Mobsters as early race promoters?
 

I recently read the book "The Mafia and the Machine- The story of the KC mob" by Frank Hayde. In the book it stated that a KC mobster by the name of Max Jaben had a midget auto race track. While the timing is unclear, I am guessing that it would have been in the 50's or 60's.

The book actually said " Jaben had several legitimate business including the curious favorite of mobsters, The midget auto race track"pg 144

Does anyone have any other stories of mobsters running a race track? The author made is sound like it was a common occurance.

Re: Mobsters as early race promoters?
 

I had been told once that an early promoter of the Indianapolis Speedrome had questionable dealings. Maybe not a miobster, but involved in illegal gambling and the like

Re: Mobsters as early race promoters?
 

Originally Posted by Jonr:
I recently read the book "The Mafia and the Machine- The story of the KC mob" by Frank Hayde. In the book it stated that a KC mobster by the name of Max Jaben had a midget auto race track. While the timing is unclear, I am guessing that it would have been in the 50's or 60's.

The book actually said " Jaben had several legitimate business including the curious favorite of mobsters, The midget auto race track"pg 144

Does anyone have any other stories of mobsters running a race track? The author made is sound like it was a common occurance.

I wouldn't call them full out mobsters but I do know of some very questionable promoters though.

Re: Mobsters as early race promoters?
 

http://www.rocsblackfront.com/hankoday.php

Might have been some mob ties with this sprint car. At least it was funded with illegal gambling profits.

Re: Mobsters as early race promoters?
 

A good book on the subject is,
UMBRELLA MIKE
The TRUE STORY of the CHICAGO GANGSTER Behind the INDY 500
By Brock Yates

Re: Mobsters as early race promoters?
 

I think Gerry Olson was the most underhanded promoter I know of. He is not worth writing a book about though!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Mobsters as early race promoters?
 

The now long gone Raceway Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa was first built as a dog racing (gambling) facility by noted gangster Meyer Lansky. The mobster later gave up on the track and it was converted to automobile racing.

Re: Mobsters as early race promoters?
 

I don't think I've ever known a successful promoter that wasn't a crook.

Re: Mobsters as early race promoters?
 

Greg Loles of road racing fame [Farnbacher-Loles Porsches in ALMS and Grand Am] has been accused of massive embezzlement of funds from a Greek Orthodox Church in CT.

http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2...9726016016.txt

Re: Mobsters as early race promoters?
 

Whittington Bros., and Randy Lanier. Not promoters, but definately gangsters. I also know Baby Face Nelson ran at Roby, and was involved with the Chicago mob.