Importer, distributor, driver, talent scout, promoter

Austrian-born von Neumann immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1930s, then served in the U.S. Army before moving to California and forming the legendary Competition Motors to import, sell, and distribute VW, Porsche, and Ferrari on the West Coast. Volkswagen credited von Neumann for almost singlehandedly building their brand during the 1950s. In 1947, von Neumann, along with Roger Barlow and Taylor Lucas, formed the California Sports Car Club (Cal Club), enabling enthusiasts to race at airport venues like Moffat Field and public-road circuits like Torrey Pines and Pebble Beach. Von Neumann raced each of the brands he sold with great success, scoring 56 overall and class wins from his 147 entries as a driver, finishing on the podium dozens of times. He was also instrumental in scouting and providing early racing opportunities for American greats and future inductees such as Phil Hill and Richie Ginther, along with Dan Gurney and British transplant Ken Miles.