Jack Hagemeyer was an aspiring race car driver/mechanic who moved from Milwaukee to Indianapolis to further his racing career. He was a member of the Bowes Seal Fast team that won the 1961 Indianapolis 500 with A.J. Foyt as their driver, performing duties as the right front tire changer and operating the sign board giving messages to Foyt. During the off season he managed an Indianapolis auto parts store owned by 1959, 62 Indianapolis 500 winner Rodger Ward and legendary mechanic A.J. Watson. On August 12, 1962, Jack Hagemeyer arrived at the Terre Haute Action Track with helmet in hand and no prospects of a car to drive. Jim Hurtubise, one of the top drivers of the day was scheduled to drive the Barnett Brothers Special, but he was late arriving at the track. Hagemeyer drove the car during practice with the understanding if Hurtubise did not arrive in time for qualifications the car would be his for the day, a major boost for his career. As fate would have it Hurtubise arrived in time to qualify and Hagemeyer secured the seat in a car of questionable quality. During his qualification attempt he hooked a rut in the first turn and flipped the car, resulting in his death. Jim Hurtubise, in the Barnett Brothers Special, drove to victory in the 30 lap feature.
Jack Hagemeyer was an aspiring race car driver/mechanic who moved from Milwaukee to Indianapolis to further his racing career. He was a member of the Bowes Seal Fast team that won the 1961 Indianapolis 500 with A.J. Foyt as their driver, performing duties as the right front tire changer and operating the sign board giving messages to Foyt. During the off season he managed an Indianapolis auto parts store owned by 1959, 62 Indianapolis 500 winner Rodger Ward and legendary mechanic A.J. Watson. On August 12, 1962, Jack Hagemeyer arrived at the Terre Haute Action Track with helmet in hand and no prospects of a car to drive. Jim Hurtubise, one of the top drivers of the day was scheduled to drive the Barnett Brothers Special, but he was late arriving at the track. Hagemeyer drove the car during practice with the understanding if Hurtubise did not arrive in time for qualifications the car would be his for the day, a major boost for his career. As fate would have it Hurtubise arrived in time to qualify and Hagemeyer secured the seat in a car of questionable quality. During his qualification attempt he hooked a rut in the first turn and flipped the car, resulting in his death. Jim Hurtubise, in the Barnett Brothers Special, drove to victory in the 30 lap feature.
Bio by: Jim Adams
