We want to recognize the regrettable truth that Lloyd Ruby died this week, a guy who’s warmly remembered by people who followed all kinds of motorsport but still should have been a lot more famous. Ruby was 81 years old when he passed away on Tuesday in his hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas.
Two thoughts if you don’t immediately recognize his name: It’s too bad, and you’ve got a lot of company. Historians rank Ruby near the top of the list when it comes to terrific drivers who didn’t win the Indianapolis 500. He raced in 18 straight 500s between 1960 and 1977, and was leading the race during five out of six early starts when something went wrong. If not for bad breaks, might be ranked alongside fellow Texans A.J. Foyt or Johnny Rutherford in 500 victories. In that sense, he was something of an American version of Stirling Moss, likely the greatest talent who never put together a world title in Formula 1. A former Midget standout, Ruby’s career included factory Ford co-wins at Sebring and Daytona, and a start at the U.S. Grand Prix at Watkins Glen in 1961. He was also one of the few survivors dating back to Indy’s gloried roadster era. This photo, from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway archives, perfectly captures his taciturn, smiling countenance.
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