Death of Bob Lazier, best Rookie in CART in 1981

Bob Lazier died on Saturday April 18 from Covid-19. The former American driver, father of 500 Indianapolis 1996 winner Buddy Lazier and driver ofIndyCar Jaques Lazier, participated in the ancestor of IndyCar, CART, in the 1980s.

The native of Minneapolis (Minnesota) started in CART in 1981 and immediately made a good impression by winning the title of best Rookie with the Fletcher Racing team. Among his best results are two finishes at the foot of the podium, on the road course at Watkins Glen (New York) and the oval at México City (Mexico).

As for the Indianapolis 500, a 13th time in qualifying that same year ended with an engine failure in his Penske PC7 during the race and a retirement after 154 laps.

In 1982, Bob Lazier returned to Indiana to see the checkered flag, but his son Buddy Lazier, then 13, witnessed Gordon Smiley's fatal accident. The young boy then asked his father to stop his sporting career, which he did. 

Closer to home, Buddy and Bob Lazier teamed up to launch the low-budget Lazier Partners Racing team, with the goal of competing in the Indianapolis 500. Buddy Lazier returned to business with five participations between 2013 and 2017 and a 29th position as his best result. 

To the family and loved ones of Bob Lazier, AUTOhebdo sends its most sincere condolences.