ALUMNI NEWS
To All Cartalumni Members:
At a recent meeting, the Reunion Committee has been hashing out the details for the Virtual Reunion to be held on October 29, 2023 at 6:00 PM EDT. We invite all of you to join in and have some fun. Special guest are expected, so, don't miss out on the festivities!
Also at the meeting, the committee noted the passing of Peppy Dallenbach, and we were hoping that if you have any photos of Peppy, and that you would like to share, please send them to cartalumni@gmail.com.
Thank You
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS:
The Reunion Committee is pleased to announce that Gene Axtell HAS
been elected Vice-President of Cartalumni, replacing Brett
Crabtree, who has stepped down from that position. We wish Gene
all the best in his new position.
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS:
A virtual reunion for all CartAlumni members is planned for
October 29,2023 at 6:00 PM EDT. More information will be coming in the coming weeks. So spread the word, you never know who will
show up! See you there!! _________________________________________________________________
Peppy Dallenbach
I have been asked by the Dallenbach Family to share the very sad news that earlier today, Peppy Dallenbach passed away.
The plan is to have a 'Celebration Of Life' probably in October with those details to follow over the next few weeks,
The next period of time will be very challenging for the Dallenbach Family to work through and they are asking for some private time with minimal contact as they deal with this very sad event. More information will follow but for now, please respect their wishes. They know that the CART Community will share the sadness but also want to encourage everyone to celebrate Peppy's incredible life.
If you would like to, please add your thoughts, pictures and memories to this post knowing that WD, Colleen, Paul and Wally Jr will be checking in regularly and seeing everything you put up.
RIP Peppy. You were very special, and much loved. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/annette-dallenbach-obituary?id=52380358
The plan is to have a 'Celebration Of Life' probably in October with those details to follow over the next few weeks,
The next period of time will be very challenging for the Dallenbach Family to work through and they are asking for some private time with minimal contact as they deal with this very sad event. More information will follow but for now, please respect their wishes. They know that the CART Community will share the sadness but also want to encourage everyone to celebrate Peppy's incredible life.
If you would like to, please add your thoughts, pictures and memories to this post knowing that WD, Colleen, Paul and Wally Jr will be checking in regularly and seeing everything you put up.
RIP Peppy. You were very special, and much loved. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/annette-dallenbach-obituary?id=52380358
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ZIGGY
Retiring longtime Andretti Autosport chief mechanic and team manager Paul “Ziggy” Harcus was presented with the 2023 Robin Miller Award at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday. The award, named in the honor of the legendary late RACER journalist whose career at the Speedway spanned five decades, salutes “an unheralded individual who’s devoted a significant portion of their life to IndyCar racing while bringing unbridled passion and unrelenting work ethic to enrich the sport.” Miller himself won the inaugural award in 2019, followed by Bob Jenkins and a joint award to Judy Dominik and T.E. McHale. Harcus is the first non-media member to win the award. “Everybody in the paddock knows Ziggy,” said IndyCar president Jay Frye. “No one knows his first name, but they all know him. He’s been a mentor and friend to all of us in IndyCar, especially this group obviously. We can’t thank you enough for being you and all that you’ve done for us.”
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MARIO SPEAKS
Mario Andretti initially had only a few words when asked how his son Michael Andretti’s efforts to field a Formula 1 team were progressing, but his frustration with the process became more apparent as he talked.
“It’s going. It’s going,” Andretti said initially.
When asked if it was going to happen, he replied, “It better.”
Three months ago, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said Michael Andretti was “not smart” when he labeled the current teams greedy over their desire to protect their financial interests. The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, has opened an application process for prospective new teams, but most of the existing Formula 1 operations have been resistant to new teams due to the impact it would have on their share of the prize money. A decision on whether any new Formula 1 teams will be allowed is expected this summer.
Michael Andretti wants to bring General Motors to Formula 1 with its Cadillac brand.
Mario Andretti believes General Motors entrance into Formula 1 would be a “wonderful thing for motor racing.”
“Let’s face it, as international as Formula 1 is to have a truly, solid American team and manufacturer, it’s got to be good for them,” the elder Andretti said.
“I know Gene Haas has a team and he never planned on having an American driver. Michael has committed to having at least one American driver always. Also, there is no official team that is fielding Formula 3 or Formula 2 and Michael has committed to having a Formula 3 and a Formula 2 team to give some American driver the opportunity to go to Europe and pursue Formula 1.
“So, there are a lot of things in play here. It’s a huge commitment for a long term.”
Andretti, who won the Formula 1 World Championship in 1978 driving for Lotus, said the FIA believed there should be 12 teams on the grid. Currently, there are 10 teams fielding cars for 20 drivers.
“They’re adding more and more races to the schedule in Formula 1 and they’re crossing continents, (and) it’s putting a big load on all the teams,” Mario Andretti said. “To have 22 or 24 cars on the grid rather than 20, I think it’s almost some insurance.”
The 83-year-old Andretti said that allowing his son to enter Formula 1 with General Motors would mean he achieved something the elder Andretti attempted more than 50 years ago. In the late 1960s, he said he tried to get Zora Arkus-Duntov to take General Motors Formula 1 racing. Arkus-Duntov was the brilliant engineer who transformed the Corvette into a high-performance machine. Andretti said Arkus-Duntov told him, “I talk, talk, talk and nobody hears me.”
Today, someone at General Motors is listening to Michael Andretti, who competed in Formula 1 in 1993. Also, the United States has three Formula 1 races this year – Miami, The Circuit of the Americas and Las Vegas.
“No other country on the planet has that,” Mario Andretti said.
Mario Andretti initially had only a few words when asked how his son Michael Andretti’s efforts to field a Formula 1 team were progressing, but his frustration with the process became more apparent as he talked.
“It’s going. It’s going,” Andretti said initially.
When asked if it was going to happen, he replied, “It better.”
Three months ago, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said Michael Andretti was “not smart” when he labeled the current teams greedy over their desire to protect their financial interests. The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, has opened an application process for prospective new teams, but most of the existing Formula 1 operations have been resistant to new teams due to the impact it would have on their share of the prize money. A decision on whether any new Formula 1 teams will be allowed is expected this summer.
Michael Andretti wants to bring General Motors to Formula 1 with its Cadillac brand.
Mario Andretti believes General Motors entrance into Formula 1 would be a “wonderful thing for motor racing.”
“Let’s face it, as international as Formula 1 is to have a truly, solid American team and manufacturer, it’s got to be good for them,” the elder Andretti said.
“I know Gene Haas has a team and he never planned on having an American driver. Michael has committed to having at least one American driver always. Also, there is no official team that is fielding Formula 3 or Formula 2 and Michael has committed to having a Formula 3 and a Formula 2 team to give some American driver the opportunity to go to Europe and pursue Formula 1.
“So, there are a lot of things in play here. It’s a huge commitment for a long term.”
Andretti, who won the Formula 1 World Championship in 1978 driving for Lotus, said the FIA believed there should be 12 teams on the grid. Currently, there are 10 teams fielding cars for 20 drivers.
“They’re adding more and more races to the schedule in Formula 1 and they’re crossing continents, (and) it’s putting a big load on all the teams,” Mario Andretti said. “To have 22 or 24 cars on the grid rather than 20, I think it’s almost some insurance.”
The 83-year-old Andretti said that allowing his son to enter Formula 1 with General Motors would mean he achieved something the elder Andretti attempted more than 50 years ago. In the late 1960s, he said he tried to get Zora Arkus-Duntov to take General Motors Formula 1 racing. Arkus-Duntov was the brilliant engineer who transformed the Corvette into a high-performance machine. Andretti said Arkus-Duntov told him, “I talk, talk, talk and nobody hears me.”
Today, someone at General Motors is listening to Michael Andretti, who competed in Formula 1 in 1993. Also, the United States has three Formula 1 races this year – Miami, The Circuit of the Americas and Las Vegas.
“No other country on the planet has that,” Mario Andretti said.
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Greetings all Alumni
We are planning to have a "Virtual Reunion" on Sunday October 29, 2023 at 6:30 PM EDT.
So, save that date. We are also planning to have a few "Special Guests" stopping by
to make an appearance.
We are also planning for a "Live Reunion" to be held sometime in October of 2024,time and place to be determined. So, save those dates and plan on having a fun time.
We are planning to have a "Virtual Reunion" on Sunday October 29, 2023 at 6:30 PM EDT.
So, save that date. We are also planning to have a few "Special Guests" stopping by
to make an appearance.
We are also planning for a "Live Reunion" to be held sometime in October of 2024,time and place to be determined. So, save those dates and plan on having a fun time.
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DICK PERRY
Please pass along to our fellow alumni the sorrowful passing of our Tech leader Dick Perry, having suffered for the past few months from kidney disease…
Richard Leon "Dick" Perry - View Obituary & Service Information
schmoyerfuneralhome.com
Richard Leon "Dick" Perry - View Obituary & Service Information
schmoyerfuneralhome.com
OTTAWA SPORTS CAR CLUB - OSCC
The Ottawa Sports Car Club - OSCC https://www.ottawasportscarclub.ca/ has been holding on-line auctions since it was first formed a few years ago. The content of each auction consists of donations from motorsport folks who are typically finally getting around to moving things on that they haven't used for a while - or possibly, something they have just came across while cleaning out a cupboard!!! The proceeds from the auctions are used to support various non-motorsport charities such as 'The Shepherds Of Good Hope', 'The Salvation Army', 'The Children's Hospital' - and similar needy and worthwhile causes.
We always have a wide variety of often rare and unique items, including:
The OSCC is an FIA-Affiliated Club through ASN Canada/GDS and was formed in 2017 by Terry Dale, who was also its first President (and is also a member of the CART Alumni - SuperTouring 1997; Indy Lights 1998-2001).
The Current OSCC President is Nicki Lachapelle - an active rallyist - who in 2022 was invited to participate at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix as part of the FIA's 'Women In Racing Program'. She will be using what she learned there when she is working at the Montreal F1 Grand Prix this coming June!
Please watch for upcoming auctions and help support the OSCC and its charities. THANK YOU!
The Ottawa Sports Car Club - OSCC https://www.ottawasportscarclub.ca/ has been holding on-line auctions since it was first formed a few years ago. The content of each auction consists of donations from motorsport folks who are typically finally getting around to moving things on that they haven't used for a while - or possibly, something they have just came across while cleaning out a cupboard!!! The proceeds from the auctions are used to support various non-motorsport charities such as 'The Shepherds Of Good Hope', 'The Salvation Army', 'The Children's Hospital' - and similar needy and worthwhile causes.
We always have a wide variety of often rare and unique items, including:
- Target/Ganassi Team Jacket;
- USAC Board Game from 1979;
- Team memorabilia such as pins, jackets, shirts, media guides, driver hero cards
- Engraved Gilles Villeneuve water tumblers;
- Pikes Peak prints
- Race Official's shirts
- Display model of Scott Goodyear's #15 Indy Car
- A very rare (1 of 2) 1995 CART Leather Jacket that was used to promote the CART website. One went to the One Millionth visitor to the site. The other one is sitting waiting to go up for auction!
- CART Pit Lane Fire Suits from different periods
- Posters from the 70's through to the 2000's
- Books on drivers, teams and events from every decade
The OSCC is an FIA-Affiliated Club through ASN Canada/GDS and was formed in 2017 by Terry Dale, who was also its first President (and is also a member of the CART Alumni - SuperTouring 1997; Indy Lights 1998-2001).
The Current OSCC President is Nicki Lachapelle - an active rallyist - who in 2022 was invited to participate at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix as part of the FIA's 'Women In Racing Program'. She will be using what she learned there when she is working at the Montreal F1 Grand Prix this coming June!
Please watch for upcoming auctions and help support the OSCC and its charities. THANK YOU!
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From All the Committee Members, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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It is with a heavy heart we announce that Billy Kamphausen's son, Bill Jr, was tragically killed in a snowboarding accident in the state of Washington. William Kamphausen, Jr. (Bill) age 44 died Saturday, December 10, 2022, in a snowboarding accident at Mt. Baker, WA. Kamphausen lived in Bellingham, WA. He was raised in Bloomfield Hills, MI. He is survived by his parents, Joanne and William Kamphausen, Sr., and his sister, Anna Kelly, and her family, Kreg Kelly, and niece and nephew, Kate, and Tommy. A funeral service will be held at a later date at St. Owen Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Donations can be made in honor of Bill to the Michigan Humane Society, (866)648-6263, www.michiganhumane.org
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Happy Holidays to all CART Alumni,
We hope everyone had a wonderful and family filled Happy Thanksgiving. We also hope you, who were able to attend, had a memorable time at the 2022 CART Alumni Reunion.
It was a great time seeing our CART family and friends. We would like to thank Paul Page, for taking time out of his busy schedule to join us. And we would like to extend our thanks again to those that sponsored our reunion, Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Penske, PTSC, FEI, AutoRacing1.com and probably the biggest thanks to Andretti AutoSport and Ziggy Harcus and the whole Andretti Team for opening their doors and hosting our 2022 Reunion. Without our sponsors we would not be able to host our reunions… we thank you.
But now that the 2022 Reunion is behind us don’t think for a minute that the CART Alumni Association is slowing down. The CART Alumni Reunion Committee is already in discussion as to what’s next on the agenda. For example, The Alumni Committee is excited to announce that on October 29th 2023 we will be hosting another Virtual Reunion. So mark the date, October 29th 2023 on your calendar. There are other ideas also in discussion such as a resort or cruise trip etc., in the future.
So keep an eye out for further updates and don’t forget to mark the date, October 29th 2023 for the next Virtual Reunion.
Have a safe Holiday Season!
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Click here for our Youtube pages: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXimZppy9mI-FM9RYC8hz4A
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoQbfE8TFkGXaEKEZMntUwA
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoQbfE8TFkGXaEKEZMntUwA
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Video shown at the 2022 CART Alumni Reunion on October 15, 2022 at the Andretti Autosport Shop.
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The Reunion committee would like to thank all the people that attended our reunion weekend events!! We also want to thank Michael Andretti, Paul "Ziggy" Harcus and all the Andretti Autosport employees that provided all the help that made CART Alumni 2022 a huge success!!
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CART ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND 2022 DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday Tour of Dallara Indycar Factory
1201 N. Main Street
Speedway. IN
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
10:00 AM To 4:00 PM
Admission Charge – Senior Discount
“Kiss the Bricks” Tour Available
4750 W. 16th St.
Speedway, IN
Gathering at Brozinni’s Restaurant
1067 N. Main Street.
Speedway, IN
Doors Open - 5:00 PM
After Glow Party ay Gatsby's
6335 Intech Commons Dr
Indianapolis, IN
Following Reunion Gathering – Or anytime you wish!!
Saturday Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
10:00 AM To 4:00 PM
Admission Charge – Senior Discount
“Kiss the Bricks” Tour Available
4750 W. 16th St.
Speedway, IN
Andretti Autosports Shop
7615 Zionsville Rd.
Indianapolis, IN
Doors Open – 5:00 PM
Registration and Social Hour - 5:00 PM To 6:30 PM
Dinner Catered by Dawson's - 6:30 PM To 7:30 PM
Reunion Event Program - approx. 7:45
Additional time for Gathering and Touring
After Glow Party ay Gatsby's
6335 Intech Commons DR
Indianapolis, IN
Following Reunion Gathering – Or anytime you wish!!
Sunday Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
4750 W. 16th St.
Speedway, IN
10:00 AM To 4:00 PM
Admission Charge – Senior Discount
“Kiss the Bricks” Tour Available
Friday Tour of Dallara Indycar Factory
1201 N. Main Street
Speedway. IN
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
10:00 AM To 4:00 PM
Admission Charge – Senior Discount
“Kiss the Bricks” Tour Available
4750 W. 16th St.
Speedway, IN
Gathering at Brozinni’s Restaurant
1067 N. Main Street.
Speedway, IN
Doors Open - 5:00 PM
After Glow Party ay Gatsby's
6335 Intech Commons Dr
Indianapolis, IN
Following Reunion Gathering – Or anytime you wish!!
