In Memorium
This site is dedicated to the memory of
Lennie Calinoff
Miles Nelson
and
John Levan
They freely dedicated their time to starting these racing sites so we could read about and see pictures of the sport of AUTO racing.
Thanks
Len, Miles and John!
Kelly Westphal Bobs son posted this on His face book page
Well, my dad took the checkered flags of life about 1:30 this morning.
Details for memorial service to follow soon.
Thank you.
Thoughts and prayers to the Westphal family on the passing of Bob
Memorial Service for Bob Westphal.
Tuesday June 18, 2013 @ 2:00pm
Crossroads Fellowship
100 W. Dawes
Bixby, Ok. 74008
More later when We get more information on Bobs passing.
Richard 'Dick' Trickle dies at 71
from Fox Sports
Dick Trickle, a former NASCAR driver whose larger-than-life personality and penchant for fun won him legions of fans despite a lack of success beyond the nation's small tracks, died Thursday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. He was 71.
DICK TRICKLE: 1941-2013
•Trickle dead at 71
•SPEED: Ex-driver character and winner
•SPEED: “Significant racer” of his era
According to a release from the Lincoln County (NC) Sheriff's Office, Trickle died from an apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound. The incident occurred at 12:02 p.m. ET at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Highway 150 East in Boger City.
The release states that the Lincoln County Communications Center received a call apparently from the victim that "there would be a dead body and it would be his." Communications Center workers tried to place a return call to the number but did not get an answer.
The first emergency units arriving on the scene located the body lying near the victim's pickup truck.
Trickle was a Lincoln County resident and had lived there since the early 1990's.
Trickle made 303 Cup starts from 1970-2002. He earned 36 top-10 finishes, 15 of them top-fives.
''Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Dick Trickle on his passing today,'' NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said. ''Dick was a legend in the short-track racing community, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite. Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport. He will be missed.''
Trickle earned his reputation as a successful short track driver before joining the Winston Cup series and earning rookie of the year in 1989 at age 48.
He competed in more than 300 Cup races. Although he never won a Cup race and won just two Busch Series races, Trickle earned cult status. Former ESPN anchor Keith Olbermann would regularly mention where Trickle finished after each NASCAR race.
Former NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine said there was only one way to describe Trickle, a native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
''Fun,'' Bodine said. ''Just plain fun.''
Trickle was never one to be told how to live his life. He was known for cutting a hole in his racing helmet so he could have a smoke break when the caution flags flew.
''He always kept a cigarette lighter in his car,'' Bodine said in a telephone interview. ''It's all just sad. We don't understand why he would do this. Hopefully we will all learn why he would do that. There was something that triggered him to take his own life. We are all really saddened by this in the racing community.''
NASCAR does not keep track of short-track records, but according to the (Milwaukee) Journal-Sentinel, Trickle won more than 1,000 short-track races throughout the country during his prime. He was a seven-time winner in the regional ARTGO Challenge Series in the late 1970s and mid `80s. Trickle also captured the ASA AC-Delco Challenge Series in back-to-back years in 1984-85 before turning to Cup racing.
Trickle lived in Iron Station, N.C., for more than 20 years. Bodine said Trickle was full of stories and popular because of it.
''People everywhere knew his name,'' Bodine said. ''That's why they used his likeness in that movie `Days of Thunder.' He was such a character.''
The main character in that popular niche racing movie, played by Tom Cruise, was named Cole Trickle.
Bodine said that a few years ago he had to back out of a celebrity cruise for patients who were on kidney dialysis. He asked Trickle to fill in.
''He made such an impression on people on that ship that everyone wanted to know when Dick was coming back,'' Bodine said. ''They loved him. They tell me he was the last man to leave most of the bars on the ship and I believe it.''
Bodine also recalled inviting Trickle to compete in one of his bobsled events in 2004 at Lake Placid, N.Y.
He said Trickle went down the first time and crashed. After being cleared by doctors to continue, Trickle tried again and crashed in the same place.
''They were doing interviews with him on TV and he was like, `I don't know what happened, I did the exact same thing I did the first time,''' Bodine said. ''And we're all looking at him like, hey Dick, maybe that was the problem.''
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Dean Jeffries,
Dean Was A Car Customizer and Painter, Dies at 80
Dean Jeffries, a car customizer, designer and painter who was considered one of the pre-eminent artists of American racecar and hot-rod culture, died on May 5 at his home in North Hollywood, Calif. He was 80.
His death was announced on the Web site of the company he started in the 1950s and operated until recently, Dean Jeffries Automotive Styling.
Mr. Jeffries was a virtual one-stop shop in the world of custom cars. His creations were featured perennially in magazines like Rod & Custom, in the hard-baked gloss finishes of Indianapolis 500 racecars and in dozens of movies that celebrated cars, including “Bikini Beach” (1964) and “The Blues Brothers” (1980).
He was equally renowned for the precision detail of his brushwork on cars driven by the racing champion A. J. Foyt and the actor Steve McQueen; for his steel and fiberglass novelty cars like the Monkeemobile, used on the 1966-68 sitcom “The Monkees”; and for the indestructible, supercharged stunt vehicles he designed and built for movies and television series.
As a sideline, Mr. Jeffries also drove the stunt cars he built, developing a specialty in overturning and rolling at high speeds. He retired from stunts, but not until three years after he broke his back in 1981 while shooting a scene for the action comedy “Honky Tonk Freeway.”
He recovered and was shooting another movie, “Romancing the Stone” (1984), when he reinjured himself in a stunt requiring him to drive a five-ton truck off the edge of a ravine, steer it over a 100-foot chasm and crash-land on the other side.
“That’s when I decided to retire,” he said in an interview posted on his Web site. “I finished — I did the jump — and decided it was enough.”
Movie stars discovered Mr. Jeffries early. Gary Cooper, Jayne Mansfield, Tony Martin and Harry Belafonte were among those who had cars customized in his shop. In 1955, James Dean, who raced competitively, asked Mr. Jeffries to paint his new Porsche 550 Spyder with the number 130 and the words Little Bastard, a racing number and nickname he had adopted.
A month after Mr. Jeffries finished, Dean, 24, was killed in an accident while driving the car at high speed on a winding California mountain road.
Edward Dean Jeffries was born on Feb. 25, 1933, in Lynwood, Calif., the son of Viola and Edward Jeffries. His father, a car mechanic, tried to teach him the trade. But he preferred drawing and hated the grease and dirt of mechanical work, he told Tom Cotter, the author of the 2009 biography “Dean Jeffries: 50 Fabulous Years in Hot Rods, Racing & Film.”
Mr. Jeffries is survived by a son, Kevin Dean Jeffries, and a sister, Evonne Jeffries. His first marriage ended in divorce. His second wife, Rosalee Berman, died in 2008.
Though Mr. Jeffries wanted to attend art school, his family could not afford the tuition, he told Mr. Cotter. Instead, he apprenticed throughout the 1950s with some of the custom-car artists in his neighborhood — a group that included George Barris and Kenneth Howard (known professionally as Von Dutch).
Tom Wolfe later described those men, in the title essay of his 1965 book, “The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby,” as pioneers of a new American art form.
“Anything I wanted to learn,” Mr. Jeffries said, “I tried to find out who was at the top at it and learn from the best.”
Mr. Jeffries’s entry in a 1964 Grand National Roadster Show competition, an asymmetrical and elegantly futuristic racecar he called the Mantaray, received wide acclaim from custom car critics; Hot Rod magazine called it a masterpiece.
The publicity led the producers of “Bikini Beach” to cast the Mantaray in the film’s starring automotive role.
In the movie’s dramatic conclusion, in which Frankie Avalon faces his rival for Annette Funicello’s heart in a drag race, Mr. Avalon wins it all, including the girl, from behind the wheel of Mr. Jeffries’s masterpiece of an automobile.
John D. ‘Johnny’ Shipman,
‘Johnny’ 96, of Terre Haute passed away on April 23, 2013 in Union Hospital.
He was born in Chicago, IL on August 10, 1916. Johnny retired in 1965 having served in the U. S. Air Force. He also had retired from Pinkerton Security Services in 2003. His membership include Humboldt Masonic Lodge, F&AM # 42 where he was a past master; Prairieton Order of Eastern Star # 163; charter member and lifetime member of the 500 Shrine Club of Indianapolis Murat Temple; Zorah Shrine, Valley of Terre Haute; Scottish Rite; and Vigo County Past Masters Association.
