Driver of the Day: Joe Leonard

Joe Leonard is a driver I wish I had seen more of. His career ended in 1974 after a terrible crash in the Ontario 500 mangled his feet. I always liked his Samonsite cars and the clever way a suitcase was used as the background on Joe’s No. 1, emblematic of his status as national champion. In terms of his 500 career, Joe’s probably best remembered for having his turbine flame out near the end of the 1968 race. Joe set the track record in 1968 and also in 1972. The 1972 mark was surpassed by several in qualifying that year - Tom Carnegie probably set his own track record for saying "It's a new track record." I found this postcard, showing Joe’s 1972 ride, on eBay a couple of years ago.