James R. Trueman (May 25, 1935 – June 11, 1986) was an American businessman andautomobile racing team owner. His most successful business ventures wereRed Roof Inn motels and theTruesports racing team.Bobby Rahal won the1986 Indianapolis 500 for the team. Eleven days after the victory, Trueman succumbed tocolon cancer[1] and died at the age of 51.[2]
One of Jim Trueman's first business interests wasDeibel's, a German-style restaurant inColumbus, Ohio.[3] In 1972, Trueman opened his firstRed Roof Inn motel. Soon he had three.[2] The business was very successful, and by 1986, there were at least 155 motels in the chain.[2][3]
On October 1, 1981, Trueman purchasedMid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a race track nearLexington, Ohio.[3] Immediately he began improving the facility.
The track welcomed theCART series 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.
Trueman 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]
Trueman used his riches from the motel business to expand his auto racing interests. He signed on Red Roof Inns to sponsorVern Schuppan in the1981 Indianapolis 500. Schuppan finished a strong third. In 1982, Trueman switched fromCan-Am toCART and experienced instant success.
In 1985, Trueman was diagnosed with cancer. He kept his illness secret for many months.[2] At the1986 Indianapolis 500 Trueman 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 Cogan on 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 Arute revealed that Trueman whispered in his ear "I can go now."[5]
On Thursday June 5, 1986, five days after the victory, the city ofColumbus held a victory parade downtown. Trueman was too sick to attend.[2] Six days later he died.[2]
Jim Trueman was married to his wife Barbara, with whom he had three children.[3] He attendedOhio State University where he became aSigma Chi and 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 inCART was named in his honor.
His grandsonAustin Cindric is a driver inNASCAR. Austin is the son of Jim's daughter Megan. Austin was born twelve years after his grandfather died. Trueman's son-in-law is formerTeam Penske president and racing strategistTim Cindric.
| 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 | Bobsy SR5 | Ford | C Sports Racer | 2 | 2 | Running |
| 1974 | Road Atlanta | Bobsy SR6 | Ford | C Sports Racer | 15 | 2 | Retired |
| 1975 | Road Atlanta | Bobsy SR6 | 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 |