Photo of Mickey Rupp (driver) courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Mickey Rupp, who started the 1965 Indianapolis 500 but gained even more acclaim as a recreational vehicle (RV) and sport fishing equipment entrepreneur, has passed away. He was 87.

Rupp, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, qualified 15th and finished sixth in the No. 81 G.C. Murphy Gerhardt/Offy rear-engine car in 1965.

Rupp's IndyCar Series driving career saw five starts overall in 1964 and 1965. He finished in the top 10 in three of those five races, with a best result of fifth at Milwaukee a week after he finished sixth at Indianapolis.

Rupp started building kart kits in his basement in the late 1950s and then began manufacturing his designs that included innovations like step frames, improved braking systems and eventually four-wheel independent suspension. His Dart Karts became very popular and were produced through the late 1960s. His company, Rupp Manufacturing (which was renamed Rupp Industries), also produced popular mini-bikes, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles distinguishable by their performance and bright red color schemes.

For the complete details, visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announcement.