Gordon Walter Johncock Obituary, SOUTH BRANCH, Mich. — Gordon Walter Johncock, a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion and one of American open-wheel racing’s most enduring competitors, died on September 28, 2026, at his home in South Branch, Michigan. He was 90.
Born August 5, 1936, in Hastings, Michigan, Johncock began his racing career at local tracks, including Old Hastings Raceway, Capital City Speedway, the Grand Rapids Speedrome and Berlin Raceway. His first major breakthrough came in 1963 when he won the inaugural National Open sprint car race at Williams Grove Speedway.
Johncock entered USAC Championship Car competition in 1964 and became a full-time driver the following year. He recorded his first USAC victory at the Milwaukee Mile in August 1965. In 1966, he left Gerhardt Racing and formed Johncock Racing, becoming one of the notable owner-drivers in IndyCar alongside A.J. Foyt. His team recorded six wins between 1967 and 1969 before financial difficulties and the loss of sponsorship eventually forced him into bankruptcy.
A major chapter of Johncock’s career began when he joined STP/Patrick Racing in 1973. He won that year’s Indianapolis 500 after taking the lead on lap 73 and remaining in front when the rain-shortened race was red-flagged on lap 133. The victory came during a particularly difficult event that included the fatal injuries suffered by teammate Swede Savage and the death of crewman Armando Teran. Johncock’s subdued celebration reflected the tragic circumstances surrounding the race.
Johncock captured his second Indianapolis 500 victory in 1982, defeating Rick Mears by just 0.16 seconds in what was then the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history. That same year, he also won the Michigan 500, completing two legs of the IndyCar Triple Crown. He had previously won the 1976 USAC National Championship, securing the title in the final race at Phoenix International Raceway.
Across a 26-year Champ Car career, Johncock competed in 262 races, earning 25 victories, 76 podium finishes and 20 poles. He also competed in 21 NASCAR Cup Series races between 1966 and 1976, recording four top-10 finishes, including fourth-place results at Rockingham in 1966 and Daytona in 1973.
Johncock retired during practice for the 1985 Indianapolis 500 and later worked briefly with the IMS Radio Network. He attempted several comebacks between 1986 and 1992, with his final race coming at the 1992 Indianapolis 500, where engine failure ended his day. His accomplishments were later recognized through numerous hall of fame inductions, including the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1985, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 1997, International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1999, Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2002 and USAC Hall of Fame in 2025.
Gordon Johncock’s career was marked by championship success, historic victories and perseverance through some of the most dramatic moments in American motorsports. His two Indianapolis 500 victories, particularly his memorable 1982 duel with Rick Mears, remain significant moments in the history of the race. As news of his passing is remembered, condolences are extended to his family, friends and everyone who knew and admired him throughout his long racing career. May he rest in peace.
