I was there the night this happened and when we went back a couple weeks later Mel was sitting in the stands behind us and his hand and fingers were bandaged and pinned
Great interview my first indy 500 was 1965 and have been there at least 25 times I saw Mel in many midget races over the years and have the greatest respect for such a great man thanks for the video
Incredible. My heart goes out to this gentlemen for his perseverance and dedication to the sport after this accident. truly there was a higher calling for him. God bless him.
I remember the first time I met Mel & Don, it was at El Cajon speedway for a USAC midget race in the late 60’s when he was coming back from his injuries, they were both so nice and were signing autographs. Thanks for the great video Don.
You're welcome Greg...very cool story. I went to El Cajon Speedway one time. I was living in Pacific Beach with my sister, and I wanted to go to see a race so bad; it had been so long. I had someone drop me off without knowing how I'd get back. I asked a bunch of people if they would consider giving me a ride back to PB...no takers. So I just started walking back...the only route I knew which was the expressway...at night. Eventually a cop stopped and wanted to know what the heck I was doing. He called my neighbor who finally came and picked me up.
Amazing man, I had the pleasure in watching him down here at Western Springs NZ along with many other US drivers when I was young, was always a highlight of the seasons racing. It was common knowledge he had lost a hand and drove with a modified glove but I never realized the other injuries he suffered. Such a remarkable story.
Mel is truly a remarkable and inspiring story. I can't imagine the pain he went through, but persevered as he did...just incredible! Thanks for taking the time to watch!
I used to listen to the Indy 500 live on the radio as a kid and he was always the guy I rooted for because he had ties to Iowa. My dad was a sports writer and he introduced me to Mel when I was around 12. He was WAY underrated as an Indy driver. I always wondered what he could have done with a little bit better cars at Indy. He was as good as just about anyone.
With better cars at Indy, not to mention his fingers and thumbs on his left hand, Mel would have given his competitors a run for it everywhere. 4 Indy 500 wins would not be out of the question for me. Thanks for watching Bill; I appreciate your support
When people ask me why the Indianapolis 500 isn't as popular anymore, one reason I always mention is that there aren't as many drivers with local ties to cheer for.
I watched Mel at Indy in '66. He was the topic of much discussion prerace. How was a one handed driver going to "handle the steering wheel for 500 miles?" He came out better than most. Enjoyed the interview. Thanks
Great interview. Been a fan a Mel's since I was a little kid and saw him race at Kokomo. Been nurse at the burn unit in San Antonio for the last 20 years
Thank you for this excellent and inspiring interview! I'm aware that my greetings will most likely never be delivered forward, but I still would like to send my very best regards to mr. Kenyon from the other side of the world, from Finland. 🇫🇮🏆
Finland! Wow...what a huge deal to hear from you...so honored! If you were kind enough to write in from Finland, I'll make sure your message is delivered. I'd love to visit Finland. Thanks for watching, and help me spread the word over there! HMM
Good evening (once again, Finnish time). I'm very happy to receive such kind acceptance and reply from your side, I'm equally honored so thank you again! I would be thrilled to have my greetings delivered to Mr. Kenyon because I'm a racing history fanatic and despite representing the European tradition of racing, I've always loved American racing series such as Nascar, Indycar and Sprint Car/Midgets etc. (especially from the early-2000s and backwards when they could even be said to be among the very best series in the world). I warmly invite you to visit Finland which is a very beautiful and a very clean country all year round. Last but not least, I will certainly recommend my friends to visit your channel when I see them. My very best regards again to Mr. Kenyon, to you of course and also to all your viewers! 🇺🇲🏁🏆
You ACE'D it again with another GREAT interview with one of the BEST. The younger will never have the opportunity to watch the greatest generation of drivers perform. Mel was without any argument one of the best. I've seen him duel it out many places when I wore a much younger mans clothes. In the east, Soldier Field, Terra Haute, Langhorne, and too many to mention them all. In the west, Manzanita, Pima County Fairgrounds, Lakeside Speedway, Sportsman Park and again way to many to mention. There were many greats back in the days and Mel was always right in the middle going for the lead. If this newer generation was to go back to those times and drivers they would see what it was to drive a beast. Again Mystery Man, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND KEEPING THEM OUT THERE.
Great interview, still going at 88 now thats inspirational. As a teenage kid mid 70s I remember Mel racing at our local track, Baypark Raceway, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.
