Gordon Johncock, a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion and prominent figure in American open-wheel racing, died Monday at his home in South Branch, Michigan. He was 90 years old. According to a family spokesperson, Johncock passed away from natural causes.

Johncock earned widespread recognition for his aggressive driving style and resilience during one of Indycar’s most competitive periods. He achieved 25 career Indycar wins and is remembered for his two victories at the Indianapolis 500, in 1973 and 1982. His 1982 win was notable for its close finish, defeating Rick Mears by 0.16 seconds—then the narrowest margin in the event’s history and still among the closest.

Johncock’s first Indy 500 triumph came amid one of the most tragic months in the race’s history. The 1973 race, delayed and shortened due to persistent rain, saw multiple fatal accidents, including the deaths of driver Swede Savage and crew member Armando Teran, as well as severe injuries to other participants. Despite the somber circumstances, Johncock, driving an Eagle-Offenhauser for Patrick Racing, was one of only two cars on the lead lap when the race was halted early. He later described his victory as earned through persistence rather than fortuity.

In addition to his race wins, Johncock captured the 1976 USAC championship and accumulated 262 career Indycar starts spanning nearly three decades from 1964 to 1992. He made 24 starts in the Indianapolis 500, ranking tied for fifth in all-time starts, and frequently raced alongside notable contemporaries such as A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Mario Andretti. His versatility also extended to NASCAR, where he made 21 starts, including three Daytona 500 appearances, finishing fifth in the 1973 event.

Known for his down-to-earth demeanor and trademark casual attire of flannel shirts and jeans—reflecting his rural Michigan roots—Johncock balanced his racing career with a passion for farming and forestry. In the latter years of his life, he distanced himself from the racing spotlight, focusing on operating a sawmill with his wife, Sue, near their home in northeastern Michigan.

Johncock’s impact on motorsports was recognized with his induction into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 1997 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1999. Reflecting on his career, Johncock expressed particular pride in his 1982 victory, citing the intense competition and respect he held for his rivals.

He is survived by his wife, three daughters, two sons, two stepdaughters, 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Series president J. Douglas Boles highlighted Johncock’s legacy, noting that while Johncock’s first Indy 500 win was overshadowed by tragedy, it prompted significant advancements in track safety and regulations. Boles described Johncock’s second victory as a defining moment in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history and lauded his enduring influence on the sport.