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| name = Rick Mears
| name = Rick Mears
| image = Rick Mears (51222961956) (cropped).jpg
| image = Rick Mears (51222961956) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Mears at the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] in 2021
| caption = Mears in 2021
| nationality = {{flagicon|USA}} American
| birth_name = Rick Ravon Mears
| birth_name = Rick Ravon Mears
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1951|12|03}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1951|12|03}}
| birth_place = [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]], [[Kansas]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| birth_place = [[Wichita, Kansas]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| titles = 1979, 1981, 1982 [[Championship Auto Racing Teams|CART]] <br /> [[Championship Car]] Champion <br /> 1979, 1984, 1988, 1991 [[Indianapolis 500]] Winner <br /> 1982, 1985, 1987 [[Pocono 500 (Indycar)|Pocono 500]] Winner <br /> 1991 [[Michigan 500]] Winner
| titles = [[Championship Auto Racing Teams|CART]] [[Championship Car]] ([[1979 CART season|1979]], [[1981 CART season|1981]], [[1982 CART season|1982]]) <br/> '''Major victories''' <br/> [[Pikes Peak Hill Climb]] (1976) <br/> [[Indianapolis 500]] ([[1979 Indianapolis 500|1979]], [[1984 Indianapolis 500|1984]], [[1988 Indianapolis 500|1988]], [[1991 Indianapolis 500|1991]]) <br/> [[Pocono 500 (IndyCar)|Pocono 500]] ([[1982 Pocono 500|1982]], [[1985 Pocono 500|1985]], [[1987 Pocono 500|1987]]) <br/> [[Michigan 500]] ([[1991 Michigan 500|1991]])
⚫
| awards =
| awards = [[International Motorsports Hall of Fame]] (1997) <br /> [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum#Auto Racing Hall of Fame|Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame]] (1998) <br /> [[Motorsports Hall of Fame of America]] (1998) <br /> [[West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame]] (2020)
| module1 = {{Infobox Champ Car driver|child=yes
| module1 =
{{Infobox Champ Car driver|embed=yes
⚫
| years = 1976–1992
| Total_Champ_Races = 203
| Total_Champ_Races = 203
| Years_In_Champ = 17
| Years_In_Champ = 17
| Best_Champ_Pos = 1st ([[1979 CART season|1979 (CART)]], [[1981 CART season|1981]], [[1982 CART season|1982]])
| Champ_Car_Team =
| Best_Champ_Pos = 1st – [[1979 CART season|1979]], [[1981 CART season|1981]], [[1982 CART season|1982]]
| First_Champ_Race = [[1976 USAC Championship Car season|1976]] [[California 500 (IndyCar)|California 500]] ([[Ontario Motor Speedway|Ontario]])
| First_Champ_Race = [[1976 USAC Championship Car season|1976]] [[California 500 (Indycar)|California 500]] ([[Ontario Motor Speedway|Ontario]])
| Last_Champ_Race = [[1992 CART season|1992]] [[1992 Michigan 500|Michigan 500]] ([[Michigan International Speedway|Michigan]])
| Last_Champ_Race = [[1992 CART season|1992]] [[1992 Marlboro 500|Marlboro 500]] ([[Michigan International Speedway|Michigan]])
| First_Champ_Win = [[1978 USAC Championship Car season|1978]] [[Rex Mays Classic]] ([[Milwaukee Mile|Milwaukee]])
| First_Champ_Win = [[1978 USAC Championship Car season|1978]] [[Rex Mays Classic]] ([[Milwaukee Mile|Milwaukee]])
| Last_Champ_Win = [[1991 CART season|1991]] [[1991 Marlboro 500|Marlboro 500]] ([[Michigan International Speedway|Michigan]])
| Last_Champ_Win = [[1991 CART season|1991]] [[1991 Michigan 500|Michigan 500]] ([[Michigan International Speedway|Michigan]])
| Champ_Wins = 29
| Champ_Wins = 29
| Champ_Podiums = 75
| Champ_Podiums = 75
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}}}}
}}}}


'''Rick Ravon Mears'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rick Mears |url=http://www.champcarstats.com/drivers/MearsRick.htm |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=www.champcarstats.com}}</ref> (born December 3, 1951) is a retired [[United States|American]] race car driver. He is one of four men to win the [[Indianapolis 500]] four times (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991) and is the current record-holder for [[pole position]]s in the race with six (1979, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991). Mears is also a three-time Indycar series/World Series champion (1979, 1981 and 1982).
'''Richard Ravon Mears'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rick Mears |url=http://www.champcarstats.com/drivers/MearsRick.htm |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=www.champcarstats.com}}</ref> (born December 3, 1951) is a retired [[United States|American]] race car driver. He is one of four men to win the [[Indianapolis 500]] four times (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991) and is the current record-holder for [[pole position]]s in the race with six (1979, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991). Mears is also a three-time Indycar series/World Series champion (1979, 1981 and 1982).


==Biography==
==Biography==


===Early years===
===Early years===
Mears was born in [[Wichita, Kansas]] and raised in [[Bakersfield, California]]. He began his racing career in [[off-road racing]]. In 1976, he was recommended by a representative of [[Bill Simpson]]' helmet company, and Simpson gave him a ride at the [[USAC Champ Car]]'s [[Ontario Motor Speedway|Ontario 500]] on an old Eagle-Offenhauser, finishing 8th. Simpson then sold the car to Art Sugai, on condition that Mears would continue driving it. In mid 1977 he switched to [[Theodore Racing]].
Mears was born in [[Wichita, Kansas]] and raised in [[Bakersfield, California]]. He began his racing career in [[off-road racing]]. In 1976, he was recommended by a representative of [[Bill Simpson (racing driver)|Bill Simpson]]'s helmet company, and Simpson gave him a ride at the [[USAC Champ Car]]'s [[1976 California 500|California 500]] on an old Eagle-Offenhauser, finishing 8th. Simpson then sold the car to Art Sugai, on condition that Mears would continue driving it. In mid 1977 he switched to [[Theodore Racing]].


