As Pete slips into the cockpit of Duesey 11, his fellow drivers include (from the left) Giuseppe Campari in a red Alfa-Romeo 10, Robert Benoist in a French blue Delage 4, and partner Tommy Milton in Duesey 7. The fact that Milton numbered the American cars 7 and 11 puts to rest the notion that he had no sense of humor. Kreis Document Collection
Motorsport & Racing

Americans Invade Italy – Pete Kreis and the 1925 Italian Grand Prix

An excerpt from William Walker's new book "The Last Lap" on the life and mysterious death of Pete Kreis.

Casey Annis
Pete Kreis

The son of a wealthy Tennessee family, Pete Kreis had grown up during the time that European manufacturers dominated automobile racing at the Indianapolis 500. When he broke into big-time racing in 1925, Pete and his American compatriots were eager to demonstrate that cars and drivers from the U.S. could successfully compete against Italian, German, and French roadsters.

Pete quickly became known for his track speed as he drove a Duesenberg to eighth place in the Memorial Day Classic at Indianapolis in his rookie season. He was delighted when he was chosen by the team to travel to Italy to test his car against the best that the Europeans could offer. He gladly packed up his roadster and prepared for competition in the Grand Prix near Milan.

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