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A remembrance: Jimmy “the Greek” Anagnoustopolous |
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By Olav Aaen
Jimmy "the Greek" lost his fight
with cancer just after Thanksgiving at the age of 67. Jimmy was a one of a kind
character who touched everyone he met with his jokes and love of life, something
that was surely needed many times
when race teams he worked with went through frustrating periods.
Jimmy was a first class racer
himself, as a factory development rider for the Evinrude and Johnson brands. He
was also an A-rated technician and spent much of his time
dyno testing engines and field-testing suspensions and clutches. When OMC
folded its snowmobile division in 1975 he joined Aaen Performance as an engine
builder and field test engineer.
Jimmy raced grass drags in the late 1970s and
early '80s and won 3 consecutive Open Mod High Point Championships at Muskego, at that time the premier grass drag race, before Hay Days
took over that honor. Jimmy also had fun helping his grandson in "Kitty Cat"
racing, and was a proud grandpa who saw his grandson win his class at the Eagle
River World Championship Derby in the late '90s.
Jimmy also was instrumental in the early days
of I.S.R. as he tirelessly did all the odd jobs that always are required to put
on races, and one of his favorite events was the "World Series of Ice Drag
racing."
A few years ago, when he was in
his early 60's he went back to drag racing, this time
on ATV's, as part of an Aaen Performance product development program. He showed
he still had the quick reaction time
and enjoyed winning numerous races against much younger drivers.
Jimmy always advised, taught and
helped racers, friends and anyone in a time
of need. He was quick with some practical insight, a kind word or a helping
hand. Even during his final days as we visited him in the hospital he had to
joke and got us all in a good mood as he vividly described the side effects he
was experiencing under the influence of pain killing medications.
We left laughing, not realizing
he would leave us just one week later. It was a last image that fit Jimmy the
way we will remember him best. Always spreading joy and cracking jokes, as he
did so well. He left us filled with good memories. We will miss you, Greek, it
will be a lot quieter without you.
Editor's note: AmSnow's tech editor Olav Aaen recalls his friend and
industry notable Jimmy (the Greek) Anagnoustopolous. Our sympathies go to his
family and friends.
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