George Bignotti

George Adolph Bignotti (January 12, 1916 – September 27, 2013) was an American motor racing mechanic and team owner who was active in American open-wheel car racing from the 1950s through the 1980s. Bignotti was one of the most successful chief mechanics in the history of IndyCar Racing, as cars prepared by him won 85 races, including seven victories in the Indianapolis 500. Additionally, Bignotti-prepared cars were used to win nine USAC Championship Car seasons. Bignotti also found success as a team owner, co-owning entries in the early 1960s with Bob Bowes and in the 1980s with Dan Cotter and earning multiple race victories, including two Indianapolis 500s.

Life and career Bignotti was born in San Mateo, California, on January 12, 1916.

The 1961 Indianapolis 500 winning car co-owned by Bignotti and driven by A. J. Foyt Bignotti became a successful mechanic in midget car racing in California in the late 1940s, winning championships as chief mechanic for driver Fred Agabashian and allowing him the quit his full-time job working as a shipbuilder. However, as the popularity of midget-car racing declined at the end of the decade, Bignotti was forced to leave racing behind for several years and take a job in his mother-in-law's flower shop. Despite the team's success, Bignotti and Foyt fought frequently, leading to Bignotti briefly departing his chief mechanic role several times before the pairing permanently separated mid-way through the 1965 season.

The March 83C co-owned by Bignotti that won the 1983 Indianapolis 500 with Tom Sneva driving. For 1966, Bignotti served as chief mechanic for the team run by oil magnate John W. Mecom Jr. for the Indianapolis 500. Graham Hill won the race for the team, while teammate Jackie Stewart led the most laps before dropping out with a mechanical failure. Bignotti won two further USAC Championships with Joe Leonard in 1971 and 1972.

After retirement, Bignotti remained in touch with many of his former drivers, notably A. J. Foyt, with whom he remained friends long after their careers ended despite the fights from their time working together. Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (1993) National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame (2003) USAC Hall of Fame (2014) West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame (2018)