Petroplex News

On July 23, 1935, in Abilene, Texas, James Ellis Hall was born. Raised in Colorado and New Mexico, he studied engineering at the California Institute of Technology, turning to racing when a promised job at General Motors fell through. Teaming up with his brother Dick at Carroll Shelby Sport Cars, Hall's driving prowess quickly gained recognition. At the 1960 United States Grand Prix, he caught attention with a surprising run in a Lotus-Climax.

In 1962, in Midland, Texas, Hall began building the first true Chaparral, a pioneering sports racer with a composite monocoque chassis. His innovations in aerodynamics, torsional rigidity, and ground effects revolutionized race car design. Hall's cars dominated various series, including USRRC, Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, and the Indianapolis 500. His 1965 Sebring win, facing formidable factory-backed Ford GTs and Ferraris, stood out.

In 1966, the Chaparral 2E featured movable aerodynamic devices, notably a massive articulated wing. The 2J, introduced in 1970, incorporated a suction ground effect. Despite its dominance, it faced controversy and was eventually banned. Hall's driving career faced a premature end in 1968 after a crash, but his impact continued.

Transitioning to team management, Hall, along with Carl Haas, formed Haas-Hall Racing. Success followed in Formula 5000 and Can-Am, with seven consecutive titles from 1974 to 1980. In 1978, they achieved Indy car racing's Triple Crown.

The Chaparral 2K, known as the "Yellow Submarine," marked Hall's return to car building and won the 1980 CART PPG Indy Car World Series. Hall retired in 1996, leaving an enduring legacy in racing innovation. The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland showcases his achievements, while awards and inductions highlight his impact on motorsports.