His speed attracted the attention of [[Roger Penske]]. Although at the time [[Penske Racing]] had the services of [[Mario Andretti]] and [[Tom Sneva]], Andretti was also racing in [[Formula One]] with [[Team Lotus|Lotus]], and Penske wanted another young driver who would focus exclusively on American racing. For 1978, Mears was offered a part-time ride in nine of the 18 championship races, filling in when Andretti was overseas. The arrangement also included a ride at the [[1978 Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis 500]].
His speed attracted the attention of [[Roger Penske]]. Although at the time [[Penske Racing]] had the services of [[Mario Andretti]] and [[Tom Sneva]], Andretti was also racing in [[Formula One]] with [[Team Lotus|Lotus]], and Penske wanted another young driver who would focus exclusively on American racing. For 1978, Mears was offered a part-time ride in nine of the 18 championship races, filling in when Andretti was overseas. The arrangement also included a ride at the [[1978 Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis 500]].


In his rookie appearance at Indy, Mears qualified on the front row and was the first rookie to qualify over 200&nbsp;mph. When the race began, Mears discovered his helmet was not strapped on tight enough and he had to pit to get it safely secured. He did not lead a lap and retired at 104 laps with a blown engine. He ended up sharing "Rookie of the Year" honors with [[Larry Rice]]. Two weeks later, at the [[Milwaukee IndyFest|Rex Mays 150]], he won his first race. He added another win a month later at [[Atlanta 500 Classic|Atlanta]] and rounded off the year with his first road course win at [[Brands Hatch]]. Because of his terrific showing as a rookie, Mears was elevated to full-time status for 1979 after teammate and series champion Tom Sneva and Penske parted company.
In his rookie appearance at Indy, Mears qualified on the front row and was the first rookie to qualify over 200&nbsp;mph. When the race began, Mears discovered his helmet was not strapped on tight enough and he had to pit to get it safely secured. He did not lead a lap and retired at 104 laps with a blown engine. He ended up sharing "Rookie of the Year" honors with [[Larry Rice]]. Two weeks later, the [[Rex Mays Classic]] at [[Milwaukee Mile|Milwaukee]], he won his first race. He added another win a month later at [[Atlanta 500 Classic|Atlanta]] and rounded off the year with his first road course win at [[Brands Hatch]]. Because of his terrific showing as a rookie, Mears was elevated to full-time status for 1979 after teammate and series champion Tom Sneva and Penske parted company.


===1979===
===1979===
[[File:Indy500winningcar1979.JPG|thumb|left|Mears' winning car from the 1979 Indianapolis 500.]]
[[File:Indy500winningcar1979.JPG|thumb|Mears' winning car from the 1979 Indianapolis 500]]
In 1979 the National Championship sanction changed from the [[United States Automobile Club|USAC]] to [[Champ Car|CART]]. At Indianapolis he won his first "500", staying at the front of the field, taking advantage when [[Bobby Unser]] fell out of contention with mechanical trouble. Three wins and four second places in the eleven CART-eligible races won Mears his first championship. His worst finish in the season was seventh in Trenton's second heat.
In 1979 the National Championship sanction changed from the [[United States Automobile Club|USAC]] to [[Champ Car|CART]]. At Indianapolis he won his first "500", staying at the front of the field, taking advantage when [[Bobby Unser]] fell out of contention with mechanical trouble. Three wins and four second places in the eleven CART-eligible races won Mears his first championship. His worst finish in the season was seventh in Trenton's second heat.


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===1983–1984===
===1983–1984===
[[File:Indy500winningcar1984.JPG|thumb|right|Mears' winning car from the 1984 Indianapolis 500.]]
[[File:Indy500winningcar1984.JPG|thumb|Mears' winning car from the 1984 Indianapolis 500]]
For 1983 the Penske team acquired the [[Pennzoil]] sponsorship with its yellow paint scheme. Teammate [[Al Unser]] took that year's title. The team switched to the March chassis for the [[1984 Indianapolis 500]] after the Penske chassis proved unsuccessful in the first two races of the year. Mears scored his second Indy win that May but suffered severe leg injuries later in the year in a crash at [[Sanair Super Speedway]]. The March chassis, like most contemporary open-wheel racing cars, sat the driver far forward in the nose, with little protection for the legs and feet.
For 1983 the Penske team acquired the [[Pennzoil]] sponsorship with its yellow paint scheme. Teammate [[Al Unser]] took that year's title. The team switched to the March chassis for the [[1984 Indianapolis 500]] after the Penske chassis proved unsuccessful in the first two races of the year. Mears scored his second Indy win that May but suffered severe leg injuries later in the year in a crash at [[Sanair Super Speedway]]. The March chassis, like most contemporary open-wheel racing cars, sat the driver far forward in the nose, with little protection for the legs and feet.


