Gordon Johncock, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, dies at 90

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Gordon Johncock has died at the age of 90. According to his family and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials, Johncock passed away from natural causes at his home in South Branch, Michigan.

Johncock’s distinguished racing career spanned 28 years and included 25 IndyCar race victories and an IndyCar championship. He is best remembered for his two Indianapolis 500 triumphs in 1973 and 1982. His 1982 victory, driving for team owner Pat Patrick, is noted for its dramatic finish where he narrowly defeated Rick Mears by a margin of 0.16 seconds.

His first victory in 1973 occurred during a highly controversial and tragic race marked by several fatal accidents. Johncock’s racing roots began on his family farm in Hastings, Michigan, where he learned to drive on a John Deere tractor at age five.