Secret of Johnson's success is no desert mirage Nov 13, 2008
Shortly after winning the first of his record-equaling four Indy 500s in 1979, Rick Mears entertained a small group of writers in his garage. Outside, a larger group of stunned media wondered how a desert racer could have won the world's grandest motorsports event. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Bigelow legacy races into third generation Aug 30, 2008
His career was prevalent when the 'greats of racing' included A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Al and Bobby Unser, Johnny Rutherford and Rick Mears. "I'm probably more enthused than they are," the senior Bigelow said. (Winchester News-Gazette, IN)
CHANGES NEEDED: How Penske can join the Big Four Aug 20, 2008
At one time in the not-too-distant past, Ryan Newman seemed headed for a Penske-for-life career, on the same track as Mark Donohue and Rick Mears. But last week, Newman ditched those plans and jumped in with Tony Stewart to drive for the new Stewart-Haas team next season, a move he made as a result of performance issues -- which is a respectful way of saying we're not running strong enough to stick around. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Anthony Wayne graduate traveled world for motor sports Aug 17, 2008
I always took interest in them and looked up to them because in most cases they were the drivers I watched and idolized growing up Foyt, the Unsers, Mario, Gordon Johncock, Parnelli Jones, Johnny Rutherford, Rick Mears, Tom Sneva I always took any opportunity I could to include these guys in photo ops, interviews, etc ... It is neat to think Bobby Unser and I are very good friends, I would have never believed Id have Rick Mears cell number and almost every time I see A.J. Foyt I call him... (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Benson: Brickyard edge goes to Kyle Busch Jul 26, 2008
Gordon should be happy to be returning to Indy, where he is on a short list with three other drivers (A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears) who have won four Brickyard races. The No. 24 Chevy of Hendrick Motorsports has finished in the top 10 at Indy in four of its last five starts and those results included a win in 2004. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Auto racing Q&A: Ganassi teams share a thing called winning Jun 17, 2008
"Is that what sports has come to? If so, I think our country's in a lot of trouble. When you say Joe Montana, Cal Ripken, Rick Mears, Scott Dixon - it's guys who, they didn't go for the headlines. They performed their task day in, day out at a very, very high level for a long period of time. Those are the guys you respect the most.". Ganassi, who will field Dixon and teammates Dan Wheldon in Newton, spoke with The Des Moines Register about his unparalleled recent success in IndyCar and Grand-Am,... (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
'>Racing notes: IRL to take look at 2011car rules Jun 6, 2008
" Elsewhere: Because China is shutting-down nitromethane production until after the Olympics, NHRA is acting to conserve supplies. It has suspended Top Fuel and Funny Car testing after national events. Thanks, Rick Popular four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears long has signed autographs by adding "thanks" after his name. ". The fans are the ones who pay the bills and make our sport what it is, and you've got to take care of them," Mears explains in his new book, Rick Mears: Thanks (CMG... (AZCentral -- Sports)
Mears looking for shot at consistency at Hendrick Jun 5, 2008
His uncle Rick Mears is the four-time Indianapolis 500 champion, and the relatives shared an emotional conversation after Casey Mears finally burst through into Victory Lane. The milestone victory, though, did little to spark Mears' season. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Briscoe gets IndyCar win Jun 3, 2008
He dedicated the win to former Penske driver Rick Mears, a four-time Indy winner who is now a consultant for the team. Mears was honored before the race on the 30th anniversary of his first win. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Take that Danica! Briscoe wins IndyCar race Jun 2, 2008
He dedicated the win to former Penske driver Rick Mears, a four-time Indy winner who is now a consultant for the team. Mears was honored before the race on the 30th anniversary of his first win, which came on the same track. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Wake up, boys: She's the drama May 27, 2008
He didn't evoke memories of Rick Mears' or Al Unser's dominant performances. When Dixon crossed the finish line, securing his first Indy 500 win, I stood about 100 yards from the start/finish line. (Albany Times Union)
Morning Leadoff May 27, 2008
From 1D: On this date in 1984, Rick Mears won the Indianapolis 500 by the largest margin in 17 years with a record-setting 163. 612 mph. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Fisher's tough Indy ends with crash May 26, 2008
