NASCAR’s original “Golden Boy”
Fred Lorenzen has passed away at age 89.
Lorenzen got his start as a mechanic for Holman-Moody in 1960. That quickly turned into a driver role in the same year.
He race 158 races over just 12 seasons. That included 26 wins and 84 top-10s.
Lorenzen never ran a full season of NASCAR competition. However, his success made him the first driver to win over $100,000 in a single season.
His first attempt at retirement came in 1967. He made a comeback in the 1970-1972 season and then official retired from racing after the 1972 season.
He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015.
NASCAR statement
“Fred Lorenzen was one of NASCAR’s first true superstars,” Jim France opened in a statement.
“A fan favorite, he helped NASCAR expand from its original roots. Fred was the picture-perfect NASCAR star, helping to bring the sport to the silver screen – which further grew NASCAR’s popularity during its early years.”
“For many years, NASCAR’s “Golden Boy” was also its gold standard, a fact that eventually led him to the sport’s pinnacle, a rightful place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Fred Lorenzen.”
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NASCAR Hall of Fame Statement
“First and foremost, on behalf of the NASCAR Hall of Fame team, I want to offer our most sincere condolences to Fred’s son Chris, daughter Amanda and the entire Lorenzen family on the passing of Fred Lorenzen,” NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelley stated.
“Fred’s nicknames personify him as well as anyone. “Fast Freddie” or “Fearless Freddie” described his penchant for driving fast and on the largest of NASCAR tracks. “The Golden Boy” was a nod to his Hollywood good looks.”
“That combination made him one of the most successful and recognizable stars of NASCAR in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. His leading-man good looks and smooth driving earned him legions of fans and brought a new style and class to the sport.”
“Among the most powerful and touching moments I have experienced while at the Hall of Fame is when Fred’s children, Chris and Amanda, escorted him and other family members through the NASCAR Hall of Fame and into the Hall of Honor to view his exhibit for the first time during our 2015 induction week.”
“The fans assembled outside the Hall of Honor rose from their seats in unison to give Fred a standing ovation. Chris and Amanda were visibly touched. Having never seen their father race, they had never experienced the magnitude of his popularity.”
“And when you consider this moment was more than 40 years removed from his career, the fans’ recognition for and appreciation of Fred clearly moved his children and those of us privileged to observe the reverence showed to Fred.”
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