He was well known for his involvement in automobile racing and was a charter member and life member # 110 of United States Auto Club (USAC); Indy 500 Old Timers Club; a founding member of the Terre Haute Quarter Midget track; for 23 years he was the assistant starter for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He also assisted ISU with their tandem bicycle and trike races since 1962 and was involved with the Newport Hill climb for over 30 years; and the Midwest Vintage Race Car Club. He was also a life member of VFW # 972; member and 1st Vice-Commander of AMVETS Post #2; and Voiture 21 40/8.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Shipman in February 2006, a daughter-in-law Gloria, one brother and three sisters and one nephew and step parents Kyle Bert Compton and Laura Compton. His survivors include his two sons, John A. ‘Jack’ Shipman and William D. ‘Billy’ Shipman and his fiancée Tina Slaven, six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. in DeBaun Springhill Chapel with Revs. Rusty Deckard, Brett Wilson, and Brian Lester officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park with military graveside rites by honor guards from VFW # 972 and the Indiana Air National Guard from Hulman Field. Calling will be on Thursday beginning at 3 p.m. with Humboldt Masonic Lodge memorial services at 7 p.m. Calling will also be on Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m. The family is asking that memorial contributions for Johnny be made to the Shrines Children’s Hospital or the Indiana Special Olympics. Online condolences may be offered at www.debaunfuneralhomes.com
ART MALONE
from J. Douglas Boles, IMS
INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, April 1, 2013 - Two-time Indianapolis 500 starter Art Malone died Friday, March 29 in Tampa, Fla. He was 76.
Malone was a star in drag racing who also competed in open-wheel racing and NASCAR. He also was the first to lap the Daytona International Speedway faster than 180 mph.
Both of Malone's Indianapolis 500 starts - 1963 and 1964 - came at the wheel of one of the legendary, supercharged V8 Novi cars, his assignment there coming as somewhat of a surprise at the time. Perhaps it was his breathtaking 181.561-mph lap Aug. 28, 1961 at Daytona which had drawn the attention of new Novi owner Andy Granatelli. Partnered with fellow drag racer Bob Osiecki,
Malone had taken "Mad Dog IV" - a much-modified 413-cubic-inch Chrysler "Hemi"-powered Kurtis "roadster," which had recently served as Firestone's tire test car - and had manhandled it around the 2½-mile speedway more than fast enough to claim the $10,000 prize posted by Bill France for turning Daytona's first 180-mph lap.
Malone had finished 10th in NASCAR's Firecracker 250 on July 4, 1962 at Daytona and had raced the short tracks around Tampa for years. But because Malone needed at least a couple of open-wheel, oval-track races under his belt before he could be permitted to tackle the Novi at Indianapolis, Granatelli supplied him with a dirt car for the 1962 season-ending events at Sacramento and Phoenix. He "missed the show" at Sacramento but qualified fifth at Phoenix.
Perhaps to the surprise of many, Malone qualified for the 1963 "500," the first time three Novis had ever qualified for the same race. His Novi was quite distinctive due to the large triangular-shaped stabilizer fin mounted on its tail. Clutch trouble intervened even as the race was starting. After four pit stops in the first 18 laps, Malone was obliged to call it a day.
In 1964, he returned to pull off something which had been achieved only five times previously with a Novi. He was still running when the race ended, flagged off in 11th position with 194 laps completed. As a further historical footnote, Malone would be the last person ever to be running at the end of a "500" while driving a Novi.
Malone had a total of 10 USAC National Championship starts up through 1965, his final appearance coming in 1966 when he crashed Wally Weir's rear-engined Gerhardt in practice on the morning of the first qualifying day at Indianapolis and jumped out to reveal that he had elected to drive in stocking feet.
For many years, Malone's drag racing shop in Tampa was located only a couple of blocks from the shop of the great "Big Daddy" Don Garlits. The pair had been tight friends ever since Malone was 8 years old. Garlits was older, but they both rode the same school bus.
Malone drove one of Garlits' famed "Swamp Rat" dragsters when Garlits was injured in the late 1950s, and the pair teamed up for a very emotional reunion in 1984 at the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Going in as huge underdogs, they came out on top, Garlits winning the race.
Malone had not been to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in many years when he returned in May 2011 for the 100th anniversary of the first running of the "500." The 500 Oldtimers Club was honoring the living drivers who could claim at least one "500" start in a front-engined car, and of the 14 survivors, Malone was one of nine on hand to be honored.
His attendance in 2011 at IMS was quite noteworthy. Just over a week short of his 75th birthday, Malone drove up from Tampa in a 45-foot motor coach, nursing a broken leg and towing a little "drive-around-town" vehicle behind the motor coach.
Two days later, on Saturday morning, May 28, there he was again as one of 161 "500" veterans who were on hand for that never-to-be-forgotten "class" photo taken in the Pagoda Plaza.
Malone is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughters, Stephanie and Pam; and four grandchildren. Calling hours are from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 at the Garden of Memories Chapel in Tampa, with a funeral at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at the same location.
Gene Heffley
Former Creator/Owner of Colorado National Speedway Passes
Denver, Colorado (April 1, 2013) - Gene Heffley former Colorado National Speedway creator/owner and 2009 Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee Gene Heffley passed away on March 27, 2013., he was about a week shy of 95 years old.
He is survived by his wife Gerda, his two daughters Helene and Patty, granddaughter Jessica and great grandson Calvin.
Gene moved to Denver from Missouri Valley, Iowa in 1957, after serving five years in the military. In 1951, he met and married his wife Gerda. They started a trucking company and had two daughters, Helen and Patti. By 1960 this couple was operating four trucks. A year later he began to operate a salvage business in the Denver metropolitan area and sold parts to two individuals that were building race cars. When one could not pay for the parts, they ended up with the race car. With some help from some friends, Harry McCool and Bart Manley, they ran the #70 car at Lakeside Speedway. That is when he really got hooked.
In 1964, one of their drivers was Hall of Famer, Sam Sauer. Later that year they all went to a big race at Hanford, California. It was the first time they had seen a real late model race and he and Gerda decided to build a speedway designed car for late models. But that was just part of the story. In 1965, using the money from their trucking company they purchased an 80 acre parcel of farmland. On that site they designed and built a speedway, and called it Colorado National Speedway. They worked every day possible mid-year until the track was able to run a very short season. In 1966, they raced a full season with the idea of making racing possible for anybody that wanted to participate. The track had four foot retaining walls for the safety of spectators and they continued to make improvements both on and off the track. During the years they added motorcycles, sprint cars and midgets to their racing program. In 1972, after Gene was diagnosed with cancer, they decided it would be best to sell Colorado National Speedway. They were truly pioneers in short track dirt racing.
RIP John Cardinale
“Courtesy Sonoma Raceway”
By Kevin Triplett
John Cardinale, 47, one of the most respected marketing and media relations officials in motor sports in his 15 years at Sonoma Raceway, died Thursday night at his Martinez California home after a two-year battle with gastric cancer. He is survived by his wife, Andrea, and their two daughters. Cardinale first wrote for the Ledger Dispatch newspaper in Antioch California and later became the bureau chief at the Valley Times newspaper in Pleasanton California before he went to work for Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Cardinale rose to be become vice president of communications and marketing at Sonoma Raceway.
Cardinale implemented a number of innovative programs aimed at youth driving safety, drunken driving prevention, blood drives, food drives, and local efforts to aid low-income families around the holidays. With his responsibilities, Cardinale oversaw fund-raising and grant distribution for the raceway’s chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. Cardinale worked successfully to expand news coverage of motor racing in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has also helped develop an Emmy-nominated NASCAR Winston Cup Preview Show on the local FOX Sports Net affiliate. For his efforts in promoting the raceway, Cardinale was named NASCAR Track Public Relations Representative of the Year for 2008.
A memorial fund has been set up on behalf of the Cardinale family. Donations may be sent to the John Cardinale Memorial Fund, care of Sonoma Raceway, 29355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476
RIP Marcus Johnson,
He was a champion go-cart racer. He won over 200 races
From Les Stark
Marcus Johnson who was killed at Marysville Speedway in Northern California last Saturday was a champion go-cart racer. He won over 200 races. His great grandfather Frank Johnson age 89, who raced under the name Johnny Franklin was the 1955 Bay Cities Racing Ass'n. Hardtop Champion. His grandfather Bob Johnson raced Midgets with B. C. R. A. in the early 70's.
Fred Curtis Ede
(February 19, 1928 - January 3, 2013)
Fred Curtis Ede, 84, of Fresno, Ca, died January 3, 2013. Fred was born February 19th, 1928 in Fresno to Fred Ede and Dorothy L. Bates. He grew up and attended Roosevelt High School. He was an outstanding football player and was voted to the all-conference team. At Roosevelt, he made many life-long friends. He was known for hosting extravagant class reunion celebrations as well as attending monthly lunch gatherings with special friends.
In 1948 he married Bobby Whitley. They were married for 46 years. During that time, Fred worked side by side with his father at the Fresno Planning Mill. After working with Oscar Spano, he in turn established M&L Plumbing in 1966, a successful company that is now run by his son, Fred and grandson, Chad. In addition to the plumbing business, Fred was a farmer of plums, nectarines and oranges. Over-seeing his many orchards was a job he truly cherished.
Fred's heart also belonged to his race cars. He traveled the country racing. He groomed drivers such as Al Pombo, Bill Scott, Jeff Gordon, Kenny Erwin and Ryan Newman, resulting in numerous championships. His race cars remained a huge part of his life. One recently restored race car is on exhibit in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Iowa. In 2011, Fred was inducted to the Legend of Motor Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.
