HARRISBURG, N.C. — I never met Jan Opperman, but I was in the grandstands at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Sept. 11,1976, when his racing career effectively came to an crashing conclusion.
A California native who frequently claimed Beaver Crossing, Neb., as his hometown, Opperman won the 1971 Knoxville Nationals, claimed the All Star Circuit of Champions title in 1973 and developed a rivalry with Kenny Weld that filled central Pennsylvania grandstands over multiple seasons.
The quintessential “outlaw” sprint car racer, Opperman became a short-track legend by successfully barnstorming America’s dirt tracks in pursuit of the best-paying purses.
He was 37 years old in 1976 and Opperman’s racing career was in transition. He was proving that an outlaw could run well in an Indy car and could win the big USAC sprint car events. Then, he sent notice to the USAC establishment with his mid-season move to Longhorn Racing, the team owned by Texas oil man Bobby Hillin.
Using the SPEED SPORT archives, here are more details about Opperman’s season of triumph and tragedy.
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