"I really wanted to go to Kentucky, and now I don't know if we're going to do that or not,'' she said.It was the second consecutive year, three women started the race. Danica Patrick finished 22nd after being taken out in a pit crash, while Venezuela's Milka Duno was 19th after crashing on Lap 169.---DANCING WITH THE PACK: Two-time Indy winner Helio Castroneves may be a masterful dancer.But his fleet feet couldn't help him get to back to Victory Lane.Castroneves, who finished first, first and... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Miserable month ends for Fisher May 26, 2008
He and Rick Mears had shared the record at six. Buddy Rice also led early Sunday, marking the first time since his 2004 win he's held the lead at Indy. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Auto racing, WNBA, prep baseball, softball May 26, 2008
Indianapolis 500 Winners2008 Scott Dixon, 2007 Dario Franchitti, 2006 Sam Hornish Jr., 2005 Dan Wheldon, 2004 Buddy Rice, 2003 Gil de Ferran, 2002 Helio Castroneves, 2001 Helio Castroneves, 2000 Juan Montoya1999 Kenny Brack, 1998 Eddie Cheever, 1997 Arie Luyendyk Sr., 1996 Buddy Lazier, 1995 Jacques Villeneuve, 1994 Al Unser Jr., 1993 Emerson Fittipaldi, 1992 Al Unser Jr., 1991 Rick Mears, 1990 Arie Luyendyk Sr.1989 Emerson Fittipaldi, 1988 Rick Mears,... (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Penske tries for triple crown at Indy May 24, 2008
Of Penske's 14 Indy winners, only two - Rick Mears and Castroneves - have won multiple times. Mears is one of three four-time winners, and Castroneves pulled the rare back-to-back feat in 2001 and 2002. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Coke 600 Q&A May 24, 2008
" Pit strategy might well come into play as teams attempt to stretch mileage late in the race. Last year, Casey Mears remained on the track while other leaders pitted for fuel. His gamble paid off, and he earned his first Cup win. Q: Why will Mears, though, have 500 on his mind? A: Mears will be watching the Indianapolis 500 with great interest. His uncle, Rick Mears, won that race four times. His father, Roger, ran in it twice. Mears will also be driving the 500th chassis produced by Hendrick... (AZCentral -- Sports)
Patrick could steer herself to victory lane May 22, 2008
You're not only racing other cars, four-time champion Rick Mears once said, you are racing the weather and track as well. The Indy 500 favors a certain style of driver smooth and fast. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Book celebrates Michigan International Speedway May 15, 2008
It's a great time to reflect on what has transpired there since 1968, and names such as Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, the late Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, Rick Mears, Parnelli Jones, Bill Elliott and Cale Yarborough come to mind. It is the same positive reflection I experienced while reading "40 Years of Champions," which is published by the Jackson Citizen Patriot. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Before split, big names, big finishes ruled at Indy May 14, 2008
That includes Rick Mears, whose record-tying four wins came during that time. Ten of the most memorable moments from the Indy 500 in the CART era at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (USA Today -- Sports)
Auto Racing: Plenty of reasons to chase Indy glory May 14, 2008
Member of the Sun-Times News Group. Become a member of our community. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Indianapolis 500: Briscoe, Penske on second run May 12, 2008
"It helps to have people like Roger Penske and [team consultant] Rick Mears around. They're all about patience.". Briscoe learned what it took to be successful the hard way, by losing one of the coveted full-time jobs in the Indy Racing League and nearly dropping off the radar. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Indy 500 notebook: Castroneves aims at pole May 10, 2008
Former Indy 500 winner Rick Mears tutors new driver crop ... There's not much Rick Mears needs to teach this year's Indy 500 rookies about driving. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Castroneves wants another Indy pole for his birthday May 10, 2008
TEACHER MEARS: There's not much Rick Mears needs to teach this year's Indy 500 rookies about driving. They've already got plenty of experience behind the wheel. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Indy 500: Fast Friday full of action May 10, 2008
" Based on Penske's past at Indy, he may have reason to be more optimistic than cautious. The team has had 34 front-row starts dating back to 1971, including 14 poles. Those marks likely would be even more impressive had not Penske skipped the 500 from 1996-2000 due to the split between the Indy Racing League and CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams). Rick Mears bagged a record six poles while driving for Penske and is considered by many to be the greatest qualifier ever at the Indianapolis... (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Get ready to rumble May 6, 2008
I loved Rick Mears, for some reason, and I rooted against A. J. Foyt because he seemed like such an ass, even though he was so good. A couple of things happened that ruined it for me. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Twenty years after demise, Mint 400 race will be reborn Mar 26, 2008
