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Sad to see this. What an icon of our time.

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I'm ashamed to say I would have assumed he was already dead. That's quite a long run. I have seen his picture many times over the years in the old Road & Track.

Geez. I won't have any heros left. I was racing at a vintage event once that he attended, but I missed him. This
was another case where I see the person around and just assume he will be there forever.

I try to get to the Greenwich Concours every year. John Fitch did an interview show for Motor Trend and I always made it a point to stop by the Motor Trend tent and listen for a while. He always had a great story to tell. This year Fitch was not at the show, but his car, the 1966 Phoenix was.

Sad news, indeed.
Had the pleasure of a handshake and a smile while attending the Vintage Fall Festival at Lime Rock Park, CT a few years back. Purchased the video of him running at Bonneville the same weekend there. I was also fortunate enough to see the "Phoenix" up close and personal while it was at the Saratoga Automobile Museum in upstate NY. A great place to visit and see automotive history in a relaxed setting, and at your own pace.
I also think of Mr.Fitch when safely passing a line of his barriers. Think of how many lives have been saved! The man was a racer and a friend to all automotive people, whether they be enthusiasts or just daily commuter drivers. Rest in peace, sir, and thanks for your contribution to automotive safety and history.

P.S. - Mr. Fitch brought good fortune to me that day. After our short meeting, I continued on through the vendor area on my usual search for slot cars and model kits. I left that weekend with an original Aurora Thunderjet 500 '63 Corvette 'split window' coupe, molded in the very rare grey color!
It's now all cleaned up and a part of my stable of runners. Think I'll name that slightly customized 'Vette "Phoenix" in his memory.

Thanks for all the posts, guys... Ernie

A great hero and driver who did much for safety in racing.