Gentleman Racer Jimmie Costa Jr.

 TGR Staff

Jimmie Costa, Jr. got his start behind the wheel driving for Ralph Ambrose “Pappy” Hankinson in auto polo matches that Hankinson promoted. The auto polo matches were used to fill time between the actual races and Hankinson organized around the United States. In 1917, Jimmy and his brother-in-law, Dell F. Hale opened the Hale & Costa Garage at 322 West Main Street in Anthony, Kansas. the building still stands and today is a photo studio.

Hale & Costa Garage became dealers for Chevrolet and Grant Six as well as selling used cars, gasoline, and Barney-Oldfield tires. They also operated a full-service auto and farm machinery repair shop. Jimmy's specialty was building and repairing “high-speed motors” in particular. He would also hire other local racing drivers to work in the shop and soon Hale & Costa had a reputation as a speed shop. 

Because of his Italian last name, racing promoters started billing Jimmie as “The Italian Champion from Turin, Italy” they felt it gave the races a more exotic and international flare and would draw more spectators. But Jimmie had been born on May, 19th, 1891 in Anthony, Kansas. While his father was born in Italy there is no evidence that Jimmie Costa Jr. had ever even traveled to Italy.

Jimmie raced across the country on dirt ovals, city street courses, and closed down country roads. From 1911-1922 Jimmie raced in hundreds of races bring home many first place trophies. There is a lot more information on his career over at Kansas Racing History.