Jim Sauter obit

Former NASCAR driver Jim Sauter dies at 71

 

He was not on the list.

Father of Johnny Sauter made 76 career starts in premier series

Jim Sauter, a racer and father of four drivers including NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Johnny Sauter, died on Friday night shortly before the conclusion of the Truck event at Texas Motor Speedway, according to ThorSport Racing. He was 71.

Sauter competed in 82 NASCAR national series races from 1980 to 2004, including 76 premier series starts.

The native of Necedah, Wisconsin, made his final NASCAR Nationwide Series start at the Milwaukee Mile in 2002, racing against his sons Jay, Johnny and Tim. Jim Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps as well. In addition to these four sons, Sauter is survived by his wife, Debbie, eight additional children, 51 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two sisters.

A two-time champion in the ARTGO Racing Series in the Midwest, Sauter tested International Race of Champions cars with fellow Wisconsin racers Dave Marcis and Dick Trickle.

His son, Johnny, learned of his father’s passing following Friday’s Winstar World Casino & Resort 350. His lone win of 2014 came at Michigan International Speedway, and he acknowledged it was a special victory in his post-race comments that recalled his dad’s recollections of the track.

“I’m just going to relish in this win because this has been a tough, tough race track for me throughout my career,” Johnny said. “My Dad always said, ‘That place is easy.’ But, I never felt that way. Until today, I mean when you have a truck like this — it was just awesome.”

NASCAR issued the following statement on Jim Sauter’s passing:

“NASCAR offers its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jim Sauter. A true racer, Jim passed on his passion and competitive spirit to his children and grandchildren. A driver himself with roots in the Midwest, his reach and impact extend across the entire sport.”

The racing community expressed condolences on social media with a sample included below from Sauter’s former competitor Mark Martin; fellow Wisconsin racer Roy Kenseth, father of Matt; crew chief and former IROC chassis specialist Ray Evernham and NASCAR Senior Vice President, Racing Operations Jim Cassidy.

Sorry to hear Jim Sauter died. He was a really good man and a great racer.

— Mark Martin (@markmartin) November 1, 2014

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Jim Sauter family today. pic.twitter.com/ydHNAQcXQT

— Roy Kenseth (@roykenseth) November 1, 2014

Really sorry to hear about passing of Jim Sauter. Worked with him for many years at IROC. Crew chiefed for him at Pocono 1990 #RIP

— ray evernham (@RayEvernham) November 1, 2014

Thinking about the Sauter family. Jim Sauter’s contribution to stock car racing and NASCAR will be felt for many generations. Good man.

— Jim Cassidy (@jfcassidy) November 1, 2014