Jim Trueman

James R. Trueman was the founder of the Red Roof Motel chain as well as one of the nation's leading race car drivers, owners, and sponsors. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, the son of George and Alma Trueman, was raised in Euclid. He was a 1953 graduate of Benedictine High School, where he became an outstanding runner in cross country and track. His engineering studies at Ohio State University were interrupted by service in the U.S. Army.

He married Barbara Colucci of Dayton in 1961 and entered the construction business in Columbus. He also began driving race cars, winning 125 victories including 2 Sports Car of America championships. Traveling the race car circuit demonstrated to Trueman the need for inexpensive lodgings, and he opened his first Red Roofr Inn near Columbus in 1973. The chain grew to more than 100 units within a decade, and Trueman began to sponsor his own race cars and promising young drivers. He purchased the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, O., and formed the TrueSports Indy Car team with driver Bobby Rahal. It won the first BUDWEISER-CLEVELAND 500 in 1982 and the Indianapolis 500 in 1986, only 11 days before Trueman's death from cancer in Columbus.

Trueman was survived by his wife, son Colin, and daughters Michelle and Megan. He was the first inductee into the Benedictine High School Hall of Honors, and in 1994 the school dedicated its renovated gym as the Trueman Memorial Fieldhouse in honor of him and his brother Bill.

Jim was an American businessperson 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 cancer and died at the age of 51.

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 cancer and died at the age of 51.[1]

Business

One of Jim Trueman's first business interests was Deibel's, a German-style restaurant in Columbus, Ohio.[2] In 1972, Trueman opened his first Red Roof Inn motel. Soon he had three.[1] The business was very successful, and by 1986, there were at least 155 motels in the chain.[1][2] Mid-Ohio

On October 1, 1981, Trueman purchased Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a race track near Lexington, Ohio.[2] 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 championships in 1975 and 1978.[3] 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.[1] At the 1986 Indianapolis 500 Trueman spent the entire month of May at the track, but was visibly frail and quiet. The race was originally scheduled on his 51st birthday, but rain delayed the race. Bobby Rahal's car was fitted with a "Happy Birthday JRT" decal to celebrate. The following Saturday, May 31, 1986, the race was finally run. With two laps to go Rahal passed Kevin Cogan on a restart, and held on to win. The emotional Rahal nearly broke down in victory lane.

In victory lane, Trueman stood up and took the traditional milk for winning Indy. Several years later, ABC television reporter Jack Arute revealed that Trueman whispered in his ear "I can go now."[4]

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.[1] Six days later he died.[1] Personal

Jim Trueman was married to his wife Barbara, with whom he had three children.[2] He attended Ohio State University where he became a Sigma Chi and also served in the military.[3] His philanthropic efforts included the James R. Trueman Fitness Center at Wheeling Jesuit University.[3]

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

His grandson Austin Cindric is a driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series as his mother Megan is Jim daughter. His son-in-law is Team Penske racing strategist Tim Cindric.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Aug 28 2017, 0:18:52 UTC