Auto Racing Legend, Former Indy 500 Winner, Dies at 56

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Auto racing legend Gil de Ferran has tragically passed away at the age of 56.

According to the Associated Press, de Ferran was driving with his son, Luke, at a private motor racing club in Opa-Locka, Florida, when he stopped the vehicle to say he was feeling unwell.

He was taken to hospital but was eventually pronounced dead. It has since emerged that he suffered from a cardiac arrest.

Although he never competed in Formula 1, the French-born Brazilian had a successful career in the IndyCar/Cart series from 1995 to 2003, winning a series of titles including the Indy 500 for Penske Racing in 2003.

After retiring from the sport, he built a successful career in Formula 1 working as the sporting director for the BAR/Honda and McLaren teams.

Another of his achievements included holding the closed-course land speed record, clocking in one lap at a staggering 241.42 miles per hour.

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