By: Spencer Neff

September 28, 2026

1976 USAC Champion and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Gordon Johncock passed away on Monday at age 90.

The Hastings, Michigan native began racing in his home state before making his ChampCar debut in 1964 and making his full-time debut a year later.

Johncock finished his first Indianapolis 500 in fifth, best among a rookie class that included legends and future winners Mario Andretti Al Unser as well as IndyCar winners Joe Leonard and George Snider. He also is among the list of drivers who competed in front-engine and rear-engine race cars at the Indianapolis 500.

In 1973, Johncock won a rain-shortened Indianapolis 500 that was marred by a fatal pit road incident that involved Armando Tehran, a crew member serving on Johncock’s Patrick Racing team. 35 days after the race, Johncock’s teammate Swede Savage passed away following the incident which preceded Tehran’s fatality.

Nine years later, Johncock held off Rick Mears by .16 of a second to win his second Indianapolis 500, the first Indianapolis 500 decided by less than 2 seconds. 44 years later, that race is the seventh-closest finish in 110 runnings. A year later, he recorded his 25th and final series victory on the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

In 1992, Johncock made his 24th and final Indianapolis 500 start. A year after battling flu symptoms and charging from 33rd to sixth, he would start 30th and finish 29th.

Aside from his prolific open-wheel career, Johncockc participated in NASCAR and earned a victory in the IROC (International Race of Champions) series at Michigan International Speedway.

IndyCar1909.com thanks Gordon Johncock for his contributions to INDYCAR and offers condolences to his family and friafsn on his passing.

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