Saturday Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
10:00 AM To 4:00 PM
Admission Charge – Senior Discount
“Kiss the Bricks” Tour Available
4750 W. 16th St.
Speedway, IN
Andretti Autosports Shop
7615 Zionsville Rd.
Indianapolis, IN
Doors Open – 5:00 PM
Registration and Social Hour - 5:00 PM To 6:30 PM
Dinner Catered by Dawson's - 6:30 PM To 7:30 PM
Reunion Event Program - approx. 7:45
Additional time for Gathering and Touring
After Glow Party ay Gatsby's
6335 Intech Commons DR
Indianapolis, IN
Following Reunion Gathering – Or anytime you wish!!
Sunday Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
4750 W. 16th St.
Speedway, IN
10:00 AM To 4:00 PM
Admission Charge – Senior Discount
“Kiss the Bricks” Tour Available
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Dallara Tour
For those of you that are coming to the 2022 CART ALUMNI REUNION we have a great opportunity to visit the Dallara Indycar factory. Tour will begin Friday October 14, at 2:30 PM at 1201 N. Main St. in Speedway, IN 46224 Just click the link to register for this exciting chance to see the factory. Your person of contact is Bill Crisan.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk1Li_E8u2bj0cKFj4AIos2UjiRNXFzHOT3xfLkxoJDouyMA/viewform
For those of you that are coming to the 2022 CART ALUMNI REUNION we have a great opportunity to visit the Dallara Indycar factory. Tour will begin Friday October 14, at 2:30 PM at 1201 N. Main St. in Speedway, IN 46224 Just click the link to register for this exciting chance to see the factory. Your person of contact is Bill Crisan.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk1Li_E8u2bj0cKFj4AIos2UjiRNXFzHOT3xfLkxoJDouyMA/viewform
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Address to Reunion Events
Here are the addresses to Reunion Events:
Andretti Autosport......7615 Zionsville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268
Gatsby's......6335 Intech Commons Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46278
Brozinni's......1067 N. Main St. Speedway, IN 46224
Dallara......1201 N. Main St. Speedway, IN 46224
Speedway Museum......4750 W. 16th St. Speedway, IN 46224
Town Place Suites......5208 W. 71st St. Indianapolis, IN 46278 (Official Hotel)
Here are the addresses to Reunion Events:
Andretti Autosport......7615 Zionsville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268
Gatsby's......6335 Intech Commons Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46278
Brozinni's......1067 N. Main St. Speedway, IN 46224
Dallara......1201 N. Main St. Speedway, IN 46224
Speedway Museum......4750 W. 16th St. Speedway, IN 46224
Town Place Suites......5208 W. 71st St. Indianapolis, IN 46278 (Official Hotel)
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Reminder, registration for the 2022 CART Alumni Reunion ends in one week (Oct 10th) See you all on Oct 15th at the Andretti Autosport race shop!!
Schedule of events will be sent out soon. Go to our webpage to register. https://www.cartreunions.org/2022-reunion-registration.html
Schedule of events will be sent out soon. Go to our webpage to register. https://www.cartreunions.org/2022-reunion-registration.html
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We are pleased to announce that we are extending the deadline date for registration for the reunion to October 10, 2022. So, you still have time to join in the fun at Brozinni's in Speedway on Friday night and Andretti Autosport's on Saturday night in Indianapolis on October 14 and 15 for the 2022 CART Alumni Reunion https://www.cartreunions.org/2022-reunion-registration.html
SEE YOU THERE!!!
SEE YOU THERE!!!
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If you are still planning on attending this years reunion in Indianapolis, time is getting short. There are less than 30 days to go, but, time to register is even shorter, less than 2 weeks. We will soon need you to register so we can advise the caterer how many people will be attending. So, get you registration in and come to Indy for friends and fun.. Rooms are still available at the official hotel. So go to the cartalumni website and click CART Reunion 2022 for more information.
Attention All Reunion Attendees
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Due to a clerical error, the Zip Code on the downloadable registration on the website is incorrect, the correct Zip Code to send the registration back is 53012. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Attention All Alumni Members
It's time to get those registrations mailed in. Registration closes on September 28, 2022. A good time is being planned for all, with Friday night get together at Brozinni's Pizza in Speedway, IN (Formerly 1911), and Saturday night, "The Reunion" at Andretti Autosport.
The committee has been working hard to making sure that everyone will have a good time. More information on the weekend activities will be coming soon. As a reminder, all family members of CART Alumni members are also invited!
So, go to www.cartreunions.org/2022-reunion-registration.html and register, and we'll see you all in Indianapolis on October 14 & 15!!
It's time to get those registrations mailed in. Registration closes on September 28, 2022. A good time is being planned for all, with Friday night get together at Brozinni's Pizza in Speedway, IN (Formerly 1911), and Saturday night, "The Reunion" at Andretti Autosport.
The committee has been working hard to making sure that everyone will have a good time. More information on the weekend activities will be coming soon. As a reminder, all family members of CART Alumni members are also invited!
So, go to www.cartreunions.org/2022-reunion-registration.html and register, and we'll see you all in Indianapolis on October 14 & 15!!
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Greetings Alumni Members
We have one month till registration closes (September 28, 2022). So, don't hesitate, get those registrations in. We are planning on having fun, food and a few surprises!! Go to the cartalumni website and click the 2022 CART Alumni Reunion page and sign-up, you truly won't regret it! See you at Brozinni's Pizza in Speedway on the 14th, and Andretti Autosport on the 15th in Indianapolis.
Looking forward to seeing all our friends again on October 14 & 15, 2022!
We have one month till registration closes (September 28, 2022). So, don't hesitate, get those registrations in. We are planning on having fun, food and a few surprises!! Go to the cartalumni website and click the 2022 CART Alumni Reunion page and sign-up, you truly won't regret it! See you at Brozinni's Pizza in Speedway on the 14th, and Andretti Autosport on the 15th in Indianapolis.
Looking forward to seeing all our friends again on October 14 & 15, 2022!
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Hey CART Alumni...
We would like to take a minute again and say thank you to the sponsors that continue to stand along side the people that made CART so great and still stand by us in support of our Reunions.
Steve Butts and Firestone, Performance Tire has been along side Cart Alumni Association from the beginning
Andretti AutoSport for hosting the 2022 CART Reunion
Chip Ganassi for always supporting CART Alumni and being our former host
Team Penske a big CART Alumni supporter
Fritz Enterprises Inc. a big CART Alumni supporter
AutoRacing1.com a big CART Alumni supporter
It is because of your generosity that we are able to continue to have these Fun Gatherings. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We would like to take a minute again and say thank you to the sponsors that continue to stand along side the people that made CART so great and still stand by us in support of our Reunions.
Steve Butts and Firestone, Performance Tire has been along side Cart Alumni Association from the beginning
Andretti AutoSport for hosting the 2022 CART Reunion
Chip Ganassi for always supporting CART Alumni and being our former host
Team Penske a big CART Alumni supporter
Fritz Enterprises Inc. a big CART Alumni supporter
AutoRacing1.com a big CART Alumni supporter
It is because of your generosity that we are able to continue to have these Fun Gatherings. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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Time to start thinking about the 2022 CART Reunion at Andretti Autosport in Indianapolis on October 15th!! Go to https://www.cartreunions.org/2022-reunion-registration.html and register for this fun event with special guests and surprises!!
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Bobby Rahal has Health Scare
Bobby Rahal, three time IndyCar Series Champion, has been facing some serious health issues as of late. Bobby Rahal has been absent from the IndyCar paddock the last few races and now we know why. During a routine physical on May 5, Doctors informed Rahal that he had suffered a heart attack and that he had quite a bit of blockage. Rahal underwent a triple bypass surgery on June 6.
Last week the IndyCar Series was in Newton Iowa, a race that the former Indianapolis 500 winner was instrumental in helping bring the IndyCar series back to Iowa Speedway in 2022, which explains why Rahal was anxious to make it back to the track for the Iowa race. Graham Rahal, IndyCar driver and Bobby’s son, Tweeted July 24, he was surprised his dad shared the news. Surprised he leaked the news, but nonetheless it’s been an intense couple months for our family. We’re ultra-lucky to still have dad with us, very lucky, but now he’s good for another 100k miles we think. Many had asked where he’s been, now you have your answer.” The CART Alumni Association asks that all Alumni join us in wishing Bobby Rahal a full Speedy recovery as he continues to recuperate from this scary experience and hope to see him at all the races very soon. CART Alumni Association
Bobby Rahal, three time IndyCar Series Champion, has been facing some serious health issues as of late. Bobby Rahal has been absent from the IndyCar paddock the last few races and now we know why. During a routine physical on May 5, Doctors informed Rahal that he had suffered a heart attack and that he had quite a bit of blockage. Rahal underwent a triple bypass surgery on June 6.
Last week the IndyCar Series was in Newton Iowa, a race that the former Indianapolis 500 winner was instrumental in helping bring the IndyCar series back to Iowa Speedway in 2022, which explains why Rahal was anxious to make it back to the track for the Iowa race. Graham Rahal, IndyCar driver and Bobby’s son, Tweeted July 24, he was surprised his dad shared the news. Surprised he leaked the news, but nonetheless it’s been an intense couple months for our family. We’re ultra-lucky to still have dad with us, very lucky, but now he’s good for another 100k miles we think. Many had asked where he’s been, now you have your answer.” The CART Alumni Association asks that all Alumni join us in wishing Bobby Rahal a full Speedy recovery as he continues to recuperate from this scary experience and hope to see him at all the races very soon. CART Alumni Association
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2022 CART Alumni Reunion Update
July 7th, 2022.
For those Alumni planning on attending the 2022 CART Reunion, the Alumni Committee has new information for all Alumni.
Registration for the 2022 CART Alumni will open next week the week of July 11th, 2022, and will be on the CART Alumni webpage at www.cartreunions.org. The exact day will be announced in the next few days. So be on the watch for registration announcement next week.
It has come to the attention of the Alumni Committee, that the CART Reunion Alumni block of rooms at Town Place Suites by Marriott is just about to be all booked up. What a great sign for our Reunion. With this in mind, the Alumni Committee is in the process of securing a second hotel in the vicinity. This second hotel will be announced as soon as the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed. So be on the look-out for another block of rooms to be announced shortly.
This year’s CART Reunion is really on the road to becoming a huge extravaganza. Friday, October 14th, casual registration gathering with food and games. Saturday, October 15th, day event for everyone and then our evening CART Alumni Reunion to be hosted by Michael Andretti at the Andretti Auto-Sport race shop. Thank you Michael.
So be on the look-out for further important updates to come.
We look forward to seeing all our CART Family.
CART Alumni Committee
July 7th, 2022.
For those Alumni planning on attending the 2022 CART Reunion, the Alumni Committee has new information for all Alumni.
Registration for the 2022 CART Alumni will open next week the week of July 11th, 2022, and will be on the CART Alumni webpage at www.cartreunions.org. The exact day will be announced in the next few days. So be on the watch for registration announcement next week.
It has come to the attention of the Alumni Committee, that the CART Reunion Alumni block of rooms at Town Place Suites by Marriott is just about to be all booked up. What a great sign for our Reunion. With this in mind, the Alumni Committee is in the process of securing a second hotel in the vicinity. This second hotel will be announced as soon as the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed. So be on the look-out for another block of rooms to be announced shortly.
This year’s CART Reunion is really on the road to becoming a huge extravaganza. Friday, October 14th, casual registration gathering with food and games. Saturday, October 15th, day event for everyone and then our evening CART Alumni Reunion to be hosted by Michael Andretti at the Andretti Auto-Sport race shop. Thank you Michael.
So be on the look-out for further important updates to come.
We look forward to seeing all our CART Family.
CART Alumni Committee
_____________________________________________________________________
Wally Dallenbach Sr. enters the IMS Hall of Fame
By: Raymond Dock| June12, 2022
Wally Dallenbach adds another milestone to his long list of accolades. Last month during the month of May festivities for the Indianapolis 500 both he and spin and win Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan were inducted into the IMS Hall of Fame.
Wally Dallenbach, one of the most popular of the early 1960s Modified drivers, went from the Northeast Short tracks to the Indianapolis Motorspeedway Hall of Fame. And along the way, Dallenbach changed motorsports forever. To get the whole story of Wally Dallenbach and his amazing career we should start at the beginning.
Wally Dallenbach was born December 12, 1936 in East Brunswick New Jersey. Dallenbach’s interest in racing began at an early age. When he was 15 years old, a young Dallenbach modified a 1938 Ford Coupe into a stock car. Dallenbach was too young to drive at the time so he built and campaigned the car for two years as owner and mechanic.
When Dallenbach turned 17, he began drag racing. In 1959 he built and raced Buick-powered cars including a blown rear-engine Dragster. He earned eighty wins over the next five years. When he turned 21 he began oval racing at tracks up and down the east coast, earning several wins during this four year period. Wally Dallenbach was fast gaining a reputation for success on which ever track he raced on.
In 1965 opportunity came knocking. Dallenbach got the opportunity to drive an open cockpit racer at the Champ Car event at Langhorn in Pennsylvania. You didn’t have to ask Wally twice. By the way he finished 9th in his rookie outing. Langhorn was the beginning of a career that lasted until 1979.
During Wally Dallenbach’s professional driving career, he enjoyed success and definite high peaks in his driving career. Along with many top 10 finishes he won five times and three of those victories came in succession during the 1973 season at the Milwaukee 200, the Ontario 100 and the Ontario 500.
Dallenbach had 13 Indianapolis starts with a best of fourth in 1976. We should note here that in 1975, Wally had the race won but burned a piston while dueling with A.J. Foyt for the lead. He had been leading when he retired on lap 167. Sad thing is, the race was called a handful of laps later when the race was stopped.
In 1980, after retiring from driving the year prior, Dallenbach was named the Competition Director for Championship Auto Racing Teams and then in 1981 he became CART’s Chief Steward a position he held until he retired in 2004. During his tenure as Chief Steward, Dallenbach improved the on track safety programs and established nondenominational church services at the race track for Drivers, teams and their families.
While Wally Dallenbach has seen great success in many types of race cars from modified, sprint, stock and open wheel cars, his greatest contributions to his legacy have been his charities that benefit from the Colorado 500 dirt bike ride that he started with friend Sherm Cooper in 1976. Since 1981 more than 2 million dollars has been raised for scholarship funds, medical centers, teen services, scouting and U.S. Forest services and many others.
As stated in the motorcycle museum, The Colorado 500 has also had a great impact on preserving trail riding areas. In 1995, the Colorado 500 applied for Great Outdoors Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) grants. These grants were used to enhance trails and roads used by the event. More than $400,000 has been applied to the U.S.F.S trails used by the ride. In 1996, the Colorado 500 established a legal defense fund to preserve trail riding in Colorado. In 2001, noise limits were adopted for the ride, which now holds tech inspections for noise-level compliance. Wally Dallenbach should be very proud of what he has created for the environment.
Since his retirement Wally Dallenbach, along with his wife, Peppy, spend most of their time on their ranch tending to their fairgrounds, cabins and private restoration garage near Frying Pan River in upper Basalt.
But Wally is not a newcomer to being inducted into halls of fame. In 2020, he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and before that he was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame for his exploits at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Dallenbach was also voted into the American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame for his work as founder and president of the Colorado 500 invitational charity motorcycle rides as well as voted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame.
After all the accolades that Wally Dallenbach as achieved in his life, thus far, it comes as no surprise that he should be inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. Those of us that know you, worked with you and are fans of yours we say to you a big congratulations on your induction into the INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY HALL OF FAME.
Bravo UNIT ONE, Bravo.
By: Raymond Dock| June12, 2022
Wally Dallenbach adds another milestone to his long list of accolades. Last month during the month of May festivities for the Indianapolis 500 both he and spin and win Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan were inducted into the IMS Hall of Fame.
Wally Dallenbach, one of the most popular of the early 1960s Modified drivers, went from the Northeast Short tracks to the Indianapolis Motorspeedway Hall of Fame. And along the way, Dallenbach changed motorsports forever. To get the whole story of Wally Dallenbach and his amazing career we should start at the beginning.