GOD BLESS Mr. Kenyon. I was burned really bad as a kid. Went through some of what Mel went through. Not as bad as his burns, but bad enough. Skin graphs, removal of burnt skin/muscle tissue etc. The pain is absolutely beyond description. Mel is beyond tough. Mentally and physically.
I watched Mel run midgets on pavement at Kalamazoo Speedway for years. I wish I could find old autograph book from the mid 70's. I had some incredible autographs. Mel would stand and talk to you as long as you stood there talking to him. He is an awesome awesome man
Amazing man and story. It hurts like hell just to burn your hand on a hot pan. Can’t imagine what he went through and with mid-sixties medical techniques.
My racing hero... growing up in Indiana I saw Mel win alot of races at Avilla motor speedway...had my picture taken with him when was like 10 years old after he had won the feature that night...I took that picture to the rumble in the Fort 40 some odd years after it was taken and saw Mel and took the picture and showed it to him...he got the biggest kick out of the fact I still had that picture...he mentioned that he still had dark hair then...a great great guy and an inspiration....🏁🏁🏁
That's a neat story Jimmy...it would have been so cool to hear you tell that story inside the video...it's the stuff I'm always looking for. Thanks for watching! HMM
@@magillanz - As an Aussie Speedway nutter since the 1970s, I too would appreciate a part 3 on Mel & Don's adventures in the "Land's Down Under" I also like to know what track it is that his own Son is now officiating at, in New Zealand, if I may ask? Thanks mate, all the best!!
oh the wreck happened in the vokovich car? perhaps that roadster is cursed a class act for the leader to pull it over and try to help him out in that wreck, not many would do that today of course you got track crew to respond, but sometimes the community pitches in especially when they are compeating togather in usac many days a week 8 months out of the year, on the track yea everyone wants to win but in the pits sometimes you see them joking around especially team mates like tmez and justin grant, or the kind way the speak of bryan clausen when you bring his name up those that raced with him and ask about him. still an incredable story, mr kenyon, and won all that without fingers on a hand, not unlike the bettenhausen's ledgends also but still the one thing that eluded them winning at the 500, and you have of course mr 4 crown Jack Hewit I heard he got bad wrecks too , a friend I work with said his neck got broken when a sprint car landed on his car among all the other bumps and hazerds of race car driving
Hello Mistery Man....could you make an interview to my friend Roy Caruthers...he has a racing family dated to the 20s with his father Doug racing in the salt flats and brothers Dani and Jimmy...both Midget and Sprint car champions....also Red his uncle and himself in the 90s
Mel told me about a day at at dirt track that was really really rough and after he was burned his brother built a glove that had a mechanism in it that locked onto a post welded on the steering wheel because he lost all his fingers on his left had of course and he said that the track was so rough his right hand would get thrown off the wheel but his left hand stayed locked on and he won that race. That was a story he told me in the pits after the races at Kalamazoo Speedway probably 1977 or 1978. 44 years later and I can still remember talking to him almost every night the midgets came and ran with the Tri-Sac supermodifieds which were incredible race cars. Roadsters which was the early version of what is now ISMA supermodifieds or you could run a upright which was a reg frame sprint car. Kalamazoo Speedway is the fastest paved 3/8 mile in America. It was anyway I don't know if it is anymore
@@HistoryMysteryMan Where do you hail from. I grew up in Richland, lived in Kalamazoo for 22 years and we have spent the last about 10 years near Martin where the =131 dragway is.... it's 5 miles from my house and you can hear them that far away. Especially if there is a good west wind..or the Nitro cars are there
@@HistoryMysteryMan Well shoot..... we might just have to find some common ground like at Gas City or somewhere and get some dirt thrown on us this summer.
I heard some years ago that the Kenyons at some point used a Ford tractor (industrial) engine in a midget. At 4:03 a brief look at a photo sure looks like the Ford engine. Is it a Ford? I never followed midgets till the late 70’s but was so happy to be able to see Mel race in Northern IL over the years.
