Births on April 13

Dan Gurney, American race car driver and engineer

Daniel Sexton Gurney, born on April 13, 1931, and passing away on January 14, 2018, was a true titan of American motorsports. More than just a highly skilled racing driver, Gurney distinguished himself as a visionary race car constructor and a shrewd team owner. His remarkable career, which began in earnest in 1958, saw him conquer the highest echelons of racing, leaving an indelible mark on the sport through his competitive spirit, innovative thinking, and pioneering contributions.

A Versatile Champion: Conquering Multiple Disciplines

Gurney's driving prowess was exceptionally broad, allowing him to achieve victories across an astonishing array of racing series – a feat few have ever replicated. He famously triumphed in the high-stakes world of Formula One, showcased his adaptability in Indy Car racing, proved his mettle in NASCAR stock car events, dominated the powerful Can-Am Series, and excelled in the competitive Trans-Am Series. This incredible versatility solidified his reputation as one of the most complete drivers in history.

Perhaps his most significant driving achievement was becoming the first of only three elite drivers to secure wins in four distinct major categories: sports cars (which he achieved in 1958), Formula One (in 1962), NASCAR (in 1963), and Indy cars (in 1967). This exclusive club later welcomed legendary figures like Mario Andretti and Juan Pablo Montoya, underscoring the monumental challenge and rare talent required to achieve such a "quadruple crown" in motorsports.

Innovation and Tradition: The Champagne Spray and the Gurney Flap

Beyond his formidable driving skills, Gurney's legacy is profoundly shaped by his innovative spirit, which manifested both spontaneously and through meticulous engineering. One of motorsports' most iconic celebratory traditions was born from a moment of pure joy and exuberance thanks to Dan Gurney.

The Birth of a Tradition: Champagne on the Podium

It was in 1967, after a grueling and triumphant victory at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he co-drove with fellow American racing icon A. J. Foyt. Standing proudly on the podium, Gurney, overcome with emotion, spontaneously grabbed a magnum of champagne and began to spray it over the crowd and his fellow competitors. This electrifying act of celebration immediately captured the imagination of the racing world and has, ever since, become an almost mandatory ritual at countless motorsports events globally, from Formula One to local club races.

Aerodynamic Ingenuity: The Gurney Flap

As the astute owner of All American Racers, a team he founded with great ambition, Gurney also made a profound, lasting contribution to automotive aerodynamics. He was the first to implement a simple yet remarkably effective modification to the upper trailing edge of a race car's rear wing: a small, right-angle extension. This device, ingeniously named the "Gurney flap," dramatically increases the downforce generated by the wing, pushing the car more firmly onto the track. Crucially, when designed and implemented correctly, this significant increase in grip comes with only a relatively minor penalty in terms of aerodynamic drag, making it a highly efficient performance enhancer. The Gurney flap remains a staple in high-performance aerodynamics to this day, a testament to his practical engineering genius.

Pioneering Safety: The Full Face Helmet

Gurney's foresight extended to driver safety as well, a critical area where advancements often save lives. At the 1968 German Grand Prix, held at the notoriously challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife, he made history by becoming the very first driver to utilize a full face helmet in a Grand Prix race. Prior to this, open-face helmets were the standard, leaving much of a driver's face exposed to potential impacts, debris, or fire. Gurney's adoption of the full face helmet was a pivotal moment, setting a new standard for protection that would soon be universally adopted across all forms of high-speed racing, fundamentally enhancing driver safety.

Legacy of an American Racing Legend

Dan Gurney's multifaceted career as a driver, constructor, and innovator left an indelible mark on motorsports. He was a pioneer in every sense, pushing boundaries not only in speed but also in safety, tradition, and engineering. His versatility on track, his iconic celebratory gesture, and his fundamental contributions to aerodynamic science ensure his place as one towering figure in racing history, revered by fans and professionals alike.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dan Gurney

What were Dan Gurney's main accomplishments as a driver?

Dan Gurney achieved victories in Formula One, Indy Car, NASCAR, Can-Am, and Trans-Am Series races. He is notably one of only three drivers to win races in sports cars, Formula One, NASCAR, and Indy cars.

How did Dan Gurney start the champagne spraying tradition?

In 1967, after winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with A. J. Foyt, Gurney spontaneously sprayed champagne from the podium during his celebration. This joyous act quickly became a custom at motorsports events worldwide.

What is the 'Gurney flap'?

The 'Gurney flap' is a small, right-angle extension on the upper trailing edge of a race car's rear wing. Invented by Gurney for his All American Racers team, it significantly increases downforce with only a minor increase in aerodynamic drag, improving the car's grip and performance.

Did Dan Gurney contribute to racing safety?

Yes, Dan Gurney was a pioneer in racing safety. He was the first driver to wear a full face helmet in a Grand Prix race, specifically at the 1968 German Grand Prix. This innovation significantly improved driver protection and led to the widespread adoption of full face helmets in motorsports.

What racing teams did Dan Gurney own?

Dan Gurney owned and managed the highly respected All American Racers (AAR) team, which campaigned cars successfully in various series including Formula One, Indy Car, and sports car racing.