Wally Dallenbach was born December 12, 1936 in East Brunswick New Jersey. Dallenbach’s interest in racing began at an early age. When he was 15 years old, a young Dallenbach modified a 1938 Ford Coupe into a stock car. Dallenbach was too young to drive at the time so he built and campaigned the car for two years as owner and mechanic.
When Dallenbach turned 17, he began drag racing. In 1959 he built and raced Buick-powered cars including a blown rear-engine Dragster. He earned eighty wins over the next five years. When he turned 21 he began oval racing at tracks up and down the east coast, earning several wins during this four year period. Wally Dallenbach was fast gaining a reputation for success on which ever track he raced on.
In 1965 opportunity came knocking. Dallenbach got the opportunity to drive an open cockpit racer at the Champ Car event at Langhorn in Pennsylvania. You didn’t have to ask Wally twice. By the way he finished 9th in his rookie outing. Langhorn was the beginning of a career that lasted until 1979.
During Wally Dallenbach’s professional driving career, he enjoyed success and definite high peaks in his driving career. Along with many top 10 finishes he won five times and three of those victories came in succession during the 1973 season at the Milwaukee 200, the Ontario 100 and the Ontario 500.
Dallenbach had 13 Indianapolis starts with a best of fourth in 1976. We should note here that in 1975, Wally had the race won but burned a piston while dueling with A.J. Foyt for the lead. He had been leading when he retired on lap 167. Sad thing is, the race was called a handful of laps later when the race was stopped.
In 1980, after retiring from driving the year prior, Dallenbach was named the Competition Director for Championship Auto Racing Teams and then in 1981 he became CART’s Chief Steward a position he held until he retired in 2004. During his tenure as Chief Steward, Dallenbach improved the on track safety programs and established nondenominational church services at the race track for Drivers, teams and their families.
While Wally Dallenbach has seen great success in many types of race cars from modified, sprint, stock and open wheel cars, his greatest contributions to his legacy have been his charities that benefit from the Colorado 500 dirt bike ride that he started with friend Sherm Cooper in 1976. Since 1981 more than 2 million dollars has been raised for scholarship funds, medical centers, teen services, scouting and U.S. Forest services and many others.
As stated in the motorcycle museum, The Colorado 500 has also had a great impact on preserving trail riding areas. In 1995, the Colorado 500 applied for Great Outdoors Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) grants. These grants were used to enhance trails and roads used by the event. More than $400,000 has been applied to the U.S.F.S trails used by the ride. In 1996, the Colorado 500 established a legal defense fund to preserve trail riding in Colorado. In 2001, noise limits were adopted for the ride, which now holds tech inspections for noise-level compliance. Wally Dallenbach should be very proud of what he has created for the environment.
Since his retirement Wally Dallenbach, along with his wife, Peppy, spend most of their time on their ranch tending to their fairgrounds, cabins and private restoration garage near Frying Pan River in upper Basalt.
But Wally is not a newcomer to being inducted into halls of fame. In 2020, he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and before that he was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame for his exploits at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Dallenbach was also voted into the American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame for his work as founder and president of the Colorado 500 invitational charity motorcycle rides as well as voted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame.
After all the accolades that Wally Dallenbach as achieved in his life, thus far, it comes as no surprise that he should be inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. Those of us that know you, worked with you and are fans of yours we say to you a big congratulations on your induction into the INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY HALL OF FAME.
Bravo UNIT ONE, Bravo.
_____________________________________________________________________
John Caples passes away at 86
John Caples, an American open wheel racing legend, passed away on June 9th 2022 at the age of 86. Johnny Caples leaves behind a life-long legacy that began at grass roots tracks and led him to the top of open wheel racing.
Caples life-long adventure began at the age of 15 when he built and drove his own modifieds around his hometown of Albuquerque New Mexico. His dreams of racing paid off in 1967 when he won the New Mexico Racing Association Championship.
The following year, 1968, he followed Al and Bobby Unser from New Mexico to Indianapolis working on the Unser’s USAC Championship race team, while at the same time, he was driving his own Sprint Car in the USAC Sprint Car division. It was in 1968 that John Caples won his only USAC National Sprint Car feature during the New York Erie County Fairgrounds event driving for Al Unser.
Between 1969 and 1974 saw an exciting time for John Caples. At this time things seemed to come in twos for Caple. As a mechanic, he began working with the Parnelli Jones team where they won the 1970 and 1971 Indianapolis 500 races back-to-back with Al Unser and the Johnny Lightning Special. In 1971 and 1972 he was an integral part of winning back-to-back championships with driver Joe Leonard. He won Championships on dirt in 1973 with Al Unser and with Mario Andretti in 1974.
In 1975 John Caples stepped up to team manager duties when he joined Alex Morales. Winning the Inaugural Michigan 500 in 1981 and again 1986 with drivers Pancho Carter and Johnny Rutherford, the union was a success. In 1988, John Caples purchased the team when Morales passed away and began his team owner duties.
It should be noted at this point that in 1979 John Caples was one of the first seven investors in the formation of the new Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) and served as its president and Chief Operating Officer in 1989.
Between 1992 and 2001, Caples became the USAC Senior Vice President and Director of Competition before accepting the roll of USAC President and Chief Operating officer from 1997 to 2001.
John Caples leaves a wonderful Legacy of success and accomplishment in his memory.
A few of John Caples achievements not mentioned:
**1972 S/K Tool Chief Mechanic Hall of Fame
**1972 USAC Loctite Chief Mechanic's reliability award
**1973 USAC Championship Dirt Car Series winning Chief Mechanic with driver
Al Unser
**1974 USAC Championship Dirt Car Series winning Chief Mechanic with
driver Mario Andretti
**1978 USAC Championship Dirt Car Series winning owner and Chief Mechanic with
driver Poncho Carter
**1985 New Mexico Secretary of State Proclaims November 5th as
"New Mexico Auto Racing Excellence Day" named in honor of Unser, Galles,
and Capels
**1989 teams with Alfa Romeo and brings Alfa to Indy Car Racing with cars
engineered by March
**1989 becomes president and COO of CART
**2002 becomes chairman of the board of directors for USAC retiring from position
in 2010
**1999 formed the USAC International Road Racing Officials Team to officiate
the Formula One World Championship Series under USAC from 2000 through 2007
and for Moto GP from 2008 through 2010
Johnny Caples led an adventurous life doing what he loved.
Please join the CART Alumni Association as we remember the life of Johnny Caples
Race in Peace Johnny, you will be missed
CART Alumni Association
Ray Dock
_________________________________________
John Caples, an American open wheel racing legend, passed away on June 9th 2022 at the age of 86. Johnny Caples leaves behind a life-long legacy that began at grass roots tracks and led him to the top of open wheel racing.
Caples life-long adventure began at the age of 15 when he built and drove his own modifieds around his hometown of Albuquerque New Mexico. His dreams of racing paid off in 1967 when he won the New Mexico Racing Association Championship.
The following year, 1968, he followed Al and Bobby Unser from New Mexico to Indianapolis working on the Unser’s USAC Championship race team, while at the same time, he was driving his own Sprint Car in the USAC Sprint Car division. It was in 1968 that John Caples won his only USAC National Sprint Car feature during the New York Erie County Fairgrounds event driving for Al Unser.
Between 1969 and 1974 saw an exciting time for John Caples. At this time things seemed to come in twos for Caple. As a mechanic, he began working with the Parnelli Jones team where they won the 1970 and 1971 Indianapolis 500 races back-to-back with Al Unser and the Johnny Lightning Special. In 1971 and 1972 he was an integral part of winning back-to-back championships with driver Joe Leonard. He won Championships on dirt in 1973 with Al Unser and with Mario Andretti in 1974.
In 1975 John Caples stepped up to team manager duties when he joined Alex Morales. Winning the Inaugural Michigan 500 in 1981 and again 1986 with drivers Pancho Carter and Johnny Rutherford, the union was a success. In 1988, John Caples purchased the team when Morales passed away and began his team owner duties.
It should be noted at this point that in 1979 John Caples was one of the first seven investors in the formation of the new Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) and served as its president and Chief Operating Officer in 1989.
Between 1992 and 2001, Caples became the USAC Senior Vice President and Director of Competition before accepting the roll of USAC President and Chief Operating officer from 1997 to 2001.
John Caples leaves a wonderful Legacy of success and accomplishment in his memory.
A few of John Caples achievements not mentioned:
**1972 S/K Tool Chief Mechanic Hall of Fame
**1972 USAC Loctite Chief Mechanic's reliability award
**1973 USAC Championship Dirt Car Series winning Chief Mechanic with driver
Al Unser
**1974 USAC Championship Dirt Car Series winning Chief Mechanic with
driver Mario Andretti
**1978 USAC Championship Dirt Car Series winning owner and Chief Mechanic with
driver Poncho Carter
**1985 New Mexico Secretary of State Proclaims November 5th as
"New Mexico Auto Racing Excellence Day" named in honor of Unser, Galles,
and Capels
**1989 teams with Alfa Romeo and brings Alfa to Indy Car Racing with cars
engineered by March
**1989 becomes president and COO of CART
**2002 becomes chairman of the board of directors for USAC retiring from position
in 2010
**1999 formed the USAC International Road Racing Officials Team to officiate
the Formula One World Championship Series under USAC from 2000 through 2007
and for Moto GP from 2008 through 2010
Johnny Caples led an adventurous life doing what he loved.
Please join the CART Alumni Association as we remember the life of Johnny Caples
Race in Peace Johnny, you will be missed
CART Alumni Association
Ray Dock
_________________________________________
Reunion Announcement
For those Alumni that have not heard as of yet, the CART Alumni Association has announced the 2022 CART Alumni Reunion to be held October 14th and 15th 2022. Michael Andretti is graciously opening his Andretti AutoSport race shop for our enjoyment. How exciting.
The Alumni Committee has also secured a block of rooms for our group at the Town Place Suites by Marriott for a very affordable rate. The Alumni Committee is also finalizing plans for an event on Friday the 14th as well as Saturday activities. All information for these activities will be announced as soon as final arrangements have been buttoned up, including ticket cost and the link and rate to the hotel. All information will be posted on the CART website by July 1st 2022. While you are on the website you can update your information for Brett Crabtree as you register for the Reunioin.
Lets get excited alumni, it has been a long time since our last face to face. We are so happy to be looking forward to seeing our friends and family. Save the date and get ready to begin making plans for our 2022 CART Alumni Reunion.
CART Alumni Committee
The Alumni Committee has also secured a block of rooms for our group at the Town Place Suites by Marriott for a very affordable rate. The Alumni Committee is also finalizing plans for an event on Friday the 14th as well as Saturday activities. All information for these activities will be announced as soon as final arrangements have been buttoned up, including ticket cost and the link and rate to the hotel. All information will be posted on the CART website by July 1st 2022. While you are on the website you can update your information for Brett Crabtree as you register for the Reunioin.
Lets get excited alumni, it has been a long time since our last face to face. We are so happy to be looking forward to seeing our friends and family. Save the date and get ready to begin making plans for our 2022 CART Alumni Reunion.
CART Alumni Committee
_____________________________________________________________________
Here are a couple of videos from times gone by:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FCqrH1ac20cXzZuKdCc0k5wZCoN-JATe/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fS9YcxFObTiUfWuDhHsTL5G0v0QrYJ3P/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FCqrH1ac20cXzZuKdCc0k5wZCoN-JATe/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fS9YcxFObTiUfWuDhHsTL5G0v0QrYJ3P/view
_____________________________________________________________________
***Attention all CART Alumni***
It’s time to Celebrate!!
The CART Alumni Association is proud and very excited to announce the 2022 CART Alumni Reunion October 14-15-2022. The CART Alumni Committee is also excited to announce that Michael Andretti is opening the doors to his Race shop, Andretti Autosport, for all CART Alumni to enjoy. Thank you Michael and your team for your wonderful gesture. This year’s CART Reunion is really on the road to becoming a huge extravaganza. The Reunion will take place over two days, Friday Oct 14 and Sat Oct 15 in Indianapolis, IN. The Reunion Committee is working on Fridays check-in and party details as we speak and to top that off, we will be adding an after reunion after hours party for those that want to join us in a little less formal atmosphere. All that information will be coming soon as well as lodging information. So get excited Alumni, It has been a long time since our last face to face. Get over to the Alumni website (cartreunions.org) and grab your Alumni gear and start making plans for the 2022 CART Alumni Reunion to be held at the Andretti Autosport Shop on the weekend of October 14-15-2022. Further information to follow. CART Alumni Committee
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Brayton
All of us at cartalumni are saddened by the passing of Lee Brayton, father of Scott Brayton.
https://www.mmshof.org/index.php/inductees/inductees/33-lee-brayton
https://www.mmshof.org/index.php/inductees/inductees/33-lee-brayton
_____________________________________________________________________
TED PRAPPAS
We are sad to report the passing of Driver Ted Prappas.
https://racer.com/2022/04/23/ted-prappas-1955-2022/
https://racer.com/2022/04/23/ted-prappas-1955-2022/
_____________________________________________________________________
To All CART Alumni
As the events caused by Covid-19 are beginning to subside and mandates are becoming history, the CART Alumni Committee hope you have remained safe and healthy. We all know it has been a real test for all of us coping with the last 24 months. On the down-side we had to cancel our 2020 CART Alumni Reunion.
However, on the up-side the Alumni Committee found other ways to keep us together by hosting our first ever Virtual Reunion. And if you were able to join us you know that we all had a wonderful time. We even hosted a CART Indy-Lights/Atlantics Reunion. Thanks to Bill and Tina Luchow, we discovered all the benefits of the Zoom app. This has opened up a treasure chest of future opportunities for the CART Alumni community.
While some may think the CART Alumni Committee went away, the reality is, the committee has been hard at work looking to the future. With that being said the CART Alumni Committee is excited to announce that there is some exciting news coming in the near future that I think we will all be happy to hear. And also, be on the look-out for other Zoom gatherings in the near future… As we begin to leave the Pandemic behind us, lets all celebrate a wonderful beginning to a summer with friends and family.
Again, be on the watch for some great news on the CART Alumni Horizon.
Sincerely,
CART Alumni Committee
As the events caused by Covid-19 are beginning to subside and mandates are becoming history, the CART Alumni Committee hope you have remained safe and healthy. We all know it has been a real test for all of us coping with the last 24 months. On the down-side we had to cancel our 2020 CART Alumni Reunion.
However, on the up-side the Alumni Committee found other ways to keep us together by hosting our first ever Virtual Reunion. And if you were able to join us you know that we all had a wonderful time. We even hosted a CART Indy-Lights/Atlantics Reunion. Thanks to Bill and Tina Luchow, we discovered all the benefits of the Zoom app. This has opened up a treasure chest of future opportunities for the CART Alumni community.
While some may think the CART Alumni Committee went away, the reality is, the committee has been hard at work looking to the future. With that being said the CART Alumni Committee is excited to announce that there is some exciting news coming in the near future that I think we will all be happy to hear. And also, be on the look-out for other Zoom gatherings in the near future… As we begin to leave the Pandemic behind us, lets all celebrate a wonderful beginning to a summer with friends and family.
Again, be on the watch for some great news on the CART Alumni Horizon.
Sincerely,
CART Alumni Committee
_____________________________________________________________________
Greetings CART Alumni
The CART Alumni Association is pleased to announce Gene Axtell has unanimously been voted in as a new member of the CART Alumni Committee. Gene brings with him many years of experience and knowledge to the committee table. The CART Alumni Committee is looking forward to added input from Gene, with his wonderful personality and humor. Please don’t mention anything about rain coats, though, he’s a little funny that way.
All playing aside, please join the CART Alumni Committee in giving a warm CART welcome to Gene Axtell as the CART Alumni Association moves forward in the twenty-first century.
