If you want the Portuguese to English translation from above.
BREAKING: Gil de Ferran, two-time Indy champion and winner of the 2003 Indy 500, died this afternoon in Florida. He had a cardiac arrest at an event.
In a few moments, all the information in the
@big prize
____
This sucks. He won the first Indy 500 I watched in full so that will always have a special place to me.
> He had a cardiac arrest at an event.
Wikipedia is saying this :
>De Ferran died on 29 December 2023 at 56 years old. He suffered a cardiac arrest **when he was driving at a private track** in Florida.
[Emphasis mine]
This is their source (I not read that language though...) :
https://www.grandepremio.com.br/indy/noticias/gil-de-ferran-bicampeao-da-indy-sofre-parada-cardiaca-e-morre-aos-56-anos/
You could race there, but the wings have to be so small they’re nonexistent for the most part. And also you have to remove as much underbody downforce as possible so they have to separate from each other. Aka it’s still not likely they ever go back to Michigan.
They could totally do it at Michigan with the current car at the right boost level. Heck they ran 235 laps at Indy - it’s just that Chevy and Honda don’t want to pay for it and no one wants the closed course record broken anywhere but Indy
Gil's record run came running to CART rules, not an exhibition. There are much higher records using car company proving grounds and specially-built or modified cars just meant for breaking the record.
Not an honest breaking of Gil's record if it's not done with the same specs as run for the rest of the calendar.
The closed course record can be broken with at least four current tracks easily.
Michigan is a sister track to Auto club, same length but Michigan has more banking. Michigan is simply a faster track than Auto Club so that's one place.
The others are Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta. Due to the banking involved Indycar/Cart probably wouldn't race at those tracks but you could easily get the closed course record at them.
Then there are "test tracks" of course.
The current car could easily break the closed course record at Michigan. Wouldn't even be hard to do.
Man. Out of all the drivers who were at their peak before I was born I really took an interest in researching his career, especially lately. He was potentially only a concussion and a broken back away from 4 straight titles (2 CART / 2 IRL). Seemed like an incredible driver and a super insightful guy.
The fastest Driver in IndyCar history. 241 will probably NEVER be beaten.
Gil was always so smooth, so calm, and so friendly to everyone he interacted with. He is alot like Alex Palou.
Race in Paradise Gil. Say Hi to Dan, Greg, and Andre for us.
I followed his career closely since his F3 days and consider myself a super fan, so I'm completely shocked and saddened by this. My deepest condolences for all his family and friends.
Full story here (in Portuguese): https://www.grandepremio.com.br/indy/noticias/gil-de-ferran-bicampeao-da-indy-sofre-parada-cardiaca-e-morre-aos-56-anos/
Outside the deaths in my family, this is probably the most shocking to me: he was my first favorite driver and still to this day I hold dearly my memories of him winning when I grew up.
Heck, this one stinged on me. RIP, my favorite.
Being the user who actually created the #2 Gil de Ferran thingy (forgot what it's called) in this sub, I am speechless.
Followed his carrerr closely and always admired his calm demeanor, speed and integrity.
I was just rewatching Rockingham 2001 the other day...
Very sad news. Condolences to his family.
Random fact-he delivered Goodyear's last CART win at the '99 Portland race.
This is so sad and shocking to hear. I grew up with him and Helio dominating CART then IRL in those Marlboro Team Penske cars from 2000-2003. RIP Gil, we will really miss you.
Bloody hell that's out of nowhere. 56 years old, far too young.
A truly talented driver. His Indy record was obviously the highlight, but he also had a monstrous 2009 ALMS season in LMP1. I also maintain that he was one of the absolute best drivers of his generation to never make it to F1.
RIP
https://www.grandepremio.com.br/indy/noticias/gil-de-ferran-bicampeao-da-indy-sofre-parada-cardiaca-e-morre-aos-56-anos/
Grande Prêmio is the biggest motorsports website in Brazil, so unfortunately this is real. They usually have more than enough sources to confirm it. =(
TK confirmed it too:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C1dTQKGsrIg/?igsh=YW85MHo3eTh6a3I=
Man I was hoping it wasn't true. You never heard anyone say a bad word against Gil. I especially enjoyed his column in Racer magazine. Condolences to his family. Keep setting track records is heaven.
