Race car drivers reunite to celebrate Jim McElreath's 85th birthday

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/02...#storylink=cpy

I was fortunate to sit with Jim and Art Malone at a 2011 dinner honoring the roadster driver era at Indy. They had some no-shows and I ended up at their table. Happy 85 Jim.

He drove for us once , years ago at Duquoin. Unfortunately he drove the car into and partially through the ribbon rail. Jim was OK, couldn't say the same for the car. We parted out what was left at the track.

He was the last of the old school drivers then, and a true gentleman.

I remember him running a #23 Champ Car in the late 80s. Who owned it?

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Fantastic article about Jimmy.

He was a real driver an still is a real gentleman and I am honored to have seen him and his son race over the years. Unfortunately I was there at Winchester when James lost his life. That was a very dark day in racing.

Here's Jim taking a break at IMS in 1974. He was driving one of the Thermo-King Eagles. Chief wrench was IOWs own Blackdeuce.

His is definately a gentleman and old school. Only wish I was there when he was racing the roadsters at Indy.

Jim owned the 23 car.

One of my all time favorites!

I've gotten to speak with Jim a few times in the last few years. Most say he doesn't talk much but man when you get him going...

Last year I got he and Shirley to come out to the POWRi midgets at Cowtown. They had a great time.

We are honoring Jim this year in September at the Racers Reunion Banquet.

Jim & Shirley at Devil's Bowl 1965


Sharp dude!


Bart
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