During its heyday, the race attracted Indianapolis 500 winners such as Parnelli Jones, Al Unser Sr. and Rick Mears, off-road racing pioneers Mickey Thompson, Walker Evans and Ivan Stewart, actors James Garner and Steve McQueen and astronaut Gordon Cooper. The brainchild of Norm Johnson, the former publicity director of Del Webb's Mint Hotel and Casino, the Mint 400 annually drew tens of thousands of spectators (estimates ran as high as 100,000 some years) to Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas... (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Luczo Dragon Racing to Enter Three IndyCar Races in 2008, Including 92nd Indianapolis 500, Raising Money for Charity Feb 16, 2008
He was part of the 1991 Penske Team that claimed the Indy 500 title with Rick Mears driving. He served as chief mechanic for Team Green from 2000-2003 and has managed teams in each of the last four Indy 500 races. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Mergertalks between Champ Car, IRL hit roadblock Feb 9, 2008
"The bottom line is that this is desperately needed. There's no losers in a situation like this, starting with the fans.''Eddie Gossage, president of Texas Motor Speedway, which has a race on the IndyCar schedule, also issued a statement that said, in part, "Reports that open-wheel racing is close to unification is the best thing to happen to the sport since Rick Mears, Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr. and Danny Sullivan were battling each other in front of huge crowds 20 years ago. I hope this deal... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Indy, Champ appear ready to merge Feb 9, 2008
"Reports that open-wheel racing is close to unification is the best thing to happen to the sport since Rick Mears, Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr. and Danny Sullivan were battling each other in front of huge crowds 20 years ago," said Texas Motorspeedway President Eddie Gossage in a press release. "From a promoter's perspective, it will provide our fans with a larger field that could lead to even more exciting races and drama.". (Washington Times, DC)
Serena Williams Jan 30, 2008
Once diva Celine Dion's territory, the community now is home to the likes of baseball Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears and Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres. BAR BANS BIKERS' COLORS. (The Palm Beach Post)
Mears overshadowed by 3 superstar teammates Jan 9, 2008
"There are only so many hours in the day, and if there's one thing I learned it's that the guy who uses those hours the best is going to be the guy who is furthest ahead.''The No. 5 team can't afford to fall behind early. If it does, it most certainly will be left in the dust by the Hendrick stars, and Mears has already experienced that once before.He had high hopes when he joined Hendrick last year after four winless seasons at Chip Ganassi Racing, but a shakeup of the crew just a week before... (MSNBC -- Sports)
SPECIAL EVENT (FRESNO, CA.) - Q&A with four-time NHRA world champ Gary Scelzi Dec 15, 2007
Scelzi received numerous honors this season, including the prestigious Rick Mears Good Guy Award from the American Association of Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters (AARWBA). Q GARY SCELZI. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Sprint Series to have international flavor Oct 19, 2007
A perfect story line, at one time, would have been for him to win the Indy 500 and talk about how he was born in California and now he has something in common with hero Rick Mears. Instead, he won the first time NASCAR invaded Indy, became a 4-time Cup champion and matinee idol, and redefined the sport. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Open-wheel stars fill pipeline toward stock-car side of things Oct 16, 2007
" Gillett Evernham Motorsports owner Ray Evernham says, "If the money wasn't there, they wouldn't be over here wanting to run NASCAR." Long-term cash flow The funding has dried up in U.S. open-wheel racing during the 11 years since political infighting split the sport into two major series. In Champ Car this season, Sebastien Bourdais has won $611,000 while marching toward a fourth consecutive championship. Franchitti won $4,017,583 for this year's IRL IndyCar title. Of the top 25 in Cup, 15... (USA Today -- Sports)
Opinion: NASCARs Race to the Chase a dud Sep 4, 2007
By admittedly laying back, Kanaan prevented anyone else from passing Franchitti tactics racing great Rick Mears said damaged the integrity of sport. Kanaan then won Sundays race in Detroit, putting himself in mathematical contention to win the title while caustically dedicating the performance to Mears. (MSNBC -- Sports)
LOCAL SCENE: Call it a two-for-one special Aug 26, 2007
Gary Scelzi of Fresno, a four-time NHRA champion, will be presented the Rick Mears "Good Guy" award by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. Scelzi will be honored the first week of November at the American Auto Club finals in Pomona. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Indy's quiet man Aug 19, 2007
