SCCA® Hall of Fame member and renowned racing driver Augie Pabst passed away on Oct. 9, 2024. What he left behind is a legendary motorsports legacy that still benefits racing today.
During his racing career, August “Augie” Pabst teamed with some of the best in the motorsport world, including SCCA Hall of Fame members Roger Penske and Briggs Cunningham, as well as Walt Hansgen and Harry Heuer. Piloting some of the best and most famous cars of the era, Pabst won countless races, along with SCCA National Championships driving for Peter Hand. Additionally, Pabst was part of a group of drivers who helped bring about payment for drivers involved in U.S. road racing.
In Pabst’s storied career, he not only competed against but often beat competitors such as Carroll Shelby, Roger Penske, Bob Holbert, Jim Hall, Bob Sharp, Sterling Moss, and Dan Gurney.
Pabst was also well known as one of the impish individuals responsible for landing a Ford Falcon rental car at the bottom of a hotel pool in Monterey, CA.
A member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America since 2011, Pabst was a supporter of local Club events and a Board Member Emeritus of Road America.
Road America stated on its website in their announcement of Pabst’s passing: “A great-grandson of Milwaukee brewing legends, Pabst embarked on a ten-year racing journey that included two national championships: the 1959 USAC Road Racing Championship and the 1960 SCCA Championship. He quickly became a charismatic and beloved figure in American sports car racing, competing in iconic vehicles such as the Ferrari TR, Birdcage Maserati, and the Meister Brauser Scarab.”
Pabst was age 90 at the time of his passing, and is survived by his wife, four children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His racing legacy continues through his son, Augie Pabst III, who manages Pabst Racing, which has prepared and raced cars like Formula Enterprises®, Spec Racer®, Shelby Can-Am, Lola T165, Lola T600, Formula Continental®, Porsche GT3-Cup, IMSA Prototype Lites, USF Pro 2000, Daytona Prototype, Formula Atlantic®, USF2000, and Indy Lights.
Photos courtesy SportsCar archive