===1985–1987===
===1985–1987===
[[File:RickMears1987Indy.jpg|thumb|Mears in a [[Penske PC-16]] chassis during practice for the 1987 Indianapolis 500]]
After the Sanair crash, Mears was slowed by the injuries to his right foot that affected him throughout the remainder of his career. Over the next three seasons, he won only two races. He completed a comeback from his injuries by winning the [[1985 Domino's Pizza 500|1985 Pocono 500]]. In 1986, he won the pole position for the Indy 500, but finished 3rd. He also won the [[1987 Quaker State 500|1987 Pocono 500]].
After the Sanair crash, Mears was slowed by the injuries to his right foot that affected him throughout the remainder of his career. Over the next three seasons, he won only two races. He completed a comeback from his injuries by winning the [[1985 Pocono 500]]. In 1986, he won the pole position for the Indianapolis 500, but finished 3rd. He also won the [[1987 Pocono 500]].


===1988–1990===
===1988–1990===
[[File:Indy500winningcar1988.JPG|thumb|left|Mears' winning car from the 1988 Indianapolis 500.]]
[[File:Indy500winningcar1988.JPG|thumb|Mears' winning car from the 1988 Indianapolis 500]]
In 1988, after several years using the March chassis, the Penske team utilized a new car, the PC-17, with a [[Chevrolet]] racing engine. Mears used the new car to win the Indy 500. A year later, he took a record-setting fifth pole position at Indy, but retired from the race with mechanical problems. [[Emerson Fittipaldi]] took the 500 and also beat Mears to the Championship in the last race at [[Laguna Seca Raceway]], despite Mears winning that race. Also, that last race of 1989 set Mears apart from all other Indycar racers as he broke a tie with Bobby Rahal for race wins and became the most successful Indycar racer of the 1980s. In his winner's circle interview, when asked about breaking his road course dry spell when his specialty has been ovals through the years, he replied to [[Jack Arute]], "Well, I guess there is hope for us old circle track drivers after all."
In 1988, after several years using the March chassis, the Penske team utilized a new car, the PC-17, with a [[Chevrolet]] racing engine. Mears used the new car to win the Indianapolis 500. A year later, he took a record-setting fifth pole position at Indy, but retired from the race with mechanical problems. [[Emerson Fittipaldi]] took the 500 and also beat Mears to the Championship in the last race at [[Laguna Seca Raceway]], despite Mears winning that race. Also, that last race of 1989 set Mears apart from all other Indycar racers as he broke a tie with Bobby Rahal for race wins and became the most successful Indycar racer of the 1980s. In his winner's circle interview, when asked about breaking his road course dry spell when his specialty has been ovals through the years, he replied to [[Jack Arute]], "Well, I guess there is hope for us old circle track drivers after all."


Fittipaldi joined Mears at Penske for 1990, but the year belonged to [[Al Unser Jr.]], who scored six wins. 1990 was Mears' last in the [[Pennzoil]] paint scheme as [[Marlboro (cigarette)|Marlboro]] took over as sponsor of the team, and [[Jim Hall (racing driver)|Jim Hall]] re-entered [[Indycar]].
Fittipaldi joined Mears at Penske for 1990, but the year belonged to [[Al Unser Jr.]], who scored six wins. 1990 was Mears' last in the [[Pennzoil]] paint scheme as [[Marlboro (cigarette)|Marlboro]] took over as sponsor of the team, and [[Jim Hall (racing driver)|Jim Hall]] re-entered [[Indycar]].


===1991–1992===
===1991–1992===
[[File:Indy500winningcar1991.JPG|thumb|right|Mears' winning car from the 1991 Indianapolis 500.]]
[[File:Indy500winningcar1991.JPG|thumb|Mears' winning car from the 1991 Indianapolis 500]]
In 1991 during a practice session Mears hit the wall at Indianapolis for the first time in his career. The next day, he climbed into his backup car and claimed his record 6th career pole position. Twenty laps from the end of the 500, it looked like Mears was set to be the runner-up behind [[Michael Andretti]]. However, when a subsequent yellow flag period erased Andretti's 15-second lead, Mears gained the lead as Andretti opted to pit for fuel. It was a short-lived lead, as Andretti passed Mears around the outside into the first turn. A lap later Mears regained the lead, using the same move Andretti had. Turning up his turbocharger, he then pulled away to win a fourth Indy 500, becoming the third driver to do so. In August 1991, in the [[1991 Marlboro 500|Michigan 500]], he won his last race.
In 1991 during a practice session Mears hit the wall at Indianapolis for the first time in his career. The next day, he climbed into his backup car and claimed his record 6th career pole position. Twenty laps from the end of the 500, it looked like Mears was set to be the runner-up behind [[Michael Andretti]]. However, when a subsequent yellow flag period erased Andretti's 15-second lead, Mears gained the lead as Andretti opted to pit for fuel. It was a short-lived lead, as Andretti passed Mears around the outside into the first turn. A lap later Mears regained the lead, using the same move Andretti had. Turning up his turbocharger, he then pulled away to win a fourth Indy 500, becoming the third driver to do so. In August 1991, in the [[1991 Michigan 500|Michigan 500]], he won his last race.


At the 1992 Indy 500 Mears broke a wrist in a crash during practice and then crashed out of the race for the first time in his career as he could not avoid [[Jim Crawford (driver)|Jim Crawford]]'s spinning car in turn 1. He raced only four more times in 1992 and then announced his retirement from racing at the Penske team's Christmas party. No one except Penske himself and Rick's wife, Chris, knew of his plans to retire. He had just turned 41 years old.
At the 1992 Indianapolis 500 Mears broke a wrist in a crash during practice and then crashed out of the race for the first time in his career as he could not avoid [[Jim Crawford (driver)|Jim Crawford]]'s spinning car in turn 1. He raced only four more times in 1992 and then announced his retirement from racing at the Penske team's Christmas party. No one except Penske himself and Rick's wife, Chris, knew of his plans to retire. He had just turned 41 years old.
⚫
[[File:RickMearsMonterey1991.jpg|thumb|left|Mears' [[Penske PC-20]] at [[Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca|Laguna Seca]] in 1991.]]


