09/29/2026
The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America joins the racing community in remembering Gordon Johncock, a 2002 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee, who died Monday at age 90.
Born August 5, 1936, Johncock became one of the most accomplished drivers in American open-wheel racing, culminating with an incredible career in national championship Indy car racing to take his place alongside the other legends of the sport. Considered by even some of his on-track peers as one of the fiercest and bravest competitors in racing, Johncock is best remembered for holding off Rick Mears to win the thrilling 1982 Indianapolis 500.
The former short track standout in modified stock cars, super modifieds and sprint cars from Hastings, Michigan went on to win no fewer than 25 national championship events under the sanction of either USAC or CART between 1965 and 1983, accumulating enough points to rank 7th or higher in 14 seasons.
He had two wins at Indianapolis, both in STP-sponsored cars for the Patrick Racing Team, owned by 2018 MSHFA inductee U.E. "Pat" Patrick. The first win was the tragic rain-shortened and accident-marred event of 1973. His second victory was the legendary 1982 triumph over Mears by just about a car length. His victory, by 16-hundredths of a second, was the slimmest margin in the race’s history at the time.
During his 24 career starts at the Brickyard between 1965 and 1992, Johncock accumulated eight top-five finishes (including his two victories) and 11 top-ten finishes overall. A decade after his final start, Johncock still ranked third in miles driven (7,895), behind only A.J. Foyt (MSHFA Class of 1989) and Al Unser (MSHFA Class of 1991), tied for fourth in starts (24) and stood 13th on the all-time lap-leaders list with 339 laps led.
Remembering the legendary "Gordy" today for the incredible racer he was and extending our sincere condolences and sympathy to his family, friends and legions of fans.
Photos: Freeman Collection
