Gordon Johncock, the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and 1976 IndyCar SERIES champion, has died on Monday, Sept. 28 in South Branch, Michigan, at the age of 90.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles released a statement reflecting on the legendary driver, noting his hard-charging and no-nonsense style behind the wheel that permanently shaped the sport.
Johncock claimed his first Indianapolis 500 victory in 1973, though that triumph was heavily overshadowed by tragedy. That specific race served as a crucial turning point for safety, prompting vital shifts in both track engineering and official regulations, meaning he was unable to truly celebrate the result.
That makes his second win in 1982 all the more memorable. That victory followed a thrilling duel with Rick Mears, cementing itself as one of the most iconic moments in the history of the Speedway.
Away from the roaring machines and the circuit, Johncock was remembered just as much for his quiet life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
