Gil de Ferran, left, with Fernando Alonso during a practice session at the 2017 Indy 500. (AP)
Gil de Ferran, the 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner and holder of the closed-course land speed record, passed away while racing with his son at The Concourse Club in Florida, as reported by The Associated Press. He was 56 years old.
Fellow Brazilian driver Tony Kanaan stated that de Ferran was with his son, Luke, at the private course in Opa-Locka, Florida, when he pulled over and mentioned that he wasn’t feeling well. Kanaan explained that de Ferran apparently suffered a heart attack and could not be revived.
De Ferran made history by winning the 2003 Indy 500 for Roger Penske, marking the third-consecutive win for Penske in the iconic Memorial Day weekend race. Roger Penske shared his condolences and memories of de Ferran, emphasizing Gil’s significant impact and achievements both on and off the track.
IndyCar legend Tony Kanaan expressed his sorrow at the loss of de Ferran, referring to him as a mentor and dear friend. He also highlighted de Ferran’s passion for racing and esteemed career in motorsports.
The Brazilian Motorsports Confederation also honored de Ferran’s legacy by highlighting his many accomplishments both domestically and internationally. They paid tribute to his impact on the motorsports community and those who have been influenced by his success.
Members of the racing community, including Juan Pablo Montoya, acknowledged the tragic news and commemorated de Ferran’s admirable qualities as a racer and individual. The support from drivers and peers serves as a testament to the profound impact de Ferran had on the automotive and racing world.
At the time of his passing, de Ferran was a consultant at McLaren and had a renowned career, having won multiple titles in Formula 3, Champ Car, and IndyCar. He achieved significant milestones during his racing career with Team Penske and left an enduring legacy in the motorsports world.
In addition to being a talented racer, de Ferran was revered by his colleagues for his professionalism and mentorship. His personal influence and passion for the sport left a lasting impression on those who had the honor of knowing and working with him throughout his illustrious career.
In 2000, de Ferran set the closed-course land speed record during CART qualifying with a lap of 241.428 mph. Even after his passing, his remarkable achievements continue to inspire and make an impact on the auto racing community.The automotive industry and racing community recognize the indelible legacy left by de Ferran. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed as a remarkable racing personality who contributed greatly to the sport of auto racing. His spirit, talent, and impact continue to serve as an inspiration to all those associated with the automotive field and motorsports.
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