JOHN COOPER, 83, USAC’S FIRST EMPLOYEE

John Cooper, USAC’s very first employee, who at various times in his life was also a major player in NASCAR and IndyCar, has passed away at the age of 84.

In 1955 John was asked to prepare the entry form for USAC’s inaugural race, a Midget race held at the Allen County Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Ind. on January 8, 1956, and he distributed it to the expected participants.

A close friend of Bill France, Cooper served as president of Daytona International Speedway from December, 1987 to July, 1990 after leaving his job with Coca-Cola, and was also chairman of the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States.

Yet he's probably most remembered for his term as president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1979-82.

Cooper resigned in early May, 1982, just before the track opened for Indy 500 practice, to go with ACCUS, and Joe Cloutier was renamed IMS president.

It was always believed Cooper was instrumental in bringing NASCAR to IMS with the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994 and then advising Tony George as he created the Indy Racing League in 1996.

A devout follower of all forms of motorsports, he had an affection for short-track racing, including Midgets and Sprint Cars and was frequently seen in the grandstands at events across the country.

“It is with great sadness that we learn of John’s death,” says USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller. “His influence on our sport will be remembered as one of its greatest assets and his loss is felt deeply in the United States Auto Club’s ranks. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and many friends throughout the racing community.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.