Remembering the Racing Legends and Icons We Lost in 2024
Racing lost several influential figures in 2024, from legendary drivers to pioneering engineers and beloved industry personalities. Here's a comprehensive tribute to their contributions to motorsport.
Classic red race car racing
NASCAR Legends:
- Bobby Allison (1937-2024): NASCAR icon with 85 career wins and multiple Daytona 500 victories
- Fred Lorenzen (1934-2024): "The Golden Boy" earned 26 NASCAR wins and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame
IndyCar Pioneers:
- Wally Dallenbach Sr. (1936-2024): Distinguished driver and influential CART competition director who revolutionized racing safety
- Paul Goldsmith (1933-2024): Versatile racer with six Indy 500 starts and success across multiple disciplines
- Parnelli Jones (1933-2024): 1963 Indy 500 winner and accomplished driver across various racing formats
Formula 1 Contributors:
- Wilson Fittipaldi (1943-2024): Made 38 F1 starts and co-founded Brazil's only F1 team
- Alan Rees (1938-2024): F1 driver turned team principal who co-founded March and Arrows
- Ted Toleman (1938-2024): Team owner who gave Ayrton Senna his F1 debut
Engineering & Technical Innovation:
- Bob Riley (1931-2024): Legendary designer whose cars dominated American motorsport
- Frank Gamble (1932-2024): Pioneer in racing tire development with Goodyear
Off-Road Racing Pioneers:
- Malcolm Smith (1941-2024): Off-road motorcycle racing legend and star of "On Any Sunday"
- Mary McGee (1936-2024): Trailblazing female off-road motorcycle racer
Industry Leaders:
- Eddie Gossage (1958-2024): Longtime Texas Motor Speedway president
- Bill York (1933-2024): Indianapolis Motor Speedway media center director for over 50 years
- Dick Marconi (1934-2024): Founder of the Marconi Automotive Museum
Other Notable Figures:
- Ramin Abdolvahabi (1966-2024): Neurosurgeon and IMSA competitor
- Bruce Kessler (1936-2024): Sports car racer turned successful TV/film director
- Rocky Moran (1950-2024): Versatile racer with success in IMSA and IndyCar
- Ryan Pemberton: NASCAR crew chief with 600+ starts and 5 wins
- Chuck "The Wolfman" Lynn (1952-2024): Beloved Indianapolis Motor Speedway fixture
Their contributions have left an indelible mark on motorsport history and will continue to influence racing's future generations.
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