In the world of motorsports, few names carry as much respect as Leonard Wood. A pioneer in NASCAR pit strategy and innovation, Wood played a crucial role in Jim Clark’s historic victory at the 1965 Indianapolis 500. Nearly 60 years later, Wood remains deeply moved by the significance of that moment and takes pride in seeing its legacy honored through a throwback scheme at Darlington Raceway.
A Landmark Victory in 1965
Jim Clark’s win at the 1965 Indy 500 was a defining moment in racing history. Not only did it mark the first victory for a rear-engine car at the Brickyard, but it also showcased the ingenuity of the Wood Brothers Racing team, who were invited by Ford to pit Clark’s No. 82 Lotus-Ford. Their NASCAR-bred pit stop efficiency gave Clark an edge over the competition, helping him dominate the race and lead 190 of 200 laps.
Looking back, Leonard Wood still holds that experience as one of the highlights of his career.
“To be part of a win like that, at a place as historic as Indianapolis, was something special,” Wood recalls. “We brought our style of pit stops from NASCAR, and it made a difference. Jim Clark was an incredible driver, and that whole effort with Lotus and Ford was just amazing.”
Seeing the Legacy Live On
This year, the legacy of that victory is being celebrated in NASCAR’s Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway. A special paint scheme paying tribute to Clark’s iconic green and yellow Lotus-Ford will take to the track, evoking memories of one of racing’s most significant moments.
For Wood, seeing the throwback design brings back a flood of memories.
“It means a lot to see that car honored at Darlington,” he says. “That race was a turning point for IndyCar, and it’s great to see people still recognize how special it was.”
Darlington Raceway’s Throwback Weekend has become a fan-favorite tradition, celebrating the sport’s greatest moments. And while NASCAR and IndyCar are separate disciplines, the 1965 Indy 500 stands as a unique bridge between them—one that the Wood Brothers helped build.
A Lasting Impact
Leonard Wood and the Wood Brothers Racing team continue to be an enduring part of NASCAR history, but their impact extends far beyond stock cars. Their involvement in Jim Clark’s victory showcased the adaptability and brilliance of NASCAR minds, proving that innovation in one form of racing can change the course of another.
As Darlington’s throwback scheme pays tribute to that unforgettable day in 1965, Leonard Wood is reminded of the teamwork, strategy, and innovation that made it possible.
“It’s a great honor to see that car remembered,” Wood says. “That win will always be one of the proudest moments for our team.”
With the Darlington tribute, a new generation of racing fans gets to appreciate the genius behind Jim Clark’s Indy 500 triumph—and the NASCAR minds that helped make it happen.