⚫
[[File:RickMearsMonterey1991.jpg|thumb|Mears' [[Penske PC-20]] at [[Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca|Laguna Seca]] in 1991]]
⚫
As of 2023, Rick Mears continues to work as a consultant and spotter for and Penske Racing, the team with which he won all of his Indycar races. He has acted a mentor for Penske drivers [[Helio Castroneves]], [[Will Power]], and [[Scott McLaughlin (racing driver)|Scott McLaughlin]].

⚫
As of 2023, Rick Mears continues to work as a consultant and spotter for Penske Racing, the team with which he won all of his Indycar races. He has acted as a mentor for Penske drivers [[Helio Castroneves]], [[Will Power]], and [[Scott McLaughlin (racing driver)|Scott McLaughlin]].


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
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|-
|-
|rowspan=2| [[1976 USAC Championship Car season|1976]]
|rowspan=2| [[1976 USAC Championship Car season|1976]]
! [[Bill Simpson]]
! [[Bill Simpson (racing driver)|Bill Simpson]]
!rowspan=2| [[All American Racers|Eagle]] 72
!rowspan=2| [[All American Racers|Eagle]] 72
!rowspan=2| [[Offenhauser]] [[Straight-4|L4]][[Turbocharger|t]]
!rowspan=2| [[Offenhauser]] [[Straight-4|L4]][[Turbocharger|t]]
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! Rank
! Rank
! Points
! Points
! Ref
|-
|-
|rowspan=2| [[1979 SCCA/CART Indy Car Series|1979]]
|rowspan=2| [[1979 SCCA/CART Indy Car Series|1979]]
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|rowspan=2 style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''4060'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''4060'''
!rowspan=2| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1979/R|title=Rick Mears – 1979 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[Penske Racing|Penske]] PC-6
! [[Penske Racing|Penske]] PC-6
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|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''4th'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''4th'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''2866'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''2866'''
!rowspan=2| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1980/R|title=Rick Mears – 1980 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[Penske Racing|Penske]] PC-9
! [[Penske Racing|Penske]] PC-9
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|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''304'''
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''304'''
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1981/R|title=Rick Mears – 1981 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[1982 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1982]]
| [[1982 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1982]]
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|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''294'''
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''294'''
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1982/R|title=Rick Mears – 1982 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan=2| [[1983 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1983]]
|rowspan=2| [[1983 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1983]]
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|rowspan=2 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''6th'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''6th'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''92'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''92'''
!rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1983/R|title=Rick Mears – 1983 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[Penske Racing|Penske]] PC-10B
! [[Penske Racing|Penske]] PC-10B
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|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''5th'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''5th'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''110'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''110'''
!rowspan=2| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1984/R|title=Rick Mears – 1984 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[March Engineering|March]] 84C
! [[March Engineering|March]] 84C
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|style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''10th'''
|style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''10th'''
|style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''51'''
|style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''51'''
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1985/R|title=Rick Mears – 1985 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan=3| [[1986 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1986]]
|rowspan=3| [[1986 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1986]]
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|rowspan=3 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''8th'''
|rowspan=3 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''8th'''
|rowspan=3 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''89'''
|rowspan=3 style="background:#CFEAFF;"| '''89'''
!rowspan=3| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1986/R|title=Rick Mears – 1986 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[Penske Racing|Penske]] PC-15
! [[Penske Racing|Penske]] PC-15
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|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''5th'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''5th'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''102'''
|rowspan=2 style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''102'''
!rowspan=2| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1987/R|title=Rick Mears – 1987 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[March Engineering|March]] 86C
! [[March Engineering|March]] 86C
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|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''4th'''
|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''4th'''
|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''129'''
|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''129'''
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1988/R|title=Rick Mears – 1988 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[1989 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1989]]
| [[1989 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1989]]
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|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '''2nd'''
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '''2nd'''
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '''186'''
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '''186'''
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1989/R|title=Rick Mears – 1989 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[1990 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1990]]
| [[1990 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1990]]
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|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| '''3rd'''
|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| '''3rd'''
|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| '''168'''
|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| '''168'''
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1990/R|title=Rick Mears – 1990 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[1991 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1991]]
| [[1991 CART PPG Indy Car World Series|1991]]
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|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''4th'''
|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''4th'''
|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''145'''
|style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '''145'''
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1991/R|title=Rick Mears – 1991 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[1992 PPG Indy Car World Series|1992]]
| [[1992 PPG Indy Car World Series|1992]]
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|style="background:#CFCFFF;"| '''13th'''
|style="background:#CFCFFF;"| '''13th'''
|style="background:#CFCFFF;"| '''47'''
|style="background:#CFCFFF;"| '''47'''
!<ref>{{cite web|url=https://racing-reference.info/drivdet/mearsri01/1992/R|title=Rick Mears – 1992 CART Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>
|}
|}


