LloydRuby

Lloyd Ruby, born Richard Lloyd Ruby in 1928, carved out a distinguished career in American motorsports, spanning two decades in the demanding USAC Championship Car series and achieving significant success in international endurance racing. While his name is often associated with the Indianapolis 500, a race he famously never won despite numerous strong performances, Ruby's versatility and skill were evident across various disciplines, marking him as a formidable competitor of his era. His contributions extended beyond the cockpit, playing a crucial role in one of motorsport's most iconic programs.

A Career Forged in USAC Championship Cars

Ruby's professional racing journey in the USAC Championship Car series commenced in 1958, establishing a remarkable tenure that would last for 20 years, concluding in 1977. Over this extensive period, Ruby amassed a substantial record of 177 career starts, demonstrating his enduring presence and commitment to the sport. His consistent performance was highlighted by an impressive 88 top-ten finishes, a testament to his ability to regularly contend at the sharp end of the field. Throughout his USAC career, Ruby secured seven victories, underscoring his capability to convert strong showings into wins. A significant portion of his USAC career involved participation in the iconic Indianapolis 500, a race he contested annually from 1960 through 1977, becoming a familiar and respected figure on the hallowed grounds of the Brickyard.

International Endurance Racing Prowess

Beyond the ovals of USAC, Lloyd Ruby demonstrated exceptional talent in the grueling world of international endurance racing. His prowess in sports cars brought him considerable success, particularly in partnership with fellow racing legend Ken Miles. This formidable pairing secured back-to-back victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona in 1965 and 1966, a significant achievement that showcased their combined speed and reliability. The 1966 season proved to be particularly triumphant for Ruby and Miles, as they not only repeated their Daytona success but also triumphed at the challenging 12 Hours of Sebring. Their collective efforts throughout that year culminated in them clinching the coveted 1966 World Sportscar Championship, cementing Ruby's status as a leading figure in sports car racing. Ruby's involvement extended to a pivotal role in the Ford Motor Company's ambitious GT40 program during the mid-1960s, a period when Ford sought to dominate global endurance racing. His expertise and driving skill were integral to the development and success of these iconic machines. While scheduled to compete in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, a severe setback occurred when Ruby was forced to withdraw due to spinal injuries sustained in a plane crash. Undeterred, he returned to Le Mans the following year, teaming up with Denny Hulme in a Ford GT 40 Mk IV for the 1967 edition of the endurance classic, further underscoring his resilience and commitment to the sport.

Brief Foray into Formula 1

While primarily known for his exploits in American open-wheel and endurance racing, Lloyd Ruby also made a brief appearance on the global Formula 1 stage. He participated in the 1961 United States Grand Prix, marking his direct involvement in the pinnacle of single-seater racing. It is also notable that the Indianapolis 500, a race central to Ruby's career, was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Consequently, Ruby's participation in the 1960 Indianapolis 500 also counted as a World Championship race. Despite these two entries into the World Championship, Ruby did not score any championship points during his limited F1 appearances.

The Indianapolis 500: A Legacy of "What Ifs"

Despite a career rich with victories and consistent top finishes, Lloyd Ruby's name is perhaps most indelibly linked to his numerous encounters with misfortune at the Indianapolis 500. This recurring theme of near-triumphs at the Brickyard was encapsulated in the title of his 2000 biography by Ted Buss: "Lloyd Ruby: The Greatest Driver Never to Win the Indy 500." Ruby led the iconic race in five different years, accumulating a total of 126 laps at the front of the field, including a notable 68 laps led in the 1966 event. However, victory consistently eluded him. His best finish at Indianapolis was a third place in 1964, a strong result but one that left the ultimate prize just out of reach. His only other top-five finish at Indy came in 1968, further illustrating his consistent competitiveness. Perhaps the most poignant example of Ruby's hard-luck at Indy occurred in the 1969 race. With race leader Mario Andretti grappling with overheating problems, Ruby found himself in a prime position to potentially secure a long-awaited victory. However, during a crucial pit stop around the halfway mark of the race, a miscommunication or error by a crew member proved catastrophic. Ruby was motioned to pull away prematurely while the refueling nozzle was still engaged in the car's left saddle tank. As he dropped the clutch, the car lurched forward, causing the nozzle to rupture a hole in the gas tank. This unfortunate incident abruptly ended Ruby's day and his best chance at an Indy 500 triumph, solidifying his reputation as a driver whose talent often battled against cruel twists of fate at the Speedway.

Enduring Legacy and Recognition

Lloyd Ruby's significant contributions to motorsports did not go unnoticed, and his legacy has been recognized through numerous accolades and honors. In 1991, his distinguished career was formally acknowledged with his induction into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame. Further recognition followed in 2005 when he received the Bruton Smith Legends Award at the Texas Motor Sports Hall of Fame in Fort Worth. The National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame inducted Ruby in 2008, highlighting the breadth of his racing background. He was also named a co-recipient of the prestigious Louis Meyer Award, sharing the honor with Hélio Castroneves at an induction ceremony and special recognition dinner in Indianapolis. Posthumously, in 2015, Ruby was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, a testament to his lasting impact on the sport. His hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas, also paid tribute to his achievements, naming the Lloyd Ruby Overpass in his honor. This dedication was attended by prominent figures in racing, including Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson and fellow racing greats Johnny Rutherford, Parnelli Jones, and Al and Bobby Unser, underscoring the high esteem in which Ruby was held by his peers and the racing community. Lloyd Ruby passed away in 2009 at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable skill, perseverance, and a career filled with both triumphs and the poignant "what ifs" that define the lore of motorsport.