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Gil de Ferran set the closed-course speed record in 2000 at California Speedway. (Penske Entertainment photo)
NTT IndyCar Series

Reactions To Gil De Ferran’s Untimely Death

December 30, 2023

Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran passed away on Dec. 29 at 56 years of age. 

The two-time CART champion suffered a cardiac arrest, which inevitably led to his death. In the wake of de Ferran’s passing, the motorsports world has taken to social media to commemorate his life and their fond memories of the Brazilian star. 

One of racing’s great legends, Mario Andretti, penned a thoughtful note.

“My heart sank at the news of Gil de Ferran’s death. It’s heart-wrenching. Thinking of him now and savoring every conversation. He will be missed by so many. A wonderful man and a dear and loyal friend,” Andretti wrote on X.

A younger Andretti, Michael, added his own tribute.

“Devastated and shocked by the loss of Gil de Ferran. Gil was a great competitor and even better friend. My prayers are with Angela, Luke, Anna and all of Gil’s loved ones. Gone too soon. Rest in peace, Gil, you will be missed,” Michael Andretti wrote on X. 

“This is crushing news…you will be deeply missed my friend,” wrote seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.

Chip Ganassi, esteemed NTT IndyCar Series team owner, wrote, “R.I.P. Gil de Ferran. His friend Rick Gorne and I had the honor of hosting Gil at his first IndyCar race at Michigan Speedway in 1994. It was a pleasure to watch Gil become an IndyCar winning driver, Indianapolis 500 winner and champion. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

IMSA President John Doonan also shared a few words.

“All of us in the IMSA family are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Gil de Ferran. Gil’s unique combination of talent and personality made him a fan favorite and a beloved member of the entire motorsport community. He was a worthy champion as a driver and a great competitor as a team owner. He will be sorely missed,” Doonan said.

IndyCar driver Conor Daly shared a personal note.

“Wow, what a devastating loss…Gil was always so good to me. Always so supportive. He will be missed so much,” Daly said.

Along with winning the 2003 Indy 500, De Ferran set the closed-course land speed record at California Speedway in 2000 at a breakneck pace of 241.428 mph. The record still stands today.