In retirement, do we always seek the refuge of our favorite golf course or the comfort of that familiar rocking chair? While Tim Coffeen has retired from Indy Car racing, he has never truly retired from the challenge of working on race cars.
In Tim’s case, rocking chairs and golf clubs have been replaced by the lure of vintage race cars. As a kid, Tim remembers the swift Offy-powered machine driven by A. J. Foyt in the 1960 Indianapolis 500. Now, over six decades later, Tim is part of a team restoring and maintaining vintage Indy race cars, including that very same Foyt racer.
A.J. Foyt: A Legendary Exhibition
Recently, Foyt’s car was on display (and driven) at the “Millers at Milwaukee-Vintage Indy Car Event.” In this episode of “Tim Coffeen Talks Indy Car and Racing History,” Tim explains his role in preparing an ancient race car for this exhibition.
Engines were different, tires were different, and the whole construction of the car was different 60 years ago. All of these elements made for a challenging period prior to Millers at Milwaukee, especially when attempting to locate parts for an older car!
Tim explains how his role with the Newman-Haas team in recent years was likely a completely different experience than it would have been working on a race car from a much earlier era. In particular, he discusses the phenomenal success of the Offy engine and how it dominated the Indy Car circuit for many years.
Among other topics covered in this episode include:
- The history of the revered Offy engine.
The key role of spark plugs in the efficiency of the early racing engines.
The physical demands experienced by crews working on older machines.
And, the biggest problem faced today in the restoration of older engines.
About Tim Coffeen
Tim Coffeen, host of “Tim Coffeen Talks Indy car and Racing History,” will share stories and memories from his long career with top Indy car teams. As a winner of seven championship rings, Tim not only understands the history of open-wheel racing, he has lived it!
Interviewer/Host – Joe Ziemba
Intro/Promos – Ross Blilie
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