Best finish 33rd (1989) Career start 1964 Role Race car driver | Name Jim Sauter Best finish 80th (1996) | |
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Achievements 1981 ARTGO Challenge Series Champion1982 ARTGO Challenge Series Champion1983 All American 400 winner1980 National Short Track Championship winner First race 1989 Ames/Peak 200 (Dover) Died October 31, 2014, Marshfield, Wisconsin, United States Spouse Debbie Kuntz (m. 1995–2014), Penny Sauter (m. 1961–1993) Children Johnny Sauter, Tim Sauter, Jay Sauter, Jim Sauter, Jr. Siblings Dell Sauter, Harold Sauter, Marilyn Peak, Marge Zaleski Grandchildren Avery Sauter, Addyson Sauter | ||
1981 jim sauter 7 artgo racing series interview at raceway park
Jim Sauter (June 1, 1943 – October 31, 2014) was an American stock car racing driver from Necedah, Wisconsin. He formerly raced in all three of NASCAR's national series, and is best known for having been a test driver for the International Race of Champions, as well as winning two championships in the Midwest-based ARTGO Challenge Series.
Contents
- 1981 jim sauter 7 artgo racing series interview at raceway park
- Slinger Nationals Driver Introductions 1985
- Racing career
- Head of racing family
- IROC involvement
- Diecast appearance
- Death
- NASCAR
- Winston Cup Series
- ARCA Hooters SuperCar Series
- References
Slinger Nationals Driver Introductions 1985
Racing career
Sauter started racing in 1964 in a modified at Raceway Park in Savage, Minnesota. He moved up to late models the following year. Sauter moved to Wisconsin, and his career took off after he won the North Star 500 at the Minnesota State Fair in a Dave Marcis Chevelle. Sauter said "The funny thing about that race was the fact that we had a barn full of various brands of tires that we wanted to use up and ended up with Goodyear on the outside and Firestone on the inside for no other reason than that. Everyone thought it must be the hot tip." Marcis called Sauter in 1978 and asked him to drive his racecar in the ARCA 200. Sauter battled Bruce Hill for the win on the last lap. They crashed, with Hill ending his race along the wall and Sauter won.
Sauter raced part time in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in the 1980s and 1990s, posting four top ten finishes in 76 starts. He was an independent (non-factory) driver with limited funds. To help pay the bills, Sauter did Goodyear tire tests along with Marcis.
Sauter raced primarily in the ARTGO and ASA series. Sauter returned to Wisconsin to win the 1981 track championship at Wisconsin International Raceway. Sauter won the 1981 and 1982 ARTGO championships with 16 of 20 career victories in those years (seven in 1981 and nine in 1982). Sauter won several major regional races including the 1980 National Short Track Championship at Rockford Speedway and the 1983 All American 400 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. He also competed at the Slinger Nationals, Snowball Derby, Winchester 400 and the World Crown.
Head of racing family
His sons Tim, Jay, and Johnny have followed his footsteps by racing on the NASCAR circuit. His other son Jim, Jr. has raced on regional events along with his grandson Travis Sauter. Sauter raced in his final NASCAR Nationwide Series at the Milwaukee Mile racing against Tim, Jay and Johnny. None of Sauter's seven daughters nor his son Joe are involved in racing.
IROC involvement
Sauter was also well known for preparing the setups and testing International Race of Champions (IROC) cars with Dick Trickle and Dave Marcis.
Diecast appearance
Racing Champions Diecast has a 1991 edition diecast replica of his No. 89 Evinrude Outboard Motors Pontiac.
Death
Sauter died following a brief illness on October 31, 2014. He was 71 years old.
NASCAR
(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)
Winston Cup Series
Daytona 500
ARCA Hooters SuperCar Series
(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)