, Pennsylvania, Herman died in West Haven, Connecticut as a result of injuries sustained in a midget car crash during practice laps at the West Haven Speedway during the same week that claimed the life of Jimmy Bryan in a different crash. His car apparently caught fire as a result of the crash, and primitive or faulty restraints common to the era prevented his escape or removal from the vehicle in time to save his life. He drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1955-1957 and 1959-1960 seasons with 11 starts, including the Indianapolis 500 races in each of those years. He finished in the top ten 3 times, with his best finish in 7th position, in the 1955 Indianapolis 500, earning him Rookie of the Year.