Arie Luyendyk facts for kids

{{Infobox racing driver | name = Arie Luyendyk | image = Arie Luyendyk 2010 Indy 500 Practice Day 7.JPG | caption = Luyendyk in 2010 | birth_name = Arie Luijendijk | birth_date = (1953-09-21) 21 September 1953 (age 71) | birth_place = Sommelsdijk, South Holland, Netherlands | death_date = | death_place = | titles = Major victories
12 Hours of Sebring (1989)
Indianapolis 500 (1990, 1997)
24 Hours of Daytona (1998) | awards = | module1 =

Arie Luijendijk(pronounced "Lie-en-dike" and often spelled Arie Luyendyk) is a famous Dutch former auto racingdriver. People called him "The Flying Dutchman" because of his speed. He won the exciting Indianapolis 500race twice, in 1990 and 1997. Arie was recognized for his amazing career by being added to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Famein 2009. He also joined the Motorsports Hall of Fame of Americain 2014. He won a total of seven major Indy car races, including three in the CARTseries. All of his wins were on oval tracks, which are shaped like ovals.

Contents

• Arie's Racing Journey

• First Big Wins
• Indianapolis 500 Success
• Controversy and Other Races
• Later Career and Retirement

• Indianapolis 500 Results
• See also

Arie's Racing Journey

Arie driving his father's car at Zandvoort after his father, Jaap, won the European Formula Vee championship in 1972.

Arie Luyendyk began his racing career in the early 1970s. He quickly won several national titles in the Netherlands. In 1977, he became the champion of the European Formula Super Vee series. After that, he moved to Formula Three racing.

His big break came when he moved to the United States in 1984. There, he immediately won the Super Vee championship. This showed everyone how talented he was.

First Big Wins

Luyendyk's Lola-Chevrolet car that won the 1990 Indianapolis 500 for Doug Shierson Racing.

In 1985, with help from a sponsor called Provimi Veal, Arie raced his first full season in the Champ Car series. He was named "Rookie of the Year" for both the season and the famous Indianapolis 500 race.

Five years later, in 1990, he got his first win in the series. It was at the most important race of all, the 1990 Indianapolis 500. He set a new speed record for the race, averaging 185.981 miles per hour (299.307 km/h). This record stood for 23 years! It was finally broken in 2013 by Tony Kanaan.

Indianapolis 500 Success

Arie Luyendyk in 1991, racing for Vince Granatelli Racing.

Arie Luyendyk was always a strong competitor at the Indianapolis 500. He earned the "pole position" (meaning he started first) three times: in 1993, 1997, and 1999. He also had to leave the race early three times while he was in the lead.

In 1995, Arie was leading the race early on. However, an incident with another driver, Scott Sharp, caused him to fall several laps behind. Amazingly, he managed to make up all those laps. He almost caught the eventual winner, Jacques Villeneuve, at the finish line to get back on the lead lap.

Arie Luyendyk's car that set a track record in 1996.

In 1996, Arie set an incredible qualifying lap record at Indianapolis. He drove at 237.498 miles per hour (382.216 km/h). Even though he set the record, he didn't start from the pole position because he qualified on the second day of time trials.

He won the 1997 Indianapolis 500 starting from the pole position. He beat his teammate, Scott Goodyear, in a race that ended with some confusion. The caution lights stayed on even though the green flag waved, but Arie kept going and won.

Controversy and Other Races

A few weeks after his 1997 Indy 500 win, Arie was involved in another controversial finish. At the 1997 True Value 500 in Texas, a scoring mistake first declared Billy Boat the winner. Arie protested, and after reviewing the race, officials found that Arie had actually completed more laps. He was then declared the true winner.

Arie also took part in the International Race of Champions in 1992, 1993, and 1998. This series brings together top drivers from different types of racing.

Later Career and Retirement

After his fantastic 1997 season, Arie had a tougher year in 1998. He won one race but didn't finish many others. After 1998, he decided to race less often, focusing mainly on the Indianapolis 500. He won the pole position in the 1999 Indianapolis 500 but crashed out of the race.

Arie retired from racing after the 1999 season. For a short time, he worked as a TV commentator for ABC Sports. He returned to race in the Indy 500 in 2001 and 2002. In 2003, he entered the Indianapolis 500 for what would be his final time. However, he crashed during practice and decided not to try to qualify due to his injuries.

Besides his Indy car success, Arie Luyendyk also won other major endurance races. These include the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Arie's son, Arie Luyendyk Jr., also became a racer, competing in off-road races and Indy Lights. The last corner of the Circuit Zandvoort track in the Netherlands is named after Arie Luyendyk. In 2016, he became a chief steward for the IndyCar Series, helping to oversee races.

Indianapolis 500 Results

Arie Luyendyk had a remarkable history at the Indianapolis 500. Here are his results:

See also

In Spanish: Arie Luyendyk para niños