Robin, check out Joe’s song chronicling his career, Joe’s nick names were also Gentleman Joe, Smokin’ Joe, Jose’, Moke, and “ That damn Leonard”.. . Foyt also called Joe a “ Ball bearing Jocky” (for riding motorcycles) check out Joe’s song “ The Legend of Joe Leonard”. On TH-cam!
Thanks Robin. Its been a bit since AJ's bypass so of course, I knew about that but I didn't know anything about what Joe Leonard was up to. You are right! Not a lot of people recall "Pelican Joe." He was a fantastic indycar driver. The 1968 turbine deal was no fluke. He charged up to second in 69 before problems set in. Had it going good in 70 and in 71 ran down his teammate and defending Indy 500 Champion "Al Unser" only to have mechanical issues crop up again. In 72 he ran a strong 3rd and then won the National title for the second straight year. I remember that he just seemed to disappear from indycars after 1973 season. I was a kid then and I recall something about him getting injured but that was all I knew. When I think on Joe Leonard I also think of another motocross champion turned indycar driver and this is Jeff Ward. Ward, like Leonard was also very steady and competitive in indycars. Jeff was one of the best at the 500 from the late 90s. Like Joe, Jeff proved he belonged and had a career at the Brickyard that would be the envy of any driver.
Little Joe Weatherly also won championships at 2 and 4 wheels. I think he did it before Joe Leonard. That said, not taking anything away from Smokin Joe
Great men of racing and both my adolescent heroes! God bless 'em!
Robin, check out Joe’s song chronicling his career, Joe’s nick names were also Gentleman Joe, Smokin’ Joe, Jose’, Moke, and “ That damn Leonard”.. . Foyt also called Joe a “ Ball bearing Jocky” (for riding motorcycles) check out Joe’s song “ The Legend of Joe Leonard”. On TH-cam!
I wonder how Robin's health is.His favorite driver,A.J.Foyt,turned 84 on Wednesday.
Thanks Robin. Its been a bit since AJ's bypass so of course, I knew about that but I didn't know anything about what Joe Leonard was up to. You are right! Not a lot of people recall "Pelican Joe." He was a fantastic indycar driver. The 1968 turbine deal was no fluke. He charged up to second in 69 before problems set in. Had it going good in 70 and in 71 ran down his teammate and defending Indy 500 Champion "Al Unser" only to have mechanical issues crop up again. In 72 he ran a strong 3rd and then won the National title for the second straight year. I remember that he just seemed to disappear from indycars after 1973 season. I was a kid then and I recall something about him getting injured but that was all I knew. When I think on Joe Leonard I also think of another motocross champion turned indycar driver and this is Jeff Ward. Ward, like Leonard was also very steady and competitive in indycars. Jeff was one of the best at the 500 from the late 90s. Like Joe, Jeff proved he belonged and had a career at the Brickyard that would be the envy of any driver.
The book is "Grand National: America's Golden Age of Motorcycle Racing" by Joe Scalzo -- who writes about racing like Miller talks.
Joe = Good. AJ = God.
Joe's not gotten the credit that he deserves.He should be inducted into The International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
+vince065us: I agree 100% bro! Leonard was one of the very best.
I wonder if Robin has a statement on the pasing of John Surtees.He and Joe Leonard share the distinction of winning championships on 2 and 4 wheels.
Little Joe Weatherly also won championships at 2 and 4 wheels. I think he did it before Joe Leonard. That said, not taking anything away from Smokin Joe
God we're going to miss you Robin.
what is the name of the book you used to show Joe on the mile ?
When Joe lost Indy my mom cried my dad n Joe raced each other on two wheels
Poor leanord.. should have one the indy 500, instead jerk unser won