One of the few Indianapolis 500 drivers to win titles on two and four wheels, Joe's career ended earlier than planned due to a crash in 1974. The Indycar Champion of 1971 and 1972, Leonard was a remarkably consistent driver. Sadly died in 2017, but had a tough few last years of his life, with family bereavements and a long battle against ill-health, including a heart-attack in 2010, two heart bypass surgeries and numerous strokes. Due to the bereavements, he retired and raised his granddaughter Emily, but Joe did continue to try and keep in regular touch with his racing past through historic events. Leonard was the Grand National motorcycling champion in 1954, 1956 and 1957, winning twenty-seven races before retiring to take up four wheels racing. Leonard also saved the life of Mel Kenyon in 1966; Kenyon had crashed at Langhorne and the car quickly caught fire. Leonard stopped and pulled Kenyon clear. Kenyon's injuries were quite severe without being saved, so he would have definitely died but for Leonard's bravery.

Biography last updated 1 May 2017