SOUTH BRANCH, Mich. — Gordon Walter Johncock, the 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 years old. Johncock built a remarkable career across more than two decades of Championship Car racing, earning two Indianapolis 500 victories, a USAC National Championship and a place among the most accomplished drivers in American motorsports history. His passing marks the loss of a driver remembered for his determination, competitive ability and historic performances at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Who Was Gordon Johncock? Born on August 5, 1936, in Hastings, Michigan, Gordon Johncock began his racing career on local tracks before progressing to the highest levels of American open-wheel competition. His early racing experience included appearances at Old Hastings Raceway, Capital City Speedway, 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. That victory helped establish Johncock as a rising talent and opened the way for a long career in Championship Car racing. Gordon Johncock’s Rise in USAC Racing Johncock entered USAC Championship Car competition in 1964 and became a full-time competitor the following year. He recorded his first USAC victory at the Milwaukee Mile in August 1965. In 1966, Johncock left Gerhardt Racing and established Johncock Racing, becoming one of the notable owner-drivers in American open-wheel racing alongside fellow legend A.J. Foyt. His team recorded six victories between 1967 and 1969. Financial difficulties and the loss of sponsorship eventually forced Johncock into bankruptcy, but the setback did not end his racing career. He continued competing and eventually entered one of the most successful chapters of his career with STP/Patrick Racing. First Indianapolis 500 Victory A major milestone came in 1973, when Johncock won the Indianapolis 500. He took the lead on lap 73 and remained at the front when the rain-shortened race was stopped on lap 133. The victory came during an especially difficult Indianapolis 500. The race was marked by serious tragedy, including the fatal injuries suffered by Johncock’s teammate Swede Savage and the death of crewman Armando Teran. Johncock’s subdued reaction to his victory reflected the circumstances surrounding the race. His Indianapolis 500 triumph nevertheless established him as one of the defining drivers of his generation. Second Indianapolis 500 Victory in 1982 Johncock returned to victory lane at Indianapolis in 1982, winning his second Indianapolis 500. He defeated Rick Mears by just 0.16 seconds, producing what was then the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history. The victory became one of the most memorable finishes in the history of the race and remains an important part of Johncock’s legacy. That same year, he also won the Michigan 500, completing two legs of the IndyCar Triple Crown. Johncock had previously captured the 1976 USAC National Championship, securing the title in the final race at Phoenix International Raceway. Gordon Johncock’s Racing Statistics Across a 26-year Champ Car career, Johncock competed in 262 races. His career included: 25 victories 76 podium finishes 20 pole positions Two Indianapolis 500 victories The 1976 USAC National Championship Victory in the 1976 USAC National Championship season Two legs of the IndyCar Triple Crown in 1982 Johncock also competed in 21 NASCAR Cup Series races between 1966 and 1976. He recorded four top-10 finishes in NASCAR competition, including fourth-place results at Rockingham in 1966 and Daytona in 1973. Retirement and Final Racing Years Johncock retired during practice for the 1985 Indianapolis 500. After stepping away from full-time competition, he briefly worked with the IMS Radio Network. He attempted several racing comebacks between 1986 and 1992, demonstrating the competitive spirit that had characterized his career. His final race came at the 1992 Indianapolis 500, where engine failure ended his attempt. Although his full-time racing career had ended years earlier, Johncock remained an important figure in American motorsports. Gordon Johncock’s Hall of Fame Legacy Johncock’s accomplishments were recognized through numerous hall of fame inductions. His honors included: Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame — 1985 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame — 1997 International Motorsports Hall of Fame — 1999 Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame — 2000 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America — 2002 USAC Hall of Fame — 2025 These recognitions reflected the lasting significance of his achievements in American racing. Remembering Gordon Johncock Gordon Johncock’s career was defined by championship success, historic victories and perseverance through some of the most dramatic moments in American motorsports. His two Indianapolis 500 victories stand among the defining accomplishments of his career. The 1982 battle with Rick Mears, decided by only 0.16 seconds, remains particularly memorable in Indianapolis 500 history. For generations of racing fans, Johncock represented an era of American open-wheel competition in which drivers often combined driving with ownership and were deeply involved in the development of their racing teams. His legacy extends beyond statistics and trophies to the history of the races in which he competed and the lasting memories he created for fans. Family and Personal Life Public information surrounding Johncock’s death has focused primarily on his racing career and professional accomplishments. Additional details about his immediate family and personal life should be confirmed through family announcements or an authorized obituary. Funeral and Memorial Arrangements Funeral, visitation and memorial arrangements for Gordon Walter Johncock were not included in the information available at the time of publication. Additional details may be announced by his family or authorized representatives. Friends, relatives and members of the motorsports community should rely on official announcements for confirmed information concerning services and memorial arrangements. Frequently Asked Questions Who was Gordon Johncock? Gordon Johncock was an American open-wheel racing driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner. He also won the 1976 USAC National Championship and competed in NASCAR. How old was Gordon Johncock when he died? Gordon Johncock was 90 years old when he died on September 28, 2026. When did Gordon Johncock die? He died on September 28, 2026, at his home in South Branch, Michigan. How many times did Gordon Johncock win the Indianapolis 500? Johncock won the Indianapolis 500 twice, in 1973 and 1982. Who did Gordon Johncock defeat in the 1982 Indianapolis 500? Johncock defeated Rick Mears by 0.16 seconds in the 1982 race, which was then the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history. Did Gordon Johncock win a championship? Yes. He won the 1976 USAC National Championship. When did Gordon Johncock retire? Johncock retired during practice for the 1985 Indianapolis 500, although he later attempted several comebacks. What was Gordon Johncock’s final race? His final race came at the 1992 Indianapolis 500, where engine failure ended his run. What was Gordon Johncock known for? He was best known for his two Indianapolis 500 victories, his 1976 USAC National Championship and his long career in American open-wheel racing. Conclusion The motorsports community is mourning Gordon Walter Johncock, who died at age 90 on September 28, 2026, at his home in South Branch, Michigan. From his early success on Michigan racing circuits to his two Indianapolis 500 victories, Johncock built a career that became an important part of American open-wheel racing history. His 1973 and 1982 Indianapolis victories, his 1976 USAC National Championship and his remarkable longevity established a legacy that continued to receive recognition long after his final race. Johncock will be remembered by racing fans for his competitive spirit, historic victories and contribution to the sport. May Gordon Walter Johncock rest in peace, and may his family, friends and the motorsports community find comfort in his enduring legacy. Obituary Information and Disclaimer Information here is for general information purposes only. This obituary-style profile is based on the information provided concerning Gordon Walter Johncock’s life and racing career. Personal details, medical information and funeral arrangements should be confirmed through his family or authorized representatives. The family remains the appropriate source for official information concerning Gordon Johncock’s obituary, funeral arrangements, memorial service and celebration of life. Post navigation Melinda Allred Obituary, Graham TX, Death: Family and Friends Gather to Celebrate Her Life Layne Aadland Obituary, Pierpont SD, Death: Racing Community Remembers Jamestown Speedway Regular