Pete Van Iderstine, the race team owner who gave big-block modified legend Brett Hearn his first big break and later fielded Dirt Late Models in California, died Friday. The Santa Ynez, Calif., resident was 89.
The New Jersey native operated Van Iderstine Speed Centers and was a life-long hot-rodder and aficionado of 1932 Fords.
Hearn, who reported Van Iderstine’s passing, said he “lost a great friend” in a Saturday Facebook post. Pete Van Iderstine gave me my first real job and then my first opportunity to drive for a car owner outside of my family. I have often given him the credit for helping me make a career at the sport we both loved…