Saw you mentioned Gordon Smiley where can I learn more about him?
!!!!! I am so happy you asked me thank you so much anon. He's very interesting to me as he had F1 inspirations.
No reason for attaching this pic I just like it.
This right here is a very good video. There is not a lot about him out there as I'm not sure if he had any siblings, and his mother I'm assuming has passed, and after his death his widow Barbara was diagnosed with cancer and died a few years later (1987 Iirc). Think he could've had a step daughter via Barbara but not sure. It's mentioned on her obituary page but I don't want to assume anything. Unfortunately, they were going to divorce in the summer as he wanted children of his own and experience fatherhood but she struggled with fertility. The horrible accident in May ended those plans. It seemed like it'd've been amicable as she was there that day (assuming she knew).
You will mostly see anecdotes online randomly talking about his character. I've seen some people who knew him share stories under Facebook posts. I saw this on find a grave:
He was friendly to journalists and encouraging because he understood the power of the media and was also a journalist himself. One journalist wrote that Gordon noticed he was alone so approached him a struck up a conversation.
Gordon Smiley tribute page on Facebook:
Gordon Smiley Tribute Page. 1,188 likes · 198 talking about this. A site to gain and share information about Gordon. A fascinating, fiery,
He was apparently really nice to young fans and would even stay behind to chat with them and sign stuff. As stated, he really adored kids and desperately wanted to be a father. Tribute page posted these.
Him with Andretti:
Article a about funeral: https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/17/sports/indy-drivers-eulogize-smiley.html
Gary Bettenhausen was very upset by him blaming his brother Tony Jr so it almost led to a fist fight. Think it's mentioned in the video. It is often mentioned that he was known for being cocky, "mouthy", and argumentative which led to some punch ups but to those he was cordial with he was described as a great friend. He was also known to be extremely headstrong and stubborn etc which unfortunately led to his death on that fateful day. (May 15th 1982).
He was very close friends with Desiree Wilson and her husband Alan and would often vouch for her/defend her. She was heavily affected by his death.
Tribute video showing different pics:
And an account by a friend:
