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Rick Mears

Chronology

1951	Born on December 3 in Wichita, Kansas
1973	Wins several off-roading championships
1973	Son Clint Ravon is born
1974	Wins several Formula Vee and Super Vee races
1975	Son Cole Ray is born
1976	Meets Roger Penske
1976	Wins United States Auto Club Rookie of the Year award
1978	Becomes substitute driver on Penske's team
1978	Wins first Indy car championship in Milwaukee
1978	Races in first Indianapolis 500
1978	Named Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year
1979	Wins pole position at Indianapolis 500
1979	Wins first Indianapolis 500 race
1979	Wins first Championship Auto Racing Team National Championship
1982	Suffers facial burns in a pit fire at an Indianapolis 500 practice session
1984	Wins second Indianapolis 500 race
1984	Crashes at Sanair Speedway, badly injuring both feet
1986	Marries Christyn Bowen
1988	Wins third Indianapolis 500 race
1991	Crashes for the first time at the Indianapolis 500 during a practice session
1991	Wins fourth Indianapolis 500 race
1992	Crashes in Indianapolis 500 practice session and race
1992	Retires from driving
1992	Becomes adviser and driving coach for Team Penske
1992	Forms Indy Light team with brother Roger
2002	Divorces Christyn Bowen
2002	Enters alcohol treatment program