Arie Luyendyk
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Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk (born September 21, 1953) is a Dutch auto racing driver, twice winner of the Indy 500.
Born in Sommelsdijk, Luyendyk started racing in the early 1970s, winning a number of Dutch national titles. In 1977, he won the European Super Vee championship, and switched to Formula 3. He remained not very successful, until he moved to the United States in 1984, where he immediately won the Super Vee championship.
The next year, he debuted in IndyCar racing, winning the rookie of the year title for the season and the Indy 500. His first win in the series came five years later, in 1990, but it was the most important race of the series. With a record average speed, Luyendyk won the Indy 500.
Luyendyk continued to perform well at Indy, scoring pole positions and was forced to retire from the race in a leading position on three occasions. In 1997, he won the race for a second time. He retired after the 1999 season, but returned to the Indy 500 in 2001 and 2002.
Other victories of Luyendyk include the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. His son, Arie Jr. is currently also a racer.
External links
- Official Website (http://www.arieluyendyk.com/)