Mike Devin
Mike Devin, of San Gabriel, Calif., a mechanic, engine builder, chief mechanic and car owner, began with USAC in 1990 and coordinated the Sabre car program, which eventually was purchased by the Japanese for usage at their multi-million-dollar facility on the southern island of Japan, Autopolis. In 1991 he became USAC’s Technical Director after serving as a chief mechanic with drivers Johnny Rutherford, Lloyd Ruby, Roger McCluskey and Johnny Parsons Jr. Prior to his retirement, he served as a USAC Vice-President, Technical Director and Director of Competition where his primary responsibilities were making rules for all racing divisions under USAC sanction, Involved was balancing new technologies, with their inherent costs, against the financial strengths of the participants and the entertainment quality of the series. Safety was a primary focus, and he also managed the liability and participant accident insurance for USAC. He was Technical Director for the Indianapolis 500 from 1991 through 1996 and he was responsible for establishing the formula for car and engine construction for the fledgling Indy Racing League. He was responsible for safer chassis construction, implementing the impact recorders and the development of rear attenuators. Post-retirement duties included a Stewardship with the U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis, FIA record attempts, the TORC Off Road Series and various other safety and rules related projects. Significant awards included the D.A. Lubricants Award and the USAC Mechanical Achievement Award, Eddie Edenburg Award for lifetime contributions, the Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers Outstanding Race Official Award and the Lincoln Electric Lifetime Achievement Award.