Which famous car driver died?

The identity can’t be determined from the question alone—several renowned drivers have died in recent years, including Gil de Ferran (2023), Cale Yarborough (2024), and Parnelli Jones (2024). Please share a date, series (F1, IndyCar, NASCAR, rally), or location so the right person can be identified.

Why this question needs more context

News headlines often say “famous driver dies” without naming the person in the teaser or social post, and motorsport spans many series across different countries. In the last few years, multiple high-profile figures have passed away, which makes it essential to know when and where you saw the report—or which discipline you mean—to give a definitive answer.

Recent notable driver deaths

2023–2024: The most likely references

The following list highlights widely reported driver deaths from late 2023 through 2024 that are commonly referenced by readers encountering brief or decontextualized headlines.

• Gil de Ferran (Dec 29, 2023) — Two-time CART/Champ Car champion (2000–01) and 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner; died of a heart attack during a track day in Florida, aged 56.
• Cale Yarborough (Jan 1, 2024) — NASCAR legend, three-time Cup Series champion (1976–78) and four-time Daytona 500 winner; died at 84 after a long illness.
• Parnelli Jones (June 4, 2024) — 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner and American racing icon across USAC, off-road, and Trans-Am; died at 90.
• Craig Breen (Apr 13, 2023) — Irish World Rally Championship driver; died in a testing crash in Croatia, aged 33.
• Ken Block (Jan 2, 2023) — Rally driver and Hoonigan/YouTube star known for Gymkhana films; died in a snowmobile accident in Utah, aged 55.

These names most often match recent headlines that circulate internationally; if you saw a story in late 2023 or 2024, it may refer to one of the above.

Other famous drivers frequently meant by this question

When readers recall a major motorsport fatality but not the exact timing, it often relates to one of these household names from Formula 1, NASCAR, and other series.

• Ayrton Senna (May 1, 1994) — Three-time Formula 1 world champion; died after a crash at Imola.
• Dale Earnhardt (Feb 18, 2001) — Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion; died in a last-lap crash at the Daytona 500.
• Niki Lauda (May 20, 2019) — Three-time F1 world champion; died aged 70 following health complications years after his 1976 crash.
• Stirling Moss (Apr 12, 2020) — British racing great with 16 F1 wins; died aged 90 after a long illness.
• Jules Bianchi (July 17, 2015) — F1 driver who succumbed to injuries from his 2014 Suzuka crash.

These figures are among the most referenced in retrospective coverage, documentaries, and anniversary pieces, which can prompt renewed questions about “the famous driver who died.”

Help me identify the person you mean

To pinpoint the correct driver quickly, share any of the following details. Even one clue is often enough to match the right name.

1. Approximate date you saw the news or the event occurred.
2. Series or context (F1, IndyCar, NASCAR, WRC/rally, road car personality, TV presenter).
3. Nationality or team/manufacturer associated with the driver.
4. Any landmark achievement mentioned (e.g., Indy 500 winner, Cup champion, world champion).
5. Where you read or heard about it (news outlet, social media post, TV segment).

Providing one or two of these details usually narrows the answer to a single, definitive name.

Summary

Your question is too broad to resolve to a single person. Recent headlines most commonly refer to Gil de Ferran (2023), Cale Yarborough (2024), or Parnelli Jones (2024), while historic mentions often point to Ayrton Senna, Dale Earnhardt, or Niki Lauda. Share a time frame, series, or any identifying detail, and I’ll confirm the exact driver you’re asking about.