William John Vukovich III (August 31, 1963, Fresno, California, United States – November 25, 1990, Bakersfield, California, United States) was an American race car driver. He was a three-time starter of the Indianapolis 500. The grandson of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Bill Vukovich and the son of Bill Vukovich II, Vukovich III was the 1988 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year. Billy Vukovich III was killed in practice for a CRA race at Mesa Marin Raceway, in Bakersfield, California, when his throttle stuck open which caused his car to swerve into the wall. He was 27 years old. Vukovich became the first third-generation driver to qualify in Indy 500 history. His grandfather was killed while leading the 1955 Indianapolis 500. He got his start in racing driving for the John Runjavac racing team. Motorsports career results American open–wheel results (key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) CART/Indy Car Indy 500 results References External links 1963 births 1990 deaths American people of Serbian descent American racing drivers Champ Car drivers Indianapolis 500 drivers Indianapolis 500 Rookies of the Year Sportspeople from Fresno, California Racing drivers from Fresno, California Racing drivers from California Racing drivers who died while racing Sports deaths in California USAC Silver Crown Series drivers