Allan Pagan built a racing dream with his dad Jack, turning family passion into IRL grit. The Texan duo crashed CART's party with one-offs at Indy for Jeff Andretti and Roberto Guerrero before jumping to the fledgling Indy Racing League in 1996.
Pagan's No. 21 punched above its weight. Guerrero nabbed fifth at the debut Disney race and Indy that year. Teamed with crew chief Mitch Davis, they unleashed motocross ace Jeff Ward in 1999 qualifying 14th at Indy, leading late, then snagging runner-up behind Kenny Brack.
One more Indy push with Richie Hearn in 2000, then the lights dimmed. Tino Belli called Pagan a gem who cherished the fight and his crew. Ward credits him with reviving his shot at the Brickyard.
A scrappy operator who nearly stole the biggest prize.