I would love to see something about the history of engines in the midgets. Offenhausers were pretty much gone by the mid 80s when my son and I started going to races. I’m not sure of the sanction but some Sunday afternoons the midgets would run at the fairgrounds in Mendota, IL. I was always fascinated by the variety of engines. VW/Autocraft we’re becoming popular but Chevy II, Sesco, an aluminum Buick V8, an Evenruide, and I believe there was a V8 made from Motorcycle engines (maybe driven by Terry Starks?) and at some point Cosworth seemed to be the hot setup. About 2000, began regularly attending Grundy County fairgrounds midgets (pavement). They had a couple of really nice special National Midget races every summer as well as weekly ones. They also ran the Illini Sportsmen midgets on Dot Tires with all engines somewhat restricted to try to keep them even. I recall that Quad fours seemed to be the hot setup but there were Saturns, Chevy II, VW, Nissan, and others. Eventually the Focus and Ecotec came but I moved away and lost track of the series. I’m now retired with I55 (Pevely) and Tri-City my local tracks. Thanks for great content!
@@stevecunningham2759 It would take some serious research, but you're right, it would make for a great video story. The Offys were fascinating...just their sound alone always got my attention, and really stood out among the rest. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here Steve; I welcome your ideas...HMM
My dad had one midget when I was not much more than maybe 5 or 6 with a Ford Ferguson engine. Competitive car too. When that engine came out a V8-60 Flathead went in for a short time followed by a Ford Falcon engine. Dad never put an Offy in that car. Shortly before he sold it he put a Chevy II in it. That car was an old rail frame Kurtis Kraft. It was fairly ancient when I first remember it.
A man by the name of Joe Giba ran an Evinrude around the Rocky Mountain region. A few others tried it but Joe was consistently up front with it. Another Rocky Mountain guy by the name of Don "Spyder" Anderson ran one of the V-8's that began from the marriage of two Suzuki motorcycle engines. It was a successful car on the bigger asphalt tracks. Bobby Unser drove a car with a Sesco 2X4. (265CI Chevy cut in half. They used the rear four cylinders and had a V-4). Cosworth put out a Vega engine for a little bit. There were a few in the late 50's still running Elto engines. (Elto Outboard)
>__< ouch I cant imagine the pain the raw nerve pain from being soaked and skinned like that, mr kenyon is upbeat about the affair he went though, and he was lucky his sponsors were good to him like that some are not so fortunate, but then again this was the gen that went though ww2 they were a hardier bunch back then, and today even, and did his best performances after his accident and drove cars till he was 74 Years Old. and did them with usac it might not be world of outlaws, or nascar but it was usac the largest and really oldest current openwheel sanctioning body in the nation if not world I reckon, its top level stuff. this is what ledgends are made of and why he is a ledgend and the fact he is still with us, though no spring chicken.
Mel is a man among men, and you're absolutely correct on that generation he came from...tougher than nails without complaining. America just doesn't build men like Mel anymore, and we will pay an awful price in this country as a result. Thanks for watching...Happy New Year!
@@HistoryMysteryMan yes we could use a few more, like him and I dont just mean angry men that will punch your lights out for looking at them wrong, but real men that can fight but also know how to treat a lady, raise kids proper, and stay with a family thick and thin, and has a running understanding of how to fix and build stuff, and is selfless, and knows how to live by his faith at least a little, even if they may not be judeo christian or deist at least understand the concepts that our founders had in mind at least live by His philosophy he preaches, and correct wrongs lovingly, and stand up for the innocent insofar as one is able. and it seems the people on the coasts are the ones trying to knock down all that made us who we are, no offense of the drivers or parts makers that come from the pacific coast like all the sprint car transplants and openwheel guys or the parts made by offenhouser, but our forefathers fought for 100 years to stop the spread of socialism and its degrading treatment of indaviduals and equal misery shared by all but the highest part of the governments, and now the kids want to take it up like its the best thing since sliced bread, and their have ye no fun cancel culture, and well meaning activism but misplaced efforts while being used by powermongering individuals in industry and government to do their bidding. I dont want to go on a tirade again about all the stuff that seems counter to what I was taught and much of wokeism is dangerous, and seems no one is willing to do what they have the power to do, case in point the hoosier hundred at irp, as you know it was the crown jewel in prestige for the dirt races for decades on the champ car trail, and the indy 500 was the crown of the paved races, I know money is money and money talks but irp could very well build a large temp dirt track for it and compaired to most tracks they got loads more money to put down even a 1/2 mile dirt track that would be big enough for the usac silver crown roadsters to race on with their dirt cars, and do a 200 lap spectacular, not to mention the dirt crown races tend to get more entrants and fans in the stands. seems they would want to load up all the guns and kick off the biggest usac season in decades for their big anniversery. I dont know you been watching this way longer then I have and know more about long track and dirt racing then I do, you know more about the logistics of tracks then I do, but it seems if your going to go then go all out and fight like hell to do it the best you can not go mmmmehhhh I am tired today that looks good enough. seems to say for the certain people out there if they worked at doing a good job or making something as they did destroying canceling and protesting they might actually be world class at it. sarry I did it again don. hope to see you at the hoosier 100, terre haute if it gets going again, or at eldora for the races sometime.
