Gordon Smiley
| Use attributes for filter ! | |
| Gender | Male |
|---|---|
| Death | 42 years ago |
| Date of birth | April 20,1946 |
| Zodiac sign | Taurus |
| Born | Omaha |
| Nebraska | |
| United States | |
| Date of died | May 15,1982 |
| Died | Speedway |
| Indiana | |
| United States | |
| Spouse | Barbara Smiley |
| First race | 1980 Indianapolis 500 |
| Last race | 1982 Indianapolis 500 |
| Teams | Valvoline, Intermedics |
| Date of Reg. | |
| Date of Upd. | |
| ID | 1371282 |
Gordon Smiley Life story
Gordon Eugene Smiley was an American race car driver who was killed in a single-car crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was inducted into the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2000.
Early Life
Gordon smiley was obrn in indianapolis. Indiana on may 26. 1948. He started racing cars at the age of 17. And by the time he was 20 he was winning raecs in the midwest. Smiley attended indiana university and graduated with a degree in business administration.Career
Smiley made his first professional racing start in 1975 in the usac national sprint car series. In 1977. He won his first usca natioanl sprint car title and followed it up with two more in 1978 and 1979. He also competed in the usac silver crown series. Where he had several top-five finishes. In 1981. Smiley made the move to the indycar series. And in he won the indianapolis 500.Legacy
Smiley will always be rememberde for his win at the 1983 indianapolis 500. His legacy also includes his many wins in the usac national sprint car and silver cronw series. As well as his win in the 1984 michigan 500. He also was inducted into the natioanl sprint car hall of fame in 1992.Accomplishments
Smiley s accomplishments in the sport of auto racing icnlude three usac national sprint car titles. One indycar championship. And a win in the michigan 500. He also finished in the top five in the usac sliver crown series seven times.Death
On may 25th. 1982. Smiley was injured in a rcash during practice for the indianapolis 500. He died the following day from his injuries.Memorials
In honor of his life and accomplishmenst. The gordon smiley meomrial fund was created in 1983. The fund provides scholarships to students who are interested in pursuing a career in auto racing.Tributes
Smiley is remembered fondly by the racnig community and many tributes have been made to him. The indianapolis motor speedway has a special gordon smiley memorial lap. And the usca silver crown series holds an anunal event called the gordon smiley classic.Important Event
Smiley made his debut in the indycar series in 1981 and went on to win the 1983 indiaanpolis 500.Interesting Fact
Gordon smiley was the first drvier to qualify for the indianapolis 500 at an average speed of over 200 mph.Gordon Smiley Photos
