Vasser, McGee on death of Jim Hayhoe

FORMER INDY CAR OWNER JIM HAYHOE SUCCUMBS TO CANCER

Businessman, entrepreneur and former race car team owner James (Jim) Samuel Hayhoe kept his cancer at bay for over 10 years before finally succumbing on Monday, March 15, 2010 at 3:49 p.m. at his home in La Quinta, California.

Hayhoe, a developer of up-scale country club and retirement communities, had a life-long interest in motorsports. He attended his first Indy car race in 1951. In 1967, at the age of 32, Hayhoe entered his first car in the Indianapolis 500 and made the field, finishing sixth, in his second attempt in 1968. Over the years his drivers included Roger McCluskey, Art Pollard, Ronnie Duman, Bruce Walkup and Jimmy Vasser. His development company is based in Indian Wells, California.

Hayhoe, 74, is survived by his wife Kathryn and two children, son, John Hayhoeand daughter Jill Roy.

Services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 47225 Washington Street, La Quinta, California, at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 25th. The family requests that instead of sending flowers: "What Jim would have loved most is to please honor his memory by reaching out to someone dear to you and brighten that person's day with an unexpected phone call, a bouquet of flowers or some special time together."

Statement from Jimmy Vasser: "Jim was not only a very dear friend, but a mentor. To put it simply, he was the guy that gave me my break in Indy Car racing. If not for him I would not be where I am today. He will be missed dearly."

Statement from Jim McGee: "Jim was a very close friend and business associate. He had a tremendous passion for motor racing and a remarkable ability to sell and create entities. We will all miss his enthusiasm and lust for life."

-source: vasser, mcgee