Racing has lost a true gentleman: Floyd Ganassi

I last saw Floyd Ganassi at the Dual in Detroit IZOD IndyCar Series doubleheader, the weekend after the 97th Indianapolis 500. As usual, he looked healthy, dapper and was filled with smiles for everyone around him.

Floyd Ganassi, the father of multiple racing team owner Chip Ganassi, passed away today at the age of 87. His son’s squads in INDYCAR, NASCAR and GRAND-AM have been winners of races and championships over the past 20 years and Floyd had been omnipresent in the hospitality areas and pits, always with a kind word and an ever-present camera.

(I have multiple images of myself supplied by Floyd and have always cherished them. It’s sad to think there will be no more.)

The Chip Ganassi Racing Teams’ statement said the following: “It is with heavy hearts that everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing Teams offers our condolences to Chip Ganassi and the whole Ganassi family on the passing today of Chip’s father, Floyd Ganassi.

Floyd Ganassi

Photo by: Anne Proffit

“Everyone that knew Floyd knew that he was beloved at racetracks all across the country and leaves a long trail of great friends. Floyd Ganassi will be sorely missed by us all.”

There were no further comments from the team concerning the circumstances of Mr Ganassi’s passing; information on the arrangements for services will be forthcoming, they said.

No doubt there will be a multitude of remembances in both the INDYCAR and NASCAR paddocks this weekend as we all mourn Floyd Ganassi’s passing. He was a grand friend to the racing community and, while it’s customary to say he’ll be missed by those who knew him, in this instance those sentiments are quite real.

Rest in peace, Floyd. The world was better whenever you were around us.