Dan Gurney
Dan Gurney
Early Years and Military Service
- Born: April 13, 1931, Port Jefferson, New York
- Died: January 14, 2018, Newport Beach, California, Pneumonia
- Nationality: American
Formula 1 Career Overview
- First Grand Prix: France 1959
- Last Grand Prix: Britain 1970
- Best Finish: 1st
- Best Grid Position: 1st
- World Championship Ranking: 4th in 1961 and 1965
Racing Statistics
- Grand Prix Entries: 86
- No Starts: 5
- Wins: 4 (4.65%)
- Pole Positions: 3 (3.49%)
- Fastest Laps: 6 (6.98%)
- Podiums: 19 (22.09%)
- Retirements: 45 (52.33%)
- Non-World Championship Involvements: 24
- Total Points: 133
- Average Points per Grand Prix: 1.55
- Season Average Points: 12.09
- Laps Led: 199
- Kilometers Led: 1,583
- Laps Raced: 3,676
- Kilometers Raced: 21,463
- Average Starting Grid Position: 6.86
- Average Finishing Position: 5.3
Dan Gurney Stats
Legacy and Achievements
- Dan Gurney, regarded as one of America’s finest racing drivers, was known for his versatility, engineering acumen, and gentlemanly demeanor.
- He began his racing career post-military service, initially with a Triumph TR2.
- Gurney’s first significant success came in 1958 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving for Ferrari.
- Attracted attention from Enzo Ferrari, leading to his debut in Formula 1.
- Gurney was instrumental in Porsche’s F1 efforts, securing their only championship win.
- Founded his own team, Eagle, and engineered the Eagle T1G, showcasing his engineering prowess.
- Notable for his win at the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix with his own Eagle car.
- His victory with AJ Foyt at the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans is a highlight of his career.
- Gurney’s influence extended beyond the track, with innovations like the Gurney Flap and his advocacy for safety in racing.
- His sportsmanship and contributions to motorsport have left a lasting legacy in the racing world.
Dan Gurney’s career stands out not only for his successes on the track but also for his significant contributions to the engineering and safety aspects of motorsport. His dedication and passion for racing, combined with his technical knowledge, made him a respected figure in the racing community. His legacy continues to influence the world of motorsports.
