NASCAR Cup Series

Family patriarch and veteran racer Jim Sauter passes away at 71

Published Nov. 1, 2014 9:51 a.m. ET

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Sauter, who recorded four top-10 finishes over 76 starts in what is now the Sprint Cup Series and won multiple championships as a short-track racer in the Midwest, is the father of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Johnny Sauter.

Jim Sauter's other sons -- Tim, Jay and Jim Jr. -- also followed in their father's footsteps with racing careers of their own. None of Sauter's seven daughters are involved in racing.

A native of Necedah, Wis., the elder Sauter made starts in each of NASCAR's three major series, but is perhaps best known for his role as a test driver for the now-abandoned International Race of Champions, which featured top drivers from different genres of motorsports competing on the same track for an annual championship.

Sauter raced on a limited basis in what was then known as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in the 1980s and 1990s. As an independent driver with limited funds, he conducted Goodyear tire tests to help pay the bills and support his racing endeavors.

Sad to hear. Prayers. “@bobpockrass: Sad news: Jim Sauter (father of Tim, Jay, Johnny, etc) died last night. Jim had 76 career Cup starts.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) November 1, 2014

Thoughts & Prayers go out to the Sauter Family this morning on the passing of Jim Sauter. Got to know him in the 90's Just A Class Act! #fb
— Larry mcreynolds (@LarryMac28) November 1, 2014

Just learned of the loss of Jim Sauter. Great racer. Great dad. Great grandfather. One of the best. #Legend #OldSchool #RIP
— Bob Dillner (@bobdillner) November 1, 2014

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