Egnatius “Iggy” Katona, the winningest driver in Automobile Racing Club of America Series [ARCA] history, died Thursday in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was 87. Katona, who earned 79 career series wins, also held the all-time series championship mark with six titles in 1955, ’56, ’57, ’62, ’66 and ’67. In addition, Katona became the oldest superspeedway winner in history with his third victory at Daytona in 1974. Katona’s amazing string of series wins stretched from 1953 to 1974. Throughout his incredible career, Katona finished in the top-10 in points an astonishing 21 consecutive times from 53 through 73, a record still untouched today. In addition to his six titles, Katona finished runner-up in championship points in 54, 60, 63, 65 and 70. Katona also finished third in points in 53, 59, 64 and 71. He is survived his wife, Betty; sons Jim and Ron; eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. There will be no services. “One of my father’s requests was that we not put him on display,” said Ron Katona. “But that was my father. He did things his way, and there’s no sense in changing up now. If that’s what he wanted, that’s what he’ll get.” Messages of condolences may be sent to Ron Katona, 264 Bern St., Port Orange FL 32127.( ThatsRacin.com )(12-5-2003)
