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Jim Sauter Passes

Jim Sauter poses next to his ride at the Milwaukee Mile in 2002 prior to the race. [Russ Lake Photo]

 

Jim Sauter at the Milwaukee Mile in 2002. [Russ Lake Photo]

Jim Sauter at the Milwaukee Mile in 2002. [Russ Lake Photo]

Motorsports fans were saddened to hear of the news that Wisconsin racing star Jim Sauter passed away over the weekend at the age of 71. A fan favorite, Sauter who made 76 starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was known for his kindness and availability to race fans.

A headlining driver in the Midwest, Sauter took home the ARTGO Series championship in 1981 and 1982. He also won several significant short-track races including the prestigious All-American 400 in Nashville in 1983, the American Speed Association (ASA) race at the Milwaukee Mile, and even an ASA race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1984.

Sauter began racing part-time at NASCAR’s top level making his first start at Charlotte in 1980. He made 19 starts during the 1989 season with several teams including the Mueller Brothers of Random Lake, WI. He scored a popular win in 1978 when he bested some of the best at Daytona driving Dave Deppe’s Dodge Charger to victory in the ARCA 200.

Well respected as a driver who could set up a car correctly, Sauter served as a test driver for the International Race of Champions (IROC) series with fellow well-regarded Wisconsin racing drivers Dave Marcis and Dick Trickle.

One his most memorable races occurred at the Milwaukee Mile in 2002, when his raced in the same race with son’s Tim, Johnny and Jay in the GNC Live Well 200 NASCAR Busch Series race. Sauter’s last NASCAR start at the same track in 2004, in the Camping World Truck Series’ race where he finished 13th.

Jim Sauter (top middle) with sons Tim (left), Johnny (bottom middle) and Jay (right). All four raced at the Milwaukee Mile in the 2002 NASCAR race. [Russ Lake Photo]

Jim Sauter (top middle) with sons Tim (left), Johnny (bottom middle) and Jay (right). All four raced at the Milwaukee Mile in the 2002 NASCAR race. [Russ Lake Photo]

He is survived by his wife Debbie of Necedah, his 12 children, Jay (Pattie) Sauter of West Salem, WI, Tim (Chris) Sauter of Necedah, Teonna (Tom) Hoffman of Stratford, WI, Danielle (John) Mayer of Hampshire, IL, Therese (Bob) Gunther of Mauston, WI, Gabrielle (John) Glavin of New Lisbon, Jennifer (Thad) Sparby of Arkdale, WI, Angela (John) Dziewior of Lyndon Station, WI, Jim Jr. (Katie) Sauter of Tomah, WI, John (Courtney) Sauter of De Forest, WI, Andrea (Chris) Bires of Necedah, and Joey Sauter of Necedah, and by 51 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, and by 2 sisters, Marge (Joe) Zaleski and Marilyn (Scott) Peak both of Necedah. Besides his first wife, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Dell Sauter, and an infant brother Harold.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday Nov 5, 2014 at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Chapel (N11190 17th Ave.) Necedah, WI.  Burial will follow in the Queen of the Holy Rosary Mediatrix of Peace Cemetery in Necedah.  Relatives and friends may call at the Hare Funeral Home (217W. Pearl St.) in New Lisbon, WI, on Tuesday from 3:00p.m. till 8:00p.m.   In lieu of flowers memorials to the Queen of the Holy Rosary School, W5703 Shrine Rd. Necedah, WI 54646 would be appreciated.   Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

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