Team owner

The Texan was one of the most successful owners of the 1960s, helping establish Lola Cars in the US. This secured major victories at the 1963 Sebring 12 Hours, 1963 Nassau Tourist Trophy, 1963 Guards Trophy Brands Hatch and 1965 Laguna Seca 200 Miles, and winning the Indianapolis 500 in his first attempt. Inductees A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Roger Penske and Augie Pabst are among his winning drivers. In 1966, Mecom fielded Lolas at Indy for Jackie Stewart, Rodger Ward and Graham Hill. After Stewart dropped from the lead on lap 190, Hill collected the win. Mecom left racing in 1967 to start the New Orleans Saints NFL franchise. He continued to support promising drivers, including 2019 inductee Kevin Schwantz and a teenage Danica Patrick. Said Jones at the time of Mecom’s 2016 Bob Russo Award, “John wasn’t the wealthy car owner type who just showed up for the feature event; he was at the track the entire time his team was. I am very proud and happy to call him, my friend.”