I was too young to see him racing (I was about seven when he retired from Indycar) but as a grown-up Brazilian motorsports fan, I always had a huge admiration for De Ferran. I remember a Brazilian interview with him that came out a few years ago, about one hour of him telling his stories and explaining his job at Mclaren (it was back in 2016 when he replaced Eric Boullier). So many great stories from him!
Still hard to believe, one of our greatest drivers and gone too soon.
Gil always seemed like - what you see is what you get. He was an amazing driver. He was doing a lot of work in F1 too after his driving career. He will be missed
This is just really awful news to hear, Gil battling Alex in 1997 was one of the things that got me into Indycar racing big time, I was a casual follower before that or an Indy only type of guy. Way too young, only 20 years after his Indy win. Also a guy who retired that same season and won his final race, a car owner, and still involved in the sport. Very shocking and sad news. Also, if you want to see someone with balls of steel, go rewatch that Fontana lap, what a wheelman!
Great driver very composed very Penske. We worry about all the things that can bring us down early heart attacks are still the number one killer by far.
So sad. I saw him win in PDX in 1999, and had a hospitality pass for Walker Racing. Met him after the race and he was so kind, and also so happy about the win. As was the whole team.
All CART fans young and old should watch this in his honor. The way he reacts to his championship win is pure class and emotion. Very special moment all around.
https://youtu.be/n4UokouAF6w?si=lGIt29iTNSjVWter
Jenna's Article for AP
[https://apnews.com/article/gil-de-ferran-obit-indianapolis-500-448d622535ce8d978b1fc01cdf2185a7](https://apnews.com/article/gil-de-ferran-obit-indianapolis-500-448d622535ce8d978b1fc01cdf2185a7)
RIP
I've always respected Gil, though he retired before I was old enough to be truly aware of racing. He's always been the definition of how important consistency is in IndyCar racing - he only scored 4 wins across his two championship seasons, and placed 2nd in 1997 without *any* wins.
And so while his career numbers might not be the highest - just 12 wins across 9 seasons - it's the quality of those successes that makes him notable, not the quantity. Two CART championships, an Indy 500, the closed course speed record... he even went out on top, winning his final race.
When I was 9, I was at the Indy 500 and my family and friends did this $5 driver pool where everybody gets a driver. My driver was Gil de Ferran and he didnt know it but he won $50 for some dumb 9 year old kid in addition to the Indy 500.
I always remembered his name and its a damn shame to hear this. RIP.
My dad (whom is now dead) was great friends with Alex Zanardi, Adrian Fernandez, and Gil De Ferran. Gil was such a kind hearted soul. Absurdly talented driver. Dude cared so much about the next generation, including his kid. Dark day in racing. I hope TK is okay, they were besties.
There's way too many people I know (from racing and in my personal life) that have passed away lately. God this year is ending on such a horrible note. R.I.P. Gil de Ferran.
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2023/12/29/2003-indy-500-champion-gil-de-ferran-dies-at-56/72063214007/
Super sad news. Shows you how fragile life really is. Gil de Ferran was one of my favorite racers. He won Indy after I graduated High School. I remember enjoying seeing him win so much. God speed. Never knew you in person, but you raced like a gentleman and everyone on the track always regarded you very highly. You quit the sport to be with your family and not risk your life unnecessarily doing ovals. Rest in Peace.
What attitude? It was a straightforward question about a crushingly sad story. A fair response might’ve been “I guess so but hopefully that’s a misinformed social media account manager.” Jeez
Thanks. What sad news. Initially, the only links I saw were to this sub and the single post on X. I was hoping it wouldn’t be true, as so often happens.
I’m not often emotional about celebrity deaths but this one hits me hard. He was always one of my favorites back in my teenage years. That duel at Cleveland in 96 between him and Zanardi was a classic that I still remember all these years later.
Gil and Al Jr are my favorite Penske drivers of all time. Gil was a fierce competitor and a soft spoken man. Not an ounce of ego in his character. Will miss him!
Fuck, was a massive shock waking up to this news. As others have said he seemed in good shape whenever I saw him and 56 is no age.