Also, the Committee has been working on some new events for the future so stay tuned for further announcements…
CART Alumni Committee
The CART Alumni Association is pleased to announce Gene Axtell has unanimously been voted in as a new member of the CART Alumni Committee. Gene brings with him many years of experience and knowledge to the committee table. The CART Alumni Committee is looking forward to added input from Gene, with his wonderful personality and humor. Please don’t mention anything about rain coats, though, he’s a little funny that way.
All playing aside, please join the CART Alumni Committee in giving a warm CART welcome to Gene Axtell as the CART Alumni Association moves forward in the twenty-first century.
Also, the Committee has been working on some new events for the future so stay tuned for further announcements…
CART Alumni Committee
_____________________________________________________________________
To All CART Alumni
I just wanted to say a few things about the First Virtual or “Zoom” Event which was held Sunday Evening, December 12th, 2021.
There has been a lot of feedback from the participants, of which we had roughly 70-80 in total throughout the evening. How great it was and felt to see the faces of those in our family that combined all of their collective and varied skills as we officiated races in the “hey day” of the sport itself.
If you were there, or could be there, you would find that mostly all of us are the same people, the same humor, the same caring for each other. The major difference is two things:
A lot grayer hair; and; A lot more of our associates that can no longer be with us to enjoy this type of event.
Covid has made it difficult to plan events that would require people to attend in person and for some just the travel itself is a challenge. But we did develop the alternative to in person, and the ability of spending more “quality time” with the people you knew and worked with the most. This could be Tech, T&S, Safety, and so on. The “Indy Lights” group have done the planning for that group to be held this coming weekend.
And that is what we are hoping for, to see as much participation as is possible. In order to accomplish this, there will be more upcoming “Zooms” that will be the subgroups of our past involvement in the series. That is the first goal.
The second, for the latter part of the year, will be to bring back a live event as we have had in Indianapolis in the past. It seems as if will finally have the option to be able to travel and meet in person. You can count on the fact that the organizing committee will be working on this in the near future.
I hope this finds you all well. We will release more information as soon as we can so that you can mark your calendars and have a series of events here in 2022.
All The Best…..
Paul Leyton – President – CART Reunions
I just wanted to say a few things about the First Virtual or “Zoom” Event which was held Sunday Evening, December 12th, 2021.
There has been a lot of feedback from the participants, of which we had roughly 70-80 in total throughout the evening. How great it was and felt to see the faces of those in our family that combined all of their collective and varied skills as we officiated races in the “hey day” of the sport itself.
If you were there, or could be there, you would find that mostly all of us are the same people, the same humor, the same caring for each other. The major difference is two things:
A lot grayer hair; and; A lot more of our associates that can no longer be with us to enjoy this type of event.
Covid has made it difficult to plan events that would require people to attend in person and for some just the travel itself is a challenge. But we did develop the alternative to in person, and the ability of spending more “quality time” with the people you knew and worked with the most. This could be Tech, T&S, Safety, and so on. The “Indy Lights” group have done the planning for that group to be held this coming weekend.
And that is what we are hoping for, to see as much participation as is possible. In order to accomplish this, there will be more upcoming “Zooms” that will be the subgroups of our past involvement in the series. That is the first goal.
The second, for the latter part of the year, will be to bring back a live event as we have had in Indianapolis in the past. It seems as if will finally have the option to be able to travel and meet in person. You can count on the fact that the organizing committee will be working on this in the near future.
I hope this finds you all well. We will release more information as soon as we can so that you can mark your calendars and have a series of events here in 2022.
All The Best…..
Paul Leyton – President – CART Reunions
_____________________________________________________________________
Wally Dallenbach and Danny Sullivan 2022 IMS Hall of Fame Inductees
The Indianapolis Hall of Fame has recognized and selected two favorites to enter the Hall of Fame. The IMS Hall of Fame honors and celebrates those that have achievements in an exclusive group of individuals. Founded in 1952 as the American Automobile Association (AAA), it was moved to the IMS Museum under the direction of then-Speedway president Anton “Tony” Hulman Jr. in 1962.
The IMS houses great names of the past beginning with Fred Agabashian, J.C. Agajanian and James A Allison, one of the four original founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, among others. The IMS will be adding two popular drivers of our era to the Hall of Fame. Wally Dallenbach and Danny Sullivan have been announced as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees. Joe Hale, The President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum stated, “The IMS Hall of Fame voting panel has selected two outstanding honorees for this year.”
Wally Dallenbach was a leader in CART’s efforts in developing driver safety as a CART official alongside Steve Olvey and Lon Bromley.
Wally Dallenbach won the 1973 Ontario 500, and led the 1975 Indianapolis 500 for 96 of the first 161 laps, before falling out with a burned piston. Sad thing was the race was stopped 15 minutes later due to a heavy rain storm that ended the race permanently. Dallenbach competed in 180 Championship events between 1965 and 1979, winning five races, and had 13 starts in the Indianapolis 500.
After Dallenbach’s driving career came to an end, he went on to serve as the Chief Steward CART IndyCar Series between 1981 and 2004.
Danny Sullivan, remembered for the spin-and-win victory beating Mario Andretti in the 1985 Indianapolis 500, also led the 1988 Indianapolis 500, leading 91 laps until a handling problem caused him to hit the wall and snatched away a second chance of a Borg Warner Trophy.
Danny Sullivan won 17 CART IndyCar races between 1984 and 1993, and won the CART championship in 1988. Danny was an all-around driver having also raced in Formula One, Sports Cars and Can-Am.
Wally Dallenbach and Danny Sullivan will be inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame at the 2022 Induction Ceremony and Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers Dinner hosted by the IMS Museum on Thursday, May 26, in Downtown Indianapolis.
Please join me in congratulating Wally Dallenbach and Danny Sullivan on receiving such an achievement. You both deserve the honor.
Ray Dock
The Indianapolis Hall of Fame has recognized and selected two favorites to enter the Hall of Fame. The IMS Hall of Fame honors and celebrates those that have achievements in an exclusive group of individuals. Founded in 1952 as the American Automobile Association (AAA), it was moved to the IMS Museum under the direction of then-Speedway president Anton “Tony” Hulman Jr. in 1962.
The IMS houses great names of the past beginning with Fred Agabashian, J.C. Agajanian and James A Allison, one of the four original founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, among others. The IMS will be adding two popular drivers of our era to the Hall of Fame. Wally Dallenbach and Danny Sullivan have been announced as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees. Joe Hale, The President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum stated, “The IMS Hall of Fame voting panel has selected two outstanding honorees for this year.”
Wally Dallenbach was a leader in CART’s efforts in developing driver safety as a CART official alongside Steve Olvey and Lon Bromley.
Wally Dallenbach won the 1973 Ontario 500, and led the 1975 Indianapolis 500 for 96 of the first 161 laps, before falling out with a burned piston. Sad thing was the race was stopped 15 minutes later due to a heavy rain storm that ended the race permanently. Dallenbach competed in 180 Championship events between 1965 and 1979, winning five races, and had 13 starts in the Indianapolis 500.
After Dallenbach’s driving career came to an end, he went on to serve as the Chief Steward CART IndyCar Series between 1981 and 2004.
Danny Sullivan, remembered for the spin-and-win victory beating Mario Andretti in the 1985 Indianapolis 500, also led the 1988 Indianapolis 500, leading 91 laps until a handling problem caused him to hit the wall and snatched away a second chance of a Borg Warner Trophy.
Danny Sullivan won 17 CART IndyCar races between 1984 and 1993, and won the CART championship in 1988. Danny was an all-around driver having also raced in Formula One, Sports Cars and Can-Am.
Wally Dallenbach and Danny Sullivan will be inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame at the 2022 Induction Ceremony and Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers Dinner hosted by the IMS Museum on Thursday, May 26, in Downtown Indianapolis.
Please join me in congratulating Wally Dallenbach and Danny Sullivan on receiving such an achievement. You both deserve the honor.
Ray Dock
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OPINION
From a Facebook Member
As CART Coms Dir for 1989-1991, I really appreciate this group. But I feel like observing that CART during my time was a tale of two cities.
CART had FOUR CEOs in my three years -- Frasco, Caponigro, Stokkan and Capels. Not throwing anybody under the bus, but four CEOs in three years -- with four different management styles -- created a lot of pressure on the staff as it would with any organization. Many of us anchored in the office who traveled couldn't wait to get to the track where the culture was better and the mission was 100-percent focused on safe and successful racing.
The at-track crew -- tech officials, timing and scoring, credentials, pit notes crew, locals, drivers, operations, team owners, hospitality, race control, PPG, safety crew, truckers, PR reps, inspectors, pit lane officials, medical staff and ESPECIALLY the volunteers had an incredibly cohesive can-do spirit that made CART races work under high-pressure circumstances.
During that time, compared to NASCAR, CART had higher event attendance, merch sales, sponsor investment, media coverage and TV ratings thanks mostly to the at-track crew who regularly pulled off miracles.
It really was a special time in American motorsports. Then it all blew up when CART and Tony George went to war. That was a shame, but when the elephants started dancing, all the rest of us could do was get out of the way.
Sorry for taking so much time to express this. But I retired recently and have become introspective about my experience at CART. As a fellow member of this group, I hope you agree that working in the Indycar bubble was a special experience.
I'll get off my soap box now! I apologize if I left out anybody. I speak only for myself. Cheers and thanks to all.
From a Facebook Member
As CART Coms Dir for 1989-1991, I really appreciate this group. But I feel like observing that CART during my time was a tale of two cities.
CART had FOUR CEOs in my three years -- Frasco, Caponigro, Stokkan and Capels. Not throwing anybody under the bus, but four CEOs in three years -- with four different management styles -- created a lot of pressure on the staff as it would with any organization. Many of us anchored in the office who traveled couldn't wait to get to the track where the culture was better and the mission was 100-percent focused on safe and successful racing.
The at-track crew -- tech officials, timing and scoring, credentials, pit notes crew, locals, drivers, operations, team owners, hospitality, race control, PPG, safety crew, truckers, PR reps, inspectors, pit lane officials, medical staff and ESPECIALLY the volunteers had an incredibly cohesive can-do spirit that made CART races work under high-pressure circumstances.
During that time, compared to NASCAR, CART had higher event attendance, merch sales, sponsor investment, media coverage and TV ratings thanks mostly to the at-track crew who regularly pulled off miracles.
It really was a special time in American motorsports. Then it all blew up when CART and Tony George went to war. That was a shame, but when the elephants started dancing, all the rest of us could do was get out of the way.
Sorry for taking so much time to express this. But I retired recently and have become introspective about my experience at CART. As a fellow member of this group, I hope you agree that working in the Indycar bubble was a special experience.
I'll get off my soap box now! I apologize if I left out anybody. I speak only for myself. Cheers and thanks to all.
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Vince Granatelli
Vince Granatelli owned a racing team that competed in the CART PPG IndyCar World Series between 1987 and 1991. The team's greatest success came in their first and final seasons, during those years, their driver each won two races during the season. We want to express our condolences to the Granatelli family and freinds.
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Brad Stevens
Sad news. Brad Stevens, Holmatro Guest Relations, passed away lrecently. Brad worked with several race teams through the years and spent the last decade plus as the Holmatro Guest Relations person for INDYCAR.
He was always the first to say he knew little about the technical side, or operation of the tools, but was always our number one supporter.
Brad will be missed.
Please keep Brad, his family, and the Holmatro family in your prayers.
Sad news. Brad Stevens, Holmatro Guest Relations, passed away lrecently. Brad worked with several race teams through the years and spent the last decade plus as the Holmatro Guest Relations person for INDYCAR.
He was always the first to say he knew little about the technical side, or operation of the tools, but was always our number one supporter.
Brad will be missed.
Please keep Brad, his family, and the Holmatro family in your prayers.
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Our 2021 in memoriam from the recent Virtual Reunion on December 12, 2021
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Kevin Kalkhoven
Former Cart owner and Indianapolis 500-winning team owner Kevin Kalkhoven has died. We send our condolences to his friends and family.
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Cheryl Alexander
Wanted to reach out and get the Cart/Indy car family together to cheer up Cheryl Alexander. She had a very bad accident in May and has been in rehabilitation facilities since then. Cheryl could use some positive uplifting support. She does not have email. So if anyone has an extra card and a few minutes to send her some love. We think that would just make her day.
She has a new phone, so If want her to contact you, add your phone # in your greeting:
Cheryl Alexander
Sunrise of Rochester
500 East University drive. Room 208
Rochester, Mi 48307
She has a new phone, so If want her to contact you, add your phone # in your greeting:
Cheryl Alexander
Sunrise of Rochester
500 East University drive. Room 208
Rochester, Mi 48307
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Carl Horton
Again, we are saddened at the loss of another truly great supporter of race track safety, Carl Horton. He was a innovator of the CART Horton Safety Team and a friend of all, he will be truly missed.
https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/b0057149?fbclid=IwAR0QG6DojWfQiozTYDw9jL9pg_hTq1fuJ0wB_RgbLmICXvGghhSoEpihsYg
https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/b0057149?fbclid=IwAR0QG6DojWfQiozTYDw9jL9pg_hTq1fuJ0wB_RgbLmICXvGghhSoEpihsYg
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T. E. McHale
Sad to report the passing of T. E. McHale.
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To all CART Alumni: Re: 2021 Virtual Reunion update, Greetings again to all CART Alumni. The CART Alumni Association wants to remind everyone that we will be having our 2021 virtual reunion via zoom on December 12, 2021 at 7pm EST. We have really been having a good time trying all the new gadgets attributed to the ZOOM concept. We wanted to share some of the cool features we will be utilizing. First, we will have separate zoom rooms for you to enjoy. These will be listed as the different departments that made up our track support such as Control, Safety, Tech, Volunteers credentials, etc,. This will make it easy for our Alumni to jump from room to room and find different alumni from different departments. Easy-Peasy. Second, we are working on a memoriam to highlight those Alumni we have lost. We can never forget those friends that touched our lives from drivers to crew members and officials. We hope to have a room designed especially for this. If any of you has heard of any fallen alumni that we have missed, please fill free to drop us a line and let us know so they can be added to the memoriam. The Alumni Committee is excited and can’t wait to see everyone virtually. This new virtual reunion experience should be a lot of fun. We look forward to the day when we can meet face to face in the future, but, as the CART Alumni prepares to host our first CART Alumni Virtual Reunion on December 12, at 7pm EST, We are inviting all CART Alumni to please join us. We are excited to speak to all of you and exchange stories and remember good times. The Committee had an opportunity to play around on a mini zoom meeting going from room to room and the experience was an absolute blast to play with and we can’t wait to share this experience with all of you. So let’s get excited to see some old friends. We look forward to seeing you all on December 12, 2021 at 7 pm EST. For now, stay safe and healthy as we look forward to seeing you all virtually. CART Alumni Association Ray Dock
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To all CART Alumni:
Re: Reunion update
Greetings to all CART Alumni. We hope everyone had a nice and fun filled summer and is healthy wealthy and wise. As stated in our last update, the Alumni Committee is anxious to see all the CART family and friends at a face to face reunion and have a cold beverage and reminisce about the good old times as well as get caught up on present happenings. The stubbornness of Covid-19 has slowed any planning for a formal reunion in 2021 and moved planning to 2022.
With that being said, the CART Alumni Committee has moved forward with reunion plans for a virtual reunion on zoom with a tentative date being the first or second weekend in December. As plans come together an exact date will be sent out in a future reunion update.
This new reunion experience should be a lot of fun. We are looking to have multiple rooms where everyone will have the option to go and talk to different alumni as well as share videos and what not. So get ready to mix a cocktail, crack a beer or just have a soda and kick your shoes off in the comfort of your own home and relax as the CART Alumni hosts our first CART Alumni Virtual Reunion. Sounds so exciting.
The CART Alumni Committee has experimented with small virtual gatherings, and while it was not in person, everyone involved had a great time. So get excited to see some old friends. Be on the lookout for further updates for the exact date and time.
For now, stay safe and healthy as we look forward to seeing you all virtually.
-CART Alumni Association
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To All Indy Lights and CART Alumni:
There is a big event being planned to take place the weekend of
June 26 2022. The 100th Running of the Great Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
This date also marks the date that Paul Dallenbach will take his very last run to the clouds before retiring from the event. A very special time.
