Date of Birth: December 3, 1951
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Biography
Rick Mears, born Rick Ravon Mears, is a retired American race car driver known for his remarkable career in the IndyCar series. Born on December 3, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas, Mears is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Indianapolis 500, having won the prestigious race four times (1979, 1984, 1988, and 1991). Mears began his racing career in off-road racing but quickly transitioned to open-wheel racing, where he found his true calling. He joined the Penske Racing team in 1978, and his association with the team became one of the most iconic partnerships in motorsports. Mears’ driving style was characterized by his smoothness and his ability to master the nuances of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Despite facing serious injuries throughout his career, including a particularly severe crash in 1984, Mears’ determination and skill allowed him to come back stronger each time. After retiring from racing in 1992, Mears continued to contribute to the sport as a consultant and coach for Penske Racing. His legacy in the world of motorsports remains unparalleled, and he is widely respected as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.
5 Interesting Facts about Rick Mears
1. Rick Mears is one of only four drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 four times.
2. He holds the record for the most pole positions at the Indianapolis 500, with six poles.
3. Mears was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1998.
4. He started his racing career in off-road racing before transitioning to open-wheel racing.
5. Despite retiring as a driver, Mears remains active in the racing community as a consultant and coach for Team Penske.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rick Mears
1. “To finish first, you must first finish.”
2. “Racing is a matter of spirit, not strength.”
3. “The car is the driver’s tool, not the other way around.”
4. “Smooth is fast, and fast is smooth.”
5. “The key to winning is staying in the race.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Rick Mears’ net worth was estimated to be around $15 million.
Children
Rick Mears has two children, Clint Mears and Cole Mears. Both sons have shown interest in motorsports, with Clint pursuing a career in racing.
Relevant Links
3. [Rick Mears – Biography on IndyCar](https://www.indycar.com/Series/IndyCar-Series/Rick-Mears
4. [Rick Mears – Penske Racing](https://www.teampenske.com/drivers/index.cfm/202/502/Rick_Mears
5. [Rick Mears – ESPN Profile](https://www.espn.com/racing/driver/_/id/501/rick-mears
