GPWizard F1 Forum
Other Sports => Other Sports => Topic started by: cosworth151 on May 01, 2017, 12:28:32 PM
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American racing has lost one of its greatest. Joe Leonard has died at the age of 84.
Joe was sort of the American version of John Surtees - the fastest man on two & for wheels. He was AMA Grand National Motorcycle Champion in 1954, 1955 & 1957. He retired from bikes in 1961 and turned to cars. He gave Dan Gurney's Eagles their first IndyCar win in 1965. Later that year, he saved the life of fellow driver Mel Kenyon. He pulled the unconscious Kenyon from his burning roadster at Langhorne, PA speedway. He drove one of the STP turbines to the pole at Indy in 1968. He was USAC Championship Car (IndyCar) champion in 1971 & 1972.
His racing career came to a premature end due to injuries he sustained at the old Ontario, California in 1974. It was caused by a tire failure.
He also drove for A.J. Foyt for several years. I'll give A.J. the last word: "He was smart and he was a fierce racer. I watched him race motorcycles and he could drive anything on two wheels so I figured he'd be good with four."
"I hate to hear he's gone, but damn he was a fighter and a tough SOB. He had a helluva run."
Well said, A.J. R.I.P., Joe.
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Bit before my time...but thanks for the wonderful background Cos.
RIP Mr Leonard
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I remember Joe well. Joe ran Indy mm from the wall. Rick Mears says that's the mark of the top drivers. RIP Joe.