Terry Dale and I have been in contact with the Pikes Peak organizers during a recent zoom meeting and they are very happy to extend their hands out to help us organize a special event experience to all our CART Alumni family. At this time we are looking into hotels as well as credentials for those interested in attending.
Since the CART Reunion has been postponed till 2022, this would make the perfect opportunity to share the excitement of the event as well as get together and tell stories and have a beer or cocktail (a soda is fine too), and have some fun as we cheer on Paul Dallenbach.
Also, we plan on having a dinner in honor of the Dallenbach family one evening.
Here is what we need from those that are interested in attending. Please PM either Terry Dale or myself (Ray Dock), and let us know you are interested. We will put you on the information list as plans become finalized.
We are looking to have a great event and hope many if not all will be joining us as we send Paul Dallenbach off on his last Pikes Peak climb to the clouds.
Ray Dock with Terry Dale
2022 Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Organizing Team
There is a big event being planned to take place the weekend of
June 26 2022. The 100th Running of the Great Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
This date also marks the date that Paul Dallenbach will take his very last run to the clouds before retiring from the event. A very special time.
Terry Dale and I have been in contact with the Pikes Peak organizers during a recent zoom meeting and they are very happy to extend their hands out to help us organize a special event experience to all our CART Alumni family. At this time we are looking into hotels as well as credentials for those interested in attending.
Since the CART Reunion has been postponed till 2022, this would make the perfect opportunity to share the excitement of the event as well as get together and tell stories and have a beer or cocktail (a soda is fine too), and have some fun as we cheer on Paul Dallenbach.
Also, we plan on having a dinner in honor of the Dallenbach family one evening.
Here is what we need from those that are interested in attending. Please PM either Terry Dale or myself (Ray Dock), and let us know you are interested. We will put you on the information list as plans become finalized.
We are looking to have a great event and hope many if not all will be joining us as we send Paul Dallenbach off on his last Pikes Peak climb to the clouds.
Ray Dock with Terry Dale
2022 Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Organizing Team
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To all CART Alumni:
Re: Reunion update
Greetings to all CART Alumni. We hope everyone is safe and healthy as the world begins to slowly return to normal. The Alumni Committee is anxious to see all the CART family and friends at a face to face reunion and have a cold beverage and reminisce about the good old times as well as get caught up on present happenings.
With that being said, the Alumni Committee has been trying to move forward with reunion plans. Sadly we are now facing the Delta Variant. Because of this spreading through our communities, Brett Crabtree was nice enough to take the time and put together two separate surveys aimed at learning what your thoughts were on attending a live reunion or not. We appreciate all that responded.
The results of the two surveys varied somewhat. There was a number of Alumni who were ready to go and move forward. However, there were also an equal number of Alumni who felt some apprehension with the Delta Variant and thought it was too early. After much discussion between the Alumni Committee, the Committee has decided to stand on the side of safety and post-pone a live reunion till next year.
It is a sad thought, but the CART Alumni Association does not want to put anyone in jeopardy, and does not want anyone to be apprehensive or have to miss a reunion due to not being comfortable.
The Committee has discussed other options for the time being. As posted in previous updates, options include possible virtual reunions. As discussions move forward we will give further updates as we make new Alumni goals for future events.
For now, stay safe and healthy as we continue to navigate through these unusual times we live in.
-CART Alumni Association
Raymond Dock
Re: Reunion update
Greetings to all CART Alumni. We hope everyone is safe and healthy as the world begins to slowly return to normal. The Alumni Committee is anxious to see all the CART family and friends at a face to face reunion and have a cold beverage and reminisce about the good old times as well as get caught up on present happenings.
With that being said, the Alumni Committee has been trying to move forward with reunion plans. Sadly we are now facing the Delta Variant. Because of this spreading through our communities, Brett Crabtree was nice enough to take the time and put together two separate surveys aimed at learning what your thoughts were on attending a live reunion or not. We appreciate all that responded.
The results of the two surveys varied somewhat. There was a number of Alumni who were ready to go and move forward. However, there were also an equal number of Alumni who felt some apprehension with the Delta Variant and thought it was too early. After much discussion between the Alumni Committee, the Committee has decided to stand on the side of safety and post-pone a live reunion till next year.
It is a sad thought, but the CART Alumni Association does not want to put anyone in jeopardy, and does not want anyone to be apprehensive or have to miss a reunion due to not being comfortable.
The Committee has discussed other options for the time being. As posted in previous updates, options include possible virtual reunions. As discussions move forward we will give further updates as we make new Alumni goals for future events.
For now, stay safe and healthy as we continue to navigate through these unusual times we live in.
-CART Alumni Association
Raymond Dock
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We here at cartalumni are again saddened by the loss of one of our media friends, Robin Miller, we send our prayers to the Miller family. https://racer.com/2021/08/25/robin-miller-1949-2021/
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Very interesting thoughts by Andrew Craig.
https://www.yahoo.com/autos/former-cart-boss-says-without-201100111.html
https://www.yahoo.com/autos/former-cart-boss-says-without-201100111.html
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André Ribeiro dies at 55 at the age of intestinal cancer. Brazilian motor racing is in mourning. At 55, André Ribeiro died due to health problems. The information was confirmed by Group1, the company the former pilot worked for Brazilian motorsport is in mourning this Sunday (23). André Ribeiro da Cunha Pereira died at age 55, as a result of bowel cancer. The Brazilian passed through Indy between 1995 and 1998, with three victories in the period.
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Sad to report the passing of three time Indy 500 winner Bobby Unser. Our condolences to the Unser family. He was a truly great person. He will be missed by all of us.
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From PFC Brakes:
For nearly 25 years Darrick Dong has contributed to the success of PFC brakes in the racing world. Steadfast, passionate and a true professional, Darrick’s knowledge of the total braking system has been pivotal to the success of PFC. Darrick's ability to educate PFC’s customers on how they properly install, tune and personalize their brake packages, was truly a gift and something to be cherished. His time and know-how gained at Tilton engineering, along with the years of experience of working with professional race teams are the catalysts of what has elevated the PFC Brakes Motorsports department to what it is today. Darrick strived to embody every principle that makes the racing industry great with his stubborn “no stone left unturned” demeanor toward troubleshooting a brake system for a customer in need. Darrick was a fierce competitor and always put his customers and racers first. His dedication to PFC and the motorsports industry cannot be rivaled and we will continue to push the NO COMPROMISES™ attitude that he so greatly brought to light in the racing world. Darrick’s legacy will forever be remembered and ingrained into culture of PFC. Rest in Peace Darrick.
For nearly 25 years Darrick Dong has contributed to the success of PFC brakes in the racing world. Steadfast, passionate and a true professional, Darrick’s knowledge of the total braking system has been pivotal to the success of PFC. Darrick's ability to educate PFC’s customers on how they properly install, tune and personalize their brake packages, was truly a gift and something to be cherished. His time and know-how gained at Tilton engineering, along with the years of experience of working with professional race teams are the catalysts of what has elevated the PFC Brakes Motorsports department to what it is today. Darrick strived to embody every principle that makes the racing industry great with his stubborn “no stone left unturned” demeanor toward troubleshooting a brake system for a customer in need. Darrick was a fierce competitor and always put his customers and racers first. His dedication to PFC and the motorsports industry cannot be rivaled and we will continue to push the NO COMPROMISES™ attitude that he so greatly brought to light in the racing world. Darrick’s legacy will forever be remembered and ingrained into culture of PFC. Rest in Peace Darrick.
To All CART Alumni
As the events caused by Covid-19 continue, we hope you have remained safe and healthy.
This newsletter is to let all CART alumni know that while we were sad the 2020 CART Reunion Had to be cancelled, we are happy to see our communities beginning to show signs of reopening. We wanted everyone to know that the Alumni committee has not wavered in its efforts to continue looking forward to when we will be able to meet in person, and to look into alternatives if in person meetings are not available.
With that being said the CART Alumni Association is excited to announce, while cautiously, we are beginning to plan for a live in person reunion later this year, most likely in the month of October. So as we continue to monitor the state of our communities we will have further updates in the near future regarding the 2021 CART Alumni Associations Reunion. It is an exciting time.
On a different topic, most of you may remember in November of last year we mentioned our intentions to experiment with zoom mini reunions. The CART Alumni Association has moved forward with three mini reunion experiments to see how things work. We are happy to announce that the zoom mini reunions were a success. We would like to thank all those that took part in helping us with this project, including Wally & Peppy Dallenbach, who joined in on the latest zoom reunion. The success with the zoom mini reunions definitely give the CART Alumni Association options for a fun alternative if Covid-19 should become relevant again to a massive community shut down in the future.
So get excited Alumni because we are in the planning stages of the 2021 CART Alumni Reunion. Be on the watch for further updates in the near future as we watch our communities continue to reopen. So join us in our excitement as we look forward in seeing our CART family and friends in a live reunion.
CART Alumni Association,
Raymond N. Dock
As the events caused by Covid-19 continue, we hope you have remained safe and healthy.
This newsletter is to let all CART alumni know that while we were sad the 2020 CART Reunion Had to be cancelled, we are happy to see our communities beginning to show signs of reopening. We wanted everyone to know that the Alumni committee has not wavered in its efforts to continue looking forward to when we will be able to meet in person, and to look into alternatives if in person meetings are not available.
With that being said the CART Alumni Association is excited to announce, while cautiously, we are beginning to plan for a live in person reunion later this year, most likely in the month of October. So as we continue to monitor the state of our communities we will have further updates in the near future regarding the 2021 CART Alumni Associations Reunion. It is an exciting time.
On a different topic, most of you may remember in November of last year we mentioned our intentions to experiment with zoom mini reunions. The CART Alumni Association has moved forward with three mini reunion experiments to see how things work. We are happy to announce that the zoom mini reunions were a success. We would like to thank all those that took part in helping us with this project, including Wally & Peppy Dallenbach, who joined in on the latest zoom reunion. The success with the zoom mini reunions definitely give the CART Alumni Association options for a fun alternative if Covid-19 should become relevant again to a massive community shut down in the future.
So get excited Alumni because we are in the planning stages of the 2021 CART Alumni Reunion. Be on the watch for further updates in the near future as we watch our communities continue to reopen. So join us in our excitement as we look forward in seeing our CART family and friends in a live reunion.
CART Alumni Association,
Raymond N. Dock
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JOAN ROUÉ AND TERRY DALE ADDED TO CMHF
The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) is proud to announce that two new members – Joan Roué and Terry Dale – have joined the Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Discussing the news, CMHF chair Dr. Hugh Scully said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, I am excited to welcome two eminently qualified individuals to the current board. Joan Roué and Terry Dale are long-time and respected members of the Canadian racing community and bring unique experiences and qualifications to their new roles. We look forward to working with them in the cause of celebrating our sport and the achievements of those who have built it, in Canada.”
Joan Roué has been a fan of all forms of motorsports since her father raced in the late ‘60s, in their home province of Nova Scotia. Since personally becoming involved in racing, her focus has been on stock car racing, primarily in Atlantic Canada.
Since the early ‘90s, Joan has been active in motorsports journalism and public relations, working for several outlets, speedways, sanctioning bodies and race teams. Since 2006, she’s worked for Riverside International Speedway, in Antigonish (NS) and has produced editorial content for CheckersToWreckers.com. And for most of the past decade, Joan has been the publicist for the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Terry Dale has been actively involved in Canadian and international motorsports since 1964. The Ottawa resident was inducted into the CMHF in 2016. His lengthy racing resume includes contributions via a wide variety of roles, both on track and off the track. He raced until 1992, completing his career at Sebring. A past President of the Motorsport Club of Ottawa and VP of the Quebec Region, Dale also founded the Ottawa SportsCar Club and is a past President of that group, as well.
He’s held an FIA Grade A Steward and Clerk License since 1975 and has served as a senior race official / Chief Steward for F1, Trans-Am, the Players / GM Series, the Firestone Firehawk Series, Formula Atlantic, Formula BMW, Porsche GT3 Cup (US and Canada), Grand Am / IMSA, Nissan Micra Cup and others. Currently, Terry is the Race Director at Calabogie Motorsports Park.
The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) is proud to announce that two new members – Joan Roué and Terry Dale – have joined the Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Discussing the news, CMHF chair Dr. Hugh Scully said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, I am excited to welcome two eminently qualified individuals to the current board. Joan Roué and Terry Dale are long-time and respected members of the Canadian racing community and bring unique experiences and qualifications to their new roles. We look forward to working with them in the cause of celebrating our sport and the achievements of those who have built it, in Canada.”
Joan Roué has been a fan of all forms of motorsports since her father raced in the late ‘60s, in their home province of Nova Scotia. Since personally becoming involved in racing, her focus has been on stock car racing, primarily in Atlantic Canada.
Since the early ‘90s, Joan has been active in motorsports journalism and public relations, working for several outlets, speedways, sanctioning bodies and race teams. Since 2006, she’s worked for Riverside International Speedway, in Antigonish (NS) and has produced editorial content for CheckersToWreckers.com. And for most of the past decade, Joan has been the publicist for the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Terry Dale has been actively involved in Canadian and international motorsports since 1964. The Ottawa resident was inducted into the CMHF in 2016. His lengthy racing resume includes contributions via a wide variety of roles, both on track and off the track. He raced until 1992, completing his career at Sebring. A past President of the Motorsport Club of Ottawa and VP of the Quebec Region, Dale also founded the Ottawa SportsCar Club and is a past President of that group, as well.
He’s held an FIA Grade A Steward and Clerk License since 1975 and has served as a senior race official / Chief Steward for F1, Trans-Am, the Players / GM Series, the Firestone Firehawk Series, Formula Atlantic, Formula BMW, Porsche GT3 Cup (US and Canada), Grand Am / IMSA, Nissan Micra Cup and others. Currently, Terry is the Race Director at Calabogie Motorsports Park.
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Alex Zanardi update:
Greetings to all CART Alumni
Former CART Driver and Champion, Alex Zanardi, has made a remarkable recovery since being transferred to a hospital in Padua, Italy, to be closer to his home.
After Zanardi underwent another successful surgery, Alex Zanardi is now able to speak. His surgeon, Dr. Federica Alemanno said, “It was a great emotion when he started talking, no one believed it. He was there! And he communicated with his family.” I am sure it was very exciting, and at the same time, quite emotional for his family. It is also exciting for us to watch his progress, as he moves forward in his recovery from this terrible accident that Alex has had to endure.
Alex Zanardi is proving to the world yet again, what kind of fighter he is. We are asking that Alex Zanardi’s friends and family in the CART world please keep Alex in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover. Alex, keep proving to the world what kind of champion you really are…. Fight on my friend!!!
-Raymond Dock
https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/38709/alex-zanardi-is-able-to-speak-to-his-family-after-most-recent-surgery-report?fbclid=IwAR1r2giXV5R82Va-rXVh3605-COZOycil5wYBOALEGY-qFruIdqsB2ytwr4
Greetings to all CART Alumni
Former CART Driver and Champion, Alex Zanardi, has made a remarkable recovery since being transferred to a hospital in Padua, Italy, to be closer to his home.
After Zanardi underwent another successful surgery, Alex Zanardi is now able to speak. His surgeon, Dr. Federica Alemanno said, “It was a great emotion when he started talking, no one believed it. He was there! And he communicated with his family.” I am sure it was very exciting, and at the same time, quite emotional for his family. It is also exciting for us to watch his progress, as he moves forward in his recovery from this terrible accident that Alex has had to endure.
Alex Zanardi is proving to the world yet again, what kind of fighter he is. We are asking that Alex Zanardi’s friends and family in the CART world please keep Alex in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover. Alex, keep proving to the world what kind of champion you really are…. Fight on my friend!!!
