Amick, George
Name/Title
Amick, GeorgeEntry/Object ID
2025.1.16Description
George Amick was a talented American race car driver whose promising career was tragically cut short in 1959. He began racing jalopies in the Northwestern United States before transitioning to midget cars, where he quickly made a name for himself. Competing in the USAC National Midget series, Amick consistently finished in the top ten and won 16 feature races. His success in midgets led to a move into Champ Car racing, where he competed in 43 events between 1955 and 1959, securing three wins and 14 podiums. One of his most notable achievements came in the 1958 Indianapolis 500, where he finished second in his rookie appearance, driving a revolutionary “lay-down” roadster designed by Quinn Epperly and built by George Salih. Despite his rapid rise, Amick’s career was marked by the inherent dangers of motorsport in that era. His final race was the 1959 USAC 100-mile event at Daytona International Speedway, the only IndyCar race ever held there. Tragically, Amick was killed when a gust of wind caused his car to lose control, leading to a fatal crash. His death at age 34 shocked the racing community and underscored the risks drivers faced at the time. Though his career was brief, Amick left a lasting impression with his skill, courage, and competitive spirit. His legacy lives on as a symbol of both the thrill and peril of mid-century American racing. For more about George Amick's life and career, explore these articles: https://www.oldracingcars.com/driver/George_AmickCollection
Simeone - PhotographCategory
Race Car Drivers