Augie Pabst, Jr., who raced in the golden years of American sportscar racing’s late 1950s and early ‘60s, passed away Oct. 9 at age 90. He often teamed with close friends – Harry Heuer, Bill Wuesthoff and Don Devine; at other times with legends of the sport – Walt Hansgen and Roger Penske.
A testimony to Pabst’s skill and proficiency behind the wheel is his being contracted to drive for Briggs Cunningham, Carroll Shelby, John Wyer, Luigi Chinetti’s NART-Ferrari and John Mecom.
Pabst is a member of Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame. His autobiography “Augie Pabst – Behind the Wheel” is a must read for any student of early American road racing. An early inductee into the Road Racing Drivers Club, Pabst received the Bob Akin Award in 2010.
Pabst is survived by his wife, Joanie, his four children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His son Augie Pabst III is also a member of the RRDC, and he had these reflections of his father:
”I’m extremely grateful to have been his son. He taught me so much, he loved me so much more than most fathers would ever express, especially to their sons. He was fun, extremely generous – sometimes to a fault, and hung his hat on his honesty and integrity. Living next door, my children bonded with he and my mother unlike any grandparent/grandchild relationship I’ve ever seen. I’m so thankful we were able to get him home from the hospital, prior to his death. He died with a view of the lake on a gorgeous fall day with family and a few friends holding his hands and loving him, literally to death. It honestly was so painful, but more beautiful than I could ever have imagined. Sorry to elaborate so much, but I’m having a moment of reflection, and I wanted to share it with you.”
Mark Vaugh wrote a comprehensive obituary for Pabst in Autoweek.