@@manga12 No sweat; I enjoy reading your commentary. There was a lot of meaningful stuff in this one; thanks for sharing. The Indy 500 will always be the greatest race in the world in my book. HMM
I recall a night at Kil-Kare Speedway in Xenia Ohio when the USAC Midgets came to town. We kids worshipped Mel Kenyon because he was so good and always hung around to sign autographs and meet with us. There were a bunch of hot dogs in the field that night but Mel just dusted them off. It was a thorough butt kicking and we couldn't have been happier.
This guy is the epitome of an iconic motorsports hero. His accomplishments AFTER the devastating accident are simply beyond comprehension.
I couldn't agree more. Thanks for watching! HMM
Amazing racer right there!!! Much respect for Mel!!🏁
Mel is amazing! Thanks for watching...HMM
The legendary career everyone knows about after the crash. Thanks for filling in the blanks of this amazing story of courage that rivals any in sport.
You're welcome Alan; thanks for taking the time to watch! HMM
I was there the night this happened and when we went back a couple weeks later Mel was sitting in the stands behind us and his hand and fingers were bandaged and pinned
Great interview my first indy 500 was 1965 and have been there at least 25 times I saw Mel in many midget races over the years and have the greatest respect for such a great man thanks for the video
You're welcome; thanks again. What great memories you must have of the Brickyard...since '65! HMM
Incredible. My heart goes out to this gentlemen for his perseverance and dedication to the sport after this accident. truly there was a higher calling for him. God bless him.
Mel is amazing. Thanks for watching! HMM
Another of my childhood heroes! Thanks for sharing this.
You got it Darin. Thanks for checking in again...
MEL KENYAN GOD BLESS YOU
I remember the first time I met Mel & Don, it was at El Cajon speedway for a USAC midget race in the late 60’s when he was coming back from his injuries, they were both so nice and were signing autographs. Thanks for the great video Don.
You're welcome Greg...very cool story. I went to El Cajon Speedway one time. I was living in Pacific Beach with my sister, and I wanted to go to see a race so bad; it had been so long. I had someone drop me off without knowing how I'd get back. I asked a bunch of people if they would consider giving me a ride back to PB...no takers. So I just started walking back...the only route I knew which was the expressway...at night. Eventually a cop stopped and wanted to know what the heck I was doing. He called my neighbor who finally came and picked me up.
@@HistoryMysteryMan Greg Simon is Tony "The Tiger" Simon's brother of ASCOT fame.
@@christianmayhew2617 I know...so cool! Thanks...HMM
What a inspirational Story and video thank you for sharing
You're welcome Aaron; thanks for watching...HMM
Amazing man, I had the pleasure in watching him down here at Western Springs NZ along with many other US drivers when I was young, was always a highlight of the seasons racing. It was common knowledge he had lost a hand and drove with a modified glove but I never realized the other injuries he suffered. Such a remarkable story.
Mel is truly a remarkable and inspiring story. I can't imagine the pain he went through, but persevered as he did...just incredible! Thanks for taking the time to watch!
I used to listen to the Indy 500 live on the radio as a kid and he was always the guy I rooted for because he had ties to Iowa. My dad was a sports writer and he introduced me to Mel when I was around 12. He was WAY underrated as an Indy driver. I always wondered what he could have done with a little bit better cars at Indy. He was as good as just about anyone.
With better cars at Indy, not to mention his fingers and thumbs on his left hand, Mel would have given his competitors a run for it everywhere. 4 Indy 500 wins would not be out of the question for me. Thanks for watching Bill; I appreciate your support
When people ask me why the Indianapolis 500 isn't as popular anymore, one reason I always mention is that there aren't as many drivers with local ties to cheer for.
I watched Mel at Indy in '66. He was the topic of much discussion prerace. How was a one handed driver going to "handle the steering wheel for 500 miles?"