Sperb's Patrick Racing crew mates spilled over the pit wall on their way to celebrating victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after driver Gordon Johncock held off the hard-charging Rick Mears to win the 1982 Indy 500. The car Johncock flashed across the yard of bricks at the finish line was the last American-made car to win the great race. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
For Jeff Gordon, where does the time go Jul 29, 2007
"Gordon climbed behind the wheel at 5 and moved to Pittsboro at 13 because Indiana let him race 650-horsepower sprint cars three years younger than most states. He idolized Rick Mears and imagined racing in the Indianapolis 500 but instead found opportunities in stock cars.Gordon won 11 poles in his second year in the Busch Series, and by the end of that 1992 season he was driving a Winston Cup car for the Hendrick Motorsports powerhouse. Gordon cried when he won for the first time _ the 1994... (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Murphy's Indy role: Tradition Jul 29, 2007
30-day news archives. A.J. (Foyt) has won in every type of racing, he's been a champion. (Florida Today)
Indy special to drivers, fans and, yes, me Jul 29, 2007
But getting to stand on the front straightaway and walk on the same bricks at the finish line that legends such as Rick Mears, Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt crossed after victories was simply chilling. Let's not forget NASCAR legends Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jeff Gordon winning at the home of the second-largest single-day sporting event. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Edwards catches a good break Jul 27, 2007
Follow the leader When Jeff Gordon tallied his fourth Brickyard 400 victory in 2004, it tied him with legendary open-wheel drivers Al Unser, Rick Mears, and A.J. Foyt -- all four-time winners of the Indianapolis 500 -- for most victories at this famous 2 1/2-mile track. They all rank behind retired Formula One ace Michael Schumacher, who won five F1 races at the Brickyard, albeit on the track's road course. (Boston Globe)
NASCAR team notes Jul 26, 2007
"I grew up an open-wheel fan and a huge fan of Rick Mears and always wanted to race in the Indy 500. Winning at Indianapolis was pretty special, and every time we go there it's just the history and the mystique of the whole race track that I enjoy. You've got the old grandstand and covers just everything about Indy is just neat for everybody. Track position is really important. Obviously, you have to have the whole package. You need horsepower, you need your car to handle good and you have to... (USA Today -- Sports)
Number change would boost merchandising sales Jun 14, 2007
There's speculation he could wind up in the No. 5 that Kyle Busch has been driving or the No. 25 if Rick Mears decides to run the No. 5. Team owner Rick Hendrick said he may try to acquire the rights to the No. 8 from Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
There's still plenty that drives Indy 500 Jun 2, 2007
Mears, the nephew of four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears, knew what it meant to finally win his first NASCAR Nextel Cup race, on Memorial Day, no less. "Obviously, the 500 still means a lot to me," Mears said yesterday at Dover, Del. (Boston Globe)
Here's a look at this week's auto racing activity Jun 1, 2007
Mears is the nephew of Rick Mears, a 4-time Indianapolis 500 champion. Jeff Gordon, who started last week's race with a 231-point lead in the standings, finished 41st and saw his lead shrink to 132 points over Jimmie Johnson. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Focus on: Auto racing this week May 31, 2007
The winner, Casey Mears, is the nephew of Rick Mears, a four-time Indianapolis 500 champion. Jeff Gordon saw his points lead shrink from 231 points to 132. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Mears scores Coca-Cola 600 upset for first Cup victory May 28, 2007
" Mears' first victory was especially meaningful coming on Memorial Day. His uncle, Rick Mears, is a four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. His father, Roger, also raced at Indy. In addition, his car, sponsored by the National Guard, carried the names of fallen soldiers. "What better car to win. " said Mears. retained a 132-point lead in the series despite crashing early and finishing 41st. Mears, who had been on the bubble for a guaranteed starting spot, jumped six places, from 35th to 29th.... (USA Today -- Sports)
3 Andrettis racing May 27, 2007
Michaels best finish in 15 starts was second in 1991, losing an epic battle with four-time winner Rick Mears. Jeffs top performance in three starts was 15th that same year as a rookie. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Newman longs for old days May 27, 2007
idolizing that town's favorite son -- four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears -- and dreaming of following in his footsteps at the Brickyard. "It's something that I'd probably like to do down the road," Harvick said. (News & Observer -- Sports)
