Davey Evans was the quintessential old school mechanic. (Dan Boyd photo)
Davey Evans was the quintessential old school mechanic who lived, loved and breathed auto racing for much of his 63 years.
“He could do just about anything that was needed on a race car and he was just such a pleasure to work with and to know,” said John Tzouanakis, team manager for Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. “It’s just so tragic that he’s gone.”
Evans died early Sunday morning following an altercation at a westside Indianapolis bar, the Kazablanka on Rockville Road. According to fellow team members, he was savagedly kicked in the head, collapsed and pronounced dead a short time later at Wishard Hospital.
Following an autopsy on Monday, the Marion County coroner’s office determined that stress from the fight induced the stroke and Indianapolis police have ruled Evans’ death as a homicide. Police said they are investigating a person who fought with Evans and that the county prosecutor’s office will decide whether to file charges.
It was reported that the attacker had tried to provoke several people into fighting before exchanging words with Evans.
“One of the things we grieve about the most is not only losing him but that his final moments in this world were totally atypical of how he lived his life,” said Brian Lisles, general manager of Newman/Haas/Lanigan. “He was a quiet thoughtful person who just went out to have a meal and a beer and was walking back to the hotel when this happened. We would like to see the person who started this brought to justice.”
A native of London, Evans began working on race cars as a teenager before taking a job with Lola Cars. He came to America in 1970 and began working for Carl Haas, the longtime Lola distributor. After wrenching Haas’ Can-Am and F5000 cars, Evans became a fixture at the Indy car team started by Paul Newman and Haas in 1983.
“He was my roommate for 13 years and all you could ask for as a teammate,” said Tim Coffeen, crew chief for Justin Wilson. “Davey was a throwback to the old days and always worked harder than anybody else. “I just feel lucky to have known him.”
As would be expected, the mood was very somber after the team learned of Evans’ passing on Sunday morning but they soldiered on and got Graham Rahal and Wilson through their rookie tests.
Mike Lanigan, Newman and Haas issued the following statement Monday night:
“The past two days have been difficult for the team as we mourn the tragic loss of Davey Evans. He was part of our family for 23 of the past 26 seasons. His association with Carl Haas goes back almost 40 years. We appreciate all of the support and kind words from the many friends Davey made in his 40-plus years of racing.
“Our thoughts are with Davey’s family and friends at this difficult time for us all.”
Evans was not married and had no children. A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pavilion at the Brickyard Crossing Resort, 4790 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222. All who knew Davey are invited to attend and share their memories. Another service will be held at a later date in Chicago.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to one of Davey’s favorite charities: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps.