In Fred's spare time, he enjoyed traveling to his beach house in Shell Beach with his family, and visiting friends. He was also a huge supporter of the Fresno State Bulldog Football team. While his grandson, Chad was a player, he never missed a game and traveled across the country to show his support.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bobby Ede and brother Lowell Ede.
He is survived by his son, Fred Ede Jr. and his wife Terry; daughter, Karen Bessey and her husband Steve; four grandchildren, Tracy Kirby, Chad Ede, Kevin and Cory Bessey; eight great grandchildren who adored him; and lastly his faithful dogs, Lacy and Dakota.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, January 9, 2012 at 10:30 am at the Clovis Cemetery. Following the service, the family hosted a luncheon at Pardini's in Fresno.
Evan Wayne Rutherford(1947 - 2012)
Evan Wayne Rutherford, 64, passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 27, 2012. Funeral: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in Greenwood Chapel. Entombment: Greenwood Mausoleum. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Greenwood Funeral Home. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Richland Hills Christian Church, 3908 Ruth Road, Richland Hills, Texas 76118. Evan Wayne Rutherford was born Nov. 18, 1947, in Tulsa, Okla., to John Sherman Rutherford Jr. and Doris Jean Rutherford. He was a 1966 graduate of Castleberry High School and attended Texas Wesleyan University before pursuing a racing career. After a racing accident in 1989, he retired and became a local businessman where he created and distributed motor vehicle performance products. Wayne was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. He loved anything outdoors, hunting, fishing and watching his girls play ball. He loved his Lord and Savior and on Friday he sat on the pole winning his biggest victory. Survivors: Wife, Sandy Lankford Rutherford; daughters, Tobi Rutherford Laing and husband, Jared, Ragen Rutherford Reed and husband, Dan, and Sidney Rutherford Hupp and husband, 2nd Lt. Daniel Hupp; grandchildren, Landri Jo Laing, Lincoln Daniel Laing and Ryland Randall Reed; brother, Johnny Rutherford and wife, Betty; sister, Beverly Rutherford Tuggle and husband, Benny; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He loved them all.
Published in Star-Telegram on July 29, 2012
Indianapolis 500 Driver Salt Walther Dies at 65
By Mike Thomsen - mthomsen@wibc.com | @Thomsen500
From
(Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway)
Indianapolis 500 driver Salt Walther, who was badly injured in one of the most spectacular crashes in the history of the race, has died at the age of 65, WIBC has learned.
Walther drove in the “500” six times, finishing last three times, including the first two times he started the race.
Walther was best known for the devastating crash he was involved in at the start of the 1973 “500”. As the field came down for the green flag, Walther’s car touched wheels with another, sending the Ohioan’s car up into the catch fencing. The impact exposed Walther’s legs and sprayed fuel into the stands, injuring several spectators. Walther’s car finally ended up upside down.
Walther received serious burns and had several fingers amputated.
Walther returned to the “500” the following year, finishing 17th. His best finish in the “500” came in 1976 when he placed 9th.
Walther also raced unlimited hydroplanes and competed in NASCAR.
In recent years, the former driver has had several brushes with the law, and battled an addition to painkillers.
Walther’s death was confirmed by the Montgomery, Ohio County Coroner’s Office.
-
August 17, 2011
At 30,000 feet above the ground and a frigid 90 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, pilot Jack Hitt could barely feel his extremities.
His toes always had it the worst.
But the cold wasn't the only thing the thin aluminum sides of his B-17 bomber failed to keep out very well.
Rounds from German fighter planes and anti-aircraft guns seemed to rip through nearly unimpeded.
Unimpeded, that is, except by flesh.
Hitt lost his top-turret gunner that way once. He called out for him, and turning, found the man lying dead in a pool of blood. He had been hit in the neck.
Another time, shrapnel pierced the cockpit and lodged in Hitt's own leg.
It was impossible to feel secure, especially as the pilot.
Hitt "said the German fighters' first goal was to kill the pilot," good friend and fellow veteran Jack Wells said. "He knew they were gunning for him.
"It would wake him up at night for the rest of his life," Wells said. "He used to say 'I can still see those guys in my sleep, coming at me head-on.' "
Hitt completed nearly 80 missions as a pilot with the 8th Air Force. Among his many decorations were two Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals and a Purple Heart.
A longtime Tulsa-based real estate developer, Edward Jack Hitt died Friday in Aurora, Mo. He was 93.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa. Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home of Aurora was in charge of cremation arrangements.
In a 2009 Tulsa World article about a local visit by a touring B-17, Hitt remarked about getting to ride along as a passenger: "It's great. It's like going home after 65 years."
Despite the dangers and conditions he'd flown in, Hitt liked to revisit the experience. He was active with the Tulsa chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, a group based at Jones Riverside Airport that restores WWII-era aircraft.
Flying on the restored planes was uneventful, though. During the war, Hitt's B-17 was even shot down once, forcing him and his crew to bail out over Belgium.
Hitt also served briefly as part of the 8th Air Force's 3rd Scouting Force, where, as the pilot of a P-51 Mustang, he helped scout ahead in advance of major bombing missions. The secretive Scouting Forces were formed in 1944 and continued for six months.
Hitt was discharged in 1945 with the rank of first lieutenant.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Hitt moved to Tulsa in 1956 from Corpus Christi, Texas.
In Tulsa, after a successful career in pharmaceutical sales, he moved into real estate development and built shopping centers, nursing homes and other projects.
In his spare time, he indulged a lifelong love of cars.
Hitt owned several race cars and was a familiar personality for years at Tulsa's annual Chili Bowl Nationals. Vintage midget racing was his passion, and he lovingly restored many old midget cars.
Wells and others worked to gather and scan more than 400 photos and documents chronicling Hitt's war experiences.
The originals soon will be archived at the 8th Air Force Museum in Savannah, Ga., Wells said.
Hitt's son Joe Hitt said his father "had a very kind heart. He always believed in helping the down and out, almost to his detriment."
Hitt is survived by three sons, Joe Hitt, Jim Hitt and Jay Hitt; a daughter, Julia Metcalf; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Dr Mattioli
left Poconos a remarkable legacy of philanthropy
Apr 14,1925 --Jan 26, 2012
Dr. Mattioli was the loving and devoted husband of Dr. Rose C. (Nocito) Mattioli. They celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary on August 5. He was born in Old Forge, on April 14, 1925 and the son of the late Joseph R. and Mary E. (Marzzacco) Mattioli-Nolf. He was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Lake Harmony.
"Doc" as he was known to friends and associates, was one of the most respected and admired men in automobile racing. He founded Pocono Raceway in the early 1960's and has been at the helm of Pocono ever since. Under his leadership, the track grew in stature and has hosted 68 very successful NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Events. His passion and drive helped Pocono Raceway succeed when other tracks fell by the wayside. Pocono Raceway is the one of the last remaining family owned and run track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. He was always concerned that race fans and race car drivers and their families were treated with the upmost respect and constantly upgraded procedures and Raceway facilities to meet that goal.
He kept his fingers on the pulse of stock car racing and read everything printed concerning the sport. He was in the office daily, until last fall, and oversaw all aspects of the Pocono Raceway operations. Doc always had an eye towards the future. In August 2011, he turned over the reins of the raceway to his grandchildren to carry on his legacy.
Dr. Mattioli was also well respected in the community. In 2009, he received the Philanthropic Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his generous and continuous contributions to local civic organizations, hospitals, schools and charities. He served on the board of directors of numerous organizations and was dedicated to improving the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
He served our country with dedication and courage in the Pacific during World War Two as a Navy medic. Using the G.I. bill, he enrolled in the dentistry program at Temple University (where he met his wife, Rose.) Upon graduation, he developed his dental practice into a very lucrative business by working 12 to 14 hour days, six and sometimes seven days a week. He then began investing in and developing properties in Philadelphia and Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he became involved in the start up of Pocono Raceway.
Championship RMMRA Midget car owner Harry Conklin
passed away on January 10, 2012 at the age of 91.
Harry Conklin became a race car owner in 1946, owning Midgets, Modifieds and Sprint Cars. Conklin won his first of fifteen RMMRA Midget Owner Championships in 1964 with Jimmy LaManna as driver. His Midgets have won seven Mile High Classic Nationals and scored two wins at the Belleville Midget Nationals. His Sprint Cars have won four Colorado championships and early on his Modifieds won two championships. His last RMMRA Owner Championship came in 2004 with Gary Taylor at the wheel. Also, Conklin also had 150 plus Colorado Midget Feature wins in his career. His Sprint Cars have won four Colorado championships and early on his modifieds won two championships.
He had over 50 drivers that ran for him and Louise (his wife) over the years. Notable drivers were: Jimmy LaManna, Steve Troxell, Sam Sauer, Randy Roberts, Kenny Lewis and Gary Taylor.
Conklin was inducted in the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006
Along being a Championship Midget car owner and Championship Sprint Car owner, Conklin operated Harry’s Transmission Shop for many years.
Funeral arrangements are pending
Passed awayin the early morning of Saturday, January 7, 2012.
