Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda, born Andreas Nikolaus Lauda, was a man who lived life in the fast lane, literally. An Austrian Formula One driver, he cheated death spectacularly in 1976 after a fiery crash left him severely burned and with a distinct look that would become his trademark. He returned to racing just six weeks later, proving that a little thing like near-fatal injuries wasn't going to slow him down. Winning two more championships, he firmly cemented his place in racing history.

After his racing career, Lauda didn't exactly retire to a quiet life of schnitzel and strudel. He went on to found and manage several airlines, because clearly, being an entrepreneur in aviation is just as relaxing as driving at 200 mph. He was also a prominent pundit and advisor in the F1 world, forever offering his candid, no-nonsense opinions with a directness that sometimes bordered on brutal.

As for his religious affiliation, Lauda was a Roman Catholic, born and raised in Austria. Despite a surname that sounds just Jewish enough to raise an eyebrow in certain circles, there's absolutely no indication of any Jewish ancestry or identity. He was just a guy who liked cars, planes, and probably not dying. So, for those of you hoping for another kvell-worthy Jew in the pantheon of speed, you'll have to keep looking.

While his sheer tenacity and business acumen are certainly commendable, they don't quite tip the scales into "Jew" territory. His accomplishments brought nachas to Austria and F1 fans worldwide, but not, alas, to the Jewish people. Maybe next time, Lauda. Maybe next time.