Scott Speed, American race car driver

Scott Andrew Speed, born on January 24, 1983, is a highly versatile American race car driver renowned for his extensive career across a remarkable array of motorsport disciplines. His journey through the ranks has seen him compete at the highest levels in open-wheel racing, including Formula One; traditional American stock car racing, notably NASCAR; and the high-octane world of rallycross, where he achieved significant championship success.

Speed's career took a historic turn in 2006 when he became the first American driver to compete in Formula One since Michael Andretti's last race in 1993. This significant milestone occurred with his debut at the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix, where he raced for Scuderia Toro Rosso, the junior team to the championship-winning Red Bull Racing outfit. During his tenure with Toro Rosso, Speed contested a total of 28 Grand Prix races. However, his Formula One journey concluded midway through the 2007 season when he was replaced by Sebastian Vettel, a driver who would later go on to achieve four Formula One World Championships, highlighting the intense competitive nature and high stakes of F1.

Following his departure from Formula One, Speed transitioned his career focus to stock car racing, specifically within the demanding environment of NASCAR. He competed in the sport's premier division, the Sprint Cup Series (now known as the Cup Series), driving for several notable teams including Team Red Bull, Whitney Motorsports, and Leavine Family Racing. This period showcased his adaptability, as he worked to master the unique dynamics of stock car racing, a stark contrast to the open-wheel machinery he was accustomed to.

Scott Speed subsequently found immense success and established a dominant presence in Global Rallycross (GRC). Joining the formidable Andretti Autosport team, he achieved an unprecedented run of championships, securing the GRC title in three consecutive seasons: 2015, 2016, and 2017. His winning streak continued in 2018 when he clinched the inaugural Americas Rallycross (ARX) Championship, also with Andretti. Demonstrating his enduring talent and desire for new challenges, Speed later moved to compete with Subaru Rally Team USA in 2019, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most accomplished and adaptable drivers in modern motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scott Speed

What racing disciplines has Scott Speed competed in?
Scott Speed has competed across a wide spectrum of motorsport disciplines, including open-wheel racing (Formula One, GP2 Series, Formula Renault), stock car racing (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series), and various forms of rallycross (Global Rallycross, Americas Rallycross).
When did Scott Speed race in Formula One?
Scott Speed competed in Formula One during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
Which team did Scott Speed race for in F1?
In Formula One, Scott Speed raced for Scuderia Toro Rosso, the sister team to Red Bull Racing, throughout his 28-race tenure.
What was Scott Speed's most successful racing discipline?
Scott Speed achieved his most significant championship success in rallycross, particularly in Global Rallycross and Americas Rallycross, where he secured four consecutive championships between 2015 and 2018.
How many rallycross championships has Scott Speed won?
Scott Speed has won four rallycross championships: the Global Rallycross (GRC) title in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and the Americas Rallycross (ARX) Championship in 2018.