20 Facts About Gordon Johncock

Gordon Walter Johncock was born on August 5,1936 and is an American former racing driver.

Gordon Johncock won the Indianapolis 500 twice, and was the 1976 USAC Marlboro Championship Trail champion.

Gordon Johncock ran four races in 1964, and then went full-time in 1965.

Between 1970 and 1973, Gordon Johncock went winless, his team shuttered operations, and Gordon Johncock found himself in bankruptcy court.

Gordon Johncock was involved in a divorce with his ex-wife.

Gordon Johncock won the USAC national championship in 1976, snatching the title from Johnny Rutherford in the final race of the season at Phoenix International Raceway.

Gordon Johncock took a second Indianapolis 500 victory in 1982 by a car length over Rick Mears.

Gordon Johncock's tires were deteriorating by the lap, and with each turn, the car understeered more severely.

Gordon Johncock took another three Indycar races, including the 1982 Michigan 500 to complete two legs of what was then known as the Triple Crown before retiring from full-time racing in 1985.

Gordon Johncock returned for occasional appearances in 1987,1988,1989,1991 and retired for good after the 1992 Indianapolis 500.

Gordon Johncock competed in 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events in his career.

Gordon Johncock earned three top-fives and four top-tens in his limited schedules.

Gordon Johncock abruptly retired from IndyCar racing during the first week of practice for the 1985 Indianapolis 500, just before qualifications.

Gordon Johncock served on the IMS Radio Network in 1985 but decided to return to racing in 1986.

Gordon Johncock planned to enter the 1986 Indianapolis 500, but his funding for a car fell through.

Gordon Johncock was hired to drive in replacement and qualified for the race.

Gordon Johncock completed a sixth-place finish in the 1991 Indianapolis 500, despite having flu-like symptoms the morning of the race.

Gordon Johncock participated in a 2004 interview on ESPN Classic's "Big Ticket" review of the 1982 Indy 500.

In discussing the 1973 race, Gordon Johncock appeared to have made peace with the circumstances.

Gordon Johncock chose not to attend the 2011 Indianapolis 500, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first race.