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([[Template:American Open Wheel driver results legend|key]]) (<span style="font-size:85%">'''Bold'''&nbsp;– Pole position. *&nbsp;– Most laps led.</span>)
([[Template:American Open Wheel driver results legend|key]]) (<span style="font-size:85%">'''Bold'''&nbsp;– Pole position. *&nbsp;– Most laps led.</span>)
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:75%"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:75%"
!colspan=11| [[International Race of Champions]] results
!colspan=12| [[International Race of Champions]] results
|-
|-
! Season
! Season
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! Pos.
! Pos.
! Points
! Points
! Ref
|-
|-
! [[IROC VI|1978–79]]
! [[IROC VI|1978–79]]
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! NA
! NA
! -
! -
! <ref>{{cite web|title=Rick Mears – 1979 IROC Results|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/driver-season-stats/mearsri01/1979/I/|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[IROC VII|1979–80]]
! [[IROC VII|1979–80]]
Line 1,221: Line 1,238:
! 3rd
! 3rd
! 31
! 31
! <ref>{{cite web|title=Rick Mears – 1980 IROC Results|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/driver-season-stats/mearsri01/1980/I/|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[IROC X|1986]]
! [[IROC X|1986]]
Line 1,231: Line 1,249:
! 12th
! 12th
! 25
! 25
! <ref>{{cite web|title=Rick Mears – 1986 IROC Results|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/driver-season-stats/mearsri01/1986/I/|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[IROC XIII|1989]]
! [[IROC XIII|1989]]
Line 1,241: Line 1,260:
! 11th
! 11th
! 24
! 24
! <ref>{{cite web|title=Rick Mears – 1989 IROC Results|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/driver-season-stats/mearsri01/1989/I/|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref>
|}
|}


Latest revision as of 00:55, 12 November 2024

Rick Mears
Mears in 2021
BornRick Ravon Mears
(1951-12-03) December 3, 1951 (age 73)
Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Championship titles
CART Championship Car (1979, 1981, 1982)
Major victories
Pikes Peak Hill Climb (1976)
Indianapolis 500 (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991)
Pocono 500 (1982, 1985, 1987)
Michigan 500 (1991)
Champ Car career
203 races run over 17 years
Best finish1st (1979 (CART), 1981, 1982)
First race1976 California 500 (Ontario)
Last race1992 Michigan 500 (Michigan)
First win1978 Rex Mays Classic (Milwaukee)
Last win1991 Michigan 500 (Michigan)
Wins Podiums Poles
29 75 40

Richard Ravon Mears[1] (born December 3, 1951) is a retired American race car driver. He is one of four men to win the Indianapolis 500 four times (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991) and is the current record-holder for pole positions in the race with six (1979, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991). Mears is also a three-time Indycar series/World Series champion (1979, 1981 and 1982).

Biography

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Mears was born in Wichita, Kansas and raised in Bakersfield, California. He began his racing career in off-road racing. In 1976, he was recommended by a representative of Bill Simpson's helmet company, and Simpson gave him a ride at the USAC Champ Car's California 500 on an old Eagle-Offenhauser, finishing 8th. Simpson then sold the car to Art Sugai, on condition that Mears would continue driving it. In mid 1977 he switched to Theodore Racing.

His speed attracted the attention of Roger Penske. Although at the time Penske Racing had the services of Mario Andretti and Tom Sneva, Andretti was also racing in Formula One with Lotus, and Penske wanted another young driver who would focus exclusively on American racing. For 1978, Mears was offered a part-time ride in nine of the 18 championship races, filling in when Andretti was overseas. The arrangement also included a ride at the Indianapolis 500.

In his rookie appearance at Indy, Mears qualified on the front row and was the first rookie to qualify over 200 mph. When the race began, Mears discovered his helmet was not strapped on tight enough and he had to pit to get it safely secured. He did not lead a lap and retired at 104 laps with a blown engine. He ended up sharing "Rookie of the Year" honors with Larry Rice. Two weeks later, the Rex Mays Classic at Milwaukee, he won his first race. He added another win a month later at Atlanta and rounded off the year with his first road course win at Brands Hatch. Because of his terrific showing as a rookie, Mears was elevated to full-time status for 1979 after teammate and series champion Tom Sneva and Penske parted company.

1979

[edit]
Mears' winning car from the 1979 Indianapolis 500

In 1979 the National Championship sanction changed from the USAC to CART. At Indianapolis he won his first "500", staying at the front of the field, taking advantage when Bobby Unser fell out of contention with mechanical trouble. Three wins and four second places in the eleven CART-eligible races won Mears his first championship. His worst finish in the season was seventh in Trenton's second heat.

1980

[edit]

In 1980 the ground effect Chaparral was technologically more advanced than the other chassis, and Johnny Rutherford drove it to his 3rd Indianapolis 500 win, going on to dominate the season. Mears finished in fourth place in the points with one win, scored at Mexico City.

In 1980 Mears was offered a Formula One test with Brabham by then team boss Bernie Eccelstone. Mears took interest in the test largely because of the ongoing split between CART and USAC and wanted other options in case CART fell apart. Mears tested with Brabham twice, once at Paul Ricard and once at Riverside. After adjusting his driving style to the Brabham BT49 Mears posted lap times within half a second of future three time Formula One champion and then Brabham driver Nelson Piquet at the first test. During the second test Mears posted lap times faster than Piquet's. Piquet was so impressed with Mears' driving and enjoyed their time spent together so much that he endorsed bringing Mears on as a second driver. Eccelstone offered Mears a contract with Brabham that Mears ultimately declined. Mears would later say in his memoir that although he felt that Brabham was a strong team and that he had the skill to compete for wins in Formula One he was unsure about moving to Europe and was still interested in oval racing as the main reasons for declining Eccelstone's offer.[2]

1981–1982

[edit]

The 1981 and 1982 seasons saw two more championships for Mears. Despite facial burns during a pit fire in the 1981 Indianapolis 500, Mears' ten race victories in the two-year span were enough for another two Indycar championship titles. At the 1982 Indianapolis 500 he came within 0.16 of a second of adding a second Indy win. With less than 20 laps to go, during Mears' final pit stop, the crew filled the entire tank rather than giving him only the amount he needed to finish. The delay left him more than 11 seconds behind Gordon Johncock. Mears made up the difference when Johncock suffered handling problems, but failed to secure the win. The photo finish stood for 10 years as the closest finish to an Indy 500. The photo-finish also muffled out the controversial pace-lap crash with teammate Kevin Cogan who appeared to have spun out for no apparent reason; fellow drivers such as Gordon Johncock, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser, charged Mears with causing the crash by bringing the field down at a slow pace.

