Carroll Shelby Dies: 10 Facts About the Legendary Race Car Driver and Designer

The world of auto racing lost a pioneer on Friday with the passing of Carroll Shelby.

Shelby, who died at the age of 89, had a tremendous impact on the world of cars and auto racing. He competed in races in the 1950s, and went on to design some of the most famous and innovative automobiles.

Shelby began working with cars in the 50s, and claimed he finally started making money when he started doing what he wanted. He loved cars from the time he was a child, and was arrested for speeding the day after he started driving.

Here are 10 facts about the late Carroll Hall Shelby.

- Got his license at 14 years old

- Competed in SCCA road racing events from 1952-1953

- Became a co-driver with Aston-Martin in 1954

- Named Sports Illustrated's Driver of the Year in 1956 and 1957

- Competed in and won his last race at the USAC driving championship in 1960

- Created the AC Cobra in 1962

- Created the International Chili Society in 1976

- Joined Lee Iacocca and Chrysler to create the Dodge products in 1982

- Built the Viper, which was first shown at the Detroit Automobile Show in 1989

- Inducted into the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame