Who Is Rick Mears? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on December 3, 1951, Rick Mears is a distinguished American racing driver best known for his incredible achievements in the Indianapolis 500. With four victories in this prestigious race, Mears has secured his place in racing history. Now in 2025, Rick is 73 years old, and his enduring legacy as a professional driver continues to influence aspiring racers around the world.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1951 |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Wichita, Kansas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Rick Mears's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Rick Mears stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters). Throughout his racing career, he has maintained a competitive weight of approximately 160 pounds (72.5 kg). His athletic build and dedication to fitness have played vital roles in his success as a driver.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rick Mears is married to his long-time partner, Chris Mears. The couple has shared a beautiful life together and has often been spotted attending racing events and charity functions. As of 2025, Rick and Chris continue to enjoy their marriage, supporting each other as they navigate the challenges and successes of their respective endeavors.
At the 1992 Indianapolis 500 Mears broke a wrist in a crash during practice and then crashed out of the race for the first time in his career as he could not avoid Jim Crawford's spinning car in turn 1. He raced only four more times in 1992 and then announced his retirement from racing at the Penske team's Christmas party.
No one except Penske himself and Rick's wife, Chris, knew of his plans to retire. He had just turned 41 years old.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Rick Mears boasts a substantial net worth estimated at around $40 million. His earnings stem from a successful racing career, endorsements, and other business ventures. In addition to prize winnings from racing, Mears has built a brand that resonates with fans and automotive enthusiasts alike.
Career, Business, and Investments
Rick Mears' career has spanned several decades, making him a household name in the world of motorsports. While primarily known for his achievements in open-wheel racing, he has also made notable appearances in various motorsport disciplines.
Beyond racing, Mears has engaged in business ventures, including investments in racing schools and automotive enterprises. His expertise has made him a sought-after figure in driver development programs, ensuring that his knowledge is passed down to the next generation of racers.
He began his racing career in off-road racing. In 1976, he was recommended by a representative of Bill Simpson's helmet company, and Simpson gave him a ride at the USAC Champ Car's California 500 on an old Eagle-Offenhauser, finishing 8th. Simpson then sold the car to Art Sugai, on condition that Mears would continue driving it. In mid 1977 he switched to Theodore Racing.
Social Network
Rick Mears remains active on social media, using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with fans and share insights from his life and career. His official pages feature updates on racing events, personal reflections, and contributions to charitable causes. Fans admire not only his racing accomplishments but also his approachable and down-to-earth personality.
For 1983 the Penske team acquired the Pennzoil sponsorship with its yellow paint scheme. Teammate Al Unser took that year's title. The team switched to the March chassis for the 1984 Indianapolis 500 after the Penske chassis proved unsuccessful in the first two races of the year.
Mears scored his second Indy win that May but suffered severe leg injuries later in the year in a crash at Sanair Super Speedway. The March chassis, like most contemporary open-wheel racing cars, sat the driver far forward in the nose, with little protection for the legs and feet.
Education
Rick Mears's educational background complements his racing career. He attended high school in Bakersfield, California, where his love for motorsports began to flourish. Although he did not pursue further formal education beyond high school, his hands-on experience in the racing industry has proven to be invaluable in shaping his successful career.
In 1980 Mears was offered a Formula One test with Brabham by then team boss Bernie Eccelstone. Mears took interest in the test largely because of the ongoing split between CART and USAC and wanted other options in case CART fell apart. Mears tested with Brabham twice, once at Paul Ricard and once at Riverside.
After adjusting his driving style to the Brabham BT49 Mears posted lap times within half a second of future three time Formula One champion and then Brabham driver Nelson Piquet at the first test. During the second test Mears posted lap times faster than Piquet's.
Piquet was so impressed with Mears' driving and enjoyed their time spent together so much that he endorsed bringing Mears on as a second driver. Eccelstone offered Mears a contract with Brabham that Mears ultimately declined.
Mears would later say in his memoir that although he felt that Brabham was a strong team and that he had the skill to compete for wins in Formula One he was unsure about moving to Europe and was still interested in oval racing as the main reasons for declining Eccelstone's offer.
