Fred "Golden Boy" Lorenzen, NASCAR Hall of Fame Legend, Dies at 89
Fred Lorenzen, nicknamed "Golden Boy" during NASCAR's early era, passed away at age 89. A 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Lorenzen left an indelible mark on the sport despite his relatively brief career.
B&W portrait of Fred Lorenzen
From 1956 to 1972, Lorenzen achieved remarkable success in NASCAR's top division, winning 26 races in just 158 starts. His major victories included the 1965 Daytona 500 and two Coca-Cola 600s at Charlotte Motor Speedway (1963, 1965). Though he never competed in a full season, his win percentage was exceptional, with 25 of his 26 victories coming with Holman Moody Racing.
NASCAR Chairman Jim France praised Lorenzen as "one of NASCAR's first true superstars," highlighting his role in expanding the sport's popularity and bringing it to mainstream attention through silver screen appearances.
Notable achievements:
- NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2015
- Named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998
- Two-time Most Popular Driver (1963, 1965)
- National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame (1978)
- International Motorsports Hall of Fame (1991)
The Illinois native's legacy in motorsports remains significant, having helped transform NASCAR from its regional roots into a national phenomenon. Lorenzen battled dementia in his later years before his passing in December 2024.
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