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Gil de Ferran, INDYCAR champ and racing legend, dead at 56

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra12/30/23

SamraSource

Gil de Ferran
© Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Racing lost a legend on Friday, as 2003 Indianapolis 500 Gil de Ferran passed away at 56, Jenna Fryer of The Associated Press confirmed.

“Gil de Ferran, the 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner and holder of the closed-course land speed record, died Friday while racing with his son at The Concourse Club in Florida, multiple former colleagues confirmed to The Associated Press. He was 56,” Fryer wrote.

“Fellow Brazilian driver Tony Kanaan said de Ferran was with his son, Luke, at the private course in Opa-Locka, Florida, when he pulled over and said he wasn’t feeling well. Kanaan said de Ferran apparently suffered a heart attack and could not be revived.”

It’s devastating news to many in the racing world. Roger Penske, who de Ferran raced for during his 2003 Indianapolis 500 victory, released a statement following the harrowing news, and it’s obvious the driver made an immense impact on him over the time they knew each other.

“We are terribly saddened to hear about today’s tragic passing of Gil de Ferran. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Angela, Anna, Luke and the entire de Ferran family,” Penske said in a statement, per Fryer. “Gil defined class as a driver and as a gentleman. As an IndyCar Champion and an Indianapolis 500 winner, Gil accomplished so much during his career, both on and off the track.

“Gil was beloved by so many. He was a great friend to the Team Penske and IndyCar family, as well as the entire international motorsports community. Gil’s passing is a terrible loss and he will be deeply missed.”

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Additionally, the aforementioned Kanaan is devastated by the loss of de Ferran, as he explained what he was going through to The Associated Press.

“He was one of my best friends and we grew up together and lately and we worked together at McLaren,” Kanaan said. “In the beginning of this year, he was a mentor, helping me out. I lost a dear friend. I am devastated. I have to say, he went in Gil style, driving a racecar. If I could choose a way to go, that’s what I could do.” 

Moreover, many in the NASCAR world have come out with thoughts and prayers on the situation, including Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Parker Kligerman. Check them out below.

Alas, the thoughts and prayers of the racing world are with Gil de Ferran and his family, friends and everyone who’s affected by his passing. He was truly a legend, and it’s evident by the response his passing is eliciting.