The racing world is facing another heartbreaking loss after former Indianapolis 500 driver Rick Treadway died at the age of 56.
Treadway passed away after a motorcycle accident on May 30, according to reports. News of his death was confirmed Monday, sending shockwaves through fans, former teammates and the wider motorsports community.
Treadway was best known for competing in the 2002 Indianapolis 500, where he drove the No. 5 Sprint/Kyocera Wireless/Airlink Enterprises G Force/Chevrolet for Treadway Racing, the team owned by his father, Fred Treadway.
He started the race in 17th position and finished 29th after his day ended in a crash. His teammate that year was two-time Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk.
Luyendyk was among the first to publicly mourn Treadway’s death.
“Sad news hearing Rick Treadway passed away last Saturday,” Luyendyk wrote on X. “Our condolences go out to my former IndyCar team owner Fred Treadway, Janice and Brian Treadway.”
He remembered Treadway as a larger-than-life personality.
“Rick was a fun, crazy, humble, wild and brave personality! RIP Ricky. We are thinking of you Treadway family,” Luyendyk added.
Treadway made his IndyCar Series debut in 2001 at Kentucky Speedway. His final start came the following year at Texas Motor Speedway.
Across his IndyCar career, he made 11 starts. His best finish came at Texas in 2001, when he placed fifth in the season finale.
Before reaching IndyCar, Treadway competed in SCCA racing and Formula 2000 junior competition. He also raced in other categories as he worked his way through the sport.
Tributes poured in from fans and figures across the racing community after news of his death broke.
One fan wrote on X, “Oh man!! Great guy!! Race in peace, Rick!!”
IndyCar driver Conor Daly also shared his sadness over the news.
“Really sad to see this news today,” Daly wrote. “RIP Ricky.”
Daly added that he and others would continue honoring Treadway through their Indianapolis 500 driver research.
Treadway’s death comes during a difficult stretch for motorsports fans, who are still grieving the recent death of NASCAR champion Kyle Busch. Busch died at 41 after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, according to his family and NASCAR.
For fans who remember Treadway’s brief but memorable run in IndyCar, his death marks the loss of a driver who came from a racing family, made it to one of the most famous races in the world, and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
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