The death of Casey Gewertz, an Indianapolis, Indiana, damper engineer and technician at Andretti Autosport
Casey Gewertz was a highly regarded damper engineer and mechanic who unfortunately died on March 5, 2025, leaving the racing community in sadness. Gewertz was a talented professional who most recently worked with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR). He was well-known for his persistent dedication to motorsport. His contributions were widely felt in the IMSA and IndyCar communities, and his passing has had a significant influence on both. Fans, friends, and coworkers are all honoring him for his contributions to the sport, technical prowess, and commitment.
A tribute to Casey Gewertz’s remarkable technical skills, especially in the area of suspension systems, was his motorsport career. Designing, constructing, and testing dampers, springs, and other suspension parts for racing cars were all part of Gewertz’s job as a damper technician. Each car was customized to match the individual needs of the driver thanks to these suspension configurations, which were essential for optimizing the vehicle’s performance on the track. During races, his efforts helped teams and drivers realize their maximum potential, frequently making the difference between a decent and a fantastic result.
Gewertz was instrumental in the success of Meyer Shank Racing’s IMSA and IndyCar campaigns. In some of the world’s most competitive races, he was renowned for his ability to fine-tune suspension setups, making changes that would give the drivers an advantage. Whether in practice, qualifying, or the actual races, his knowledge was crucial to the team’s performance on the track. Gewertz collaborated with some of the top racing industry thinkers, and his efforts helped MSR reach even higher levels.
Before joining MSR, Gewertz had already made a name for himself in the world of motorsports, working as a damper technician for various teams in the IndyCar series. His reputation for precision, problem-solving, and his deep understanding of suspension systems had earned him the respect of those who worked with him. As his career progressed, Gewertz’s skills were increasingly sought after in other prestigious racing series, including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. His move to IMSA further showcased his adaptability and dedication to maintaining a competitive edge for the teams he worked with.
The news of Casey Gewertz’s death has sent shockwaves through the motorsports community, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the racing world. Fellow racing professionals, drivers, and teams have expressed their deep sorrow and paid tribute to the technician, acknowledging the immense impact he had on the sport. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Devlin DeFrancesco, who had known Gewertz, shared his grief on social media, stating, “Rest in peace, brother.” Fellow MSR driver Felix Rosenqvist, who had worked closely with Gewertz, also expressed his condolences, sharing heartfelt words that reflected the strong bond they had developed during their time together.
In a heartbreaking statement posted on social media, Meyer Shank Racing announced the news of Gewertz’s passing. The team tweeted, “We regret to inform you of the passing of MSR IMSA damper technician, Casey Gewertz.” For a number of years, Casey collaborated with MSR on our INDYCAR and, more recently, IMSA programs. His family is in our prayers and thoughts during this trying time. MSR’s homage emphasized Gewertz’s important contribution to the team and the racing community, recognizing both his technical prowess and his close relationships with all of his coworkers. The overwhelming response from MSR and other racing community members demonstrates how much respect and admiration Gewertz received during his career
The tributes shared in the wake of his passing underscore how much he was cherished not only as a technician but as a colleague and a friend. He was known for his quiet dedication, his willingness to go the extra mile to help his team, and his passion for motorsport. His ability to solve complex technical problems, often under pressure, made him an invaluable asset to any team he worked with. More than just a technical expert, Gewertz was a mentor to many in the paddock, offering guidance and support to younger engineers and technicians who looked up to him.
The vehicles, teams, and events that Casey Gewertz helped create will carry on his legacy, even if his passing leaves a huge hole in the motorsports community. The racing world will continue to appreciate his painstaking attention to detail, his unwavering quest for perfection, and his dedication to maximizing the car’s performance in every way. Gewertz’s fingerprints are on the success of innumerable performances, whether it was improving the handling of a sports vehicle or fine-tuning the suspension of an IndyCar.
Casey Gewertz will be remembered not only for his technical brilliance but also for the character he displayed in his work and personal interactions. His kindness, humility, and the respect he earned from others in the paddock speak to the kind of person he was. Many in the racing world will remember him as someone who was always there to lend a helping hand, share a word of advice, or simply listen when needed. His loss is deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him, and his absence will be sorely missed.
Our sympathies and thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who knew him during this extremely trying time. Although Casey’s legacy will live on, his loss has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him personally and those who worked with him. For many years to come, his contributions to motorsport—especially in the area of suspension systems—will have an impact on the sport. His legacy will motivate upcoming generations of engineers, technicians, and drivers who pursue the sport, and the vehicles and teams he collaborated with will continue the teachings he taught.
We consider the significance of the people who toil diligently behind the scenes to guarantee the success of racing teams as we honor Casey Gewertz. The unsung heroes of motorsport are technicians like Gewertz, who may not always be in the spotlight but are essential to a team’s performance. Their work enables drivers to push the boundaries of speed and performance, and their knowledge and commitment determine whether a driver wins or loses. We pay tribute to Gewertz’s technical prowess as well as the enthusiasm, dedication, and camaraderie he brought to the motorsports community.
Casey Gewertz, may you rest in peace. Your contributions to the racing community will always be remembered, as will your legacy in motorsport. Having you in the racing world has improved it, and those who come after you will be motivated by your legacy. Your modest commitment, knowledge, and generosity will never be forgotten.