Gordon Johncock, a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion, died Monday, his family announced. Johncock was 90 years old.
Johncock won the Indy 500 in 1973 and 1982. He is survived by his wife, Sue, five children – Peggy, Patsy, Pamilee, Wally and Gordon Jr. – stepdaughter (Valerie Heffelbowe), 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
Johncock was not one to be in the light often. After his second retirement from racing, he owned Quigley Lumber, a Michigan business where he cut and sold timber.
“I’ve never been a person who wanted to be out in public and make appearances – I don’t like that stuff,” Johncock told IndyStar in 2016. “I’ve never said this before, but that’s one reason I never pressured Roger Penske for a ride. He had his guys doing PR work constantly; there never was any relief.
“Although, if I had (joined Team Penske), I probably would have had a lot better record than I did.”
Johncock was inducted into the IMS Museum Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2002. He won 25 races, 20 poles and the 1976 IndyCar (then USAC) championship. Johncock competed in 24 Indy 500s, finishing in the top five eight times and leading 339 laps.
Zion Brown is IndyStar’s motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar’s motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Gordon Johncock, two-time Indy 500 winner, has died at 90
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