Stan Fox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stan Fox |
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| Nationality |  American |
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| Born | Stanley Cole Fuchs July 7, 1952 Janesville, Wisconsin, U.S. |
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| Died | December 18, 2000 (aged 48) Waiouru, Ruapehu, New Zealand |
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| Champ Car career | |||||||
| 13 races run over 10 years | |||||||
| Years active | 1984, 1987–1995 | ||||||
| Best finish | 24th – 1991 | ||||||
| First race | 1984 Dana Rex Mays Classic (Milwaukee) | ||||||
| Last race | 1995 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis) | ||||||
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| NASCAR Cup Series career | |||||||
| 2 races run over 1 year | |||||||
| Best finish | 68th (1992) | ||||||
| First race | 1992 DieHard 500 (Talladega) | ||||||
| Last race | 1992 Champion Spark Plug 400 (Michigan) | ||||||
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Stanley Cole Fuchs (born July 7, 1952 – died December 18, 2000), known as Stan Fox, was an American race car driver. He was famous for racing open-wheel cars, like midget cars and Indy cars. Stan Fox was one of the last drivers who raced both midget cars and the famous Indianapolis 500.
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Midget Car Racing Career
Stan Fox started his racing journey in midget cars. These are small, powerful race cars designed for short tracks. He became a champion in 1979, winning the Badger Midget championship. He also won the Belleville Midget Nationals in both 1979 and 1980.
Stan had a great career in midget car racing. He finished in the top twelve points for nine seasons. He won 19 races in the United States Auto Club (USAC) series. He also won the Turkey Night Grand Prix twice, in 1990 and 1991.
IndyCar Racing Career
Stan Fox also competed in the IndyCar series. These races feature faster, open-wheel cars. He raced in the famous Indianapolis 500 eight times. He competed there between 1987 and 1995. During this time, he drove for well-known teams like A. J. Foyt and Ron Hemelgarn.
Serious Crash at Indianapolis
In 1995, Stan Fox was seriously injured during the 1995 Indianapolis 500 race. He was driving for Ron Hemelgarn. On the very first lap, his car spun and crashed into the wall. Other cars also got involved in the accident.
The front part of his car was torn off, which exposed his legs. Stan suffered serious head injuries. He was in a coma for five days and needed surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. After about a month, he started to show signs of getting better.
This accident ended Stan Fox's racing career. However, he stayed involved in the sport he loved. He started a non-profit group called Friends of the Fox. This group helps people who have suffered head injuries. Every May, the group brings someone with a head injury to the Indianapolis track. They get to meet drivers and enjoy a special VIP experience.
Death
Stan Fox died on December 18, 2000. He was killed in a head-on car crash in New Zealand. The accident happened on the Desert Road, about 200 miles (320 km) south of Auckland. Stan was driving at night to attend a speedway meeting. His car collided with a truck and trailer.
Career Award
- Stan Fox was honored for his racing achievements. He was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame.
