IRL: CHAMPCAR/CART: "Duke" Nalon 1913-2001

Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 27 - A master of the Novi racecar, Dennis "Duke" Nalon, passed away Monday, February 26, at St. Vincent Hospital. The "Duke", a nickname he received as a child after a comic strip character, "Duke the Fluke" was 87 at the time of his death. He would have been 88 on March 2.

Nalon was honored in May of last year as a Legend of the Speedway. Nalon last raced in the Indy 500 in 1953 where he finished in 11th position. His first race at the Speedway was in 1938 where he started in the 33rd position and finished 11th. Nalon and the Novi never won the 500, but he had the pole twice and set the fastest lap of the race twice.

Nalon was born March 2, 1913, on the south side of Chicago, son of Patrick and Katherine Nalon and one of nine brothers and sisters.

Nalon is survived by his wife, Fran; two sons, Patrick and Dennis "Duke" Jr.; and two great-grandchildren. His funeral is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. March 2 at Conkle Funeral Home in Speedway, Indiana. Burial will be at Washington Park North Cemetery in Indianapolis.

The staff of motorsport.com extends it's condolences and prayers to his wife and family.

The memories and his legend will live on.

-motorsport.com staff