Agajanian Brothers Honored for Motor Sports Legacy

The San Pedro Sportswalk gained three new honorees last month. Modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the award has honored star athletes since 1978.

Biological and Kappa Alpha brothers of University of Southern California’s Beta Sigma chapter, Cary ’60, Chris ’69, and J.C. ’69 Agajanian followed in their father’s footsteps of motor racing legend.

J.C. Agajanian Sr. was one of the best-known promoters and racecar owners in his day. He founded Ascot Park in Gardena, CA in 1957, which boasted the title of fastest half-mile dirt track in the U.S. up until its close in 1990. Ascot Park is known for hosting the stunt that launched the career of Evel Knievel, when the daredevil successfully jumped 15 cars in a 1967 televised event.

The Agajanians continue to play a major role in motorsports. The family is credited with four Indianapolis 500 victories, clinching the title in 1953, 1963, 2011, and most recently, 2016. Cary Agajanian is a partial owner of the Curb Agajanian Performance Group, which competes part-time in Indy Car.

Following their father’s tradition, all Agajanian cars have won with the #98. Three of the four vehicles are on display at the Motor Speedway Museum, with the fourth coming soon.

Cary, J.C. Jr., and Chris were presented with a bronze plaque displaying their names and a depiction of a racecar. J.C. said it “was quite an honor” to represent their family in the Sportswalk.

They join over 100 honorees in almost four decades, including their uncle, Ben Agajanian, the first NFL kicking specialist and oldest living LA Ram.