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LOCAL DOCTOR
PURSUES A RACING DREAM
MARCH 7, 2002 • THE LEBANON HERALDBY GREG JUNGE
Two weeks ago I met Dr. Jim Logan, a relatively new Indy Racing
League (IRL) team owner from St. Louis with as much competitive
spirit as anyone I've ever met at Indy.
Logan's involvement in racing began with his sons in the early
1970's in the Southern Illinois Quarter Midget Association. By
1979, he was involved in Sprint cars and late model dirt cars.
Throughout the 1980's, Logan stepped up to the larger sprint car
series' at tracks such as Farmington, MO. In 1993, he reached for
the next rung on the ladder to top level open wheel racing, the
USAC Silver Crown Series.
While working with his Silver Crown car, Logan began watching
events at Indianapolis. With the creation of the IRL in 1994, the
opportunity to compete at the Indy 500 was one step closer. In
June 2000 at Texas Motor Speedway, Logan racing became the first
solely owned African American team to compete in the IRL. The team
competed in three more events during the 2000 season and finished
28th (of 42 entrants) in the final IRL point standings.
Logan is now in the process of searching for sponsorship for the
2002 season to continue his dream. Without sponsorship, it is not
feasible to operate a team when the total cost to participate in a
single IRL event is $125,000 to $150,000. Logan has primary
sponsorship available for $2 million for the 2002 season. when
compared to other forms of racing, such as NASCAR Winston Cup at
$10 million plus per season, and other forms of national
advertising, Logan Racing would be a good investment for the right
company. Logan is also looking for a combination of associate
sponsors that would allow him to go racing. With any luck, the
Logan racing special will have those Corporate logos on its
sidepods this year.
In addition to our interview, the Logan Racing staff was also busy
entertaining Project Kids, Inc., a youth group from East St. Louis
during our visit. To Logan, reaching out to youth is important.
"We use the race car as a tool to reach out to these young
kids. It is important for them to have positive role models and
see what you can achieve with the right focus and direction,"
said Logan. The expression on some of the 10 - 12 year old faces
reminded me of a future reporter seeing racecars up close for the
first time 22 years ago.
The Logan racing IRL car is on display at Gateway Classic Cars at
the intersection of 55 / 70 and Route 111. Gateway is one of the
largest consignment dealerships in the Midwest with over 250
antique and specialty cars available. Doc Logan is usually at
Gateway several times per week. Stop by and see Doc, the Logan
Racing specoal, and the rest of the classic cars at Gateway.
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