“`html
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fred Lorenzen, a celebrated figure in NASCAR and the champion of the 1965 Daytona 500, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89.
NASCAR confirmed his death through a statement from his family, although they did not disclose the specific cause. Lorenzen had been facing health issues for several years leading up to his passing.
In 1998, he earned recognition as one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.
Known as one of the sport’s early superstars, Lorenzen earned the nickname “Golden Boy” due to his striking appearance, reminiscent of a movie star. Over his career, he secured 26 Cup race victories across a span of 12 seasons from 1956 to 1972.
NASCAR Chairman, Jim France, remarked, “Fred Lorenzen was one of NASCAR’s first true superstars. A fan favorite, he played a significant role in NASCAR’s expansion beyond its initial roots. He embodied the ideal NASCAR star and contributed to the sport’s rise to prominence during its formative years.” He added that Lorenzen’s legacy as the “Golden Boy” set a standard of excellence that earned him a rightful place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
In a remarkable 1964 season, Lorenzen participated in 16 out of the 62 scheduled races, winning eight, and achieved an incredible five consecutive wins. During this dominant phase, he led 1,679 out of a possible 1,953 laps, marking one of the most extraordinary runs in NASCAR history.
Lorenzen became the first NASCAR driver to surpass $100,000 in earnings within a single season, a milestone he reached in 1963.
He faced dementia in his later life and committed his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation for research purposes.
His daughter, Amanda Lorenzen Gardstrom, expressed concerns about his health, suggesting he might have suffered from CTE as a consequence of severe crashes during the 1960s, a notoriously perilous time for racing. “He never stopped to heal,” she asserted.
Gardstrom noted that signs of dementia emerged around 2006, leading to memory difficulties and his reliance on a wheelchair while staying at Oak Brook Healthcare in Illinois.
Hailing from Elmhurst, Illinois, Lorenzen stood out as one of NASCAR’s early stars who did not originate from its Southern traditional roots.
“The hardest part right now is that his racing memories are starting to go,” Gardstrom expressed in 2016. “That was the one thing that was truly wonderful — to connect with him and see his face light up while discussing racing.”
Prominent NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson was involved in the selection of Lorenzen for the Hall of Fame in 2015, with Tony Stewart introducing him during the induction ceremony.
Gardstrom described her father as “such a humble guy” and reflected that he may not have fully appreciated the profound influence he had on NASCAR.
“`