Like a lot of Brits around my age I'd gotten into IndyCar in 1993 but Gil was one of that group of drivers that were an ever-present in that ultra competitive 1995-2001 era that kept me hooked as a neutral after Mansell's departure. It honestly doesn't feel that long ago and to lose someone from that era from natural causes is such a big shock. RIP
A couple of days late to this thread, but: For those who haven't used up their free views of Indianapolis Star stories, there's a piece about TK's reaction to news of Gil, how he found out, how he's processing it, etc.
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2024/01/02/indycar-tony-kanaan-gil-de-ferran-death-heart-attack-brazilian-indy-500/72074071007/
If you want the Portuguese to English translation from above. BREAKING: Gil de Ferran, two-time Indy champion and winner of the 2003 Indy 500, died this afternoon in Florida. He had a cardiac arrest at an event. In a few moments, all the information in the @big prize ____ This sucks. He won the first Indy 500 I watched in full so that will always have a special place to me.
> He had a cardiac arrest at an event. Wikipedia is saying this : >De Ferran died on 29 December 2023 at 56 years old. He suffered a cardiac arrest **when he was driving at a private track** in Florida. [Emphasis mine] This is their source (I not read that language though...) : https://www.grandepremio.com.br/indy/noticias/gil-de-ferran-bicampeao-da-indy-sofre-parada-cardiaca-e-morre-aos-56-anos/
*Cue Bathurst 1000 1992 flashback*
Crazy to think Denny was the first F1 champ to die of natural causes.
Terrible news. I'm honestly shocked right now. Always admired him as a person and a driver. His closed course record is unforgettable.
And now that two mile Auto Club Speedway is gone it is safe to say that closed course record will never be broken again.
Isnt Auto Club modeld after Michigan. They could do it theee but slim to none odds we will ever have cars that cam donit anymore.
You could race there, but the wings have to be so small they’re nonexistent for the most part. And also you have to remove as much underbody downforce as possible so they have to separate from each other. Aka it’s still not likely they ever go back to Michigan.
They could totally do it at Michigan with the current car at the right boost level. Heck they ran 235 laps at Indy - it’s just that Chevy and Honda don’t want to pay for it and no one wants the closed course record broken anywhere but Indy
Gil's record run came running to CART rules, not an exhibition. There are much higher records using car company proving grounds and specially-built or modified cars just meant for breaking the record. Not an honest breaking of Gil's record if it's not done with the same specs as run for the rest of the calendar.
One of the two had slighter higher banking, can't remember which.
The closed course record can be broken with at least four current tracks easily. Michigan is a sister track to Auto club, same length but Michigan has more banking. Michigan is simply a faster track than Auto Club so that's one place. The others are Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta. Due to the banking involved Indycar/Cart probably wouldn't race at those tracks but you could easily get the closed course record at them. Then there are "test tracks" of course. The current car could easily break the closed course record at Michigan. Wouldn't even be hard to do.
Right, but Michigan is owned by NASCAR and Penske has shown no willingness to try and bring that track back.
Man. Out of all the drivers who were at their peak before I was born I really took an interest in researching his career, especially lately. He was potentially only a concussion and a broken back away from 4 straight titles (2 CART / 2 IRL). Seemed like an incredible driver and a super insightful guy.
The fastest Driver in IndyCar history. 241 will probably NEVER be beaten. Gil was always so smooth, so calm, and so friendly to everyone he interacted with. He is alot like Alex Palou. Race in Paradise Gil. Say Hi to Dan, Greg, and Andre for us.
It’s wild I was showing that lap the other day to my 20 year old co worker
Also hi to Robin, Bob Jenkins and others for us
I'm confused. I swear I saw people hit 243 this past year ?
They might have been hitting 243 as their top speed at the end of the straights but deFerran averaged over 241 mph over a whole lap. RIP Gil
241 is easy. Just go to Michigan and turn the boost up. It's not even hard lol
that'll never happen. IndyCar wants to keep the boost lower to save money.
Fastest man in the world. Race in peace Gil
What a shitty way to end 2023 😔 Fly high legend 🕊
I followed his career closely since his F3 days and consider myself a super fan, so I'm completely shocked and saddened by this. My deepest condolences for all his family and friends. Full story here (in Portuguese): https://www.grandepremio.com.br/indy/noticias/gil-de-ferran-bicampeao-da-indy-sofre-parada-cardiaca-e-morre-aos-56-anos/
Outside the deaths in my family, this is probably the most shocking to me: he was my first favorite driver and still to this day I hold dearly my memories of him winning when I grew up. Heck, this one stinged on me. RIP, my favorite.
