Jan Opperman’s teenage years were spent as a member of the hippie scene which was so popular during the sixties, experimenting with non-prescription drugs. His life later changed direction, as Opperman became one of America’s most successful racing drivers and a devout Christian.
Motorcycle Racing, Midgets and Sprint Cars
Opperman was born on February 3rd, 1939, near Los Angeles. His family moved several times while Opperman and his younger brother Jay were growing up. His early sporting activities included amateur boxing and motorcycle racing, before he eventually settled on four-wheeled competition. Opperman started his car racing career in midgets and soon became one of the fastest drivers in the series.
In 1970 Opperman suffered a tragedy when Jay was killed while racing at Knoxville, Iowa. He maintained for the rest of his career that Jay had been the faster of the two brothers and would have achieved great success in the sport had he lived.
USAC and the Indy 500
By the early 1970s Opperman had become a superstar in the dangerous world of sprint car racing, before deciding in 1974 to try his hand at driving USAC championship cars. He arrived at Indianapolis without a ride but was given a car by Parnelli Jones to drive in the 500-mile classic, although only after the legendary driver insisted that Opperman cut his hair. After qualifying 32nd Opperman brought the car home in 21st position, despite a spin.
The 1975 Indianapolis 500 brought disappointment for Opperman, as he failed to qualify. He did qualify the following year and finished the race 16th, driving for the Longhorn Racing Team. It would prove to be Opperman’s final appearance in the race. The same year he suffered a near-fatal accident at the Indiana State Fairground, which put him out of action for a considerable time.
Opperman's Home Life and the Final Accident
Opperman lived in the mountains of Montana, an area of the country which he loved. There, he practised his religion, even building a small log church which he preached at. He welcomed troubled youngsters into his home and later established a ranch where they could visit and receive help.
Opperman was back at Indianapolis in May, 1979, but only managed to complete one practice lap. He returned to sprint car racing, only to suffer a catastrophic accident in 1981 at Jennerstown, Pennsylvania. Opperman’s injuries meant that he required around the clock care from his family for the rest of his life. He died peacefully at his parent’s home on September 4th, 1997.