He came out better than most. Enjoyed the interview. Thanks
Mel is one tough customer. Thanks again, Don...HMM
Great interview. Been a fan a Mel's since I was a little kid and saw him race at Kokomo. Been nurse at the burn unit in San Antonio for the last 20 years
Thanks again; I appreciate your support! HMM
Thank you for this excellent and inspiring interview! I'm aware that my greetings will most likely never be delivered forward, but I still would like to send my very best regards to mr. Kenyon from the other side of the world, from Finland. 🇫🇮🏆
Finland! Wow...what a huge deal to hear from you...so honored! If you were kind enough to write in from Finland, I'll make sure your message is delivered. I'd love to visit Finland. Thanks for watching, and help me spread the word over there! HMM
Good evening (once again, Finnish time).
I'm very happy to receive such kind acceptance and reply from your side, I'm equally honored so thank you again! I would be thrilled to have my greetings delivered to Mr. Kenyon because I'm a racing history fanatic and despite representing the European tradition of racing, I've always loved American racing series such as Nascar, Indycar and Sprint Car/Midgets etc. (especially from the early-2000s and backwards when they could even be said to be among the very best series in the world).
I warmly invite you to visit Finland which is a very beautiful and a very clean country all year round.
Last but not least, I will certainly recommend my friends to visit your channel when I see them. My very best regards again to Mr. Kenyon, to you of course and also to all your viewers! 🇺🇲🏁🏆
Thank you so much...so appreciated. Stop by anytime!@@klaseronen7535
Shocked how energetic this man is , what a legend
Mel is amazing...thanks. HMM
Mell Kenyon should be the 4th head on Mount Rushmore!!! Great interview Don keep them coming!
I'll buy that! Thanks Dave...
Thanks again Don! Super interesting story. A legend!
You're welcome Dan...thanks for coming back!
Again great video God bless Mel Kenyon!
Thanks again, Alan...Mel is a real gem.
such a amazing story..thank you
You're welcome; thanks for watching...HMM
Oh man, Mel is a personal hero, thanks Don!
You know how to pick your heroes! Thanks Don...
amazing, cheers mel,,saw you race many times at pocono,,,,,,love from italy, robert
Thanks for watching, Robert...HMM
You ACE'D it again with another GREAT interview with one of the BEST. The younger will never have the opportunity to watch the greatest generation of drivers perform. Mel was without any argument one of the best. I've seen him duel it out many places when I wore a much younger mans clothes. In the east, Soldier Field, Terra Haute, Langhorne, and too many to mention them all. In the west, Manzanita, Pima County Fairgrounds, Lakeside Speedway, Sportsman Park and again way to many to mention. There were many greats back in the days and Mel was always right in the middle going for the lead. If this newer generation was to go back to those times and drivers they would see what it was to drive a beast.
Again Mystery Man, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND KEEPING THEM OUT THERE.
Thanks James; I appreciate you taking the time to watch. Mel is amazing...what an era! HMM
Great interview, still going at 88 now thats inspirational. As a teenage kid mid 70s I remember Mel racing at our local track, Baypark Raceway, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.
Mel is truly an inspiration for all...saw him Sunday at the HARF awards banquet...he's looking good! Thanks again, Dale...HMM
GOD BLESS Mr. Kenyon. I was burned really bad as a kid. Went through some of what Mel went through. Not as bad as his burns, but bad enough. Skin graphs, removal of burnt skin/muscle tissue etc. The pain is absolutely beyond description. Mel is beyond tough. Mentally and physically.
And so are you, my friend...tough beyond the description. Thanks for sharing your stories here, Gregory...and thanks for watching. HMM
Mr. Kenyon came to my school to give us a talk. Great guy...
Now that's cool! Thanks for sharing that...HMM
I still have his autograph I got from him years ago in Fort Wayne, In. He’s a legend
Magnificent Mel! Such an amazing story and man. Thanks for watching...HMM
Love the interview. This man is a racing legend.
Thanks Jeffrey; I agree on his legendary status. Thanks for watching...
What a gentle man. What a legend.
Mel is amazing! Thanks Collin...HMM
Another great interview Don, cant wait for part 2 . keep up the good work my friend.
You know I appreciate it...thanks Greg.
