Jacques Villeneuve

Jacques Joseph Charles Villeneuve (born April 9, 1971) is a Canadian automobile racing driver, and winner of Formula One and Champ Car championships and the Indianapolis 500, one of only two drivers to accomplish all three feats (the other being Emerson Fittipaldi).

Early years

Born in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Villeneuve's father was Gilles Villeneuve, a Formula One driver killed during qualifying at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix when Jacques was only eleven years old. His uncle, also named Jacques, was a moderately successful driver in American and Canadian road racing, winning one IndyCar race. Young Jacques, following his family's racing footsteps, first competed in the Italian Formula 3 series from 1989 through 1991. In 1992, he raced in the Japanese Formula 3 series, winning three races and placing second in the championship. In 1993, Jacques moved to the North American Toyota Atlantic racing series, where he won five races. He moved to Champ Car in 1994, and was the series Rookie of the Year after a string of strong results, including his first victory at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. In 1995, he won the Indianapolis 500 (running 505 miles due to a 2-lap penalty) on his way to winning the championship.

Related Topics:
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu - Quebec - Gilles Villeneuve - 1982 Belgian Grand Prix - Year - Uncle - Jacques - American - Road racing - IndyCar - Italian - Formula 3 - 1989 - 1991 - 1992 - Japanese - 1993 - Toyota - 1994 - Rookie of the Year - Elkhart Lake - Wisconsin - 1995 - Miles

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