MIRACULOUS MEL KENYON-THE COMEBACK & SHOP TALK
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ต.ค. 2024
- If you're in need of an inspirational story, you've come to the right place. Lebanon, Indiana's Mel Kenyon survived a near-death Indy Car crash in 1965 at Langhorne Speedway, and fought his way back to championship form, winning 11 National Midget Series titles and earning four top-5 finishes in the Indianapolis 500. At 88 years young, he and his brother Don are still building race cars in their Lebanon-based race shop. Here is the conclusion to "Miraculous Mel Kenyon"...Enjoy!
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Mel Kenyon is my grandfather and Brice Kenyon is my dad and Mel's son
it is really good to see him on video doing well after not seeing him in nearly 8 years because i live in New Zealand
watching this video taught me somethings i had never knew about my granddad like him being a pilot and STILL having the original pin and glove
thank you @History Mystery Man for the awesome videos keep up the good work
You're very welcome Bailey. I really appreciate you checking in. See if you can spread the word for me in New Zealand. You must be very proud of your grandfather. He endured so much and deserves this well-earned recognition.
I know Bryce and I met you but you wouldn't remember me as you were just a few months old.
thank you hmm, great inspire, mel kenyon,,love from italy, robert
Thanks Robert...how awesome to hear from Italy! My daughter just spent three months in Florence, Italy for one semester from Kent State (Ohio) University. Thanks for watching...HMM
Thank You so much for doing this video and Tribute to the greatest Ambassador of Midget Racing, My First Idol Mel Kenyon.
You're welcome Christian; thanks for watching! HMM
Hero
I'll buy that! Thanks...HMM
A treasure. A walking piece of human, history.
Thanks Darin...really enjoyed my day with Miraculous Mel...
Thank You!
You're welcome Gary! HMM
I was honored to get to spend a lot of time with Mel, Don and Bryce Kenyon mostly at the Speedrome. They were always great to talk to and at the time I was a photographer, first for NAMARS then for other tracks and publications. One of my favorite photos is Mel sitting in his car waiting for his heat race and he is sound asleep! But as soon as they were ready he would wake up and be ready to go. He was just so calm waiting to go on the track. I was glad to be at Mel's final race after watching him race for 40+ years.
Interesting story about Mel...falling asleep in the car. ARCA champ Frank Kimmel used to tell me that he'd do the same thing. Frank said he got sleepy when he got nervous, which is why he'd fall asleep in the car while he was waiting to go out. Thanks again, John...HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan lol that's great! You probably saw one of my photos I took of Mel in the shop. I think it had Mel, Don and Bryce together ❤
You’ve done it again . Intriguing, introspective, enlightening and with a smooth calming affect. Something about folks from that part of the country. Good God fearing, honest salt of the earth.
Mel is as midwest as they come, and I think it shows in his style and mannerisms. Thanks for coming back James...good to hear from you again.
Inspiring, that is the word. God Bless you Mel, wish you the best, always.
I know he appreciates that. Thanks again Don...good to hear from you again.
A few years ago, his son posted that great photo of Don, Mel, and Herbie at the Ohio State Fair, on Doug Caruthers' Facebook Midget page. I agree with you it is a really good shot, not only of the time, but any time. Folks should take a look at this just to see it, it is @somewhere-in-the-interview. 😉
@@donolbers9446 It's a beautiful little midget...and even more sweet because it's powered by an #OFFY!
@@HistoryMysteryMan Yessir, there is no better look than velocity stacks attached to Hilborns, showing off that 110 Offy under the hood and side panels.
Another gem HMM.
Watched Mel race many a time. Last time I spoke to him was at The Last stand at the Stadium in Joliet Illinois.Pure Class👍🏻
Mel is the best...class act for sure. Thanks again, David...HMM
I have a bare unmachined crosley block used for midget racing from a shop in piqua ohio
That's interesting. I'll bet that Crosley block would be in demand...thanks! HMM
Such a great story of a great man. you have out done yourself again Don, keep up the great work my friend.
I sure will Greg...thanks for your continued support!
Courageous and inspiring are two words diffine this great racer. Thank you Don for documenting Mr Kenyon's truly incredible racing career.
You're welcome Vaughan; thanks for watching! HMM
HMM can you ask Mel if he ran the 5 August 1966 Nazareth, PA midget race? I was there and pushed for that event, great memories! A night race, the track was 1 1/8 mile dirt at that time.
I'll see what I can find out...thanks! HMM
Another great video God bless the kenyons
Thanks again Alan...
God bless Mel, Don and the Kenyon family
Absolutely! Thanks again, Kurt...HMM
Another great job !I hope you keep going with our childhood heroes! That music you play is starting to really grow on me whatever it is!
Thanks again Dave...nice to hear from you again. Another childhood hero on the way!
When I think of the all-time open wheeled greats 'Mel Kenyon' immediately comes to mind. He was on another level. He was 'da man' at every track he went to.
His story is so amazing! Thanks greg j...HMM
These videos are museum quality content as always. Incredible stories & info! Thank You
Thanks again Jared; I really appreciate it. Stop by anytime...
My racing hero....and more important a true christian man...his story and positive outlook on life is inspiring...if you can get ahold of his book...A HAND FOR THE WHEEL..get it and read it...I grew up watching Mel race at Avilla motor speedway in Avilla Indiana...I have a picture of Mel and me after a feature win at Avilla...I was like 10 years ago....I took that picture to the rumble in the Fort in Fort Wayne Indiana some 40 years later and showed Mel that picture...he got a big grin on his face...he laughed and said look I had dark hair.... great memories....thanks Mel...🏁🏁🏁
Agree, that is a great read. Have read it several times
There’s no better person or racer than Mel, what a great story.
A great man for sure...not just a racing story, but an inspiring life story worth celebrating. Thanks again, Greg...
Love Mel Kenyon, they don't make racer's like him anymore....Fact !!!
No truer words...thanks again David.
Mel saved my great uncle from his burning car at a race in 1967. I had his name written down in my family history research and decided to google him and found your video. My uncle unfortunately died during the graft surgery weeks later, but what a heroic thing to pull someone out of a burning car -- singlehandedly. Ask Mel if he remembers much about Jimmy Knight. We will have to get in touch with mel somehow and send a note.
Wow...never this about Mel and Jimmy. Super interesting; thanks for sharing your stories here! HMM
Great job brother
I was at Winchester the day he crashed and is why he can’t pick his head up
Thanks Billy. I wasn't aware of the Winchester crash...and he didn't say anything about it...and I didn't know anything about it. Wonder what year that was? Thanks again, brother...