-Raymond Dock
https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/38709/alex-zanardi-is-able-to-speak-to-his-family-after-most-recent-surgery-report?fbclid=IwAR1r2giXV5R82Va-rXVh3605-COZOycil5wYBOALEGY-qFruIdqsB2ytwr4
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Pat Patrick 1929-2021
We are sad to report the passing of a giant in the world of indy car racing, Pat Patrick, one of the founders of CART.
racer.com/2021/01/06/longtime-indycar-entrant-pat-patrick-dies-aged-91/?fbclid=IwAR1oTjh97rZ9mQN2Y2bDrYevXz7Bs4TtTywgia9iU4BIETG8s2ZJcQIRclU
https://www.patrickracing.com/
racer.com/2021/01/06/longtime-indycar-entrant-pat-patrick-dies-aged-91/?fbclid=IwAR1oTjh97rZ9mQN2Y2bDrYevXz7Bs4TtTywgia9iU4BIETG8s2ZJcQIRclU
https://www.patrickracing.com/
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Greetings CART Alumni,
For those that haven’t heard, we lost Aldo Andretti last week, December 30th, 2020. Anyone that has spent any time around the IndyCar paddock undoubtedly bumped into Aldo at one time or another. Aldo always had that smile that only he had as he would offer a “hello” or “good morning.”
Looking back at Aldo and the Andretti’s early years, things weren’t as grand as they are today for the elder Andretti’s. The Andretti’s hail from Montana d’istria, Italy, and like so many others following World War II, the family fled Italy in 1948. Many don’t know that the Andretti’s lived in a refugee Camp for seven years, from 1948 to 1955 until they were able to afford a two room flat.
In 1954 Aldo along with Mario began working for Sergio Seggiolini and Beppe Biagini who ran an auto repair shop sweeping floors and parking cars. As a show of gratitude, Seggiolini and Biagini took the young Andretti’s to Monza where they saw Alberto Ascari race. As the saying goes, the rest is history.
In 1958, Aldo and Mario converted a 1948 Hudson Commodore into a stock car and began racing it without the knowledge of their parents. Furthermore, the two flipped a coin to see who would drive the first race. Aldo won the coin toss, his heat race and the feature. Both brothers had wins that year but late in the year Aldo had a serious crash that resulted in a skull fracture that put him in a coma. Aldo recovered and continued racing the following year.
In 1967, at Oswego Speedway, was the only time that Aldo ever raced his twin brother head to head. Mario won that race while Aldo suffered brake failure finishing 10th. Aldo raced in 16 USAC Sprint Car races between 1967 and 1969. During the 1969 season, Aldo had a devastating crash at Des Moines flipping end over end, striking the fence. Aldo suffered severe damage to his face including 14 fractures to his facial bones, and his right eye socket had been shattered. Aldo suffered through facial reconstruction surgeries that change his looks somewhat. As Aldo recovered, he quit racing at the request of his brother.
In 1973 Aldo opened Andretti Firestone in Brownsburg, Indiana. In 1986, Aldo established a machine shop for hospital beds and tool manufactures called Andretti Machine Engineering.
Aldo Andretti’s lineage is as prestigious as racing families come. Aldo was the father of Mary Jo, Mark, Adam and the late John Andretti. He was the uncle of Michael and Jeff Andretti and great uncle to Marco Andretti and grandfather of Jarett Andretti.
Aldo died in Indianapolis on December 30, 2020 of complications associated with Covid-19. Mario announced on Twitter on New Year’s Eve that his twin brother Aldo died last night at the age of 80. Mario tweeted, “My loving twin brother, my partner in crime and my faithful best friend every day of my life was called to heaven last night. Half of me went with him. There is no eloquence. I’m shaken to my core.”
God Speed Aldo Andretti. You left a mark on my life. RIP
By: Raymond Dock
For those that haven’t heard, we lost Aldo Andretti last week, December 30th, 2020. Anyone that has spent any time around the IndyCar paddock undoubtedly bumped into Aldo at one time or another. Aldo always had that smile that only he had as he would offer a “hello” or “good morning.”
Looking back at Aldo and the Andretti’s early years, things weren’t as grand as they are today for the elder Andretti’s. The Andretti’s hail from Montana d’istria, Italy, and like so many others following World War II, the family fled Italy in 1948. Many don’t know that the Andretti’s lived in a refugee Camp for seven years, from 1948 to 1955 until they were able to afford a two room flat.
In 1954 Aldo along with Mario began working for Sergio Seggiolini and Beppe Biagini who ran an auto repair shop sweeping floors and parking cars. As a show of gratitude, Seggiolini and Biagini took the young Andretti’s to Monza where they saw Alberto Ascari race. As the saying goes, the rest is history.
In 1958, Aldo and Mario converted a 1948 Hudson Commodore into a stock car and began racing it without the knowledge of their parents. Furthermore, the two flipped a coin to see who would drive the first race. Aldo won the coin toss, his heat race and the feature. Both brothers had wins that year but late in the year Aldo had a serious crash that resulted in a skull fracture that put him in a coma. Aldo recovered and continued racing the following year.
In 1967, at Oswego Speedway, was the only time that Aldo ever raced his twin brother head to head. Mario won that race while Aldo suffered brake failure finishing 10th. Aldo raced in 16 USAC Sprint Car races between 1967 and 1969. During the 1969 season, Aldo had a devastating crash at Des Moines flipping end over end, striking the fence. Aldo suffered severe damage to his face including 14 fractures to his facial bones, and his right eye socket had been shattered. Aldo suffered through facial reconstruction surgeries that change his looks somewhat. As Aldo recovered, he quit racing at the request of his brother.
In 1973 Aldo opened Andretti Firestone in Brownsburg, Indiana. In 1986, Aldo established a machine shop for hospital beds and tool manufactures called Andretti Machine Engineering.
Aldo Andretti’s lineage is as prestigious as racing families come. Aldo was the father of Mary Jo, Mark, Adam and the late John Andretti. He was the uncle of Michael and Jeff Andretti and great uncle to Marco Andretti and grandfather of Jarett Andretti.
Aldo died in Indianapolis on December 30, 2020 of complications associated with Covid-19. Mario announced on Twitter on New Year’s Eve that his twin brother Aldo died last night at the age of 80. Mario tweeted, “My loving twin brother, my partner in crime and my faithful best friend every day of my life was called to heaven last night. Half of me went with him. There is no eloquence. I’m shaken to my core.”
God Speed Aldo Andretti. You left a mark on my life. RIP
By: Raymond Dock
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Greetings CART Alumni,
If you haven’t heard by now, we lost another member from our racing family last week. John Paul Jr. passed away on December 29th, 2020 after a long battle with Huntington’s disease. He was 60.
John Paul Jr. was a versatile driver that made starts in IndyCar, NASCAR, and IMSA. John Paul’s story always amazed me and always brought a chuckle to me at the same time, because the way John Paul would tell it, when John finished driving school, they said he wasn’t good enough to drive a turkey wagon into turn one, ANYWHERE!!! Well he sure proved them wrong.
John Paul Jr. made 53 starts in IndyCar and Champ Car between 1982 and 2001, and seven Indy 500 starts between 1985 and 1998. He won twice including the 1982 Michigan 500 in 1983 and a pole position. He led 39 laps at the 1998 Indianapolis 500 where he finished a career best seventh in his seventh and final start at the yard of bricks.
While John Paul found some success in IndyCar and Champ Car, the driver excelled in sports cars. John Paul Jr. driving a Porsche 956 prototype finished 2nd at the 1984 24 hours of Le Mans. In 1982 Paul scored victories at both the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the twelve hours of Sebring and won the IMSA GT Championship at age 22. He again won at Daytona in 1997.
John Paul Jr. made two appearances in NASCAR in 1991 at Pocono and Watkins Glenn. To say John Paul Jr. couldn’t drive is a complete understatement for all the success that he found in motorsports. John Paul Jr. racked up more than 20 sports car victories, two IndyCar wins.
John Paul Jr. drove into the top levels of sports car and IndyCar racing with amazing pace and stamina. He was full of kindness and always seem to have a smile on his face. I for one was lucky enough, if only for a short time, to work with him. Gentle spirits like his only come along once in a while.
RIP John Paul Jr.
By: Raymond Dock
If you haven’t heard by now, we lost another member from our racing family last week. John Paul Jr. passed away on December 29th, 2020 after a long battle with Huntington’s disease. He was 60.
John Paul Jr. was a versatile driver that made starts in IndyCar, NASCAR, and IMSA. John Paul’s story always amazed me and always brought a chuckle to me at the same time, because the way John Paul would tell it, when John finished driving school, they said he wasn’t good enough to drive a turkey wagon into turn one, ANYWHERE!!! Well he sure proved them wrong.
John Paul Jr. made 53 starts in IndyCar and Champ Car between 1982 and 2001, and seven Indy 500 starts between 1985 and 1998. He won twice including the 1982 Michigan 500 in 1983 and a pole position. He led 39 laps at the 1998 Indianapolis 500 where he finished a career best seventh in his seventh and final start at the yard of bricks.
While John Paul found some success in IndyCar and Champ Car, the driver excelled in sports cars. John Paul Jr. driving a Porsche 956 prototype finished 2nd at the 1984 24 hours of Le Mans. In 1982 Paul scored victories at both the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the twelve hours of Sebring and won the IMSA GT Championship at age 22. He again won at Daytona in 1997.
John Paul Jr. made two appearances in NASCAR in 1991 at Pocono and Watkins Glenn. To say John Paul Jr. couldn’t drive is a complete understatement for all the success that he found in motorsports. John Paul Jr. racked up more than 20 sports car victories, two IndyCar wins.
John Paul Jr. drove into the top levels of sports car and IndyCar racing with amazing pace and stamina. He was full of kindness and always seem to have a smile on his face. I for one was lucky enough, if only for a short time, to work with him. Gentle spirits like his only come along once in a while.
RIP John Paul Jr.
By: Raymond Dock
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Happy Birthday Wally
We would like to wish a very happy birthday to one of CART’S favorite sons.
He joined CART as competition director in 1980 and became chief steward of
the sport the following year. He held this position until 2004. During that time
he improved safety in CART as well as established nondenominational church
services for drivers and their families at the track.
He was a driver that drove in 180 Indy Car races between 1965 and 1979, with
five victories. He was recently inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
this past March, 2020. Please join the CART Alumni Association in wishing
Wally Dallenbach a happy birthday today.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALLY!!!
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From Our Friend Darrick Dong
Dear Friends, Racers and Family,
Some of you have known I have been fighting Kidney failure for
some time and 3 yrs ago at Daytona I had full renal failure. I'm
on what's known as PD dialysis, which is a 8 hr procedure, 7 days a
week, transferring 8800cc of solution thru me to help cleanse the
toxins. Needless to say it's been brutal and I've lost so much weight
that at one point I was down to 137 lbs. I look like hell and not the
"Brakeguy" stature I once held. But what helped mentally was to
be at the race track to work and be constructive and productive.
The limiting factor at the time was I had to drive to the venue, as I had so
much equipment to drag along to do PD at night.Unfortunately, my
strength was getting so tapped that I could no longer work at my
normal level and the PD dialysis was not doing enough to detox me
enough.
I'll be doing hemodialysis at the beginning of Dec. 20. This will
certainly change my lifestyle. So, this Thanksgiving, please enjoy
your loved ones as life can be so fragile. If you get a chance, pray
for us who are on a waitlist for a transplant organ. With all this
COVID-19 going on, harvesting organs are at a very low priority.
Everyone take care, stay safe,
Darrick
Some of you have known I have been fighting Kidney failure for
some time and 3 yrs ago at Daytona I had full renal failure. I'm
on what's known as PD dialysis, which is a 8 hr procedure, 7 days a
week, transferring 8800cc of solution thru me to help cleanse the
toxins. Needless to say it's been brutal and I've lost so much weight
that at one point I was down to 137 lbs. I look like hell and not the
"Brakeguy" stature I once held. But what helped mentally was to
be at the race track to work and be constructive and productive.
The limiting factor at the time was I had to drive to the venue, as I had so
much equipment to drag along to do PD at night.Unfortunately, my
strength was getting so tapped that I could no longer work at my
normal level and the PD dialysis was not doing enough to detox me
enough.
I'll be doing hemodialysis at the beginning of Dec. 20. This will
certainly change my lifestyle. So, this Thanksgiving, please enjoy
your loved ones as life can be so fragile. If you get a chance, pray
for us who are on a waitlist for a transplant organ. With all this
COVID-19 going on, harvesting organs are at a very low priority.
Everyone take care, stay safe,
Darrick
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Alex Zanardi update: 11/22/20
Greetings to all CART Alumni
Former CART Driver and Champion Alex Zanardi has been transferred to a hospital in Padua, Italy to be closer to his home.
It has been five months since Zanardi suffered a road accident when he collided with a truck on June 19 while competing in a hand cycle race that lead to severe head injuries. Zanardi has been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Milan. An early attempt to transfer Zanardi to a rehabilitation facility was unsuccessful. However, his doctors now feel that Zanardi is in a strong enough condition to warrant the move.
Finally a little good news. Zanardi’s doctors say that Alex has reached a generally stable physical and neurological condition that permits the transfer to Padua. The hospital, San Raffaelle in Padua, is equipped with all the necessary clinical specialties that Zanardi will need during his ongoing recovery.
Alex Zanardi has been an inspiration to us all. Since the crash on that fateful day in 2001 that took both of Alex’s legs, Alex fought back to become a multiple time Paralympic gold medalist as well as returning to the seat he loves behind the wheel of a race car driving GT cars equipped with special hand controls.
Alex Zanardi has proven time and time again, that he’s a fighter. At this time with the Holidays fast approaching and as Zanardi continues to battle, please keep Alex Zanardi in your thoughts as he fights on.
CART Alumni Association
Raymond N. Dock
Communications Officer
Greetings to all CART Alumni
Former CART Driver and Champion Alex Zanardi has been transferred to a hospital in Padua, Italy to be closer to his home.
It has been five months since Zanardi suffered a road accident when he collided with a truck on June 19 while competing in a hand cycle race that lead to severe head injuries. Zanardi has been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Milan. An early attempt to transfer Zanardi to a rehabilitation facility was unsuccessful. However, his doctors now feel that Zanardi is in a strong enough condition to warrant the move.
Finally a little good news. Zanardi’s doctors say that Alex has reached a generally stable physical and neurological condition that permits the transfer to Padua. The hospital, San Raffaelle in Padua, is equipped with all the necessary clinical specialties that Zanardi will need during his ongoing recovery.
Alex Zanardi has been an inspiration to us all. Since the crash on that fateful day in 2001 that took both of Alex’s legs, Alex fought back to become a multiple time Paralympic gold medalist as well as returning to the seat he loves behind the wheel of a race car driving GT cars equipped with special hand controls.
Alex Zanardi has proven time and time again, that he’s a fighter. At this time with the Holidays fast approaching and as Zanardi continues to battle, please keep Alex Zanardi in your thoughts as he fights on.
CART Alumni Association
Raymond N. Dock
Communications Officer
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Happy 60th Anniversary to Wally & Peppy
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Former CART boss Joe Heitzler dies at 75
From Robin Miller
Joe Heitzler, who presided over Championship Auto Racing Teams in some of its most turbulent years, has died at the age of 75.
Replacing Bobby Rahal in 2001, Heitzler was beseiged with one catastrophe after another and was fired less than a year in office. “Not all of our troubles can be blamed on Joe,” said car owner Derrick Walker back in December of 2001.
During his tenure, CART had races in Brazil and Texas canceled and also lost Michigan and Nazareth to the rival Indy Racing League. And the Indy Lights series was disbanded after 16 years. But his largest loss was when CART founder Roger Penske told Heitzler he was heading for the IRL in 2002, and Honda was right behind him.
Heitzler also hosted a press conference in Houston to announce CART was adopting the IRL’s engine formula but none of its three manufacturers – Honda, Toyota or Ford – had committed to it.
His biggest decision came after 9/11, when CART was in Germany. All the major sports in the United States postponed their games, but CART opted to race at the oval outside Dresden and then the next week in England.
From Robin Miller
Joe Heitzler, who presided over Championship Auto Racing Teams in some of its most turbulent years, has died at the age of 75.
