Dreyfus, Rene

An idol of the auto racing fraternity in both Europe and North America, Dreyfus drove professionally for 14 years. In an era of the greatest names in the sport, Dreyfus won 36 races, including triumphs in the Grand Prix of Monaco (1930), Florence, Rheims, Belgium, Cork, Dieppe, Tripoli, and Pau. A member of the famed Bugatti team and a national hero, his skill at cornering on a racetrack was equaled by his artistry in making boeuf bourguignon in his NYC restaurant.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. 1905 - d. 1993

Career Highlights:
An accomplished driver by the age of nine (!) Dreyfus and his brother Maurice (who later served as his manager) purchased their first auto when Rene was 18 years old (1923). The following year, the Dreyfus brothers, with Rene behind the wheel, entered their first race and Rene's career was launched.

Within five years, Dreyfus began racing professionally after enjoying a successful amateur career, winning three consecutive Riviera championships. Making his pro debut in 1929 at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, Dreyfus finished first in his class and fifth overall. The following year, Dreyfus won the same event, defeating the legendary Bugatti team for the overall title.

With the onset of World War II, Dreyfus joined the French Army, serving as a truck driver. A Corporal in 1940, he was sent by the French government to the United States to represent his home country in the Memorial Day 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (now the Indianapolis 500). Neither Dreyfus nor his compatriot, Rene LeBegue, spoke English or were familiar with the rules of racing in the United States, which caused problems in qualifying.

Driving in Maseratis, both Dreyfus and LeBegue surpassed 118 mph during the trials and believed they had qualified for the race. Dreyfus, upon reaching the 118 mark, did not attempt to drive faster, and was surprised when he was notified that he had been surpassed by another driver and bumped from the race. LeBegue, who qualified as the 38th and final driver, agreed to drive only the first 250 miles and then hand the car over to Dreyfus, who would finish the race. Dreyfus sustained the tenth position that LeBegue handed him at the midway point.

Upon completion of the race, Dreyfus remained in the U.S. upon the advice of the French government as World War II was beginning to heat up and the situation for European Jews became more perilous. Discharged by the French, he joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and served as an interrogator for the remainder of the war. In 1945, when the war ended, Dreyfus and his brother Maurice (who Rene brought to America) opened a restaurant. For the remainder of his life, Dreyfus was known more as a restaurateur than driver, although he did participate in the 1952 Le Mans race. The following year, Dreyfus, one of the greatest Jewish racers in history, retired following the Sebring (Florida) Grand Prix.

Origin:
France

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