He was a great man in every way! Instead of mourning his death please celebrate his life! He will be loved & missed forever, by myself & many many others.
Jakki Kloeber (his daughter)
Kloeber Jr., Ross Ogden74, of Litchfield Park, AZ passed away on January 7, 2012, at home in the company of his wife and daughter. Ross was born in Santa Monica, CA on October 21st, 1937 to Ross O. Kloeber Sr. and Irene Gladyce Kloeber. He became involved with racing early in life and that remained his biggest passion throughout life. It didnt matter what type as long as there were wheels and an engine. His life was a very full and successful one, both personally and professionally. The generosity he had for his family and his knowledge was endless. Ross was a great man (in every sense of the word), a one of a kind. He touched many lives, crossed many paths and left a lasting memory to those he touched. He will be missed beyond words and remembered forever by his family and many many others. We love you dad! RIP- He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Irene Kloeber; by children, Mike (Sylvia) Bailey, Michael Kloeber, Ross O. (Dayna) Kloeber III, Cathy Curiel, Micheline (Mitch) Davis and Jakki Kloeber; by brothers, Dave, William, & Pete Kloeber; by grandchildren, Matt Bailey, Michael (Leah) Bailey, Ross O. Kloeber IV, Jake Kloeber, Madison Kloeber, Jordan Dybas, Mitchell Davis, Rusty Ramirez, Renee Ramirez, Mykol Curiel and Kala Kloeber, and also by four great grandchildren.- Services are being held on Friday, January 13th, 2012, 10:00am @ St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 13720 W. Thomas Rd., Avondale, AZ 85392. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to: The University of Arizona, Sarver Heart Center at
1-800-665-2328- -
Retired Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association owner Richard Kaylor
passed away on January 6 at the age of 78.
Richard bought his first midget in 1958. It was a Solar Ford V-8 60 driven by Tommy Clark and in the last race of 1958, Tom Davey drove it. After 1959, he sold the Solar Midget and he bought his second Midget in 1974. It was the old Danny Organ Offy and he hired Gary Staggers. From 1974 until he retired in 1989, Dick raced Midgets on a regular basis with the RMMRA.
He served on the RMMRA Board of Directors in 1977, 1978 and 1980. In 1982, Dick was the RMMRA Vice President. On August 15, 1980, Randy Roberts won Kaylor only RMMRA Feature win at Colorado National Speedway; it was the first Feature win for both Randy and Dick.
Drivers that drove for Kaylor over the years were Tommy Clark, Tom Davey, Bob Hock, Dick Long, Dave Bartlett, Gary Staggers, Pat Myers, Dave Strickland JR, Randy Roberts, Steve Troxell, Ralph Houser Mitch Guttormson and Rod Ullery.
Dick also owned Sprint Cars in the 1980’s.
Proceeded in death by Hiram (Bud) Kaylor, Loran and Helen Clark. Survived by 4 children, Ruth Patrick, Rick and Dan Kaylor, Randy Dionne, granddaughter Hannah of AZ, sister Margaret (Kaylor) Lawson (husband Russell Lawson), nephew Kurt Lawson, niece Susan Lawson, grand nephews and nieces. Viewing is at 1895 Wadsworth Blvd. on Wednesday 5-7pm at the mortuary. Services is on Thursday, 9:30am at St. Paul's Community Church, 8001 W. 23rd Ave. Lakewood. Interment is at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.
Contributing to the report: Gary Martelon - RMMRA Historian
Jim Rathman
1960 INDIANAPOLIS 500 WINNER RATHMANN DIES AT 83
by J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011 - Jim Rathmann, winner of both the 1960 Indianapolis 500 and the international 500-mile "Race of Two Worlds" in 1958 at Monza, Italy, died Wednesday, Nov. 23.
Rathmann passed away in a hospice in Melbourne, Fla., nine days after suffering a seizure at his home. He was 83.
Rathmann, who was inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007, already was a three-time runner-up in the "500" (1952, 1957 and 1959) when he scored his greatest victory. And if the 1960 race, with its record 29 lead changes, was not the finest "500" ever held, there can be no question that Rathmann's epic two-hour duel with defending winner Rodger Ward continues to stand out as the Speedway's greatest sustained two-man battle of all time.
Forrest F. "Dinger" Deininger
Don Maxwell
Glenford Vincent Dennee Jr.
Dallen McKenney
Kent Roger Gandy
June 2, 1936-June 13. 2011
Ken passed away June 13, 2011 at his home in Concord after his strong fight against cancer. Ken was born on June 2, 1936 in Pittsburg, California to Clyde and Helen Gandy. He was a very passionate man full of charactor and tenacity. His life was devoted to supporting his family and to his love of racing. He retired from PG&E afrer 32 years as a gas service man. Ken's infamous 30 year racing career began at the age of 24 and ended with his final races athe age of 54 at Antioch Speedway. In his racing career, Ken drove modified hardtops, sprint cars, super modifieds, and midgets. His love for racing never ended even long after his career. In his final days, he was able to fullfill his dream of visiting Indianapolis Speedway and the Indy 500 Museum. He was a simple kind of man who, in his retirement, loved going to the movies, watching old westerns and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughters Lori, Kelly, and Stacy, Son inlaws Tom and Paul, and his 8 grandchildren. He is now reunited with his daughter Robin who's death preceeded him. A celebration of his life will be held on July 9, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Willow Pass Community Center in Concord.
RAYMOND J. BERGTHOLD
July 26, 1951-April 22, 2011 A Resident of San Jose
Raymond spent his life in Santa Clara Valley, graduated from Cupertino High School.
For many years, he worked primarily as a service writer at various car dealerships, including Ford and Honda.
He was also a big baseball fan and his sense of humor will be missed.
Raymond entered eternal life on Good Friday, April 22nd, 2011.
He is survived by his two sisters, Raylene (Curt) Nunes, Carolyn (Stan) Thomas, his step-mother Kathleen Bergthold, who cared for him during the last three years, his step-brothers and sister, Alan (Mary) Mello, Steven (Angie) Osborne, Jim (Dawn) Osborne, and Carolyn (Rene) Retuta. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Resurrection and Life was celebrated on Wednesday, April 27th at 10:00am at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, San Jose, CA followed by burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose, CA.
Jim O'Brien
passed away on April 4th
from complications of an aortic aneurysm repair
at New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
He was 69 years old. He was a dedicated NEMA
car owner for over 40 consecutive years.
Funeral services will be on Saturday (April 9, 2011) at
9 AM from Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, to St. Gregory Church, 235 Maltby St., Bristol,
for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM.
Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol, CT.
The Northeastern Midget Association lost one of its most dedicated competitors and contributors Monday with the passing of Jimmy O’Brien. As a car owner and officer, O’Brien helped to write over four decades of NEMA history.
O’Brien, a NEMA member since 1970, said his greatest moment came in 1990 when son Matt jumped into his #16. That relationship carried into this season.
Introduced to the Midgets by his father, O’Brien got involved back in the early 1950s. After two years working with others in NEMA, he joined the owner ranks with the Ray Kelly #33. He always referred to Kelly, a NEMA legend, “as my mentor.” Chuck Daniel and Len Thrall also played key roles in O’Brien’s early career.
A member of the NEMA Hall of Fame, he built his own cars and motors for almost his entire involvement with the club.
His drivers included Johnny Evans, Hank Stevens, Doug Cleveland, Steve Eldridge, Paul Stoehr and Roy Daniel. Cleveland and Evans won in O’Brien equipment; Stevens won the 1975 dirt track title.
He was a walking NEMA encyclopedia, always willing to share a wealth of club history. He was part of several “eras.” Always a defender of the low-buck competitor, O’Brien, elected to the Contest Board in 1973, was a guiding force for many years. A one-time vice president, he stepped down in 2003 after 13 years as the club treasurer.
“Jimmy’s dedication to NEMA was incredible, an inspiration really,” says club president Mike Scrivani Jr. “He loved the Midgets and NEMA in particular. He was an officer under several presidents.
In all the years I knew Jim, seldom did he raise his voice. And over the past 10 years watching Jimmy and Matt was just a great thing.”
MELVIN "Mel" MCGAUGHY
Melvin McGaughy "Mel" , born Oct. 4, 1916 in Colgate, OK, died on Feb. 19, 2011 in Puyallup WA at 94.
A PHS grad c/o 1936, F.O.E. member, Machinists Union member, and avid midget race car driver, locally & nationally.
He loved to travel and was his happiest anytime he was behind the wheel of any car.
Mel had 20 WMRA wins in taking WMRA Championships in 1954 & 1955.
Preceded in death by a son Larry McGaughy, brothers Floyd & Orville & sister Edith.
He is survived by his wife Lorraine "Lori" of Puyallup, daughter Dianne McGaughy of Tacoma, step children Roger (Janet) Norbon of Tacoma, Doug (Sandy) Braun of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, Dennis (Sharon) Braun of Puyallup, Bob (Susan) Braun of Yakima, Robin (Fujio) Pele of Kennewick, 16 grandchilren, numerous great grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
He will be missed.