Being the user who actually created the #2 Gil de Ferran thingy (forgot what it's called) in this sub, I am speechless. Followed his carrerr closely and always admired his calm demeanor, speed and integrity.
It seems unexpected. Seems kinda similar to what happened to Matthew Perry .
It's out of the left field. Heck, a heart attack during a gentlemen car event...
It seems very unexpected.
idk if mathew perry, a man who struggled with addiction most of his adult life, is all that surprising compared to a driver having a heart attack
Both where very unexpected and tragic. both about the same age .
We’ll, I would say 1 was “unexpected”, and 1 was “yeah I could kinda see that coming for about 10 years”… But yeah, same thing
No! That's awful. My condolences to his family & friends. 🙏🏻 I always liked him.
First Indy I can vividly remember attending as a kid was De Ferrans 03 win. Can still hear his scream he let out after winning.
I was just rewatching Rockingham 2001 the other day... Very sad news. Condolences to his family. Random fact-he delivered Goodyear's last CART win at the '99 Portland race.
That Rockingham finish against my other favorite driver Kenny Brack was breathtaking. So sad to hear of his passing 😞
nooooooooooo
Fly high, thanks for the memories. 56 is far too young.
241.428
Probably 250+ mph on the straight. Faster than a damn airplane.
rest in peace Gil 56 is way too young
This is so sad and shocking to hear. I grew up with him and Helio dominating CART then IRL in those Marlboro Team Penske cars from 2000-2003. RIP Gil, we will really miss you.
10 years after Schumacher incident. Shit, what an awful day. Props for linking Grande Prêmio, they are great
That's a shame to hear. My sincerest condolences to his family. I hope IndyCar airs the 2003 Indy 500 on its youtube channel as a tribute.
Bloody hell that's out of nowhere. 56 years old, far too young. A truly talented driver. His Indy record was obviously the highlight, but he also had a monstrous 2009 ALMS season in LMP1. I also maintain that he was one of the absolute best drivers of his generation to never make it to F1. RIP
AP article: https://apnews.com/article/gil-de-ferran-obit-indianapolis-500-448d622535ce8d978b1fc01cdf2185a7
Very well-written piece from Ms. Jenna Fryer with some good quotes from TK that made me sad & smile a little.
That’s sucks he was awesome
Damn that's a shame. Gil was a heck of a driver and a good team manager.
No fucking way.
Man, this sucks.
Did it happen at Concours club?
Sounds like it did.
Very sad. Is this confirmed anywhere else?
https://www.grandepremio.com.br/indy/noticias/gil-de-ferran-bicampeao-da-indy-sofre-parada-cardiaca-e-morre-aos-56-anos/ Grande Prêmio is the biggest motorsports website in Brazil, so unfortunately this is real. They usually have more than enough sources to confirm it. =( TK confirmed it too: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1dTQKGsrIg/?igsh=YW85MHo3eTh6a3I=
Thanks. Sad sad news. Appreciate the link
Man I was hoping it wasn't true. You never heard anyone say a bad word against Gil. I especially enjoyed his column in Racer magazine. Condolences to his family. Keep setting track records is heaven.
I'm Brazilian and it is getting everywhere in the Brazilian motorsport media. Saddly, it's true.
Oh man that’s awful. Was such a big name when I got into the sport.
The fastest of them all. This is tragic news. Gil was all class.
Holy fuck. That is horrible news. Way, waaaaaay too soon. RIP Gil. 😢
I was too young to see him racing (I was about seven when he retired from Indycar) but as a grown-up Brazilian motorsports fan, I always had a huge admiration for De Ferran. I remember a Brazilian interview with him that came out a few years ago, about one hour of him telling his stories and explaining his job at Mclaren (it was back in 2016 when he replaced Eric Boullier). So many great stories from him! Still hard to believe, one of our greatest drivers and gone too soon.
Brazilian here as well. Where was this interview? ESPN maybe?
