Lee Kunzman died at 80 – American driver

Biography and cause of death of Lee Kunzman

An American driver in the USAC and CART Championship Car series, Lee Kunzman was born on November 29, 1944, and passed away on February 27, 2025. With 48 career starts (including the 1971–1973, 1977, and 1979 Indianapolis 500s), he raced in three different seasons (1969, 1972–1973, and 1975–1980). He had a best of second place in 1979 in Atlanta, one of 21 times he placed in the top 10.

In 1967, he was named the most promising rookie in IMCA sprint car racing. He was unable to drive much in the early 1970s due to serious injuries sustained in two incidents. Among Kunzman’s injuries from the June 1970 sprint car crash at I-70 Speedway were three-quarters of a degree burns, a fractured neck and right arm, and serious burns to his lips, eyes, and nose.

Although he returned to racing in April 1971 after an 11-month recovery, Kunzman’s scars from the burns would be with him forever. At Ontario Motor Speedway in December 1973, while testing tires on an IndyCar, Kunzman had his second serious accident of the year.

Kunzman was paralyzed on his left side and had severe brain injuries in the tragedy. The year 1975 was the year Kunzman made his racing comeback. He was a member of Buddy Lazier’s 1996 and 2000 championship-winning teams in the Indianapolis 500 and went on to become general manager for Hemelgarn Racing after retiring from racing.

At the age of 80, Kunzman passed away on February 27, 2025.

Lee Kunzman Achievement in one’s field

It wasn’t until 2006 that Kunzman received his National Sprint Car Hall of Fame induction.