1983–1984

[edit]
Mears' winning car from the 1984 Indianapolis 500

For 1983 the Penske team acquired the Pennzoil sponsorship with its yellow paint scheme. Teammate Al Unser took that year's title. The team switched to the March chassis for the 1984 Indianapolis 500 after the Penske chassis proved unsuccessful in the first two races of the year. Mears scored his second Indy win that May but suffered severe leg injuries later in the year in a crash at Sanair Super Speedway. The March chassis, like most contemporary open-wheel racing cars, sat the driver far forward in the nose, with little protection for the legs and feet.

1985–1987

[edit]
Mears in a Penske PC-16 chassis during practice for the 1987 Indianapolis 500

After the Sanair crash, Mears was slowed by the injuries to his right foot that affected him throughout the remainder of his career. Over the next three seasons, he won only two races. He completed a comeback from his injuries by winning the 1985 Pocono 500. In 1986, he won the pole position for the Indianapolis 500, but finished 3rd. He also won the 1987 Pocono 500.

1988–1990

[edit]
Mears' winning car from the 1988 Indianapolis 500

In 1988, after several years using the March chassis, the Penske team utilized a new car, the PC-17, with a Chevrolet racing engine. Mears used the new car to win the Indianapolis 500. A year later, he took a record-setting fifth pole position at Indy, but retired from the race with mechanical problems. Emerson Fittipaldi took the 500 and also beat Mears to the Championship in the last race at Laguna Seca Raceway, despite Mears winning that race. Also, that last race of 1989 set Mears apart from all other Indycar racers as he broke a tie with Bobby Rahal for race wins and became the most successful Indycar racer of the 1980s. In his winner's circle interview, when asked about breaking his road course dry spell when his specialty has been ovals through the years, he replied to Jack Arute, "Well, I guess there is hope for us old circle track drivers after all."

Fittipaldi joined Mears at Penske for 1990, but the year belonged to Al Unser Jr., who scored six wins. 1990 was Mears' last in the Pennzoil paint scheme as Marlboro took over as sponsor of the team, and Jim Hall re-entered Indycar.

1991–1992

[edit]
Mears' winning car from the 1991 Indianapolis 500

In 1991 during a practice session Mears hit the wall at Indianapolis for the first time in his career. The next day, he climbed into his backup car and claimed his record 6th career pole position. Twenty laps from the end of the 500, it looked like Mears was set to be the runner-up behind Michael Andretti. However, when a subsequent yellow flag period erased Andretti's 15-second lead, Mears gained the lead as Andretti opted to pit for fuel. It was a short-lived lead, as Andretti passed Mears around the outside into the first turn. A lap later Mears regained the lead, using the same move Andretti had. Turning up his turbocharger, he then pulled away to win a fourth Indy 500, becoming the third driver to do so. In August 1991, in the Michigan 500, he won his last race.

At the 1992 Indianapolis 500 Mears broke a wrist in a crash during practice and then crashed out of the race for the first time in his career as he could not avoid Jim Crawford's spinning car in turn 1. He raced only four more times in 1992 and then announced his retirement from racing at the Penske team's Christmas party. No one except Penske himself and Rick's wife, Chris, knew of his plans to retire. He had just turned 41 years old.

Mears' Penske PC-20 at Laguna Seca in 1991

As of 2023, Rick Mears continues to work as a consultant and spotter for Penske Racing, the team with which he won all of his Indycar races. He has acted as a mentor for Penske drivers Helio Castroneves, Will Power, and Scott McLaughlin.

Personal life

[edit]

Mears is the brother of Roger Mears, father of off-road and open-wheel racer Clint Mears, and the uncle of former NASCAR Cup Series driver Casey Mears. His marriage to his first wife Dina ended in divorce in 1983. He married Chris Bowen in 1986 whom he divorced in 2002.[3]

Awards

[edit]

Motorsports career results

[edit]

American Open-Wheel racing

[edit]

USAC

[edit]

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position)

Year Team Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Rank Points
1976 Bill Simpson Eagle 72 Offenhauser L4t PHX TRE INDY MIL POC MCH TWS TRE MIL ONT
8 		MCH 16th 390
Art Sugai TWS
9 		PHX
9
1977 Art Sugai Eagle 72 Offenhauser L4t ONT
24 		PHX
DNQ 		TWS
15 		TRE INDY
DNQ 		MIL 19th 555
Theodore Racing McLaren M16C/D POC
30 		MOS MCH
6 		TWS
7 		MIL
5 		ONT
26 		MCH
8 		PHX
1978 Team Penske Penske PC-6 Cosworth DFX V8t PHX
5 		ONT TWS TRE INDY
23 		MOS
2 		MIL
1 		POC MCH
22 		ATL
1 		TWS
9 		MIL
2 		ONT
9 		MCH TRE SIL
2 		BRH
1 		PHX 9th 2171
1979 ONT
 TWS
 INDY
1 		MIL
 POC
 TWS
 MIL
 - 0
1980 ONT
21 		INDY
5 		MIL
5 		POC
12 		MDO
9 		7th 766
1981-82 INDY
30 		POC
 ILL
 DUQ
 ISF
 INDY
2 		7th 800
1982-83 SPR DUQ NAZ INDY
3 		3rd 700
1983-84 DUQ
 INDY
1 		1st 1,000

