Scott Speed
The first American to race in Formula One in over a decade, he later reinvented himself as a champion in the chaotic world of rallycross.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American racing driver·Birthday: January 24·Millennials
Biography
Scott Speed's name seemed destined for racing, and he lived up to it by blazing a trail to the pinnacle of motorsport. A karting prodigy, he climbed the European open-wheel ladder, winning the Red Bull Driver Search which propelled him into Formula One with the Toro Rosso team in 2006. His tenure was brief and turbulent, marked by a fiery partnership with teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi and the intense pressure of being America's sole representative in the global series. After F1, he didn't fade away; he aggressively pivoted. Speed found his true calling in the American scene, becoming a dominant force in Red Bull Global Rallycross. He thrived in the sport's mix of asphalt, dirt, and jaw-dropping jumps, capturing multiple championships with a blend of raw speed and car control that finally let his talent shine consistently. His career stands as a testament to adaptability and resilience in high-speed competition.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Scott was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Scott Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Scott's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first American driver to compete in Formula One since Michael Andretti in 1993, racing for Scuderia Toro Rosso.
- Won the 2013 Red Bull Global Rallycross championship, claiming the inaugural series title.
- Secured back-to-back Americas Rallycross (ARX) championships in 2018 and 2019.
- Earned multiple victories in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, including a win at Dover in 2012.
Did You Know?
He was a champion gymnast as a child before focusing solely on motorsports.
He is an avid rock climber and outdoorsman, often seen climbing during race weekends.
He drove for the Andretti Autosport team in the electric Formula E series during the 2016-17 season.
“In Formula One, you're just a number. In rallycross, I can actually show my talent.”
