Former IndyCar driver Rick Treadway dies at 56

Rick Treadway, a former IndyCar Series driver who competed in the 2002 Indianapolis 500, died on May 30 in a motorcycle accident. He was 56 years old.

Treadway, an Indiana native, was the son of team owner Fred Treadway, whose squad won the 1997 Indianapolis 500. Rick Treadway’s racing career included 11 IndyCar starts across the 2001 and 2002 seasons, driving for his father’s teams, Treadway/Hubbard Racing and Treadway Racing. He made his series debut at Kentucky Speedway in 2001, with his best finish being fifth place at the season finale in Texas that same year.

The pinnacle of his career was qualifying for the 2002 Indianapolis 500. He started 17th in the race, sharing a team with two-time winner Arie Luyendyk. His race ended on Lap 90 in an accident in Turn 3 that also involved driver Tony Kanaan. It was his only start in the iconic event.

Before reaching IndyCar, Treadway worked his way up through the sport’s developmental ranks, competing in the USAC Silver Crown and National Midget Series as well as Formula 2000. Following his IndyCar career, he remained connected to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, participating in the Indy Legends Charity Pro-Am race from 2014 through 2018.