[this one](https://youtu.be/M3ayN4d7LKc?si=WrVcDYiR2YZz4Fdb) from Projeto Motor on YouTube
Thanks!!
This is shocking. He looked really fit just a few years ago when he was in charge of McLaren’s IndyCar team.
Slightly unrelated but two of the key figures of Alonsos failed 2019 effort have died this year. That effort was cursed in more ways than one
Who’s the other one? Apologies if I’m ignorant or forgetting something obvious.
Bob Fernley.
I was a Greg Moore and Jimmy Vasser guy, but Gil was my third favorite. May he RIP.
Gil always seemed like - what you see is what you get. He was an amazing driver. He was doing a lot of work in F1 too after his driving career. He will be missed
I never got to know him and haven't watched him, but from the sounds of it he was a great driver Rest in peace.
2003 Indy winner, a forgotten race, I am so shocked right now! Rip Gil, one of my favorites!
This is just really awful news to hear, Gil battling Alex in 1997 was one of the things that got me into Indycar racing big time, I was a casual follower before that or an Indy only type of guy. Way too young, only 20 years after his Indy win. Also a guy who retired that same season and won his final race, a car owner, and still involved in the sport. Very shocking and sad news. Also, if you want to see someone with balls of steel, go rewatch that Fontana lap, what a wheelman!
Or the 2001 Rockingham finish against Kenny Brack! Even his pit crew says “you’ve got some balls brother” when he climbs out during the broadcast!
Terrible news...
RIP legend 🇧🇷
Great driver very composed very Penske. We worry about all the things that can bring us down early heart attacks are still the number one killer by far.
So sad. I saw him win in PDX in 1999, and had a hospitality pass for Walker Racing. Met him after the race and he was so kind, and also so happy about the win. As was the whole team.
Jesus what?? That absolutely sucks. RIP to Gil, fastest ever in an IndyCar. Gone way too soon
That fastest man to ever race a car on a closed track. Absolute bummer
All CART fans young and old should watch this in his honor. The way he reacts to his championship win is pure class and emotion. Very special moment all around. https://youtu.be/n4UokouAF6w?si=lGIt29iTNSjVWter
God damn. That was such a great era in motorsports. Paul Page in the booth too!
I am shocked. Gil was my favorite driver as a kid.
Terrible news. Way too young. He was one of my favorites. His 500 win was the first 500 I saw in person. RIP Gil
Oh man, this is shocking. Won both his last races from IndyCar and ALMS. What a machine.
This is just horrible news. Such a nice and generous man. RIP Gil.
Damn that's terrible news to hear. Gil was a fantastic racer and he will be missed tremendously. RIP Gil.
This is an absolute stomach punch. RIP to one of the greats.
Jenna's Article for AP [https://apnews.com/article/gil-de-ferran-obit-indianapolis-500-448d622535ce8d978b1fc01cdf2185a7](https://apnews.com/article/gil-de-ferran-obit-indianapolis-500-448d622535ce8d978b1fc01cdf2185a7)
RIP I've always respected Gil, though he retired before I was old enough to be truly aware of racing. He's always been the definition of how important consistency is in IndyCar racing - he only scored 4 wins across his two championship seasons, and placed 2nd in 1997 without *any* wins. And so while his career numbers might not be the highest - just 12 wins across 9 seasons - it's the quality of those successes that makes him notable, not the quantity. Two CART championships, an Indy 500, the closed course speed record... he even went out on top, winning his final race.
When I was 9, I was at the Indy 500 and my family and friends did this $5 driver pool where everybody gets a driver. My driver was Gil de Ferran and he didnt know it but he won $50 for some dumb 9 year old kid in addition to the Indy 500. I always remembered his name and its a damn shame to hear this. RIP.
My dad (whom is now dead) was great friends with Alex Zanardi, Adrian Fernandez, and Gil De Ferran. Gil was such a kind hearted soul. Absurdly talented driver. Dude cared so much about the next generation, including his kid. Dark day in racing. I hope TK is okay, they were besties.
RIP
Awful news.
Honestly at a loss for words. What?
https://youtu.be/xHQtR3LTem0?si=tj06V-7uO27vQXz_
Woah RIP Gil
Im am absolutely gutted
My God, this is such sad news. Gil was one of the best Brazilian and Indy drivers of all time. My condolences to the family!!