A.J. Foyt celebrates 50 years at Indy May 27, 2007
He also was the first to win Indy four times, a feat later matched by Rick Mears and Al Unser Sr., and he owned the winning car driven by Kenny Brack in 1999. (This story continued on page )Page. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Gentlemen, be a star May 26, 2007
Team Penske consultant Rick Mears a four-time Indy winner himself, and the driver Hornish is most often compared to points out that as different as Castroneves and Hornish are outside the car, they re really of one temperament once the engines fire. Outside the car, they re kind of opposite ends, Mears says. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Success aside, Indy holds special place for Wheldon May 26, 2007
" Today in Sports Wheldon's place in Indy's rich tradition is already secure. He won the race in 2005 the first British champion since Graham Hill in 1966 and was a flat tire away from repeating last year. He also finished third in 2004. But he doesn't want to be one of those drivers with one Indy title to his name. He wants to be like the Unsers and Rick Mears and A.J. Foyt, multiple winners at the Brickyard. "The self-satisfaction I got out of winning this race was enough to tide me over for a... (International Herald Tribune)
Pistone: No milk run for Gordon; he'll kiss brick instead May 24, 2007
"Growing up my hero was Rick Mears," Gordon said of the four-time Indy winner. "To me, all that I ever heard about growing up racing sprint cars were Johnny Rutherford and Mario Andretti. I watched the Indy 500 and Rick Mears was the man. I went to the Indianapolis 500 back in 1981, something like that. I think probably the only time I can really remember standing and waiting to get an autograph was for Rick Mears.". (CBS News)
3 women in Indy 500? May 20, 2007
MORE MEMORIESFormer Indy winner Bobby Rahal had his own throwback party Saturday, hosting a 25th anniversary celebration of Gordon Johncocks memorable victory over Rick Mears in 1982. Johncock won by 0. (MSNBC -- Sports)
A.J. Foyt The Legend: Back home again (and again) in Indiana May 20, 2007
He was the first to win Indy four times, a feat later matched by Rick Mears and Al Unser Sr., and he owned the winning car driven by Kenny Brack in 1999. Foyt's temper and competitiveness became as famous as his driving skill. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Ben WhiteGordon's entered into NASCAR world quite by accident 15 years ago Apr 25, 2007
Gordon's entered into NASCAR world quite by accident 15 years ago - The Lexington Dispatch. I told (crew chief) Stevie (Letarte), I owed him one from last week (at Texas), and, you know that one got away from us. (Foster's Daily Democrat)
NASCAR driver profiles Apr 19, 2007
Career starts/wins: 151/0 PIR best finish: 20 Key fact: Nephew of four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears joins new team in pursuit of first top 10 points finish. 26 Jamie McMurray Points: 805 (10) Team: Roush Fenway Racing Sponsor/Car: Crown Royal/Irwin Industrial Tools Ford Hometown: Joplin, Mo. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Michael Andretti to try again for elusive Indy win Apr 4, 2007
Michaels best finish at Indianapolis was second in 1991 to four-time winner Rick Mears. Slide show: The Week in Sports Pictures. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Honda Grand Prix Of St. Petersburg Ready To Roar Mar 30, 2007
Four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears, who has active roles with both Team Penske and the Indy Racing League, says young Andretti did everything he could at the end. "I didn't agree with the first block," he said last week at Homestead. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Harvicks can't watch race finish enough Feb 20, 2007
"I grew up (in Bakersfield, Calif., Rick Mears' hometown) wanting to race Indy cars," he said. "But for stock car racing, this is as big as it gets. Stock cars pretty much were born here."On the flip side of Harvick's euphoria were a wide range of emotions: disappointment (Martin), frustration (Tony Stewart, who crashed while leading with 47 laps to go), relief (Clint Bowyer, who walked away unscathed after crossing the finish with his car upside-down and on fire) and embarrassment (Toyota,... (Indianapolis Star)
Daytona 500 Capsules Feb 18, 2007
Got start in open-wheel racing and is nephew of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears. 18. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Confident Montoya has quiet qualifying day Feb 12, 2007
"It was pretty cool to watch. Hopefully, next year we'll be in it.'' For now, he has other business to take care of. Montoya posted a lap of 185.338 mph Sunday, good for fourth in the time trials portion of Daytona qualifying. That gives him a front-row starting spot for one of Thursday's two 150-mile qualifying races that will help set the field for next Sunday's 500. Montoya, who replaced Casey Mears in the No. 42, has no worries about making the big race. The top 35 entries in last year's car... (MSNBC -- Sports)
