Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Daniel Sexton Gurney, born on April 13, 1931, in Port Jefferson, New York, was destined for a life intertwined with speed and engineering. Raised in a family with a strong academic background, his father, a Harvard Business School graduate, and uncles, MIT engineers, influenced his early life. Gurney’s grandfather, F.W. Gurney, was the inventor of the Gurney Ball Bearing, hinting at a lineage of mechanical ingenuity. The family’s move to Riverside, California, during Gurney’s teenage years was pivotal. Here, he immersed himself in the vibrant hot rod culture of California. At 19, he built a car that reached 138 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, showcasing his early talent for speed. His racing career began in earnest after serving as an artillery mechanic in the US Army during the Korean War. Gurney’s first major break in racing came in 1957 when he tested the Arciero Special, leading to his participation in the Riverside Grand Prix and attracting the attention of Ferrari’s North American importer, Luigi Chinetti.
Major Successes and Highlights
Dan Gurney’s racing career was marked by versatility and success across multiple disciplines. His Formula One career, spanning from 1959 to 1970, included teams like Ferrari, BRM, Porsche, Lotus, Brabham, Eagle, and McLaren. Gurney achieved four wins, 19 podiums, and 133 career points in F1. Notably, he was the first driver to win races in sports cars, Formula One, NASCAR, and Indy cars, a feat later matched only by Mario Andretti and Juan Pablo Montoya. His victory at the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix with his own team, Anglo-American Racers, was a significant achievement. Gurney also had a successful career in the American Championship Car series, competing in the Indianapolis 500 from 1962 to 1970, with notable finishes. His NASCAR career included 16 races over ten years, with five wins. Gurney’s innovation extended beyond the track; he introduced the ‘Gurney flap’ in aerodynamics and was the first to use a full-face helmet in Grand Prix racing.
Life and Legacy
Dan Gurney’s impact on motorsports extends beyond his racing achievements. Known for his engineering acumen, he contributed significantly to car development and racing strategies. His legacy includes the ‘Gurney flap’, an aerodynamic device, and his pioneering use of a full-face helmet in F1. Gurney’s tall stature led to the creation of the ‘Gurney bubble’ in the Ford GT40. After retiring from active racing, he continued to influence the sport through his team, All American Racers, and his innovative motorcycle design, the ‘Alligator’. Gurney’s legacy is also marked by his sportsmanship and driving style, which earned him respect and admiration from peers and fans alike. He passed away on January 14, 2018, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of motorsports.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | WDC Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Ferrari | Ferrari | Ferrari | – | – |