John Allen Martin

John Allen Martin of Irvine, California passed away at the age of 80 on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. John was born on March 20, 1939 in Cushing, Oklahoma to Charles and Syble Martin and raised on the family farm in Licking, Missouri. It was there that John would get his first taste of auto racing, leading to a career defined by the hard work and effort which John would become known for. A five-time veteran Indy racer, John was a true renaissance man in the racing world - a racer, owner, engine builder, mechanic, and sponsor hunter who participated at all levels of professional motor sports. It was during his driving career that he moved to California where he met his wife Linda and started his family, which included son John and daughter Kristen. He remained active in the racing world, participating in various vintage events, sharing his expertise with others, and remaining one of the top engine builders in the country. Moreover, his amazing generosity and spirit touched countless lives. John is survived by wife Linda, daughter Kristen DeMuth (Jason DeMuth), grandchildren John Austin DeMuth and Landon Jayce DeMuth, and sister Dorcella Powell. John was preceded in death by son John Leonard “LJ” Martin.