Rick Mears' first Indy 500 victory out of four, in 1979, was the second for his car owner who has been a major figure in IndyCar ever since. Who is he?
Rick Mears Rick Ravon Mears (born December 3, 1951 in Wichita, Kansas), also known by the nickname "Rocket Rick," is a retired American race car driver. He is one of three 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).
1987–88 USAC Championship Car season The 1987–88 USAC Gold Crown Championship season consisted of one race, the 72nd Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 1988. The USAC National Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner was Rick Mears.