Leland “Lee” Gaug, one of the leading lights of the Goodyear Formula 1 programme in the 1980s and 1990s, has died. He was 87 years of age.
Gaug was born in Copley, a small town near Akron, Ohio, in 1924. After graduating from the nearby Boston Township High School, he joined the US Navy in 1942, at the age of 18. He flew Corsairs with the “Ace of Spades” Marine Attack Squadron 231 and served in the Pacific campaigns at the end of the war. He then went on to fly night nighters in Korea with the “Flying Nightmares” Marine Attack Squadron 513, protecting Pusan against intruders and later flying as escort for bombing raids over North Korea. He then converted from propeller planes to jets and in 1960 became the commanding officer of the 533rd Squadron, known as the “Hawks”.
He left the Marine Corps in 1964, at the age of 40, having risen to the rank of major and began a long career with the Goodyear Racing Division as a field manager, being involved in a number of different championships, before settling in Formula 1. He was the face of Goodyear in F1 for many years, and enjoyed a close relationship with many of the drivers of the day, notably Ayrton Senna. In that era Goodyear saw off challenges from both Michelin and Pirelli. He retired from Goodyear at the age of 68 in 1992 and was replaced by Cal Lint, although the company’s stay in F1 ended in 1998. When he returned home he burned his passport.
Gaug lived in Akron in his retirement and kept in contact with many of his old friends in the racing world.
A hero of mine, being an American in F1, and one with a great deal of power. A nice man, interesting to talk with and someone fun with whom to break bread.
VERY SADDENED.
RIP Lee, you were a real racing rock star.
Could you consider an obits page, or some section link, Joe? Sad to be suggesting that, but it would be a good thing to have these amazing people listed so someone just dropping by might take a look. You’re regularly the only source. – j
you don’t get this kind of thoughtful reporting anywhere else. as ever, thanks for sharing, joe.
Had the privilege of meeting him once at Indy in the ’70s. Told him I was a road racer but duly respected the 500 and its lore. He said that Denny Hulme told him that, amid his F1 championship and Can-Am championships, it was being Rookie of the Year at Indy that really put him on the map.
Lee was my cousin, and was a great role model. I used to attend many races back in the 60′s-70′s with Lee as I have always enjoyed motorsports. My Saturday phone calls to visit with him to discuss weekly events, sports and motorsports will be missed. He is the last of that generation in my family. At the burial he was honored by a Marine Honor Guard, flag draped casket, 21 gun salute and taps, which were very fitting for his service to his country as a Marine.
RIP Lee you are in a better place now.