Stan Fox

Stan Fox (born July 7, 1952 in Janesville, Wisconsin; died December 18, 2000, near Waiouru, New Zealand) was a United States open wheel race car driver. Fox was one of the last links between the midget car racing and the Indianapolis 500. [http://www.worthyofhonor.com/Inductees/Stan_Fox.htm Biography] at the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame]

Midget car career

Fox began his career as a midget car racer. He won the 1979 Badger Midget championship, and the 1979 and 1980 Belleville Nationals. He placed in the top twelve in points in nine seasons, even after he raced sporatically after moving to United States Auto Club (USAC) open wheel events. He had 19 USAC career wins. He won the Turkey Night Grand Prix in 1990 at the last event at Ascot Park. He won the 1991 Turkey Night Grand Prix, two Copper Classics, three Rex Easton Memorials at Springfield, Illinois, two Rodger Mauro Classics, and the midget car portion of the 4-Crown National at Eldora Speedway.

IndyCar career

Fox competed in the Indianapolis 500 eight times between 1987 and 1995 driving for A.J. Foyt and Ron Hemelgarn. He was also a motorcycle racing enthusiast.

Nearly fatal crash at Indianapolis

While driving for Ron Hemelgarn, Fox was seriously injured during the 1995 Indianapolis 500 in one of the most horrifying accidents in the history of the race. After starting ninth, Fox went low into the first turn on the first lap of the race and spun. His car collected the car of Eddie Cheever, Jr. and several other cars were involved in the wreck. Fox suffered serious head injuries.

The accident ended Fox's racing career but he continued to stay involved with the sport. He started the non-profit organization "Friends of the Fox" which supports people with head injuries and brings them to the track each May to meet the drivers and get VIP treatment. Fox never gave up his dream of driving a race car again.

Death

Unfortunately, Fox would not survive another brush with death: on 19th December 2000 on the Desert Road some 200 miles south of Auckland, New Zealand, Fox's van collided head on with a car. He was 48 years old.

Career award

*He was inducted in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

Indy 500 results

References

External links

* [http://www.strangesports.com/content/item/5980.html] 1995 Indy 500 Crash Photos
* [http://www.indymotorspeedway.com/stanwreck.jpg] 1995 Indy 500 Crash Photos
* [http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/1059/foxcrsh3.jpg] 1995 Indy 500 Crash Photos
* [http://www.racingone.com/images/articles/4585.jpg] Picture of Stan Fox