ELKHART LAKE, Wis. — Road racing legend August “Augie” Pabst died on Oct. 9. He was 90 years old.
Pabst, whose death was confirmed in a statement from Road America, where he was a board member emeritus, leaves behind a legacy both on and off the track, celebrated for his remarkable racing career and dedicated service to the motorsports community.
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’s illustrious career also saw him race in the legendary Road America 500, securing victories in 1962 and 1963, among many other achievements. After a brief hiatus due to a crash in 1962, Pabst returned to racing, continuing to make his mark on the sport.
Following his retirement from professional racing, Pabst remained a significant presence in the motorsports world, contributing to Road America’s growth and success as a Board Member.
Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2011, Augie Pabst’s passion for motorsports never waned. His legacy continues through his family, with his son, August Pabst III, managing the Pabst Racing Team, which recently celebrated the 2024 USF2000 Championship.