Sonny Ates
by Tim McKinney
"Last week we lost another of our great racing heroes. Sonny Ates got his start racing flat track motorcycles; and that was really what he loved. However, somebody offered him a ride in a TQ midget; and he was so good that he just couldn't avoid being a race car driver. Former Columbus radio personality Jerry Castor was in the process of trying to get a racing career of his own started at about the same time as Sonny; and he remembers, "Sonny had a distinct advantage over many of the rest of us. He weighed about 120 pounds; and that advantage was hard to overcome."
Ates earned his reputation in a sprint car on the high banks of Salem, Dayton, and Winchester. He would set a new track record just about every time that he pulled onto the track. He was so masterful that everyone thought that he must really love running on the banks. However, apparently nothing could be further from the truth. Castor said, "He told me that everyone thinks that I love the banks; but they actually scare me to death."
Ate's Indy Car career was contained in the seasons from 1968 to 1970. He made 15 starts; and finished in the top 10 five times with his best finish being a fifth place at Michigan in 1968. His lone appearance in the Indianapolis 500 came in 1969 when he finished back in the pack due to turbocharger failure.Soquel, CA Place of Birth: San Jose, CACastor offered high praise to Ates when he said, "Ates was much like Pat O'Connor. Like O'Connor as long as there was someone who wanted to talk to him, to have their picture taken with him, or just wanted an autograph. He had time for his fans." Rest in peace Sonny."
Kenneth Arthur Molica
Mary Parks 1917 - 2010
Mary Parks passed away today, Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 4:50 pm at her home in Corona Del Mar. Her family had assembled and was there when she passed on peacefully. She was 93. Mom was born on January 6, 1917 in Pocatello, Idaho. Her parents were Newton Osborne Mant and Myrtle Howells Mant. She grew up in South San Gabriel, California during the Great Depression. It wasn't a very pleasant time for most and her stories show just how desperate people were. Yet they were better off than some, for they had a home and her mother raised chickens and sold eggs, a ready source of cash and barter. Homeless men would come by the house, hungry and dejected, but Myrtle would tell them to go and cut some wood and she would prepare a meal for them. Mom learned, for she always had a can of soda or a sandwich for anyone who looked like they could use a bite of food. She taught us to be generous as well. We had a name for Mom; Mimi. Her oldest grandchild couldn't pronounce Mom or Mary and so called her Mimi. She liked that and so it became her nickname. Mom was the second oldest child in the household. Her eldest sibling, Fanny, died of diphtheria when Mom was about 3 and so Mimi became the elder statesman in the family. Her sister Helen came next, followed by Bob, then Virginia and finally the surprise baby, Carol. If ever there was a family blessed with personality and character traits, it was this family, but they got along and they loved each other.
Mimi was working as a waitress at a restaurant when a man walked in to order a hamburger. She told the story to us and to her grandchildren many times. A premonition came to her that told her, "This is the man that I am going to marry." She married that man, Wallace Gordon (Wally) Parks in 1935 and they lived in the South Gate/Huntington Park area of Los Angeles. For Mom this was what she always wanted, a loving family, with children and grandchildren. Her first child was Richard and he came along just a few weeks after her birthday in 1944, during World War II. At that moment, most Americans weren't sure that we would win that war or that our soldiers, sailors and airmen would ever make it back home alive. Dad had left to go into the military and was fighting in the South Pacific Theater of Operations at that time. He sent pictorial postcards with cartoons that he drew and a few words of love. After the war Dad built a garage house in Downey, California and Mom finally had her home and her family. She also attended the Downey Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints and this was one of the happiest times of her life. Mimi was there in the beginning when Dad was elected as the president of the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), then became editor of Hot Rod magazine and finally founded the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). She was proud of what her husband had accomplished and told everyone about him. Dad would take us out to the dry lakes to see the cars race; it was an all-day trip over dirt roads to get there. He also took us to see the boat races and sometimes to see his brother Kenny Parks run his Jalopy on the oval tracks.
We moved to a new tract home in Pico-Rivera in 1950 and soon thereafter in 1952 her second son was born, David, in March of that year. She named him David after a beloved uncle of hers and also because the name David means "Beloved," in Hebrew. Our parents separated and Mom made the decision, aided and abetted by her sister Helen, to move down to Corona Del Mar, a lovely beach town, in 1956. She loved the beach and the bay and often had vacationed there with her friends, sisters or children in the summer. At that time it was a very isolated little town and far from the Los Angeles County area where we grew up. She bought a pretty little yellow house and in 54 years never changed the color; the brightest yellow I've ever seen. Mom attended church in Laguna Beach and made life-long friends there. She also loved to play bridge with her friends well into the night. She lived on a hill, just a half block from a supermarket and told all her friends, "That will be good exercise for me to walk to the store and back with the groceries," she said. She never did walk up that hill, but she drove down to the beach to watch the ocean constantly.
In 1967 she welcomed into the family her first daughter-in-law, Epi, who would be a constant help in her life. Epi and Richard gave her three sons; Scott, David and Michael Parks. Scott would marry Stacy Rauch and give Mom a great-grandson, Brock Parks. David would marry Michelle Corbin and give Mom two great-granddaughters; Allison and Jennifer Parks. Michael would marry Tara Hafen and give Mom a great-grandson; Trevor Parks. Mom's youngest son would marry Barbara Coddington and they would have two wonderful daughters; Mari and Tamara Parks. Mari wed Matt Bell, another six and a half footer, for it seems the Parks' are tall people. Mom's health began to wane and a caregiver was called in to help her. This lady's name was Delia Asuncion and she became as close to her as if Delia was her own daughter. Mary Parks lived to be 93 and saw Fanny, Helen, Bob and Virginia pass on before her. Bob's widow, Olga Mant, and Mom's sister Carol Mant Eves are still with us. Her life wasn't always easy and there were many trials and tribulations, but her friends and family remember the times when she whistled and sang and called people on the phone to wish them a happy birthday. In fact, so entrenched was this "Western Union Birthday-gram," that we all looked forward to our birthdays so that we could "get the call." The phone was her life; she could use it to chastise or to praise and when she lost her voice, the link to the outside world and her many friends began to close to her as well. At her passing she was surrounded by loved ones and I think the hardships and misfortunes in her life drifted away and she found peace at last in another world with those who have gone before her. Rest in peace, Mom, we love you very much.
Richard and Epi Parks
Richard “Moon” Burgess
New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame Member
(DURHAM, CT.) Pioneering New England stock car racer Richard "Moon" Burgess passed-away on Wednesday, March 17 after suffering a serious stroke earlier in the month.
Burgess started his career in the midgets during the 1940’s, switching to stock cars later in the decade. He competed with success at virtually every track in the region including Thompson, Waterford, Plainville, Riverside Park, Kingston, Candlelight Stadium, Cherry Park, West Haven, and others.
Teamed with car owner Joe Fontana, Burgess experienced his greatest degree of success while behind the controls of the potent “Flying Eagle” #1 coupe. He retired from the sport in 1953 after a relatively brief but spectacular career in which he won over 200 races including 63 feature events in addition to a track championship.
Burgess was a founding member of the New England Antique Racers (NEAR). He was inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2003.
Mass will be on Saturday March 20 at 11:30 A.M. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 272 Main St. Durham, CT. Friends and family are invited to later attend a celebration of Moon's life from 2:00-5:00 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT.
Burgess leaves his wife Rita, children Rich, Jr. and Sharon, and grandchildren.
Harold E. "Hal"Minyard
1925 -2010
Harold E. "Hal" Minyard 85, Speedway, Indiana died Thursday March 4, 2010. He was born January 8, 1925 in California the son of Sidney and Edith Minyard. Hal was a professional race car driver and he retired as a mechanic from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1999 after 25 years. Mr. Minyard was an Army veteran of W.W.II. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2010 in Conkle Funeral Home Speedway Chapel. A memorial service will be at a later date. Survivors include wife, Dawn Minyard; seven daughters; son and his best friend, Freddie; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Hal was the originator of the McHal helmets
Gene Angelillo
1936 - 2010
Waterbury, CT – Gene Angelillo, a 14-time Northeastern Midget Association owners champion, died Monday after a short illness at St Mary’s Hopsital. Angelillo, 74, also had an ARDC championship on a 30-year plus resume that included over 112 victories, 107 of them in NEMA.
Calling hours for Angelillo will be Thursday, March 4, 1-to-3 and 5-to-9 at Chase Parkway Memorial, 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury, CT.
Funeral services will be at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main Street South in Southbury, CT on Friday at noon.
A Waterbury native, Angelillo’s team was “Dumo’s Desire” in recognition of his late father Dominic and more recently “Marilyn’s Desire” in honor of his late wife.
Marilyn and Gene, both officers, brought a passion to Midget racing in general and to NEMA in particular.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Laura Kibbe and granddaughters Tiana and Brooke.
