Dutt Yanni (born Justin N. Yanni; November 27, 1923 – March 1, 1982) was an American pioneering driver of modified stock cars. In 1961, he became the inaugural track champion at the then Mil-Ray Raceway (now Fulton Speedway) in Fulton, New York.
Biography
Justin N. "Dutt" Yanni was born in Syracuse, New York, on November 27, 1923. He competed throughout the 1950s on both asphalt and dirt racetracks in Central New York, including Brewerton Speedway, Rochester's Monroe County Fairgrounds, Williamson's Spencer Speedway, as well as venues in Pennsylvania and Canada.
Racing career
Yanni was crowned New York State Champion with his victory at the 1954 State Fair. Over the course of his career, he claimed multiple track championships:
- 1952 and 1954 – Track champion at LaFayette Speedway (New York)
- 1957 and 1960 – Track champion at Oswego Speedway (New York)
- 1958 – Track champion at Watertown Speedway (New York)
- 1961 – Inaugural track champion at Mil-Ray Raceway in Fulton, New York
Yanni retired from driving upon claiming the Fulton championship. He drove car number 451 and accumulated a total of six championships during his career.
Legacy
Yanni was inducted into the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame in 2003.
