Bedard, Patrick
Name/Title
Bedard, PatrickEntry/Object ID
2025.1.83Description
Patrick Bedard is one of the most distinctive voices ever to come out of American motorsport journalism — a racer who wrote, and a writer who raced. Born in 1941, he became nationally known through his long career at Car and Driver, where his columns blended sharp technical insight, dry humor, and a willingness to challenge industry assumptions. Bedard wasn’t just reporting on cars; he was explaining them, often with a clarity that came from having turned wrenches, tuned suspensions, and driven at the limit himself. His writing helped shape generations of enthusiasts who learned to think critically about engineering, performance, and safety. But Bedard’s story becomes far more interesting when you remember that he wasn’t only a journalist — he was a serious racing driver. He competed in IMSA, SCCA, and endurance events, often driving small‑bore machinery with a level of precision that surprised professionals who underestimated “the magazine guy.” His most famous racing chapter came at the Indianapolis 500, where he qualified twice: first in 1983, then again in 1984, driving for the Arciero team. Bedard became the first full‑time journalist ever to start the Indy 500, and he treated the experience with the same analytical honesty that defined his writing. His accounts of the dangers, politics, and technical realities of Indy racing remain some of the most candid ever published. Bedard’s later career continued to blend journalism and hands‑on engineering. He wrote deeply about vehicle dynamics, tire behavior, crash safety, and the physics of driving — often performing his own tests rather than relying on manufacturer data. His work on safety, especially his investigations into unintended acceleration and structural failures, showed a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.Collection
Dr. Frederick A. Simeone Founder CollectionCategory
Race Car Drivers, Journalist