CART Series

[edit]

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position)

Year Team Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Rank Points Ref
1979 Team Penske Penske PC-7 Cosworth DFX V8t PHX
2 		ATL
5 		ATL
2 		MCH
4 		MCH
5 		TRE
1 		ONT
2 		MCH
3 		ATL
1 		PHX
3 		1st 4060 [5]
Penske PC-6 INDY
1 		TRE
5 		TRE
7 		WGL
2
1980 Team Penske Penske PC-7 Cosworth DFX V8t ONT
21 		4th 2866 [6]
Penske PC-9 INDY
5 		MIL
5 		POC
12 		MDO
9 		MCH
4 		WGL
2 		MIL
2 		ONT
3 		MCH
3 		MEX
1 		PHX
7
1981 Team Penske Penske PC-9B Cosworth DFX V8t PHX
4 		MIL ATL
1 		ATL
1 		MCH
3 		RIV
1 		MIL
2 		MCH
1 		WGL
1 		MEX
1 		PHX
8 		1st 304 [7]
1982 Team Penske Penske PC-10 Cosworth DFX V8t PHX
1 		ATL
1 		MIL
3 		CLE
4 		MCH
15 		MIL
12 		POC
1 		RIV
1 		ROA
5 		MCH
25 		PHX
2 		1st 294 [8]
1983 Team Penske Penske PC-11 Cosworth DFX V8t ATL
8 		INDY
3 		MIL
3 		CLE
7 		MCH
4 		ROA
17 		6th 92 [9]
Penske PC-10B POC
3 		RIV
19 		MDO
9 		MCH
1 		CPL
13 		LAG
21 		PHX
17
1984 Team Penske Penske PC-12 Cosworth DFX V8t LBH
21 		PHX
18 		5th 110 [10]
March 84C INDY
1 		MIL
2 		POR
10 		MEA
10 		CLE
4 		MCH
3 		ROA
4 		POC
2 		MDO
5 		SAN
Wth 		MCH PHX LAG CPL
1985 Team Penske March 85C Cosworth DFX V8t LBH INDY
21 		MIL
3 		POR MEA CLE MCH
30 		ROA POC
1 		MDO SAN MCH
2 		LAG PHX MIA 10th 51 [11]
1986 Team Penske March 86C Cosworth DFX V8t PHX
19 		INDY
3 		MIL
3 		POR
16 		CLE
4 		TOR
8 		MCH
12 		POC
8 		8th 89 [12]
Penske PC-15 Chevrolet 265A V8t LBH
20 		MEA
19 		SAN
18 		LAG
17 		MIA
3
March 86C MDO
17 		MCH
8 		ROA
3 		PHX
20
1987 Team Penske Penske PC-16 Chevrolet 265A V8t LBH
9 		PHX
20 		POR
3 		MEA
18 		CLE
7 		TOR
10 		5th 102 [13]
March 86C INDY
23 		MIL
21 		MCH
21 		POC
1 		ROA
9 		MDO
4 		NAZ
3 		LAG
3 		MIA
5
1988 Team Penske Penske PC-17 Chevrolet 265A V8t PHX
22 		LBH
8 		INDY
1 		MIL
1 		POR
6 		CLE
23 		TOR
6 		MEA
3 		MCH
13 		POC
23 		MDO
3 		ROA
12 		NAZ
7 		LAG
5 		MIA
2 		4th 129 [14]
1989 Team Penske Penske PC-18 Chevrolet 265A V8t PHX
1 		LBH
5 		INDY
23 		MIL
1 		DET
5 		POR
8 		CLE
5 		MEA
4 		TOR
5 		MCH
7 		POC
2 		MDO
6 		ROA
3 		NAZ
2 		LAG
1 		2nd 186 [15]
1990 Team Penske Penske PC-19 Chevrolet 265A V8t PHX
1 		LBH
6 		INDY
5 		MIL
2 		DET
4 		POR
5 		CLE
8 		MEA
2 		TOR
12 		MCH
14 		DEN
7 		VAN
4 		MDO
7 		ROA
3 		NAZ
2 		LAG
4 		3rd 168 [16]
1991 Team Penske Penske PC-20 Chevrolet 265A V8t SRF
3 		LBH
4 		PHX
5 		INDY
1 		MIL
15 		DET
5 		POR
6 		CLE
17 		MEA
3 		TOR
20 		MCH
1 		DEN
8 		VAN
6 		MDO
6 		ROA
15 		NAZ
15 		LAG
5 		4th 145 [17]
1992 Team Penske Penske PC-21 Chevrolet 265B V8t SRF
2 		PHX
8 		LBH
6 		INDY
26 		DET POR
7 		MIL
16 		NHA
4 		TOR MCH
16 		CLE ROA VAN MDO NAZ LAG 13th 47 [18]