Replacing Bobby Rahal in 2001, Heitzler was beseiged with one catastrophe after another and was fired less than a year in office. “Not all of our troubles can be blamed on Joe,” said car owner Derrick Walker back in December of 2001.
During his tenure, CART had races in Brazil and Texas canceled and also lost Michigan and Nazareth to the rival Indy Racing League. And the Indy Lights series was disbanded after 16 years. But his largest loss was when CART founder Roger Penske told Heitzler he was heading for the IRL in 2002, and Honda was right behind him.
Heitzler also hosted a press conference in Houston to announce CART was adopting the IRL’s engine formula but none of its three manufacturers – Honda, Toyota or Ford – had committed to it.
His biggest decision came after 9/11, when CART was in Germany. All the major sports in the United States postponed their games, but CART opted to race at the oval outside Dresden and then the next week in England.
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K C VAN NIMAN
We are saddened by the passing of K C Van Niman, K C was the CART Formula Atlantic Series Chief Steward for a very long time and needs volumes to cover his many years of involvement in motorsports, one example of which is right here -
https://www.motorsport.com/gt/news/senior-management-restructured-at-usrrc/13657/?fbclid=IwAR2y9Q8xNLth5XbEwkpQdKjRBhTuNr0WWffWKxyQqn0byVbiVrByKT3yFfY
https://www.motorsport.com/gt/news/senior-management-restructured-at-usrrc/13657/?fbclid=IwAR2y9Q8xNLth5XbEwkpQdKjRBhTuNr0WWffWKxyQqn0byVbiVrByKT3yFfY
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For Immediate Release:
To All CART Alumni Members:
First and foremost, the CART Alumni committee hopes this announcement finds you and your families in a safe and healthy state.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis the Reunion committee, after much deliberation, has decided to postpone the 2020 CART Reunion.
The committee has tried diligently for months to find some way to keep this years reunion on the calendar. However, with the continued changes to the COVID-19 virus and an up swing in cases, the committee and myself do not believe we can make it happen.
The committee is saddened by the fact that we have to postpone seeing our CART family. However, we do plan on moving forward with reunion plans as soon as safety permits in the following year.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask any of the reunion committee members.
Please stay safe and healthy
Paul Leyton and the CART Reunion Committee
To All CART Alumni Members:
First and foremost, the CART Alumni committee hopes this announcement finds you and your families in a safe and healthy state.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis the Reunion committee, after much deliberation, has decided to postpone the 2020 CART Reunion.
The committee has tried diligently for months to find some way to keep this years reunion on the calendar. However, with the continued changes to the COVID-19 virus and an up swing in cases, the committee and myself do not believe we can make it happen.
The committee is saddened by the fact that we have to postpone seeing our CART family. However, we do plan on moving forward with reunion plans as soon as safety permits in the following year.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask any of the reunion committee members.
Please stay safe and healthy
Paul Leyton and the CART Reunion Committee
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T.E. McHale
A great story by Robin Miller that was published in Racer.com.....https://racer.com/2020/06/12/miller-honda-farewells-its-secret-weapon/?fbclid=IwAR3WCNyXBDBTESqwSZEI_KKAl5vfQ1ny4AkeYn5TjqkuDrY9CTy3TYZFY6c
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We were saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Jerry Hudson. We send our thoughts and condolences to his family.
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Prayers needed for our member Art Bruening.
He’s in the hospital in intensive care.
He’s in really bad shape.
He’s in the hospital in intensive care.
He’s in really bad shape.
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To all CART Alumni,
We hope you are safe and healthy as the COVID-19 Virus continues to impact our everyday lives. The Reunion committee continues is still planning and working toward another successful gathering of our CART family, and, as we have previously reported, moving forward has been slow at best.
However, there is some good news to report. Again, Ganassi Racing has once again offered the use of their race shop to host our upcoming 2020 reunion. We thank Chip and Team Manager Mike Hull and his crew for their hospitality and support of our CART family.
On the downside of this situation, we continue to monitor the all of the events taking place nationally as well as the cancellation and postponement decisions, all caused by the stay at home orders and the direction the corona virus is taking. We hope the virus begins to subside in the upcoming 60 days in order to move forward with finalizing plans. The planning committee will make a firm decision the week of July 6th.
Please be aware, as our economy begins to reopen, we will not move forward if it means putting any of our alumni at any risk. These are the issues that the reunion committee is taking into consideration for the next 60 days as previously mentioned.
As always, we are looking forward to a spectacular time, reuniting with our CART family and reminiscing about our experiences.
Please stay safe and healthy.
Paul Leyton
President
CART Alumni Association
We hope you are safe and healthy as the COVID-19 Virus continues to impact our everyday lives. The Reunion committee continues is still planning and working toward another successful gathering of our CART family, and, as we have previously reported, moving forward has been slow at best.
However, there is some good news to report. Again, Ganassi Racing has once again offered the use of their race shop to host our upcoming 2020 reunion. We thank Chip and Team Manager Mike Hull and his crew for their hospitality and support of our CART family.
On the downside of this situation, we continue to monitor the all of the events taking place nationally as well as the cancellation and postponement decisions, all caused by the stay at home orders and the direction the corona virus is taking. We hope the virus begins to subside in the upcoming 60 days in order to move forward with finalizing plans. The planning committee will make a firm decision the week of July 6th.
Please be aware, as our economy begins to reopen, we will not move forward if it means putting any of our alumni at any risk. These are the issues that the reunion committee is taking into consideration for the next 60 days as previously mentioned.
As always, we are looking forward to a spectacular time, reuniting with our CART family and reminiscing about our experiences.
Please stay safe and healthy.
Paul Leyton
President
CART Alumni Association
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LARRY CURRY
Veteran IndyCar mechanic, race engineer and team manager Larry Curry has died after a stroke, aged 68. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
Veteran IndyCar mechanic, race engineer and team manager Larry Curry has died after a stroke, aged 68. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
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2020 CART REUNION UPDATE_____________________
Again, the CART Alumni Association hopes this bulletin finds you and your families in a safe and healthy state.
Since our last update regarding the upcoming CART Alumni Reunion, the committee members are continuing to work diligently on securing available dates and venues for the 2020 reunion however, it remains increasingly difficult to contact the people needed to commit to specifics due to the current and predicted effects of the COVID-19 shut down.
At this time the Alumni Committee is considering all alternative options to make arrangements for a 2020 event. It is our goal to get all pertinent information to you as soon as we have it, so members may allowing members to make their travel and / or hotel arrangements. Given the current status of the nation, the time getting shorter, and as we have all seen on the news, some of the predictions for this fall, many options are being investigated and reviewed and decisions or plans will be announced in the near future.
We look forward to seeing all of you at the next reunion and we hope you all remain safe and healthy.
Paul Leyton,
President, CART Alumni Association
............on behalf of the Organizing Committee
Again, the CART Alumni Association hopes this bulletin finds you and your families in a safe and healthy state.
Since our last update regarding the upcoming CART Alumni Reunion, the committee members are continuing to work diligently on securing available dates and venues for the 2020 reunion however, it remains increasingly difficult to contact the people needed to commit to specifics due to the current and predicted effects of the COVID-19 shut down.
At this time the Alumni Committee is considering all alternative options to make arrangements for a 2020 event. It is our goal to get all pertinent information to you as soon as we have it, so members may allowing members to make their travel and / or hotel arrangements. Given the current status of the nation, the time getting shorter, and as we have all seen on the news, some of the predictions for this fall, many options are being investigated and reviewed and decisions or plans will be announced in the near future.
We look forward to seeing all of you at the next reunion and we hope you all remain safe and healthy.
Paul Leyton,
President, CART Alumni Association
............on behalf of the Organizing Committee
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Bob Lazier
The CART Alumni Association is sad to announce the passing of the 1981 CART Rookie of the year and father of Jaques and 1996 Indy 500 winner Buddy Lazier, Bob Lazier. According to reports he was put on a ventilator and passed due to complications of the COVID-19 virus.
Bob Lazier started racing in the early 1970s, and won the 1972 class title in Formula Vee at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road Atlanta. He also raced in Formula 5000 and the USAC Mini-Indy Series in the 1970s before climbing to Indy cars in 1981.
After Bob left the drivers seat he then focused on his work as a successful building contractor in Vail, Colorado.
In recent years, Lazier stayed involved in racing as a team owner and by driving vintage race cars. He and Buddy formed Lazier Partners Racing in 2013, with Buddy making four Indianapolis 500 starts between 2013-17 under that banner and the Lazier/Burns Racing name.
Bob Lazier was 81 years of age. God Speed Bob Lazier, there is one smiling face that will be missed on pit lane.
CART Alumni Association/rd
Bob Lazier started racing in the early 1970s, and won the 1972 class title in Formula Vee at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road Atlanta. He also raced in Formula 5000 and the USAC Mini-Indy Series in the 1970s before climbing to Indy cars in 1981.
After Bob left the drivers seat he then focused on his work as a successful building contractor in Vail, Colorado.
In recent years, Lazier stayed involved in racing as a team owner and by driving vintage race cars. He and Buddy formed Lazier Partners Racing in 2013, with Buddy making four Indianapolis 500 starts between 2013-17 under that banner and the Lazier/Burns Racing name.
Bob Lazier was 81 years of age. God Speed Bob Lazier, there is one smiling face that will be missed on pit lane.
CART Alumni Association/rd
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ANNOUNCEMENT – K.C. Van Niman
Long time race official K.C. Van Niman had heart surgery a few days ago that didn’t go
exactly as hoped for. His daughter, Doni Uphus, announced in the last few hours that K.C. has been moved back home. While the outcome is not positive, the good news is that he is home and being cared for by family. K.C. has many decades of contributions to motorsports since his first day as an SCCA member in 1960.
Please keep K.C. and his family in your prayers and we will keep everyone updated as we find out more information.
CART Alumni Association
Long time race official K.C. Van Niman had heart surgery a few days ago that didn’t go
exactly as hoped for. His daughter, Doni Uphus, announced in the last few hours that K.C. has been moved back home. While the outcome is not positive, the good news is that he is home and being cared for by family. K.C. has many decades of contributions to motorsports since his first day as an SCCA member in 1960.
Please keep K.C. and his family in your prayers and we will keep everyone updated as we find out more information.
CART Alumni Association
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2020 CART REUNION Update
First and foremost, the CART Alumni Association hopes this bulletin finds you and your families in a safe and healthy state.
The CART Alumni Association has been working diligently on securing the dates and locations for the 2020 reunion. With that being said, due to the COVID-19 Virus and the mandated stay at home rule expanding throughout the country, it has been increasingly difficult to contact the people needed to secure our dates and venues.
At this time the Alumni Committee will continue working on contacting the people necessary to move forward. As information is acquired and we have further updates and/or announcements to share with you, we will get that updated information to you as soon as we can.
We look forward to seeing all of our CART family at the next reunion. The CART Alumni Committee and I hope you all remain safe and healthy.
Paul Leyton
President
CART Alumni Association
First and foremost, the CART Alumni Association hopes this bulletin finds you and your families in a safe and healthy state.
The CART Alumni Association has been working diligently on securing the dates and locations for the 2020 reunion. With that being said, due to the COVID-19 Virus and the mandated stay at home rule expanding throughout the country, it has been increasingly difficult to contact the people needed to secure our dates and venues.
At this time the Alumni Committee will continue working on contacting the people necessary to move forward. As information is acquired and we have further updates and/or announcements to share with you, we will get that updated information to you as soon as we can.
We look forward to seeing all of our CART family at the next reunion. The CART Alumni Committee and I hope you all remain safe and healthy.
Paul Leyton
President
CART Alumni Association
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Wally Dallenbach Sr. enters the MotorSports Hall of Fame of American
By: Raymond Dock| January 30, 2020
One of the most popular of the early 1960s Modified drivers, Wally Dallenbach went from the Northeast Short tracks to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the Hall of Fame. And along the way, Dallenbach changed motorsports forever. To get the whole story of Wally Dallenbach and his amazing career we should start at the beginning.
Wally Dallenbach was born December 12, 1936 in East Brunswick New Jersey. Dallenbach’s interest in racing began at an early age. When he was 15 years old, a young Dallenbach modified a 1938 Ford Coupe into a stock car. Dallenbach was too young to drive at the time so he built and campaigned the car for two years as owner and mechanic.
When Dallenbach turned 17, he began drag racing. In 1959 he built and raced Buick-powered cars including a blown rear-engine Dragster. He earned eighty wins over the next five years. When he turned 21 he began oval racing at tracks up and down the east coast, earning several wins during this four year period. Wally Dallenbach was fast gaining a reputation for success on which ever track he raced on.
In 1965 opportunity came knocking. Dallenbach got the opportunity to drive an open cockpit racer at the Champ Car event at Langhorn in Pennsylvania. You didn’t have to ask Wally twice. By the way he finished 9th in his rookie outing. Langhorn was the beginning of a career that lasted until 1979.
During Wally Dallenbach’s professional driving career, he enjoyed success and definite high peaks in his driving career. Along with many top 10 finishes he won five times and three of those victories came in succession during the 1973 season at the Milwaukee 200, the Ontario 100 and the Ontario 500.
Dallenbach had 13 Indianapolis starts with a best of fourth in 1976. We should note here that in 1975, Wally had the race won but burned a piston while dueling with A.J. Foyt for the lead. He had been leading when he retired on lap 167. Sad thing is, the race was called a handful of laps later when the race was stopped.
In 1980, after retiring from driving the year prior, Dallenbach was named the Competition Director for Championship Auto Racing Teams and then in 1981 he became CART’s Chief Steward a position he held until he retired in 2004. During his tenure as Chief Steward, Dallenbach improved the on track safety programs and established nondenominational church services at the race track for Drivers, teams and their families.
While Wally Dallenbach has seen great success in many types of race cars from modified, sprint, stock and open wheel cars, his greatest contributions to his legacy have been his charities that benefit from the Colorado 500 dirt bike ride that he started with friend Sherm Cooper in 1976. Since 1981 more than 2 million dollars has been raised for scholarship funds, medical centers, teen services, scouting and U.S. Forest services and many others.
As stated in the motorcycle museum, The Colorado 500 has also had a great impact on preserving trail riding areas. In 1995, the Colorado 500 applied for Great Outdoors Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) grants. These grants were used to enhance trails and roads used by the event. More than $400,000 has been applied to the U.S.F.S trails used by the ride. In 1996, the Colorado 500 established a legal defense fund to preserve trail riding in Colorado. In 2001, noise limits were adopted for the ride, which now holds tech inspections for noise-level compliance. Wally Dallenbach should be very proud of what he has created for the environment.
Since his retirement Wally Dallenbach, along with his wife, Peppy, spend most of their time on their ranch tending to their fairgrounds, cabins and private restoration garage near Frying Pan River in upper Basalt.
But Wally is not a newcomer to being inducted into halls of fame. He was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame for his exploits at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Dallenbach was also voted into the American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame for his work as founder and president of the Colorado 500 invitational charity motorcycle rides as well as voted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame.
After all the accolades that Wally Dallenbach as achieved in his life, thus far, it comes as no surprise that he should be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Those of us that know you, worked with you and are fans of yours we say to you a big congratulations on your induction into the MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME OF AMERICA.
Bravo UNIT ONE, Bravo.
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It is sad to report that John Andretti has lost his battle with cancer. Please remember the Andretti family in their time of grief.
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Sad to report that safety pioneer and friend of all the racing community Bill Simpson has passed away. Lets keep his family in our thoughts.
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INDIANAPOLIS SPEEDWAY AND INDYCAR SOLD TO PENSKE CORP.
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Team Owner John Della Penna passes away..........https://carburando.com/notas/fallecio-john-della-penna?fbclid=IwAR2G5W_HUTWo91p4qa8-2u36sSUo0njxKFNnj6sZfcCWplMfUqa8Y80YsCc
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Wally Dallenbach and Others elected to Hall of Fame
By: Robin Miller | July 5, 2019 3:03 PM
Wally Dallenbach, an Indy 500 veteran turned race official who brought safety to the forefront of open-wheel racing and two of the biggest men in motorsports, literally and figuratively, Tiny Lund and Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, head the 2020 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
In one of the largest classes in recent history, motorcycle maven Chris Carr, stock car champ Red Byron, car owner Rick Hendrick, publisher Floyd Clymer, drag racer George Montgomery and the versatile Jacky Ickx join that trio above and will be inducted March 16-17 at Daytona Beach, Fla.
