With most of the motorsports world on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve decided to highlight some of the sport’s legends on a daily basis. We begin each story within the pages of National Speed Sport News.

George Follmer enjoyed one of the most versatile careers of any driver in motorsports history.

Follmer successfully competed in Indy cars, NASCAR stock cars, Formula One, Can-Am, Trans-Am, IMSA, IROC and Le Mans, among other disciplines.

While Follmer hasn’t raced in decades, his name remains familiar with more than a few race fans.

Follmer won his first races in Trans-Am and Indy car racing in 1969, while later winning a pair of F-5000 races. He won a NASCAR sportsman race in 1971, but the following season may have been his best.

Subbing for injured Mark Donohue, Follmer won five Can-Am races in eight starts and earned the series championship. The same year, he won the Trans-Am title.

Follmer added another Trans-Am crown in 1976. He continued to road race into the early 1990s and was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1999.

Follmer made three Indy 500 starts, with a best finish of 15th in 1971. His lone Indy car victory came at Phoenix Int’l Raceway in 1969.

Follmer also competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, appearing in 13 races in 1974. He participated in the International Race of Champions in 1974 and ’75 and won a race.