In Memorium

BOBBY UNSER

in memorium IN EARLY MAY, the man who’s name was almost always preceded by “Three-time Indy winner”, Bobby Unser passed away at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Unser, along with his brother Al and nephew Al Jr., left an indelible mark on the motorsports landscape. A Pike’s Peak legend, a Bonneville Salt Flats record holder, NASCAR and Formula one starter, Unser was also a great dirt track racer and has two USAC titles and wins in every major USAC division. Following his racing career, Bobby became beloved as a witty observer and personality on Indy Car broadcasts.

THE SON OF a dozen-time Indy 500 starter, Steve Stapp was smitten with racing throughout his entire 80 years. The native Californian soon transplanted to the Midwest where he ran on the open wheel circuits before retiring from behind the wheel after his children were born. Thus one of the greatest car owners ever was created. Stapp employed talent the ilk of Mario Andretti, Johnny Rutherford, Pancho Carter, Larry Dickson, Eric Gordon, Joe Saldana and Russ Gamester. An owner of a trucking company, Stapp was a lifelong race enthusiast and massive personality that gained entrance to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1999. Stapp passed away on April 23 after 57 years of marriage to his beloved Rosemary.

STEVE STAPP

Photo: Bob Scott

“JUMPIN” JACK JOHNSON

ONE OF THE greatest modified racers of all time passed away in early April. Jack Johnson, known as Jumpin Jack, began racing modifieds in 1966 and was a force on the track until his retirement in 2009. Johnson was most formidable at Fonda Speedway, where he won 11 titles and a record 149 races. He was also a six-time Mr. DIRT champion and a four-time Super DIRT Series titlist. He recorded 426 career victories. His father, Rollie, and his son, Ronnie, were also accomplished racers and Johnson was the proprietor of Jumpin’ Jack’s Pro Speed Shop.

Photo: Adam Cornell Photo: Bob Yurko