For the 2015 Racers Reunion Banquet we had the privilege of presenting features on the life and times of both Lloyd Rudy & J.C. “Aggie” Agajanian. Ruby, the quite Texas, who was one of the most respected men in the pits by his peers. Agajanian was a remarkable player in the motor sports world of the 1930’s through the 80’s, as a car owner and as a promoter of coast-to-coast events.
There are few drivers who were so versatile, so talented and could count on legions of fans to be pulling for them on race day. Ruby won in every type of car he got in; sprints, stock cars, midgets, sports cars & Indy cars.
“Aggie” was an early president of the Western Racing Association. Agajanian was called upon to help form the United States Automobile Club when AAA exited the racing scene in 1955. He promoted innumerable AMA motorcycle and USAC events including the traditional Turkey Night Grand Prix, which is still promoted by the family to this day.
Ruby’s long-time friend, Donald Davidson, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian, spoke about their unique friendship and the long list of Lloyd’s accomplishments. Cary Agajanian addressed the “Legacy of J.C. Agajanian,” his father and shared a perspective of someone who grew up in racing. In fact, Cary was working the pits for his dad in 1960 when Ruby made his Indy debut driving the number 98 Watson Roadster for Agajanian.
And the day started with Jerry Nowicke discussing the racing life of his father, Bob Nowicke, whose midgets carried drivers such as Lloyd Ruby, A.J. Foyt, Bob Tattersall, Len Sutton, Mike Nazaruk and Tony Bettenhausen to wins in the AAA and USAC midget wars.