James R. Trueman(May 25, 1935 – June 11, 1986) was an American businessman andautomobile racingteam owner. His most successful business ventures wereRed Roof Innmotels and theTruesportsracing team.Bobby Rahalwon the1986 Indianapolis 500for the team. Eleven days after the victory, Trueman succumbed tocolon cancer[1]and died at the age of 51.[2]
Business
editOne of Jim Trueman's first business interests wasDeibel's,a German-style restaurant inColumbus, Ohio.[3]In 1972, Trueman opened his firstRed Roof Innmotel. Soon he had three.[2]The business was very successful, and by 1986, there were at least 155 motels in the chain.[2][3]
Mid-Ohio
editOn October 1, 1981, Trueman purchasedMid-Ohio Sports Car Course,a race track nearLe xing ton, Ohio.[3]Immediately he began improving the facility.
The track welcomed theCARTseries back in 1983. The facility became one of the most popular road racing tracks in the United States, hosting alsoIMSA,Grand-Am,IROC,SCCA,motorcycle racing, vintage events, and various other races.
Auto racing
editTrueman began driving sports cars in 1962. He entered the Can-Am series and drove through the 1970s. He won 125 races in 23 years. He was the SCCA national champion in 1975 and 1978.[4]
Team owner
edit
Trueman used his riches from the motel business to expand his auto racing interests. He signed on Red Roof Inns to sponsorVern Schuppanin the1981 Indianapolis 500.Schuppan finished a strong third. In 1982, Trueman switched fromCan-AmtoCARTand experienced instant success.
In 1985, Trueman was diagnosed with cancer. He kept his illness secret for many months.[2]At the1986 Indianapolis 500Trueman spent the entire month of May at the track, but was visibly frail and quiet. The race was originally scheduled on his 51st birthday, but rain delayed the race.Bobby Rahal's car was fitted with a "Happy Birthday JRT" decal to celebrate. The following Saturday, May 31, 1986, the race was finally run. With two laps to go Rahal passedKevin Coganon a restart, and held on to win. The emotional Rahal nearly broke down in victory lane.
In victory lane, Trueman stood up and took the traditional milk for winning Indy. Several years later, ABC television reporterJack Aruterevealed that Trueman whispered in his ear "I can go now."[5]
On Thursday June 5, 1986, five days after the victory, the city ofColumbusheld a victory parade downtown. Trueman was too sick to attend.[2]Six days later he died.[2]
Personal
editJim Trueman was married to his wife Barbara, with whom he had three children.[3]He attendedOhio State Universitywhere he became aSigma Chiand also served in the military.[4]His philanthropic efforts included the James R. Trueman Fitness Center atWheeling Jesuit University.[4]
The rookie of the year award inCARTwas named in his honor.
His grandsonAustin Cindricis a driver inNASCAR.Austin is the son of Jim's daughter Megan. Austin was born twelve years after his grandfather died. Jim Trueman's son-in-law isTeam Penskepresident and racing strategistTim Cindric.
Racing record
editSCCA National Championship Runoffs
edit| Year | Track | Car | Engine | Class | Finish | Start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Daytona | Lotus | C Production | 7 | 8 | Running | |
| 1972 | Road Atlanta | Bobsy | Harrell | C Sports Racer | 11 | 1 | Retired |
| 1973 | Road Atlanta | BobsySR5 | Ford | C Sports Racer | 2 | 2 | Running |
| 1974 | Road Atlanta | BobsySR6 | Ford | C Sports Racer | 15 | 2 | Retired |
| 1975 | Road Atlanta | BobsySR6 | Ford | C Sports Racer | 1 | 2 | Running |
| 1977 | Road Atlanta | March | Ford | Formula C | 3 | 2 | Running |
| 1978 | Road Atlanta | March | Ford | Formula C | 1 | 2 | Running |
| Chevron | Ford | B Sports Racer | 2 | 2 | Running | ||
| 1979 | Road Atlanta | Ralt | Cosworth | Formula Atlantic | 9 | 14 | Running |
References
edit- ^Eckert, Kristy (April 23, 2012)."Barbara Trueman is leaving her own legacy and getting others to do the same..."Columbus Monthly.RetrievedJuly 11,2018.
- ^abcdef"1986 Indianapolis 5 Yearbook".Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.1986.
- ^abcd"Year of Celebration: 1986 Escort Radar Warning 200 Official Program".Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.August 31, 1986.
- ^abc"James R. Trueman Fitness Center".Wheeling Jesuit University. September 13, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon October 11, 2008.RetrievedMarch 26,2008.
- ^"2004 All-Night Race Party".WIBC.Season 2004. Episode N/A. May 30, 2004.