Angelillo and Drew Fornoro formed one of the greatest owner/driver combinations in Midget history. Russ Stoehr and Joey Payne also won features and championships for Angelillo. He won races with Johnny Kay, Nokie Fornoro and Ted Christopher as well.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent for the
ANGELILLO MEMORIAL RACE
NEMA 261 Lincoln Road Sudbury, MA 01776
Uihlein, David Vogel
1921 - 2010
David Vogel Uihlein was born in Milwaukee on July 27, 1920, the son of Joseph E. Uihlein Sr. and Ilma Vogel Uihlein. He passed away peacefully at his home in Mequon, WI on Friday, January 29, 2010 at the age of 89. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Margery Holley Uihlein "MM", his children Lynde Bradley Uihlein of Milwaukee, and David Vogel Uihlein Jr. (Julia) also of Milwaukee; grandchildren Sarah Olson Zimmerman (Steven), Milwaukee; John Uihlein Olson (Ellen Blakstad) of Oslo, Norway; Dr. Alexander Uihlein (Lily), Boston; MA; Elizabeth Uihlein, Chicago, IL; Charles Uihlein, Milwaukee; great-grandchildren Joseph and Nathaniel Zimmerman, Milwaukee, and Hedda Olson of Oslo, Norway. He is also survived by Margery Uihlein's children Barbara Kuehn Frank (Richard) and Philip Gregg Kuehn (Kathryn) of Milwaukee; John Corliss Kuehn (Cris Mulvey) of Missoula, MT; her grandchildren, to whom he was also "Poppo", John Frank (Elsie Sunderland), Peter Frank (Katy); Charles Kuehn (Jane); Andrew Kuehn; Seppe Kuehn (Hope Mechelson); Erika Kuehn; and great-grandson, Reid Frank.
Mr. Uihlein was a 1939 graduate of the Hill School, Pottstown, PA. He worked at the Schlitz Brewing Company for a year before heading to the U.S. Brewers' Academy in New York City. He attended University of Wisconsin in 1940-41where he was one of two walk-on freshman football players who received letters. He proudly served in World War II as an ambulance driver for the American Field Service in Italy, Austria, and India. A businessman, he acquired the Banner Welder Co. in 1949. It continues as a successful business today. Carrying on his family's heritage in the brewing industry, he also purchased and ran the Oshkosh Brewing Co. in Oshkosh, WI, from 1961 to 1969. He served on corporate boards including Schlitz Brewing Co., Briggs and Stratton, Allen-Bradley Co., and First Wisconsin Bank. Mr. Uihlein was a man of many enthusiasms. He had a colorful personality, and was a wonderful storyteller. He was an ardent naturalist and outdoorsman. He was happiest hunting or fishing in northern Wisconsin or Canada with "MM". He was the founder and president of the Milwaukee chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society and active in his support of Ducks Unlimited, the Trout and Salmon Foundation and the Nature Conservancy, among others. Mr. Uihlein was an avid collector. He collected antique cars, especially 1930's Indianapolis 500 race cars, as well as old boats, airplanes, and duck decoys. He restored many of his classic cars with his own hands. A 1925 Bugatti, a gift to Mrs. Uihlein, won a blue ribbon in 1989 at the Concours D'Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA. In 1995, he founded the Harry Miller Meet. This national show and race car event is held every year at the Milwaukee Mile for collectors and aficionados of antique race car engine designer Harry Miller. Mr. Uihlein will be deeply missed by family and friends for his great love of life, his capacity for friendship, fun, and devotion to causes close to his heart. The family wishes to thank all those who have provided devotion, care, and comfort for Mr. Uihlein. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, from 4 to 7 PM. A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ruffed Grouse Society, National Audubon Society, The Hill School, or the charity of your choice.
Michael BOTELHO, SR
1957-2009
Michael Botelho, 52, was born in Santa Cruz, CA, on March 14, 1957, passed away on December 15, 2009 after a year long battle with cancer.
Michael was a graduate of Reno High School and a local business owner. Michael will be missed by his family and all of his friendships that he developed over the years as a driver and co-owner of MMS Karting in Reno. Michael raced Go-Karts as a youngster and made the transition to midgets and sprint cars from age 18 to his late thirties.
Michael is survived by his parents, Bill and Betty Botelho, wife, Corrina Botelho, children Michael Jr, Christina, Jamie and Johnny and his grand children Qualik, Jaylynn and Azia.
Granville W. Warke
Granville W. Buster Warke, Walnutport native, nationally known race car driver, restorer and Offenhauser engine builder, of Center Valley, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 20, 2008, at the age of 93. In 1934, Buster met Walt Killinger and made his debut as his driver in 1935 at Charlestown, W.Va., and he also ran midgets for Major Hawley at the Nutley, N.J., Velodrome. Buster served as a rifleman with the unit known as The Big Red One during World War II in the European and African campaigns. After World War II, he drove Jimmy Wilburns sprint car with the International Motor Contest Association throughout the Midwest during the 1946 season. Buster was a steady AAA sprint car performer with the ODay Offy and Dutch Culp Offy before retiring from driving in 1956. In 1957, he was the chief mechanic for the Ed Stone sprinter in which Bill Randall won the USAC Eastern Sprint Car Championship. Buster served as chief mechanic for several Indianapolis teams in the 1950s and 1960s, and in 1958 went to Monza, Italy, with the Amos-Sclavi team. In May of 2005, he was the Grand Marshall of the vintage race car celebration at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and on June 3, 2006, he was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and member of Saucon Masonic Lodge 469, and one of the premier restorers of Offenhauser engines and vintage race cars. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruby, in 2003. Services: A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, and friends may call from noon till the time of services Tueday, at Weber Funeral Home P.C., 1619 Hamilton St., Allentown. http://www.weberfuneralhomes.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, to the Eastern Auto Racing Historical Society, P.O. Box 333, Orefield, PA or the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing, P.O. Box 688, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
Published in the Morning Call on 2/23/2008. "
1930- 2010
Kenneth James "Kenny" Lay, 79, of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Ottawa Hills, passed away Friday, January 1, 2010, at The Toledo Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born May 17, 1930, in Toledo, Ohio, to Reinhart and Mary (Vetter) Lay. He graduated from Macomber High School in 1949, where he was All City in basketball. Kenny was drafted into the United States Army in 1951, served during the Korean War. He married Betty Borden in September of 1956 in Toledo, Ohio and she preceded him in death in 1996. An established businessman and entrepreneur, Kenny started the Lay Transmission Company in 1956. A trusted business, Kenny established contracts with city of Toledo, the state of Ohio and the Canadian Government. In addition to his transmission company, he owned and operated the West Toledo Recreation Center, Lay Industries and maintained numerous real-estate holdings. Kenny was very active in car racing, owning various racing teams. His numerous accomplishments in racing, included an IMCA Championship, a National Drag Racing Championship and in 1970 he won the Sprint Car USAC Championship. In addition to his car racing, Kenny was an avid collector of classic cars; winning many awards, most recently 1st place in the Ford Nationals at Auburn Indiana, with his 1940 Ford Convertible. Among the many positions he held, Kenny was past president of the Automotive Service Association of Toledo (ASA), a member of the Toledo Opera Guild, The Apollo Society of the Toledo Museum of Art and a member of Gulf & Bay Club, Sarasota FL. He also was a longtime member of the Inverness Country Club, The North Cape Yacht Club in Lasalle, Michigan, and a Wood County Sheriff's Office Special Deputy. Kenny was a world traveler. He was most happy when working on a car or spending time in Siesta Key, Florida with family and friends.
Kenny is survived by his son, Kenneth James (Debra) Lay Jr. of Rossford, OH and their children, Kenneth James III, Kaitlyn E., Kyle R. A. Lay; son, Bradley E. (Lisa) Lay of Ottawa Hills, OH and their children, Brittany B., Bridgette A., Bradley E. Lay, Jr.; Brother, Paul (June) Lay of Wauseon OH, and son-in-law, Tim Gladieux and his children, Kendra M., Monica B., Marissa P. and Virgil A. Gladiuex II., all of Ottawa Hills, OH, and special companion, Rosalie Richards of Perrysburg, OH. Along with his wife Betty, Kenny was preceded in death by his daughter, Laurine A. Lay-Gladieux and sister, Eleanor Lay-Roberts.
