He raced from 1961 to 1964 in the USAC Championship Car Series, where he recorded one victory in 1962.
He was a successful amateur racer before his professional career began.
In 1961 he was named the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, along with Parnelli Jones.
He was married to Janet Marshman until his death, which occurred as a result of injuries from a tire test.
He and Dale Earnhardt are two of the many drivers who were killed on the track.