Lloyd Ruby, American race car driver (d. 2009)
Lloyd Ruby, born on January 12, 1928, and passing on March 23, 2009, was a highly accomplished American racecar driver whose illustrious career spanned several decades and disciplines within motorsports. Known affectionately as "Ol' Reliable" or "The Kansas Comet" for his consistent performance and steady hand behind the wheel, Ruby carved out a formidable reputation as a versatile and enduring competitor.
A Storied Career in USAC Championship Cars
Ruby's professional journey in open-wheel racing primarily unfolded over two decades in the fiercely competitive USAC (United States Auto Club) Championship Car series, which served as the premier American open-wheel racing series of its era and included the iconic Indianapolis 500. His remarkable longevity and unwavering performance saw him participate in 20 seasons, a testament to his skill and dedication.
- Consistent Front-Runner: During his extensive career in USAC, Lloyd Ruby achieved an impressive seven victories, showcasing his ability to reach the top step of the podium against formidable competition.
- Reliability Personified: Beyond outright wins, Ruby's moniker "Ol' Reliable" was truly earned through his extraordinary consistency, exemplified by his 88 top-ten finishes. This statistic underscores his ability to consistently contend for strong results, a valuable trait in a high-stakes series.
- The Indianapolis 500 Legacy: While a victory at the Indianapolis 500, often referred to as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," famously eluded him, Ruby was a perennial contender. He led the race in five different editions (1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971), accumulating 126 laps led across these attempts. Despite his numerous close calls and a reputation for fast, competitive driving at the Brickyard, often hampered by mechanical misfortunes, he is widely regarded as one of the finest drivers never to win the coveted event.
Endurance Racing Dominance and World Championship Success
Beyond the high-speed ovals and road courses of USAC, Lloyd Ruby demonstrated exceptional adaptability and skill in endurance racing, where his tenacity and mechanical sympathy proved invaluable. His successes in this demanding discipline contributed significantly to his legendary status.
Triumph at the 24 Hours of Daytona
Ruby was a two-time winner of the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona, one of the world's most gruelling and celebrated endurance sports car races. His victories came during a pivotal era in sports car racing:
- 1966 Victory: He secured his first Daytona win in 1966 alongside British co-driver Ken Miles, driving a Ford GT40 Mk. II. This victory was a crucial early success for Ford's ambitious GT40 program aimed at dominating international endurance racing.
- 1967 Victory: He repeated his triumph in 1967, this time sharing the winning Ford GT40 Mk. II with American racing icon A.J. Foyt. This back-to-back success at Daytona cemented his reputation as an endurance racing specialist.
Conquering the 12 Hours of Sebring
Adding to his endurance racing accolades, Lloyd Ruby also triumphed at the 1966 12 Hours of Sebring, another cornerstone event in the world endurance calendar. He again partnered with Ken Miles in a Ford GT40 X-1 Roadster, continuing Ford's remarkable sweep of major endurance races in North America that year. This victory further highlighted his versatility and prowess in high-performance sports cars.
Contribution to the 1966 World Sportscar Championship
Lloyd Ruby's victories at both the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1966 12 Hours of Sebring were instrumental in Ford's historic success in the 1966 World Sportscar Championship. This championship was a highly contested series for manufacturers, and Ford's dominant performance that year, largely propelled by the GT40 program and driven by talents like Ruby, marked a significant chapter in motorsport history as they successfully challenged and ultimately surpassed Ferrari's long-standing dominance in endurance racing.
FAQ: Understanding Lloyd Ruby's Legacy
- Who was Lloyd Ruby?
- Lloyd Ruby was an acclaimed American racecar driver (1928-2009) renowned for his exceptional skill and consistency in both USAC Championship Car racing and international endurance events. He was affectionately known as "Ol' Reliable" and "The Kansas Comet."
- What were Lloyd Ruby's major achievements in USAC Championship Car racing?
- Over his 20-year career in USAC Championship Cars, Lloyd Ruby secured 7 victories and amassed an impressive 88 top-ten finishes, showcasing remarkable consistency and competitiveness.
- Did Lloyd Ruby ever win the Indianapolis 500?
- No, despite leading the Indianapolis 500 in five different years and being a consistent front-runner, Lloyd Ruby famously never won the prestigious race, often falling victim to mechanical issues while leading or contending for victory.
- What were his key endurance racing victories?
- Lloyd Ruby achieved significant success in endurance racing, including two wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona (1966 with Ken Miles, 1967 with A.J. Foyt) and a victory at the 1966 12 Hours of Sebring (with Ken Miles). These wins were crucial to Ford's triumph in the 1966 World Sportscar Championship.
- Why was Lloyd Ruby called "Ol' Reliable"?
- His nickname "Ol' Reliable" stemmed from his consistent performance, numerous top-ten finishes, and remarkable longevity throughout his racing career, particularly in the USAC Championship Car series, where he was a steady presence at the front of the field.