Saturday, October 11, 2003

I was pleased to come across the article entitled "A Tribute to Jimmy Packard" which includes "A letter from Betty Packard Voris".

Without question, Jim would have been one of the greats of open wheeled racing had his career not been cut short. Everyone could see his talent as he powered a midget, sprint car or Champ Car around the dirt ovals in the Midwest.

Jim was always approachable before or after a race. At one such event at Champaign, Illinois, in 1960, I introduced him to several of my friends. We discussed his ride for the upcoming Illinois State Fair August race on the mile in Springfield.  He would be chauffeuring a car with real potential, the #42 Stearly Motor Freight Special. He did qualify the #42 in the front row along side Don Branson.  Branson led the first 17 laps and Jim led all remaining laps to the checkers for his first USAC Champ Car win. Besting the likes of Branson, A. J. Foyt, Eddie Sachs and Tony Bettenhausen and others. His wife, Betty, was at his side as he received the accolades from his competitors and cheers from the racing fans. After the crowd dwindled I shook Jim's hand in congratulation. He in turn introduced me to his wife. The first and only time I saw Betty. Jim had already posted a USAC midget win and would also win a USAC sprint event.

Later that year I wrote Betty expressing myself.  In mid December, I received a Christmas card and inside was a photograph of Jim in his racing uniform, holding his child, Lisa, standing next Betty. It was snapped in front of the scoring tower at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and reveals Jim's goal to qualify and start the Indianapolis "500" with his family at his side. The card was signed "The Packard's". The card and photo remain in the same envelope as it was delivered some 43 years ago.

I remember Jimmy Packard, too.

Marvin E. Scattergood

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