Dallenbach, a 13-time starter at Indianapolis before becoming the respected chief steward of Championship Auto Racing Teams in 1979, became appalled at the lax conditions of safety at many tracks, so he organized a special safety team of firemen and paramedics that began traveling to all CART races in the early ’80s. It set the standard for motorsports worldwide, and that model and the professional responders helped save the lives of Alex Zanardi, Mikhail Aleshin and James Hinchcliffe.
At 6-5 and 270 pounds, DeWayne Louis Lund captured the 1963 Daytona 500 under heroic circumstances. He pulled fellow driver Marvin Panch from his burning car during practice for the ’63 Daytona Continental and replaced Panch for NASCAR’s biggest race. Tiny also captured 41 Grand American races and three titles of that short-lived series before losing his life at Talladega in 1975.
Another big man, the rugged 6’3″ Stewart became the king of off-road racing in his 20-year career, and grew his legend by driving Baja by himself instead of having a teammate. He won 84 desert races – including three Baja 1000s, 17 Baja 500s, eight Mint 400s and four SCORE championships. He also dominated Mickey Thompson’s off-road series.
In the world of flat-track motorcycle racing, Carr was king in the early 2000s, earning five of his seven AMA grand national crowns from 2001-2005 while piling up 78 wins (second of all-time). He also competed in the Super Bike series and set a motorcycle land speed record of 350.8 mph in 2006, only to best it three years later at 367.3 mph.
After being wounded in air combat during WWII, tail gunner Robert Byron spent two years in the hospital recovering before returning to racing. He drove midgets and sprints prior to the war, but came back to stock cars and had to bolt his leg brace to the clutch pedal. But that didn’t prevent him from winning NASCAR’s first-ever championship in 1949 and the inaugural race on the beach. He retired in 1951, and became a chief mechanic for Briggs Cunningham before dying of a heart attack in 1960.
A car dealer who dabbled in driving, Hendrick has forged his reputation as the most successful team owner in NASCAR history with 12 Cup championships and a staggering 254 victories. His breakthrough came when he hired USAC star Jeff Gordon in the early ’90s and followed that up by putting desert racer Jimmie Johnson in one of his stock cars.
One of America’s top motorcycle racers in the 1910s and 1920s, Clymer then became an AMA promoter. But his legacy was built on his publishing business, where his annual Indianapolis 500 Yearbooks and Motorcycle Topics and Cycle magazines cornered the market. Today they are considered valuable reference books and his Indy history remains one of the most popular purchases at memorabilia shows.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Montgomery became known as the “King of the Gassers” in capturing eight NHRA titles from 1959-1968 – most of them in his Chevy-powered Willys – and also won four U.S. Nationals. His George’s Speed Shop in Dayton may be the oldest such enterprise in continuous operation in the United States.
Ickx, son of a Belgian motorsports journalist, was a prominent F1 and sports car driver from the late ‘60s into the mid-1980s – including a then-record six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But his North American sports car record is what put him in the MSHOF. He won the 1979 SCCA Can-Am championship and multiple World Sports car Championship (WSC) wins, including the 12 Hours of Sebring twice, Daytona 24 Hours, Mosport 1000k and Watkins Glen 6 Hour on three occasions.
By: Robin Miller | July 5, 2019 3:03 PM
Wally Dallenbach, an Indy 500 veteran turned race official who brought safety to the forefront of open-wheel racing and two of the biggest men in motorsports, literally and figuratively, Tiny Lund and Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, head the 2020 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
In one of the largest classes in recent history, motorcycle maven Chris Carr, stock car champ Red Byron, car owner Rick Hendrick, publisher Floyd Clymer, drag racer George Montgomery and the versatile Jacky Ickx join that trio above and will be inducted March 16-17 at Daytona Beach, Fla.
Dallenbach, a 13-time starter at Indianapolis before becoming the respected chief steward of Championship Auto Racing Teams in 1979, became appalled at the lax conditions of safety at many tracks, so he organized a special safety team of firemen and paramedics that began traveling to all CART races in the early ’80s. It set the standard for motorsports worldwide, and that model and the professional responders helped save the lives of Alex Zanardi, Mikhail Aleshin and James Hinchcliffe.
At 6-5 and 270 pounds, DeWayne Louis Lund captured the 1963 Daytona 500 under heroic circumstances. He pulled fellow driver Marvin Panch from his burning car during practice for the ’63 Daytona Continental and replaced Panch for NASCAR’s biggest race. Tiny also captured 41 Grand American races and three titles of that short-lived series before losing his life at Talladega in 1975.
Another big man, the rugged 6’3″ Stewart became the king of off-road racing in his 20-year career, and grew his legend by driving Baja by himself instead of having a teammate. He won 84 desert races – including three Baja 1000s, 17 Baja 500s, eight Mint 400s and four SCORE championships. He also dominated Mickey Thompson’s off-road series.
In the world of flat-track motorcycle racing, Carr was king in the early 2000s, earning five of his seven AMA grand national crowns from 2001-2005 while piling up 78 wins (second of all-time). He also competed in the Super Bike series and set a motorcycle land speed record of 350.8 mph in 2006, only to best it three years later at 367.3 mph.
After being wounded in air combat during WWII, tail gunner Robert Byron spent two years in the hospital recovering before returning to racing. He drove midgets and sprints prior to the war, but came back to stock cars and had to bolt his leg brace to the clutch pedal. But that didn’t prevent him from winning NASCAR’s first-ever championship in 1949 and the inaugural race on the beach. He retired in 1951, and became a chief mechanic for Briggs Cunningham before dying of a heart attack in 1960.
A car dealer who dabbled in driving, Hendrick has forged his reputation as the most successful team owner in NASCAR history with 12 Cup championships and a staggering 254 victories. His breakthrough came when he hired USAC star Jeff Gordon in the early ’90s and followed that up by putting desert racer Jimmie Johnson in one of his stock cars.
One of America’s top motorcycle racers in the 1910s and 1920s, Clymer then became an AMA promoter. But his legacy was built on his publishing business, where his annual Indianapolis 500 Yearbooks and Motorcycle Topics and Cycle magazines cornered the market. Today they are considered valuable reference books and his Indy history remains one of the most popular purchases at memorabilia shows.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Montgomery became known as the “King of the Gassers” in capturing eight NHRA titles from 1959-1968 – most of them in his Chevy-powered Willys – and also won four U.S. Nationals. His George’s Speed Shop in Dayton may be the oldest such enterprise in continuous operation in the United States.
Ickx, son of a Belgian motorsports journalist, was a prominent F1 and sports car driver from the late ‘60s into the mid-1980s – including a then-record six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But his North American sports car record is what put him in the MSHOF. He won the 1979 SCCA Can-Am championship and multiple World Sports car Championship (WSC) wins, including the 12 Hours of Sebring twice, Daytona 24 Hours, Mosport 1000k and Watkins Glen 6 Hour on three occasions.
Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Class of 2020 Nominees: Wally Dallenbach
Nominees for 2020 Induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) represent 48 motorsports legends, champions and innovators in eight different categories. The Class of 2020 finalists that will make up the 32nd Induction Class will be announced in early July in Daytona Beach. Here’s a look at one of these Heroes of Horsepower on the ballot that could be voted into the MSHFA in 2020.
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Wally Dallenbach, Sr. (1936-) (Driver, Official, Safety Pioneer) — New Jersey-born Dallenbach had substantial success as a driver and then went on to become one of IndyCar racing’s most effective administrators. After competing in the inaugural Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) season in 1979, Dallenbach became its first Director of Competition and remained as Chief Steward until retiring in 2004. It was Dallenbach’s idea to establish the CART/Champ Car Safety Team, which set new standards for at-track safety services and saved many lives. After racing homebuilt stock cars and drag machines as a teenager, Dallenbach moved up to major league racing at 26, placing sixth in the second of two 40-lap qualifiers at the 1962 Daytona 500. He began his IndyCar career three years later, starting 180 races in 15 seasons, driving mostly for Tassi Vatis, Lindsey Hopkins and U.E. “Pat” Patrick (MSHFA Class of 2018). He scored five IndyCar wins, the first three in succession in 1973, including the Ontario 500. Patrick was his car owner for all five. Dallenbach’s best Indianapolis 500 finishes were fourths in 1976 and 1977.
Nominees for 2020 Induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) represent 48 motorsports legends, champions and innovators in eight different categories. The Class of 2020 finalists that will make up the 32nd Induction Class will be announced in early July in Daytona Beach. Here’s a look at one of these Heroes of Horsepower on the ballot that could be voted into the MSHFA in 2020.
:
Wally Dallenbach, Sr. (1936-) (Driver, Official, Safety Pioneer) — New Jersey-born Dallenbach had substantial success as a driver and then went on to become one of IndyCar racing’s most effective administrators. After competing in the inaugural Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) season in 1979, Dallenbach became its first Director of Competition and remained as Chief Steward until retiring in 2004. It was Dallenbach’s idea to establish the CART/Champ Car Safety Team, which set new standards for at-track safety services and saved many lives. After racing homebuilt stock cars and drag machines as a teenager, Dallenbach moved up to major league racing at 26, placing sixth in the second of two 40-lap qualifiers at the 1962 Daytona 500. He began his IndyCar career three years later, starting 180 races in 15 seasons, driving mostly for Tassi Vatis, Lindsey Hopkins and U.E. “Pat” Patrick (MSHFA Class of 2018). He scored five IndyCar wins, the first three in succession in 1973, including the Ontario 500. Patrick was his car owner for all five. Dallenbach’s best Indianapolis 500 finishes were fourths in 1976 and 1977.
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We now have a new page on our website, The Members Only page. You must have completed a membership form on the website: https://www.cartreunions.org/join-cart-alumni.html to be considered a ‘member/alumni’ in order to access this page. The Members Page will give you information regarding future reunions, other events, merchandise availability and other ‘items of interest’. It will be the ‘first to know’ page for members so keep coming back and checking in.
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We are looking for stories to put on our web page. If you have an interesting or funny story, send it to cartalumni@gmail.com and we just might post it.
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A Thank You from the President:
As we close out on the third CART Alumni Reunion, it is time to put into print my sincere thanks to all the people and organizations that made this year’s event such a remarkable one. Please do me the favor of reading all the way through this as the comments are sincere and deserved by all. I usually say, “On Behalf of the Organizing Committee”, but this is just one from me. I’m sure they all share in my thoughts. I would like to thank, in no particular order, Our host, Chip Ganassi Racing, for both offering and allowing us to take over their tremendous facility for our event. Thanks of course to Chip, who has supported us from the very first day we had announced this - saying personally to me - “Whatever you need Paul.” Thanks to Managing Director Mike Hull, who, in a conversation at Road America with Brett a few years back, offered up the idea of the use of the shop for the event. It became a reality. The Ganassi staff including Shop Manager Grant Weaver, Special Events Coordinator Kris Keech, Gary Rovazzini, and the team members that were on-hand to explain sub-shop functions. A special shout out to Linda Rosenberg of Commotion Promotions for all of her great help with all of the additional takeaways and awards for the event. Thanks Linda!!
All deserve a huge thanks for all the help, support, and concern that our event at their facility would be one to remember. For all of us and especially those whom had never been in a shop before, it is sure to be just that. Thank you to the Catering Staff and Bar Management Staff from Dawson’s who served a wonderful meal and did it without asking a single question. They came in, did their work, and then disappeared without our attendees noticing anything. It was not only delicious but the process was seamless. Well Done! The 1911 Grill acted as our headquarters on Friday night, and the staff welcomed us with open arms and made us comfortable in every way. You can always tell when a vendor is happy with the event when they inquire as to when we are going to do the “next one”. We appreciate the 1911 and all of the other locations in the downtown area that offered us discounts to make the event a little easier on the pocketbook. Our thanks to Owen Snyder and Dallara for offering an inside look at the manufacturing process of today’s Indy car. Not many people have had the opportunity to see what we saw. We thank Dallara for hosting the tour on Saturday morning. Thanks to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for offering us discounted tickets for the Red Bull Air Races that were held on Saturday & Sunday at the track. And, thanks to the Speedway Museum management for allowing us a 50% discount on all admissions by participants of the reunion. Both are rarely approved and it is greatly appreciated that they offered this to us. A special thanks goes out to Beth Rovazzini, a member of the Speedway Chamber of Commerce and liaison to so many of the vendors and contacts that we needed to communicate with. It made it so easy to have some “feet” on the ground to work with the locals. If we asked about it, she knew where to get it or how to get it handled. Our hotels this year, The Hampton and The Residence Inn, offered us some outstanding discounts on accommodations right in the vicinity of the main reunion event. I also wish to thank Gatsby’s Bar & Grill for accommodating our participants with discounts on food and beverage.
At the Reunion itself it was an honor to have the opportunity to introduce the speakers that were willing to help us remember the “days”. I wish to thank Wally Dallenbach, Gordon Kirby, Jim McGee, Andrew Craig, and Hunter Floyd for contributing to the event as they did. It’s never boring. And, we need to recognize our sponsors that help to make the reunion a success from a logistical and financial standpoint.
Chip Ganassi Racing, 2015 – 2016 - 2018
Fritz Enterprises, 2016 - 2018
Performance Tire Service Company, 2015 – 2016 - 2018
Team Penske, 2015 - 2016 - 2018
The Craig Company LLC, 2015 – 2016 – 2018
AR1 (AutoRacing 1), 2016 – 2018
Without their generous and consistent support, we would not be able to put on the event as we do. Our sincere thanks to all of you
I thank four people for their assistance with all the audio-visual-media expertise. Bob Davidson and Scott Randall took this area over at the event and handled it without a hitch. David Miller helped us convert a lot of the old files into useable “rolls”. In addition, in advance of the event, Mel Poole drafted a lot of the announcements and scripts that were distributed via the website or Mail Chimp. My thanks to all.
And then there is the Organizing Committee, who volunteers and sacrifices their time for the sake of the event,
Mary Kite - her quiet wisdom always has input for us all especially when the situation we are working on might be delicate or sensitive.
Bill Luchow – one of the “founders” of the event itself, has been there from the true beginning and helps in all ways he can even though he is mostly calling in from on the road. We missed him at the event this year due to work, but he was there, getting some of the feeds live.
Billy Kamphausen – for whom without this event would not take place, as he contacts and follows up with all the actual or potential sponsors and makes sure that they are happy with what we do. He does this job like he patrolled pit lane - like an “Energizer Bunny”.
Susie Jensen – the Secretary of the Organization and the person who does so many of the “little things” which we all take for granted that there are too many to count. We rely on her to follow up on so much and is our proofreader of everything that gets published. Trust me, no detail gets past her.
Brett Crabtree - the Vice President of the Organization and the person who has the thankless job of sending out all the emails, the Mail Chimps, and the design, posting, rearranging, and constant minor adjusting of the website. Without him there would be no website, and we would not have the communication links that we have established.
The members of the committee listed above are the people that deserve all the credit for putting on this event. Trust me, without each and every one of them, there would simply not be a reunion event. I believe that they did a fine job, again. Thank you.
But most of all I want to thank all of you who attended this year’s event, as well as the previous ones. You are what this is for and you all are what makes it special. As tough as the work gets sometimes, or gets frustrating, it all simply and rapidly melts away when the family gets together in the same location, and we see faces not seen as often as we did in the past, able to enjoy their warmth and company.
That’s what a family does when it gets together. For that is truly what we are…family.
Thank you – one and all.
Paul J. Leyton President, CART Reunions
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DAN GURNEY
1931-2018
1931-2018
January 14, 2018
It is sad to report the passing of Dan Gurney. We had the honor of recognizing Dan at our last reunion. He was a driver, team owner and innovator and he will be missed by all of us.
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