Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Datsun racing legend Jack Scoville made his final lap on 8-22-2017 in Corvallis Oregon at the age of 88.
RIP

A legend! My condolences to his family. He certainly had a long and productive life.

It is with great sadness that I pass on the news that my dear friend, former boss, and mentor, Jack Scoville, from Corvallis, Oregon passed away August 22, 2017 at the age of 88.

In the late 40s, Scoville served a stint in the Navy, working for an aviation maintenance wing, and after being honorably discharged, moved to Corvallis, Oregon working in various automobile dealerships.

Scoville started his racing career in the 50s, campaigning a MG TD, and later, after starting his own business, racing Triumphs and Porsches. In 1963 the Scoville-Shepard dealership represented the Volvo and Triumph car line, and in 1964, Scoville picked up the Datsun franchise, becoming one of the earliest Datsun dealers in the Northwest.


Racing at Kent, with Army-Surplus seatbelts!


Victory lap in the Triumph with wife Gloria, and son Jeff


In 1968, Scoville borrowed Ray Kaehler’s (one of Jack’s mechanics at the dealership) 1967.5 2000 Datsun Roadster and won his first race at a Regional race in Newport, Oregon. With that success, Scoville quickly acquired two other Datsun roadsters to turn into race cars, racing in both C and D Production classes.


The factory Triumph pale yellow particularly appealed to Scoville and it became his livery on most of his subsequent race cars, including his pair of Datsun 2000 race cars.

With his relationship with Yutaka Katayama (aka Mr. K), then President Nissan Motor Corporation, USA, Scoville was able to acquire one of the factory “Purple Panel” factory lightweight Datsun 2000 race cars, which Datsun had previously given to another racer who had had limited success with the car.
Scoville’s continued racing success led to a full sponsorship by Datsun, who along with Peter Brock’s BRE team and Bob Sharp racing teams, brought many success for Datsun, who well understood the power of “Race on Sunday, and sell on Monday” relationship to new car sales.


Scoville wins at Vegas

Scoville and the BRE prepared roadsters had many great battles on the track, and years later, both Jack and John Morton could clearly recount the smallest of details from many closely contested races, and both showed deep respect for each other’s skills behind the wheel.


Scoville and Morton battle it out in turn 11 at Sears Point-- This day it was Morton's turn on the podium


45-years later, Scoville and Morton can still hash out the details from their racing exploits

Scoville went on to win the 1969 American Road Race of Champions (as the SCCA run offs were known back then) at Daytona, Florida, bringing Nissan their first national championship in a 2-liter Datsun Roadster, beating the BRE, and Sharp teams.


Scoville leads Morton on the back stretch at Daytona, and maintained the lead for the national championship!


On the Podium at Daytona, 1969

Scoville also campaigned a Datsun 510, and 240Z in 1970, but retired from racing to concentrate on raising his family, and running his dealership.
Scoville acquired the Mazda, and Volkswagen franchise in 1992, adding that to the Nissan and Volvo dealerships already in his portfolio. Scoville sold the business in 2013, after 49.5 years as a Nissan dealer.


In 2012, Scoville was inducted into the Riverside Race Track Hall of Fame, with the likes of John Morton, Bobby Allison, and other notable racers from the track’s history.


Scoville particularly enjoyed vintage Datsun’s, and in later years was still driving a 1969 2000 Roadster hard and fast, still hitting the apexes on the corners with accuracy!

Scoville is survived by son Jeff, and daughter Lisa (and her husband Kraig), his wife Gloria passed away in 2011.


Bonus Images:


Mitch Jensen shows Jack his Scoville-inspired livery on his 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster


Jack's 2000 Roadster, SRL311-000004 was restored by Bob Klemme and is now owned by Brian Henderson and is frequently raced in vintage events in Australia

Wow, another legend gone. Thanks for sharing the many pictures and interesting details of his life. He had a good run. Rest in peace Mr. Scoville. Condolences to his family and friends.

S

Thanks for posting and letting everyone know of his passing. Great guy and a great ambassador for Datsun/ Nissan.

Michael, thank you for the beautiful memory of Jack.
I met Jack at the Shedd BBQ in 2012 and 2013.
It was wonderful to hear him tell stories of racing in the 50's and 60's.
He signed my vintage Datsun Jacket and added his national title when Michael asked him.
One of my special Datsun "parts". I had to wash it this year and the lettering did not fade.
Here is a short version of a great story.
When Jack was racing Porsches he had a competitor he constantly beat, even though the competitors car was better.
Finally the competitor confronted him.
He said to Jack "You are cheating!. I know you are cheating"!.
Jack said. "How do you know that"?
The competitor responded " Because I am cheating and you are still beating me!"
Here are some pics from 2013.

Ted

Thanks for posting the shots of Jack and AJ-- special memories for sure...

Michael

Found this old ad in a Datsun that I brought home that was full of newspapers:

RIP Jack Scoville.

I was fortunate to meet Jack at the Shedd BBQ a few years ago. I was impressed with his humility and still keen interest in every roadster there. Super nice guy!

Sad to hear of his passing. Great eulogy Michael.

James

Sorry I was not able to meet him.

I have a door shell and front fender that I plan on making "wall art" for my shop using old Roadster race car motif. I have a friend that does this on old truck doors with proper patina. Been wondering what to use as a pattern. Perhaps a Tribute to Jack would be fitting. Anyone have a high resolution pic of the driver's door? The last pic in Michael's post shows writing at the top of the door.

Pat

Pat,

Have been thinking of doing the exact same thing, I have some door shells that would be perfect for this. I have some high-res images of Jack's car that I will dig up.

The writing on the top of the door is something the Bob Klemme added and is not original to the car.

Michael

Bought his Datsun dealer in 63 -64 , the good ol days
the dealer in K C bought his dealership
then by buying 2 cars ,a truck , and $500 in parts, I wonder if you could buy 3 ,311's instead

Michael,
Thanks for the great tribute to Jack. He was a wonderful guy.

Bill and Karen Neal

redroadster wrote:Bought his Datsun dealer in 63 -64 , the good ol days
the dealer in K C bought his dealership
then by buying 2 cars ,a truck , and $500 in parts, I wonder if you could buy 3 ,311's instead

The same story we heard from the first Datsun dealer in the early 60's in Spokane.
Jaremko Motors wanted to get the 1500 roadster to race it for publicity.
Nissan USA said they could have a dealership and roadsters but had to buy 3 of the 320 trucks.
Jaremko thought the small truck would never sell in Ford/Chev land but to his surprise they sold immediately.

Ted