Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Daytona 500 champion Austin Cindric shares a heartfelt message over IndyCar legend Gil de Ferran’s death

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Justin P Joy | Last updated 12/30/23

The Motorsports world is mourning the death of the 2003 IndyCar champion Gil de Ferran, who passed away at 56. Ferran holds the fastest lap recorded in a close circuit or an oval. In 2000, driving for Team Penske Racing, his 241.428 mph lap at Fontana two decades ago is still the fastest someone ever drove on an oval track.

The 2022 Daytona 500 winner and the 2022 Cup Rookie of the Season, Austin Cindric, has taken it to the X to share a heartfelt message on de Ferran’s death. For the Team Penske Racing No:2 Ford driver, de Ferran is someone he saw as a hero growing up. He shared his thoughts and extended his condolences to the racer’s family.

One of my heroes gone way too soon. And one of the best laughs. Thoughts tonight are with the family and those that are close. Love you, Gil.
Cindric posted on X.

De Ferran has won two CART Championships with Team Penske Racing and has also won a British F3 title. He retired from the sport when he was at his peak form in 2003 when he finished the season P2 in the Championship and won the Indy 500. He will always be remembered for his speed record at Fontana.

One of my heroes gone way too soon. And one of the best laughs. Thoughts tonight are with the family and those that are close. Love you Gil. pic.twitter.com/MA6R3cZdRI
— Austin Cindric (@AustinCindric) December 30, 2023

Roger Penske releases a statement on Gil de Ferran’s death

Penske, who allowed the de Ferran to shine at the top stage and prove his worth, released a statement about the demise of his champion driver. Roger Penske admitted that he sees de Ferran’s loss as a terrible loss to the Motor racing community.

He was a great friend to the Team Penske and IndyCar family, as well as the entire international motorsports community. Gil’s passing is a terrible loss, and he will be deeply missed.

Gil de Ferran will be forever remembered for his contributions to the racing community, and his impressive Fontana lap will be his biggest legacy. Fans can find solace in the fact that he took his final breath at a private motorsport club in Opa Locka, Florida, a place that might have given him one last opportunity to gaze at a race track.