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BORN
1931
DIED
2018
Dan Gurney Obituary
His wife, Evi, announced his death in a statement distributed by All American Racers, Inc.
"With one last smile on his handsome face, Dan drove off into the unknown just before noon today," said the statement signed by Evi Gurney, the Gurney family and AAR teammates.
"In deepest sorrow, with gratitude in our hearts for the love and joy you have given us during your time on this earth, we say, 'Godspeed."
Gurney began racing in 1955 and won in nearly every racing series he attempted. He drove for Ferrari, BRM, Porsche and Brabham in Formula One, then formed his own team. He won the Belgian Grand Prix in 1967 in his own car, the first and only time an American won an F1 race in a car of his own design.
Gurney teamed with AJ Foyt that year to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ford GT40, and he's often credited with starting the tradition of spraying the champagne from the podium at that race.
Gurney retired from driving in 1970 with 51 victories.
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"When we talk about legendary American drivers, owners and car constructors on an international stage, Dan Gurney is one of the all-time greats," Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said in a statement. "His skill in all three areas helped him make an indelible mark and serve as a huge influence in this sport. Dan was a giant in the racing world, in every sense."
Mario Andretti and Juan Pablo Montoya are the only others drivers to win in each of the IndyCar, Formula One and NASCAR Cup series. Andretti hailed Gurney in a post on Twitter.
"I was first inspired by him when I was in midgets dreaming of being like him. I was last inspired by him yesterday. Yes, I mean forever," Andretti wrote. "He understood me better than anyone else, which is why he wrote the foreword for my book in 2001."
Funeral arrangements are to be private but the family asked that donations be made to the Hoag Hospital Foundation in Newport Beach in lieu of flowers.
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Dan Gurney
23 Entries
Perry Walek
September 24, 2020
I met Dan on my motorcycle up in the mountains above Malibu one Saturday with my brother Mark.we talked about his 3 wins in a row at the Riverside race track and his Indy runs.He was so gracious to us like we your his old friends.he was a class act.
May 22, 2019
My condolences to the family and friends. So sorry for your loss. I pray that God will comfort you and restore peace to you during this difficult time of sorrow.
Susan Green Scott
May 22, 2019
Dan Gurney was a true gentleman with many motor sport successes. Followed his racing career from Formula One & Indianapolis Speedway (near own home) to his retirement. His grace & kindness earnt his place Above. (wish Fan was available Relationship)
Jesse Corke
April 21, 2018
All i can say is rest in peace dan .i watched your business grow and your achievements .from the f1 days when i was your aprentis in rye and ashford .god bless.
clyde hodges
February 6, 2018
Dan you inspired us and will ne missed by all.
JOHN WELCH
January 31, 2018
I met you several times in the 1960s as a teenager in England. You were a true gentleman. Thank you . RIP.
John Welch.
frank mancini
January 24, 2018
Thanks for the memories, he will be missed. My condolences to his family
Ed Roberts
January 24, 2018
The GReat Eagle has flown home.......my hero
January 22, 2018
From an early age Dan Gurney was my racing idol. It wasn't until I met him that I realized what a great person he was, disregarding the racing aspect. He was a great person.
Michael Redmann (Peoria, IL)
My Dan Gurney Clone
J. Mayo
January 20, 2018
Dan Gurney the California boy, is a legend and an Icon and a Hero. His Legacy lives on at the Riverside International Automotive Museum. For now we will continue to drive AAR Cuda's, cars with 48 or 42 on them as a tribute to one of the Greatest Men that has ever run the race!
Tim Cunningham
January 17, 2018
I watched Dan run away from the field @ Bridgehampton, classy racer, classy family man, classy person!
Bob Jenson
January 17, 2018
I grew up hoping to be as successful Racing as Dan was. The Racing Community has Lost a Superstar that was one before the word was invented. Thank You for allowing the World to witness a True Racing Legend that will never be forgotten. Thanks Dan, RIP.
January 16, 2018
The Great Dan Gurney was a Motor Sports innovator and legend, who excelled in numerous aspects of the profession for many decades.
RIP, Dan.
Harry Simpson
January 16, 2018
Godspeed Dan, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Now driving in the ultimate race...
Rest Dan, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
January 16, 2018
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
dan gallagher
January 16, 2018
To the Gurney family.
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Dan.
He was a mentor to me as a young man and will surely miss him.
He is probably building cars in Heaven already.
Dan Gallagher
61 w.church st. Apt 11
Denver, Pa. 17517
Edwin Roos
January 16, 2018
Dan Burney was one of the truest champions in any sport. He represented all of motorsports at the absolute pinnacle. I remember the Rex Mays 300 at Riverside Raceway which he won from from three laps behind.
Edwin Morrison Roos
January 16, 2018
My mother cleaned house for Dan Gurney and his first wife and children for many years. I practically grew up with the Gurney children. Mr. Gurney was always so kind and made a point of acknowledging my presence. My sincerest condolences to all who loved him.
Amber Reagan-Kendrick (Lucea's daughter)
Bobby Pittman
January 16, 2018
One of the best. RIP
Barb
January 15, 2018
RIP Dan Gurney, a truly great driver who did it right. I never heard of a time when you had an in for a fellow driver so much he'd deliberately wreck him on the track. God bless you and your family with comfort and peace and joy for your race has been won and Heaven holds your final reward.
Mae Davis
January 15, 2018
Evi, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Know that your pain does not go unnoticed, God is aware and he cares about you. As you pray remember Psalm 10:17 tells us that when we pray, God listens.
January 15, 2018
Sincere condolence on your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad time.
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