Zarounian Racing

The Zarounian name has long been a well-recognized one in Tulare County, especially in the new and used automobile industry.

For years, George Zarounian, whose auto sales roots took hold in Dinuba and grew into one of the most noted dealerships in Visalia for several decades, has been a household name in the county.

But pholks, it's a fact that many long-time area residents aren't aware of the reputation that George Zarounian and later his son, Gary, blazed in USAC (United States Automobile Club) racing. West Coast USAC record books feature the Visalians and their exploits prominently. And George Zarounian's passion for racing, from an early age as race car driver, to crew chief, mechanic and sponsor are part of his history some people don't realize.
Gary now heads several racing enterprises and continues the family legacy.

Although considerable attention is paid to the Zarounian racing history in “50 Years of Speed and Glory, the Story of USAC,” a more tangible tribute sits in the middle of the fabled lounge of the Vintage Press. No. 67, the Zarounian Racing championship midget racer has been capturing attention from patrons both local and from far away.

The Vintage Press, of course, is known as one of the best fine dining spots not only in the Valley, but beyond. And the legacy of No. 67 and long-time driving champion Sleepy Tripp who powered the Visalia car to numerous USAC championships also lives on. It was only fitting then that when Vintage Press founder John Vartanian and his family sought a center piece for their elegant lounge, that the Zarounian connection turned out to be a perfect fit.
Although it has been there for several months, No. 67 will remain through the holidays, a fact which last week brought that familiar but subtle John Vartanian smile when he said “I'll keep it here as long as they let me.”

The Vintage Press has been the showcase for a number of attention getting items, including an amazingly large scale model of Visalian Jeff Davis' AT-4 World War II trainer. The plane hung from the ceiling for months and generated lots of war stories among patrons. There have been large scale model trains and huge decorated Christmas trees. Planes, trains and automobiles, plus other things have shared the glory.

No. 67 has done the same thing and continues to cause lounge patrons to walk around it, look at pictures and read a brief history of the top-notch midget racer.

Getting a race car, even a so-called midget into an elegant lounge obviously took considerable effort and that is where John Batista, better know as “Johnny B,” longtime area racing promoter/announcer and much longer ago racer, began coordinating efforts.

Long-time friendships with both the Zarounians and the Vartanians seemed a natural, Johnny B said, referring to getting a race car in the lounge.

So pholks, if you get the chance, race on down and check out old No. 67, but don't even think about getting in it or even suggest going for a ride.

Even in retirement, that little race car is most likely more than you can handle.