Paul Jeffrey
Premium
Motorsport today mourns one of its greatest drivers with the passing of American legend Dan Gurney, who succumbed to complications from pneumonia at the age of 86.
Gurney was one of the fastest and most versatile drivers of his generation throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, tasting victory champagne in four Grand Prix before eventually moving full time into the world of race car construction with his Anglo American Racers outfit, a team for which he would famously take to victory in the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix, becoming just the second American driver to win in a car of his own construction in Grand Prix racing.
Popular throughout the racing world for his quick wit and ability behind the wheel, Gurney would prove to be one of the greatest racing drivers ever to come out of the United States, taking in Formula One, NASCAR, Sportscars and IndyCar to much success, even completing a famous Le Mans victory in 1967, inadvertently spraying champagne all over the podium and beginning a tradition that would continue across all forms of motorsport to this day.
Following the conclusion of a stellar driving career, Gurney would continue to focus on his All American Racers team with considerable success, overseeing 78 race victories and eight championships for a team that found success in many different and varied disciplines of motorsport across the world and in his native United States of America.
Perhaps the most fitting tribute to the dashing American star would come from his great rival Jim Clark, widely regarded as one of the finest racing drivers ever to walk the earth. Clark would comment in 1968 that Gurney was the only driver the Scottish legend ever feared on track.
Dan Gurney leaves behind his wife Evi, sons Alex, Justin, Jimmy, Danny and Dan Jr. and eight grand children.
RaceDepartment wish to offer its condolences to family and friends of one of motorsports all time greatest drivers and characters at this difficult time. Another great champion fills the grid in the sky. God speed, legend.
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