RODGER WARD - USAC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2014

One of the greatest drivers of all-time, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rodger Ward (1959 and 1962) had an amazing run in USAC National Championship competition, never finishing lower than fifth in the final point standings for seven straight seasons between 1958 and 1964. Champion in 1959 and 1962 (edging A. J. Foyt in the latter year), Ward finished runner-up in 1960, 1963 and 1964, each time to Foyt. He also ranked third in 1961 and fifth in 1958, winning a total of 24 USAC National Championship races between 1957 and 1966. The versatile Ward, who was an excellent road racer, also won five USAC Stock Car races and in very limited appearances with Midgets, won four major events. A magnificent spokesman for the sport in general, Ward served for several years on the USAC Board of Directors and as a part owner and founding partner of Indianapolis Raceway Park, designed both the road course and the 5/8-mile oval in place to this day. He passed away on July 5, 2004