Lloyd Ruby 81, Former Sebring, Daytona 24 Winner | FerrariChat
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Lloyd Ruby 81, Former Sebring, Daytona 24 Winner

Discussion in 'Other Racing' started by RP, Mar 24, 2009.

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  1. RP

    RP F1 World Champ

    Feb 9, 2005
    17,667
    Bocahuahua, Florxico
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    Tone Def
    #1 RP, Mar 24, 2009
    Yes, I am old enough to remember this guy, mostly from Indianapolis. Quite the gentleman. I have his autographed photo right along side the likes of Graham Hill, Bruce McLaren, and Peter Revson. He was always available for the race fan. The story:

    Former Indianapolis 500, Champ Car and sportscar star Lloyd Ruby has died at the age of 81.

    A mild-mannered and extremely popular character in American racing, Ruby passed away in Wichita Falls, Texas on Monday.

    Although he never won an Indy 500 or the USAC National Championship title, he was recognised as one of the finest American drivers of his era and was hugely respected by his rivals.

    A midget racing star in his teens, Ruby contested every Indianapolis 500 from 1960 to 1977, leading on many occasions only to suffer misfortune. His best finish Indy finish was third in 1964, although he took seven victories in the USAC Championship.

    Ruby also made a solitary Formula 1 appearance, driving a private Lotus in the 1961 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen.

    On paper his greatest successes were in sportscar racing, where he was a star of Ford's programme - winning the 1966 Daytona 24 Hours in a GT40 with Ken Miles, and the same year's Sebring 12 Hours. He also helped Ford to two World Sportscar titles in the late 1960s.
     
  2. Gatorrari

    Gatorrari F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 27, 2004
    16,461
    Georgia
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    Jim Pernikoff
    #2 Gatorrari, Mar 24, 2009
    I remember the year he was leading the 500, came in to pit, was waved out prematurely, and the still-attached fuel hose tore the coupling right out of the side of the car. What a heartbreak! Ruby was unlucky at Indy, but you have to say that he had a nice career otherwise. His contributions to the Ford GT program were definitely underrated. RIP, Lloyd.
     
  3. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
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    Jim Glickenhaus
    #3 Napolis, Mar 24, 2009

    A very nice guy. Got to meet him at Pebble when I was there with J6.
     
  4. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
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    Jim Glickenhaus
    #4 Napolis, Mar 25, 2009
    RIP
     
  5. Whisky

    Whisky Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 27, 2006
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    In the flight path to Offutt
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    The original Fernando
    #5 Whisky, Mar 25, 2009
    Lloyd Ruby won the pole for the first-ever California 500 at Ontario Motor Speedway in 1970.

    I was there, he was sponsored by Bill Daniels Cablevison, and had Aussie Kevin Bartlett in a second car.
    I remember it like it was yesterday, front row of Lloyd Ruby - Dan Gurney - Gordon Johncock.
    Ruby's cars were gorgeous...

    We will be seeing more bad news like this as the guys we grew up watching 40 years ago are getting to that age now...

    RIP Lloyd.
     
  6. Isobel

    Isobel F1 World Champ

    Jun 30, 2007
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    On a Wave's Chicane
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    Is, Izzy for Australians
    #6 Isobel, Mar 25, 2009
    The Hat. Before my time but in countless books on Indy and the 'LeMans by Ford' years. Legend, RIP.
     
  7. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 22, 2004
    78,138
    Danger Close at Moot Pointe, Gulf of America
    #7 Jack-the-lad, Mar 25, 2009
    By brother in law was one of Lloyd's doctors. I got to speak with him several times. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke you knew it was going to be something worth hearing. He was still proprietor of Ruby's Garage in Wichita Falls, although for the past couple of decades it was really more of a place for Lloyd and his pals to meet, play cards and go play golf. The garage is one of those great old buildings with the company's name in faded paint on an outside wall. He was a great driver, by all accounts a good man, and will be missed. I'm glad I got to know him, if only superficially.

    Jack.
     

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