Jim Trueman

James R. Trueman (May 25, 1935 – June 11, 1986) was an American businessman and automobile racing team owner. His most successful business ventures were Red Roof Inn motels and the Truesports racing team. Bobby Rahal won the 1986 Indianapolis 500 for the team. Eleven days after the victory, Trueman succumbed to colon cancer and died at the age of 51.

Business One of Trueman's first business interests was Deibel's, a German-style restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. Immediately he began improving the facility.

The track welcomed the CART series back in 1983. The facility became one of the most popular road racing tracks in the United States, hosting also IMSA, Grand-Am, IROC, SCCA, motorcycle racing, vintage events, and various other races.

Auto racing 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.

Team owner Truesports victory parade in Columbus, Ohio. Trueman was too ill to attend. Trueman used his riches from the motel business to expand his auto racing interests. He signed on Red Roof Inns to sponsor Vern Schuppan in the 1981 Indianapolis 500. Schuppan finished a strong third. In 1982, Trueman switched from Can-Am to CART and experienced instant success.

In 1985, Trueman was diagnosed with cancer. He kept his illness secret for many months.

On Thursday June 5, 1986, five days after the victory, the city of Columbus held a victory parade downtown. Trueman was too sick to attend. Six days later he died.

Personal Jim Trueman was married to his wife Barbara, with whom he had three children. He attended Ohio State University where he became a Sigma Chi and also served in the military. His philanthropic efforts included the James R. Trueman Fitness Center at Wheeling Jesuit University.

The rookie of the year award in CART was named in his honor.

His grandson Austin Cindric is a driver in NASCAR. Austin is the son of Jim's daughter Megan. Austin was born twelve years after his grandfather died. Trueman's son-in-law is former Team Penske president and racing strategist Tim Cindric.

Racing record

SCCA National Championship Runoffs

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