Dan Gurney has died

Dan Gurney, brilliant American all-rounder in motorsport, died on Sunday January 14 at the age of 86 following complications caused by pneumonia.

With Mario Andretti and Juan Pablo Montoya, he is one of only three drivers to have won in Formula 1, riding a IndyCar, and in NASCAR. Successes to which should be added his victories in the Can-Am and Trans-Am series, as well as a triumph in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1967 in a Ford GT40 shared with his compatriot AJ Foyt. It was also on this occasion that the two Americans launched a new fashion by splashing the Sarthe podium with champagne as a celebration.

Born in Port Jefferson in the state of New York in 1931, Daniel Sexton Gurney grew up in California where he quickly immersed himself in the local automotive culture, then in full swing. After catching the eye of Luigi Chinetti, famous Ferrari importer in North America, he was offered a wheel at the 24 1958 Hours of Le Mans before making his F1 debut with the Team from the following year.

Vainqueur de quatre Grands Prix en 86 départs entre 1959 et 1970, Gurney offrira à trois équipes leur premier succès dans la catégorie reine : Porsche, Brabham, et Anglo American Racers, bras armé en F1 de la structure All American Racers mise sur pied par Carroll Shelby… et Gurney lui-même.

In a decade which saw champions of the caliber of Jack Brabham, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, and Jackie Stewart shine, the American occupies a place in his own right and the Eagle victorious at Spa-Francorchamps in 1967 in the hands of his creator remains considered one of the most beautiful single-seaters ever designed.

A pioneering and versatile talent, Gurney will extend his influence to the fields of aerodynamics, notably with the Gurney Flap, and safety by campaigning for the wearing of full-face helmets in races.

After hanging up his gloves, Gurney continued to preside over the destiny of All American Racers until 2011, with victories at the Indianapolis 500, 12 Hours of Sebring, and 24 Hours of Daytona. In addition to his immense career, Gurney leaves behind his wife Evi and their four sons: Justin, Alex, Jimmy, and Dan Jr.

All AUTO editorial staffhebdo sends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Dan Gurney.