Indianapolis 500 results

[edit]
Year Chassis Engine Start Finish Note Team
1977 Eagle 72 Offenhauser L4t DNQ Did not qualify Art Sugai
1978 Penske PC-6 Cosworth DFX V8t 3 23 Engine Failure Team Penske
1979 Penske PC-6 Cosworth DFX V8t 1 1 Running Team Penske
1980 Penske PC-9 Cosworth DFX V8t 6 5 Running Team Penske
1981 Penske PC-9B Cosworth DFX V8t 22 30 Pit lane fire Team Penske
1982 Penske PC-10 Cosworth DFX V8t 1 2 Running Team Penske
1983 Penske PC-11 Cosworth DFX V8t 3 3 Running Team Penske
1984 March 84C Cosworth DFX V8t 3 1 Running Team Penske
1985 March 85C Cosworth DFX V8t 10 21 Gear linkage Team Penske
1986 March 86C Cosworth DFX V8t 1 3 Running Team Penske
1987 March 86C Chevrolet 265A V8t 3 23 Ignition Team Penske
1988 Penske PC-17 Chevrolet 265A V8t 1 1 Running Team Penske
1989 Penske PC-18 Chevrolet 265A V8t 1 23 Engine failure Team Penske
1990 Penske PC-19 Chevrolet 265A V8t 2 5 Running Team Penske
1991 Penske PC-20 Chevrolet 265A V8t 1 1 Running Team Penske
1992 Penske PC-21 Chevrolet 265B V8t 9 26 Crash Team Penske

Indy 500 qualifying results

[edit]
Year Att # Date Time Qual
Day 		Car # Laps Qual
Time 		Qual
Speed 		Rank Start Comment
1977 85 05-22 16:02 4 90 1 — — — — Incomplete run; pulled off
96 05-22 17:21 4 90 2 — — — — Incomplete run; waved off
1978 10 05-20 12:13 1 71 4 2:59.93 200.078 4 3  
1979 34 05-13 16:39 1 9 4 3:05.82 193.736 1 1  
1980 1 05-10 11:05 1 1 4 3:12.01 187.490 7 6  
1981 34 05-16 13:41 1 6 2 — — — — Incomplete run; pulled off
53 05-16 15:52 2 68 4 3:05.55 194.018 10 22  
1982 2 05-15 11:09 1 1 4 2:53.91 207.004 1 1 1 and 4 lap track records
1983 7 05-21 11:39 1 2 4 2:56.211 204.301 3 3  
1984 2 05-12 12:25 1 6 4 2:53.204 207.847 3 3  
1985 29 05-11 17:10 1 1 4 2:51.595 209.796 10 10  
1986 9 05-10 12:40 1 4 4 2:46.030 216.828 1 1 1 and 4 lap track records
1987 3 05-09 11:19 1 8T 4 2:50.239 211.467 3 3  
1988 23 05-14 13:58 1 5 4 2:44.235 219.198 1 1 1 and 4 lap track records
1989 20 05-14 14:09 1 4 4 2:40.797 223.885 1 1 1 and 4 lap track records
1990 6 05-13 16:57 1 2 4 2:40.560 224.215 2 2  
1991 16 05-11 12:51 1 3T 4 2:40.633 224.113 2 1  
1992 21 05-09 17:48 1 4 4 2:40.289 224.594 10 9  

International Race of Champions

[edit]

(key) (Bold – Pole position. * – Most laps led.)

International Race of Champions results
Season Make Q1 Q2 Q3 1 2 3 4 Pos. Points Ref
1978–79 Chevy MCH MCH
7 		RSD RSD ATL NA - [19]
1979–80 MCH MCH
3 		RSD RSD
4 		ATL
2 		3rd 31 [20]
1986 Chevy DAY
9 		MOH
12 		TAL
8 		GLN
9 		12th 25 [21]
1989 Chevy DAY
8 		NZH
10 		MCH
9 		GLN
9 		11th 24 [22]

Books

[edit]
  • Tremayne, David (1991). Racers Apart: Memories of motorsport heroes. UK: Motor Racing Publications Ltd. p. 293. ISBN 0-947981-58-6.
  • Kirby, Gordon (2008). Rick Mears * Thanks: The Story of Rick Mears and the Mears Gang. US: Crash Media Group. p. 264. ISBN 978-1-905334-30-8.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Rick Mears". www.champcarstats.com. Retrieved 2023-06-07.
  2. ^ Kirby, Gordon (21 December 2015). "Rick Mears's 1980 F1 tests with Brabham". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  3. ^ "ESPN Classic - Mears used high pass to beat Andretti".
  4. ^ Rick Mears at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
  5. ^ "Rick Mears – 1979 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  6. ^ "Rick Mears – 1980 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  7. ^ "Rick Mears – 1981 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  8. ^ "Rick Mears – 1982 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  9. ^ "Rick Mears – 1983 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  10. ^ "Rick Mears – 1984 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  11. ^ "Rick Mears – 1985 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  12. ^ "Rick Mears – 1986 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  13. ^ "Rick Mears – 1987 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  14. ^ "Rick Mears – 1988 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  15. ^ "Rick Mears – 1989 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  16. ^ "Rick Mears – 1990 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  17. ^ "Rick Mears – 1991 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  18. ^ "Rick Mears – 1992 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  19. ^ "Rick Mears – 1979 IROC Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  20. ^ "Rick Mears – 1980 IROC Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  21. ^ "Rick Mears – 1986 IROC Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  22. ^ "Rick Mears – 1989 IROC Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rick Mears.
Sporting positions
Preceded by Indianapolis 500
Rookie of the Year
1978
With Larry Rice 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Indianapolis 500
Winner
1979 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Indianapolis 500
Winner
1984 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Indianapolis 500
Winner
1988 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Indianapolis 500
Winner
1991 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
None
 PPG Indycar World Series
Champion
1979 		Succeeded by
Preceded by PPG Indycar World Series
Champion
1981-1982 		Succeeded by
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