Kenneth James "Kenny" Lay, 79, of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Ottawa Hills, passed away Friday, January 1, 2010, at The Toledo Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born May 17, 1930, in Toledo, Ohio, to Reinhart and Mary (Vetter) Lay. He graduated from Macomber High School in 1949, where he was All City in basketball. Kenny was drafted into the United States Army in 1951, served during the Korean War. He married Betty Borden in September of 1956 in Toledo, Ohio and she preceded him in death in 1996. An established businessman and entrepreneur, Kenny started the Lay Transmission Company in 1956. A trusted business, Kenny established contracts with city of Toledo, the state of Ohio and the Canadian Government. In addition to his transmission company, he owned and operated the West Toledo Recreation Center, Lay Industries and maintained numerous real-estate holdings. Kenny was very active in car racing, owning various racing teams. His numerous accomplishments in racing, included an IMCA Championship, a National Drag Racing Championship and in 1970 he won the Sprint Car USAC Championship. In addition to his car racing, Kenny was an avid collector of classic cars; winning many awards, most recently 1st place in the Ford Nationals at Auburn Indiana, with his 1940 Ford Convertible. Among the many positions he held, Kenny was past president of the Automotive Service Association of Toledo (ASA), a member of the Toledo Opera Guild, The Apollo Society of the Toledo Museum of Art and a member of Gulf & Bay Club, Sarasota FL. He also was a longtime member of the Inverness Country Club, The North Cape Yacht Club in Lasalle, Michigan, and a Wood County Sheriff's Office Special Deputy. Kenny was a world traveler. He was most happy when working on a car or spending time in Siesta Key, Florida with family and friends.Kenny is survived by his son, Kenneth James (Debra) Lay Jr. of Rossford, OH and their children, Kenneth James III, Kaitlyn E., Kyle R. A. Lay; son, Bradley E. (Lisa) Lay of Ottawa Hills, OH and their children, Brittany B., Bridgette A., Bradley E. Lay, Jr.; Brother, Paul (June) Lay of Wauseon OH, and son-in-law, Tim Gladieux and his children, Kendra M., Monica B., Marissa P. and Virgil A. Gladiuex II., all of Ottawa Hills, OH, and special companion, Rosalie Richards of Perrysburg, OH. Along with his wife Betty, Kenny was preceded in death by his daughter, Laurine A. Lay-Gladieux and sister, Eleanor Lay-Roberts.
Hans, Schmidt, 1928-2009
Hans,81 a retired supervisor for Western Electric and A.T.&T., died Sunday, October 25, 2009. Service, 10 a.m., Friday, October 30, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Preceded in death by wife, Helen; sister, Gretta Stenson. Survivors: sons, David of Houston, TX, Duane of Goddard; daughter, Danette Koehn of Furley; grandchildren, Heather Koehn and Gus Schmidt. In lieu of flowers, memorials to american Heart association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 and Wichita Toy Train Club, P.O. Box 4091, Wichita, KS 67204. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com
Dad at about age 3 immigrated from Germany with his Mother and Sister. Grandpa had come over a couple years earlier , He graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis, and then after he and Mom were married he started working at the Western Electric plant on Shadeland Road. In 69 he was transferred to the Shreveport plant and about 75 he went to Wichita where he retired.
Dad was a racer when he was young and real race fan most of his life.
on to them.
David Schmidt
ROBERT Grant MOORHEAD, 1921 -2009
Maj. General (ret.) Robert Grant Moorhead 88, of Indianapolis, passed away on October 11, 2009.
Mr. Moorhead served as USAC Chairman of the Board from 1982-2001 after serving as a Board Member since 1968. A past president of the 500 Festival Committee, he conceived the very successful USAC Winners’ Circle Club. He was born on Sept 4, 1921 to Robert L. and Roxanne Sanders Moorhead in Orleans, Indiana. He was a graduate of Indiana University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After college, he began Officer Candidate Training School and soon found himself in Europe as a replacement officer assigned to the 115th Infantry, which had been decimated on D-Day. When he returned from Germany as a young Captain, Bob joined the Indiana National Guard, eventually rising to the rank of Major General and Division Commander. He later was appointed Deputy Commander of the U.S. Training and Doctrine Command. He earned numerous military decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. One of the high points of his military career was being elected president of the Association of the United States Army. Bob joined Central Publishing Company in 1947 and was its President and owner from 1960 – 1989. He loved the Indianapolis 500, and was one of a handful of city leaders that founded the 500 Festival Association, serving as its President in 1963. He continued his involvement, heading the 500 Parade Safety and Security for decades. A longtime member of the downtown Kiwanis Club, Bob was instrumental in the relocation of the Kiwanis Headquarters from Chicago to Indianapolis. He served Kiwanis faithfully at every level; as a club President, a District Governor and as International Foundation President. As a tribute for the many Kiwanis clubs he built, members he recruited and hours he devoted to the children of the world, Bob was recognized just last year when Kiwanis unveiled a state of the art facility, the Robert G. Moorhead Auditorium and Leadership Education Center. He was a Member of the Indianapolis Board of Public Safety, the Police Merit Board and the State Traffic Advisory Committee. Bob served as President of the State Armory Board for decades, and was proud to have the downtown Armory renamed the Tyndall-Moorhead Armory. Until his health failed him, he never missed an American Legion Convention, continuing the legacy his father began in 1919. Growing up on a farm in southern Indiana, Bob never had the opportunity to participate in Boy Scouts as a child. He certainly made up for that as an adult, serving as President of the Crossroads Council of Boy Scouts of America. He cherished his Scouting Silver Beaver Award. Whether the call was for help developing a public television station in Indianapolis or for the American Cancer Society or the Salvation Army, Bob was always "front and center." And, in the end, he would hold a key leadership position in whatever organization sought out his expertise. For his tireless dedication to his community Bob was awarded a total of five Sagamore of the Wabash awards from five different Indiana Governors! He also found time for camaraderie and fellowship. He was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, the Columbia Club, the Indianapolis Athletic Club, Meridian Hills Country Club, Tippecanoe Lake Country Club, The Army Navy Club in Wash. D.C., and the Skyline Club. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret (Maggie) Bachelder Moorhead. Bob had known Maggie since the day she was born. He also leaves five children, James (Martha) Moorhead of Little Rock, Ark; Richard (Margy) Moorhead of Fishers, IN; Barbara (Danny) Hockett of Carmel, IN; Sandy (Ed) Hale of Dallas, TX; Janet (Ed) Hourigan of Indianapolis. He was the proud grandfather of 19 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren who will cherish memories of time spent with Papaw at Lake Tippecanoe. He was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Moorhead Burge and grandson, Robert Daniel Hockett, Jr. The family would like to thank all of the staff at Marquette Manor for making the "General" feel at home these past six years. Special thanks to Alaa, Victoria, Tony and Jerry, his wonderful care-givers, whose individual attention was so appreciated. Visitation will be Sunday, October 18 from 1:30-5:00 pm at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 19 at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1660 Kessler Boulevard East Dr, Indianapolis. Military Burial to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Kiwanis International Foundation, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268 and to the 38th Division Association, co Monument Fund, 3912 W. Minnesota St., Indianapolis, IN 46241. Online condolences may be sent to www.crownhill.org. Arrangements entrusted to Crown Hill Funeral Home.
Timothy L. Behmer, Sr 1950 - 2009
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Merv Furtado
1922-2009
Private internment at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.
John M. LeVan
1948 - 2008
John M. LeVan, publisher, webmaster and editor of www. openwheelracers.com passed away on Thursday, December 18th 2008, just ten days shy of his 60th birthday, having been born on December 28, 1948.
He was pre-deceased by his first wife, Judith E. (Paup) LeVan, who passed away on June 13, 1981, and his mother, Barbara V. (Pluta) LeVan who passed away on July 17, 2008.
John worked at Cott beverage in Reading, Pa. prior to going on disability a couple of years ago.
He was an Army veteran, having served our nation in Turkey during the Vietnam era.
He was involved in many areas in auto racing in the Pennsylvania area, having been a reporter and photographer for Keystone Auto News and doing public relations work for the United Racing Club. He was also a member of the Eastern Motorsports Press Association.
Around 1999, he first heard of a man named Lenny Calinoff. Eventually, they would hook up together and they both got involved in Lenny Calinoff’s OpenWheelRacing.com. Slowly, with a lot of hard work, they managed to get the website grown into one of the most respected websites devoted to motor sports.
On December 1, 2004, Lenny Calinoff passed away. For a short period of time, after his death, the website was run by Mr. LeVan. Some minor problems arose and Mr. LeVan was, more or less, forced to create a new website, and it was named OpenWheelRacers.com.
John was able to devote countless hours to this new website, usually working at night so the next days edition would have up to date information for his readers.
John was quite a “story teller”. You could give him the name of a driver, either local or in a lot of cases, a nationally known driver, and John would have stories about them. He was, to many, a walking encyclopedia of auto racing.
John, along with Lenny, were quite instrumental in bringing along new writers – not only for their website, but for other areas in the media, as well.
I got involved with both Lenny and John a few years ago – like around the year 2001. Lenny and John both pressured me into writing for their website. Eventually I tried it, liked it, and have had a great time writing for OWR.
There were times when John and I would travel together to various events, like to Richmond for the IRL/USAC races, or going to the EMPA Conventions, when we would share a room together. And, yes, he’d tell me quite a lot of stories, too. He would confide in me about the website and how he wanted it to prosper and be one of the best that would be devoted to auto racing. He was so proud of what the website had become.
By Tom Avenengo
Harry F. Stryker 1931 - 2009
Harry was born on October 22, 1931 and passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2009.
You go through life meeting some very good friends then you meet some that are just outstanding, The guy below Who wrote that piece was one of the outstanding ones. I had written Him asking for this information so I could write an article on Him, Not knowing I probably wouldn’t get another chance to hear from Him then.
