John Mauro

Johnny Mauro, born in Denver, Colorado, on October 25, 1910, was a pioneering American racecar driver with a career spanning the 1940s and 50s. Beyond the track, Mauro's entrepreneurial spirit led him and his family to own several car dealerships, including being the only Ferrari importer in Denver for many years. He also masterminded the United States Truck Driving School (USTDS).

Mauro's racing career saw him compete in Indy cars, even piloting Ferraris. His most notable achievement was an 8th-place finish at the 1947 Indianapolis 500, driving an Alfa Romeo he purchased just days before the race. He participated in a total of 14 Pikes Peak Hill Climbs and came close to winning on several occasions. Mauro's passion extended to the early days of compact car racing, winning the first endurance race of its kind in the United States in 1959 at Continental Divide Raceways.

After retiring from competition, Mauro remained connected to the sport, regularly attending the Indy 500 and driving classic cars in the pre-race parade. Two of Mauro's race cars are displayed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Johnny Mauro passed away in January 2003, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile driver and motorsport enthusiast.