Former Rookie of the Year and Member of the Famous Motorsports Family Dies at 79

Published 09/02/2023, 9:25 PM EDT

Remember the thrill of speed, the smell of gasoline, and the thundering engines on the track? We’re about to unfold the riveting journey of a legendary figure whose life was intertwined with the pulse-pounding world of motorsports. Brace yourself for a tale that combines glory, heartbreak, and a deep passion for the race.

Former 1986 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Bill Vukovich II passed away on August 20, this year, at the age of 79. Bill Vukovich II is a name that resonates through the annals of racing history. The Vukovich family, spanning three generations, etched their legacy into the high-speed corners of motorsports. But as the engines roared and the checkered flags waved, they also faced their share of trials and tribulations.

A racing dynasty heartbeat’s life comes to an end

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From 1965 to 1983, Bill Vukovich II gripped the steering wheel, diving into the USAC Championship and IndyCar Series. In 1973, he secured a remarkable second place at the Indianapolis 500, marking a peak in his career. Notably, he seized the title of Rookie of the Year in 1968, clinching seventh place.

The Vukovich name wasn’t new to the Indianapolis 500. Bill Vukovich II, his father Bill Vukovich Sr., and his son Billy Vukovich III stood as one of the four families with three generations in the race. The Andrettis, Foyts, and Brabhams were their companions in this unique accomplishment.

Bill Vukovich II’s remarkable career encompassed 23 victories in the USAC National Midget Championship. This feat led him to the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame, where he joined his father, solidifying their shared passion.

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Yet, beneath the gleaming trophies and roaring cheers, the Vukovich story was a tale of both triumph and tragedy. Bill Vukovich Sr.’s life was cut short in a tragic crash during the 1955 Indianapolis 500. His son, Bill Vukovich II, was just a young boy of 11 when he witnessed the harsh realities of the sport.

The fear beneath the helmet

In a candid moment, Bill Vukovich II admitted the truth that many drivers felt but seldom expressed: fear. “Racing is an intimidating sport,” he shared. The danger was always present, lurking beneath the surface of every lap, a truth that drivers accepted. “The fear is there,” he declared, dispelling any pretense of invulnerability.

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Bill Vukovich II’s paternal instinct extended beyond the racetrack. When his son, Billy Vukovich III, chose to step into the family’s racing shoes, the fear returned in full force. Bill Vukovich II understood the risks firsthand and couldn’t bear to watch his son venture into the same perilous arena.

The Vukovich family’s story took a tragic turn when Billy Vukovich III lost his life in a devastating crash at Mesa Marin Raceway in 1990. He was only 27, with an IndyCar career beckoning. The young racer’s potential was undeniable, his skill evident in every turn of the wheel.

“He loved life. My son liked people,” Bill Vukovich II fondly recalled about his lost son. Billy Vukovich III’s memory lived on through his accomplishments. His presence, his spirit, and his unwavering love for the sport left an indelible mark.

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As the sun sets on the storied Vukovich family’s racing journey, their names remain etched in the Fresno State Hall of Fame. Have you also followed Vukovich’s family racing journey If yes, then please share your most memorable moments from their expertise on track. I’m sure you must be feeling the adrenaline, the rush, the heartbeat of the track.

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Written by:

Kumar Rohan is a writer at EssentiallySports who covers Sports Viral Moments. He is a sports journalist with a knack for writing. His sports expertise comes in handy when he breaks down events skilfully, in his own style.

Edited by:

Priyadarshini Ajay

Former Rookie of the Year and Member of the Famous Motorsports Family Dies at 79

A racing dynasty heartbeat’s life comes to an end

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The fear beneath the helmet