I knew Him since the mid 60’s when He lived up in the Santa Cruz mtns I had gone up there several times to visit and watch Him do His magic on His midget. Met His whole family up there, Same mold as Him. You couldn’t meet a nicer Family.
Sad to say But Harry passed away a couple of months ago. I never got the chance to write the article.
HARRY STRYKER was one of a kind, May He Race for Ever From Now On.
aXe
Hi Den, "Sorry for the delay but had a few doctor appointments too take care of .I will try and answer your questions in the order you asked them.
Went too my first race in 1946 at Bayshore stadium in San Francisco and then worked for the Kelleher Bros. who had a midget, also met Charlie Lawlor in high school who was my classmate in auto shop. We were racing nuts and went to every race in the area, big cars, roadsters, stock cars and midgets. We bought a 1934 Ford and tried our hand at Hard Tops, One race and we said No way We need a real race car
We then bought a KKV/8 60 from Buzz Balfiore that Tommy Copp was driving, He was not to happy.
I went in the Navy in 1951 and Lawlor ran the midget as He was exempt as head of a household.
In 1961 or 62 we bought a KK offy from Jack London
In 1963 we won the BCRA indoor championship==13 fast times 1 –2nd 1966 BCRA overall champ with Vukie jr driving, Stockton champ with Dee Hileman, 2nd in the northwest with my son Mike Driving 1984 1985
I learned most of my Offy knowledge from Jack London
I can’t tell how many I have overhauled 1 to 2 hundred maybe
Some of my drivers were—Vukie Jr, Gary Bettenhausen, Chuck Rhode, Billy Cantrell, Don Machen, Dee Hielmam, Dean Holden, Bob Tattersall, Mike Mc Greevy. Bob Dejong. Charlie Lawlor, and my sons Harry and Mike.
Just overhauled one last month
Always willing to help anyone with a problem
Yes I still have one
Now I am passing the gathered knowledge too my son Mike who is well equipped to due the job right."
HARRY STRYKER
Miles Nelson 1941-2008
Miles Nelson, 66, of Wendover UT, passed away on Memorial Day May 26th. He was born on Aug 25th 1941 in Paget,Bermuda, to George and Olive Nelson. He grew up in Bristol, CT. and then proudly served our country in the U. S. Air Force. Miles was also an avid auto racing fan and had a passion for golf. He is survived by a wife Joann, four children, Michael, Sandra(Conner), James, and Sheri (McCammon), a granddaughterMackenzie (Conner), and a sister Norma (Blair). Services will be held in West Wendover NV. and St. Petersburg FL.
Miles Nelson another one who helped bring Me up on the internet. And one of the few I had the pleasure of actually meeting in person.
Miles was another of the mid week forum chatters with Lenny and the “GANG” way back around 10 years ago. Good name for that bunch for sure. Most nights it was a race to see who got who going first. Miles was no slouch when it came to standing up for what He said(preached) . And He would not back down from His view point very often . One thing can be said about Him He never forgot very much, His mind was like a walking encyclopedia about Indy cars and more so eastern modifieds. He at one point drove some of those cars .
When We got together on the net it was sure some fun days.
His own site indyracereports.com had quite a following of Indy car lovers. With Miles probably the biggest lover of those cars and that big race.
Well another one gone to soon, But He did it pretty good while here. If you ever saw Him the night before the 500 you would surely understand that one.
Miles I hope the golf game is good where ever You are.
RIP Old Friend
aXe
1937 - 2009
Winner of more races than anyone in the history of NASCAR's West Coast circuit, died Tuesday at 72.
Mr. McCoy, who also was in the tire business much of his life, died suddenly on April 16 2009 at a Modesto hospital, his family said.
Friends and racing colleagues remembered him as a skilled stock car driver who would have ranked with national legends had he raced full-time.
"Nobody could drive a short track like Jack McCoy — nobody," said Dick Hagerty of Oakdale. "He was just in a class of his own."
Mr. McCoy, a Dodge driver, won a record 54 races in the 1960s and 1970s in NASCAR's regional series, known at various times as Grand National West, Winston West and Pacific Coast Late Model Series. He finished first in the final standings in 1966 and 1973 and second four times.
Mr. McCoy balanced the racing with his work at McCoy Tire Co. and his home life with his wife, Peggy Joyce McCoy, and seven children.
Mr. McCoy was born March 29, 1937, in Los Angeles and later moved with his family to a ranch near Ceres. His father, John McCoy, opened McCoy Tire on Ninth Street in Modesto in 1950.
Jack McCoy, who attended Turlock High School and Modesto Junior College, went to work in the family business.
He later opened his own tire shop on McHenry Avenue, eventually branching into specially made tires and other supplies for race cars.
Mr. McCoy is survived by his wife; his son, Dr. Harry Brown of Modesto; six daughters, Gina Vance of Modesto, Tracee Collins of Kansas, Kathleen Lengel of Ripon, Kim Tofanelli of Sacramento, Cindy Brown of Modesto and Christine Brown of Incline Village, Nev.; sister, Louise Barnick of Modesto; brothers, Dan McCoy of Atascadero and Robert McCoy of Modesto; and 14 grandchildren.
A service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Franklin and Downs, McHenry Chapel, 1150 McHenry Ave., Modesto.
Remembrances may be made to the Carole Sund-Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation, 301 Downey Ave., Modesto 95354, or to a favorite charity.
LONGTIME INDIANAPOLIS 500 CAR OWNER
JONATHAN BYRD 1942 - 2009
INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009 – Jonathan Byrd, co-entrant in 1996 of Arie Luyendyk’s all-time Indianapolis 500 record qualifier, passed away Aug. 20 in Greenwood, Ind. He was 57.
Byrd, who had been disabled by a stroke since 2004, was a "500" entrant from 1985 until 2001, having aligned himself with a variety of other entrants, including Leader Card, Inc., A.J. Foyt, Ron Hemelgarn, Dick Simon, Alex Morales, the Machinists Union, Clayton Cunningham, Dennis McCormack and Team Xtreme.
Strongly associated for many years with sponsorship of cars at the Indianapolis Speedrome short track, located on the east side of the city, Byrd even sponsored NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip at one point. He developed a very close friendship and partnership with Rich Vogler, which parlayed into several USAC Midget car titles and numerous wins, eventually taking the pair to the Indianapolis 500.
The charismatic Byrd, with his infectious laugh, never was rewarded with an Indianapolis 500 victory. But he saw several of his drivers land top-10 finishes, including Gordon Johncock (sixth in 1991), Scott Brayton (sixth in '93), Vogler (eighth in '89), Stan Fox (eighth in '91) and John Andretti (10th in '94).
In 1996, Luyendyk's original front-row qualifying run was disallowed when his car failed to meet the minimum weight requirement in a post-qualification technical inspection, but Luyendyk stormed back the following day to obliterate the one- and four-lap qualifying records. This being the final year for turbocharged engines, Luyendyk’s marks with the Tim Wardrop-prepared Byrd/Fred Treadway-entered Jonathan Byrd's Cafeteria/Bryant Heating and Cooling Reynard/Cosworth were 236.986 mph for the four-lap run and an amazing 237.498 mph for the fastest single lap.
Those records still stand.
Byrd is fondly remembered by the "500" fraternity for the many months of May in which he would set up a huge marquee near the garage area and permit literally hundreds of race personal and media per day the opportunity to experience his magnificent cafeteria food.
While Byrd never won at Indianapolis, John Paul Jr. drove one of his cars to victory in the IndyCar Series race in September 1998 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Byrd was a successful businessman who operated Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises and then opened his Jonathan Byrd’s cafeteria and banquet hall in Greenwood, Ind. He also operated several hotels and operated a business trading in rare books, ancient Bibles and theology books. He also was very active in founding and supporting Christian ministries.
TOMMY ASTONE SR. DIED SATURDAQY, JULY 22, 2006, IN FRESNO. , CA
HE WAS 88 YEARS OLD.
TOMMY OWNED RACE CARS FOR OVER 30 YEARS AND HAD SUCH DRIVERS AS TOMMY JR., JIMMY CARUTHERS, AND OTHER RACING GREATS FROM THE 60 S AND 70 S.
TOMMY IS THE FATHER OF JOYCE VUKOVICH, TOMMY ASTONE JR. AND SANDRA SAROONIAN.
A RACING FAMILY IN FRESNO FOR OVER 65 YEARS.
JOYCE IS WIFE OF BILLY VUKOVICH JR., ONE OF THE GREATS FROM THE 60 S AND 70 S,
FATHER OF OUTSTANDING MIDGET DRIVER TOMMY ASTONE JR WHO IS MARRIED TO WALLY MESKOWSKI S DAUGHTER, JOY,
AND FATHER OF SANDRA SAROONIAN WHOSE HUSBAND JOHN OWNED RACE CARS FOR YEARS.
SERVICES FOR TOMMY ASTONE SR ARE WED JULY 26, 2006 AT BELMONT MEMORIAL PARK IN FRESNO, CA. WHITEHURST FUNERAL CHAPEL IN FRESNO IS IN CHARGE OF SERVICES.