This is a great man in racing and life.maybe more of us should follow his example in life
Couldn't agree more David. I appreciate you...thanks for checking in and sharing your thoughts here!
I watched Mel run midgets on pavement at Kalamazoo Speedway for years. I wish I could find old autograph book from the mid 70's. I had some incredible autographs. Mel would stand and talk to you as long as you stood there talking to him. He is an awesome awesome man
And so humble...
Very interesting! Thanks!
You're welcome; thanks for checking it out...
Amazing man and story. It hurts like hell just to burn your hand on a hot pan. Can’t imagine what he went through and with mid-sixties medical techniques.
I know; it's hard to process the pain he endured. #Respect...thanks...HMM
Loving watching your videos. Awesome job!
Thanks again, James; I appreciate you. HMM
My racing hero... growing up in Indiana I saw Mel win alot of races at Avilla motor speedway...had my picture taken with him when was like 10 years old after he had won the feature that night...I took that picture to the rumble in the Fort 40 some odd years after it was taken and saw Mel and took the picture and showed it to him...he got the biggest kick out of the fact I still had that picture...he mentioned that he still had dark hair then...a great great guy and an inspiration....🏁🏁🏁
That's a neat story Jimmy...it would have been so cool to hear you tell that story inside the video...it's the stuff I'm always looking for. Thanks for watching! HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan no problem...love the stories that your doing...grass roots racing is so important to the history of the sport...
@@jimmyrecce8787 And...grass roots racing hold the best stories. Thanks again Jimmy...HMM
I met Mel at a small dirt track in Wisconsin many years ago. Signed my program and was not too busy to talk to a kid who loved midgets.
Sounds like the Magnificent Mel that I met. Thanks for watching, Thomas. HMM
Done so much for racing a real pioneer awesome man
Absolutely John...thanks for chiming in! HMM
I got to see old Mel run in the early seventies, what a great person!. And I think he raced with only one good arm!. Great racer!.
Mel is an incredible story. Thanks Steve! HMM
God Bless Mel Your my hero I look up to you and HMM as well.
Thanks! I sure appreciate you...HMM
What a testimony. With GOD all things are possible!
A turbo-charged Offy powered Indy car. It had to be breathtaking on the big oval with that kind of power
I can't imagine, but I like to try...especially with the Offy engines pumping out their awesome sounds. Thanks again, Jim...HMM
Met Mel in 77/78 @ Mesa Marin as a 11 yr old kid.....nice guy !
keep up the great reporting🚘
Thanks Penny. I was so disappointed that I didn't get to the Tivoli to see the Godzilla vs. Kong opener...I hear it was a real box office smash!
Mel raced here in New Zealand a number of times, as did his son Brice. Brice is still here and his now an official at our local track
Mel's time in Australia would make a great movie...or maybe Part 3. Thanks Ian...
@@HistoryMysteryMan and New Zealand.
@@magillanz - As an Aussie Speedway nutter since the 1970s, I too would appreciate a part 3 on Mel & Don's adventures in the "Land's Down Under"
I also like to know what track it is that his own Son is now officiating at, in New Zealand, if I may ask? Thanks mate, all the best!!
@@frenzalrhomb6919 Western Springs
oh the wreck happened in the vokovich car? perhaps that roadster is cursed a class act for the leader to pull it over and try to help him out in that wreck, not many would do that today of course you got track crew to respond, but sometimes the community pitches in especially when they are compeating togather in usac many days a week 8 months out of the year, on the track yea everyone wants to win but in the pits sometimes you see them joking around especially team mates like tmez and justin grant, or the kind way the speak of bryan clausen when you bring his name up those that raced with him and ask about him. still an incredable story, mr kenyon, and won all that without fingers on a hand, not unlike the bettenhausen's ledgends also but still the one thing that eluded them winning at the 500, and you have of course mr 4 crown Jack Hewit I heard he got bad wrecks too , a friend I work with said his neck got broken when a sprint car landed on his car among all the other bumps and hazerds of race car driving
КАЙФ И ПРИЧЕМ ВЕЧНЫЙ!!!