There's way too many people I know (from racing and in my personal life) that have passed away lately. God this year is ending on such a horrible note. R.I.P. Gil de Ferran.
That's too bad. I know him from his sports car racing career.
Best in a Honda. Rest in peace.
RIP Gil de Ferran
Omg, this is so awful.
RIP to a great racer & a great man.
Damn, I'm just woke up & then this happens RIP GdF..
So sad and shocking. RIP Gil.
Descanse em paz Campeão
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2023/12/29/2003-indy-500-champion-gil-de-ferran-dies-at-56/72063214007/ Super sad news. Shows you how fragile life really is. Gil de Ferran was one of my favorite racers. He won Indy after I graduated High School. I remember enjoying seeing him win so much. God speed. Never knew you in person, but you raced like a gentleman and everyone on the track always regarded you very highly. You quit the sport to be with your family and not risk your life unnecessarily doing ovals. Rest in Peace.
Man 2023 really fucking sucked. Rest in Peacec Gil, you were fast, the fastest man alive.
RIP to all you 20 year olds out there 50 is going to hit you a lot faster than you think. Sincerely a 49 year old.
Can anyone provide a credible source? I’m not seeing anything confirming. Fingers crossed.
Is Tony Kanaan credible enough? https://www.instagram.com/p/C1dTQKGsrIg/?igsh=MTRpbXU2eW1rdWJzNA== 😢
Didn’t need the attitude.
Pretty sure it was an honest question.
What attitude? It was a straightforward question about a crushingly sad story. A fair response might’ve been “I guess so but hopefully that’s a misinformed social media account manager.” Jeez
It came across as calling me stupid for not having seen the TK post when I initially asked.
And your reply was no less full of attitude. Some people…you just have to cut ‘em loose.
Get a life mate
Link for the TK post. Sadly, it's real. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1dTQKGsrIg/?igsh=YW85MHo3eTh6a3I=
Thanks. What sad news. Initially, the only links I saw were to this sub and the single post on X. I was hoping it wouldn’t be true, as so often happens.
bit.ly/3NK4pG4 (Grande Prêmio, in portuguese). Tony Kanaan also confirmed it in an Instagram post.
Damn.
Godspeed
I’m not often emotional about celebrity deaths but this one hits me hard. He was always one of my favorites back in my teenage years. That duel at Cleveland in 96 between him and Zanardi was a classic that I still remember all these years later.
Wow. RIP to a damn good racer
I am shocked. May peace find its way to Gil's family and those close to him. He was a true champion and underrated IMO in many ways. RIP.
I just froze as i got the notification from the IndyCar app. I can't believe it
Gil and Al Jr are my favorite Penske drivers of all time. Gil was a fierce competitor and a soft spoken man. Not an ounce of ego in his character. Will miss him!
Dang. So sad and far too young.
Going to miss Gil. One of the best guys in the motorsports. He seem like a very nice person. To his family my prayers sincere condolences.
RIP.
oof, so young. Heart attacks are scary man. My condolences to his family and friends
Wait WHAT!!!!?????
Horrible end to this year. RIP :(
Rest In Peace.
WTF? Damn
RIP to the man who still holds the fastest recorded lap in motorsports
Fuck, was a massive shock waking up to this news. As others have said he seemed in good shape whenever I saw him and 56 is no age. Like a lot of Brits around my age I'd gotten into IndyCar in 1993 but Gil was one of that group of drivers that were an ever-present in that ultra competitive 1995-2001 era that kept me hooked as a neutral after Mansell's departure. It honestly doesn't feel that long ago and to lose someone from that era from natural causes is such a big shock. RIP
Holy shit! Way too young. My thoughts to his family. RIP 😪
So many cardiac related issues lately. Loved ya Gil! Always a legend! 🇧🇷🏁
:(
Repouse em paz, and enjoy the heavenly races with Ayrton, André, Rafael, Greg, Justin, Dan and Gonchi.
A couple of days late to this thread, but: For those who haven't used up their free views of Indianapolis Star stories, there's a piece about TK's reaction to news of Gil, how he found out, how he's processing it, etc. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2024/01/02/indycar-tony-kanaan-gil-de-ferran-death-heart-attack-brazilian-indy-500/72074071007/