Remembering John was inspired by my short friendship with 5x Indianapolis 500 driver, John Martin.

I met John and Linda Martin at the inaugural Vintage Indy Registry event in 2018 at the Bommarito 500 held at Gateway Raceway (now known as World Wide Technology Raceway).

At the 2019 VIR event at WWT Raceway, John, one of the legendary Offenhauser mechanics, was working to bring one of the Offy’s to life before the on-track laps. Watching him work was reminiscent of my father in the garage. Linda later told me she saw me watching John and knew my thoughts.

When news came of John’s passing, it was like loosing a life-long friend, though I’d known him only a short time. Everyone who knew John said he was like that.

He was  a man emblematic of those who pursue their dreams in spite of the obstacles. He accomplished all but winning the 500. According to his team coordinator, but for the timing of a pit call, John Martin likely would have accomplished that as well.

The original resides with Linda and John’s life long friend, Mr. Carmine Dell Aquila.