Hello Mistery Man....could you make an interview to my friend Roy Caruthers...he has a racing family dated to the 20s with his father Doug racing in the salt flats and brothers Dani and Jimmy...both Midget and Sprint car champions....also Red his uncle and himself in the 90s
Roy would certainly be a great story. Do you know where he lives? Thanks...HMM
i have the same birthday as mel kenyon pretty cool
That's awesome! Thanks for watching...HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan thank you ! that is an amazing story. i don t think many could or would make a comeback after what he went thru. a true legend
@@tjw3999 Amazing Mel! Thanks...HMM
Don't forget the 8-2nd place runner up finishes in the points race he had. With very little more points he could have had 15 Championships.....
Good point...certainly worth mentioning. Thanks again, Bryan. HMM
Mel told me about a day at at dirt track that was really really rough and after he was burned his brother built a glove that had a mechanism in it that locked onto a post welded on the steering wheel because he lost all his fingers on his left had of course and he said that the track was so rough his right hand would get thrown off the wheel but his left hand stayed locked on and he won that race. That was a story he told me in the pits after the races at Kalamazoo Speedway probably 1977 or 1978. 44 years later and I can still remember talking to him almost every night the midgets came and ran with the Tri-Sac supermodifieds which were incredible race cars. Roadsters which was the early version of what is now ISMA supermodifieds or you could run a upright which was a reg frame sprint car.
Kalamazoo Speedway is the fastest paved 3/8 mile in America. It was anyway I don't know if it is anymore
Mel Kenyon is an amazing story and Kalamazoo Speedway is still awesome. Thanks for all your contributions...HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan Where do you hail from. I grew up in Richland, lived in Kalamazoo for 22 years and we have spent the last about 10 years near Martin where the =131 dragway is.... it's 5 miles from my house and you can hear them that far away. Especially if there is a good west wind..or the Nitro cars are there
@@richrinehart1083 Northwest Ohio area...
@@HistoryMysteryMan Well shoot..... we might just have to find some common ground like at Gas City or somewhere and get some dirt thrown on us this summer.
@@richrinehart1083 I've never seen a race at Gas City, but I've always wanted to...thanks Rich. HMM
Mel is married to my wife's cousin, a very nice man!
Mel is an American icon/gem...thanks! HMM
I heard some years ago that the Kenyons at some point used a Ford tractor (industrial) engine in a midget. At 4:03 a brief look at a photo sure looks like the Ford engine. Is it a Ford? I never followed midgets till the late 70’s but was so happy to be able to see Mel race in Northern IL over the years.
I'll have to check on that Ford engine...thanks Steve. HMM
I would love to see something about the history of engines in the midgets. Offenhausers were pretty much gone by the mid 80s when my son and I started going to races. I’m not sure of the sanction but some Sunday afternoons the midgets would run at the fairgrounds in Mendota, IL. I was always fascinated by the variety of engines. VW/Autocraft we’re becoming popular but Chevy II, Sesco, an aluminum Buick V8, an Evenruide, and I believe there was a V8 made from Motorcycle engines (maybe driven by Terry Starks?) and at some point Cosworth seemed to be the hot setup.
About 2000, began regularly attending Grundy County fairgrounds midgets (pavement). They had a couple of really nice special National Midget races every summer as well as weekly ones. They also ran the Illini Sportsmen midgets on Dot Tires with all engines somewhat restricted to try to keep them even. I recall that Quad fours seemed to be the hot setup but there were Saturns, Chevy II, VW, Nissan, and others. Eventually the Focus and Ecotec came but I moved away and lost track of the series. I’m now retired with I55 (Pevely) and Tri-City my local tracks.
Thanks for great content!
@@stevecunningham2759 It would take some serious research, but you're right, it would make for a great video story. The Offys were fascinating...just their sound alone always got my attention, and really stood out among the rest. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here Steve; I welcome your ideas...HMM
My dad had one midget when I was not much more than maybe 5 or 6 with a Ford Ferguson engine. Competitive car too. When that engine came out a V8-60 Flathead went in for a short time followed by a Ford Falcon engine. Dad never put an Offy in that car. Shortly before he sold it he put a Chevy II in it. That car was an old rail frame Kurtis Kraft. It was fairly ancient when I first remember it.
A man by the name of Joe Giba ran an Evinrude around the Rocky Mountain region. A few others tried it but Joe was consistently up front with it. Another Rocky Mountain guy by the name of Don "Spyder" Anderson ran one of the V-8's that began from the marriage of two Suzuki motorcycle engines. It was a successful car on the bigger asphalt tracks. Bobby Unser drove a car with a Sesco 2X4. (265CI Chevy cut in half. They used the rear four cylinders and had a V-4). Cosworth put out a Vega engine for a little bit. There were a few in the late 50's still running Elto engines. (Elto Outboard)
I saw him race at IRP in early 90’s in a midget.
