Eight-Time Indy Starter Christie Dies

June 3, 2009 5:49 p.m. EST

Indianapolis, IN (AHN) - Eight-time Indianapolis 500 starter Bob "Caveman" Christie died Monday at the age of 85 after battling ill health for some time.

The native of Grants Pass, Ore., attempted qualifying for the open-wheel's most famous race every year from 1954 through 1967.

He started in eight consecutive "500s" from 1956-63, finishing 10th in 1960, and 13th three other years. He was running eighth with 11 laps to go in 1958 when he was taken out by another driver.

On his 35th birthday, Christie started the 100-mile USAC race at the then new Daytona International Raceway on April 4, 1959. He finished an impressive third behind Jim Rathmann and Rodger Ward.

Much of Christie's career was contested in the AAA and USAC stock cars, but he was a regular visitor to Indianapolis - even after he retired from driving.

He spent much of the month of May at the track.