Kyle LeDuc, a revered figure in off-road racing, left an indelible mark on the sport with seven Pro 4 truck championships, numerous victories, and a dynamic, aggressive driving style that garnered millions of fans. Embracing innovation, he ventured into the electric racing series, Extreme E, securing a historic triumph for Chip Ganassi Racing. Tragically, his life and illustrious career were tragically curtailed by a grim diagnosis of stage IV head and neck cancer. On November 11, 2023, the off-road community mourned the loss of the champion.
Born on November 15, 1981, in Cherry Valley, California, Kyle was the son of Curt LeDuc, an esteemed off-road racer and Hall of Famer. Growing up immersed in off-road culture, Kyle, inspired by his father, entered the racing scene in the late 1990s. Swiftly showcasing his prowess, he clinched his inaugural championship in the Pro Lite class in 2003. Transitioning to the challenging Pro 4 class in 2006, Kyle overcame formidable competition, securing his first Pro 4 victory in 2007 and his initial Pro 4 championship in 2008. His dominance persisted, with additional titles in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019, accompanied by record-setting feats such as 12 consecutive wins in 2015 and sweeping all four rounds at Crandon International Raceway in 2016 and 2017.
In 2020, Kyle embraced a new frontier by joining the electric off-road racing series, Extreme E, aiming to spotlight climate change issues. Paired with Sara Price for Chip Ganassi Racing, they navigated challenges like acclimating to a new vehicle, racing in remote locales, and addressing technical hurdles. Triumphantly, they clinched podium finishes in the initial rounds in Saudi Arabia and Senegal. The pinnacle arrived in Greenland, where they made history by winning the first Island X Prix, marking Chip Ganassi Racing’s maiden victory in Extreme E.
However, the euphoria was short-lived as, upon returning from Greenland, Kyle received the devastating diagnosis of stage IV head and neck cancer. Despite revealing this news in June 2021 and withdrawing from the racing season, Kyle faced his battle with cancer valiantly, enduring chemotherapy and radiation treatments while maintaining an optimistic demeanor. The racing community, along with his family, friends, and fans, rallied to provide unwavering support and assistance with his medical expenses. Kyle remained connected with his team and the broader off-road community, sharing updates and progress on his journey through social media.