>__< ouch I cant imagine the pain the raw nerve pain from being soaked and skinned like that, mr kenyon is upbeat about the affair he went though, and he was lucky his sponsors were good to him like that some are not so fortunate, but then again this was the gen that went though ww2 they were a hardier bunch back then, and today even, and did his best performances after his accident and drove cars till he was 74 Years Old. and did them with usac it might not be world of outlaws, or nascar but it was usac the largest and really oldest current openwheel sanctioning body in the nation if not world I reckon, its top level stuff. this is what ledgends are made of and why he is a ledgend and the fact he is still with us, though no spring chicken.
Mel is a man among men, and you're absolutely correct on that generation he came from...tougher than nails without complaining. America just doesn't build men like Mel anymore, and we will pay an awful price in this country as a result. Thanks for watching...Happy New Year!
@@HistoryMysteryMan yes we could use a few more, like him and I dont just mean angry men that will punch your lights out for looking at them wrong, but real men that can fight but also know how to treat a lady, raise kids proper, and stay with a family thick and thin, and has a running understanding of how to fix and build stuff, and is selfless, and knows how to live by his faith at least a little, even if they may not be judeo christian or deist at least understand the concepts that our founders had in mind at least live by His philosophy he preaches, and correct wrongs lovingly, and stand up for the innocent insofar as one is able.
and it seems the people on the coasts are the ones trying to knock down all that made us who we are, no offense of the drivers or parts makers that come from the pacific coast like all the sprint car transplants and openwheel guys or the parts made by offenhouser, but our forefathers fought for 100 years to stop the spread of socialism and its degrading treatment of indaviduals and equal misery shared by all but the highest part of the governments, and now the kids want to take it up like its the best thing since sliced bread, and their have ye no fun cancel culture, and well meaning activism but misplaced efforts while being used by powermongering individuals in industry and government to do their bidding.
I dont want to go on a tirade again about all the stuff that seems counter to what I was taught and much of wokeism is dangerous, and seems no one is willing to do what they have the power to do, case in point the hoosier hundred at irp, as you know it was the crown jewel in prestige for the dirt races for decades on the champ car trail, and the indy 500 was the crown of the paved races, I know money is money and money talks but irp could very well build a large temp dirt track for it and compaired to most tracks they got loads more money to put down even a 1/2 mile dirt track that would be big enough for the usac silver crown roadsters to race on with their dirt cars, and do a 200 lap spectacular, not to mention the dirt crown races tend to get more entrants and fans in the stands. seems they would want to load up all the guns and kick off the biggest usac season in decades for their big anniversery.
I dont know you been watching this way longer then I have and know more about long track and dirt racing then I do, you know more about the logistics of tracks then I do, but it seems if your going to go then go all out and fight like hell to do it the best you can not go mmmmehhhh I am tired today that looks good enough.
seems to say for the certain people out there if they worked at doing a good job or making something as they did destroying canceling and protesting they might actually be world class at it.
sarry I did it again don.
hope to see you at the hoosier 100, terre haute if it gets going again, or at eldora for the races sometime.
@@manga12 No sweat; I enjoy reading your commentary. There was a lot of meaningful stuff in this one; thanks for sharing. The Indy 500 will always be the greatest race in the world in my book. HMM
It’s not Leb-a-non. It’s Lebn’n. Get your Hoosier vernacular correct.
638 is that Ryan Newman
I'm going with yes...thanks. HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan I swear to God I thought we lost him in that Daytona accident
@@billmadison2032 Sure looked like it. A testament to the safety standards of a Cup car.
@@HistoryMysteryMan yes
I recall a night at Kil-Kare Speedway in Xenia Ohio when the USAC Midgets came to town. We kids worshipped Mel Kenyon because he was so good and always hung around to sign autographs and meet with us. There were a bunch of hot dogs in the field that night but Mel just dusted them off. It was a thorough butt kicking and we couldn't have been happier.
What a great story! Stories like these help remind me why I do this. Thanks again, greg j...HMM
these people were insane
It was a passion that fueled them, despite the danger...and there was always plenty of that. Thanks for watching...HMM
Any relationship with Bruce
Who is Bruce?