The Yanks

Robert George Tattersall (Tatts) was born in July 1924 and two months after graduating from school he joined the army. After basic training, he joined the 82nd Airborne Division and during World War II saw service in Normandy, northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and central Europe. He was wounded several times and was a prisoner of war for a very short time before the war ended. He was discharged in 1945 after being awarded the Bronze Star, Silver Star, Purple Heart and Presidential Citation. Bob began driving trucks in Indiana for a living and also began racing stock cars. He first raced a midget in 1950 in South Bend, Indiana Speedway. He won the UARA Midget Championship in 1957 and 58 and also the NASCAR Midget Championship in 1958. He first raced in Australia 1958-59 season at Rowley Park driving a Kym Bonython-owned V8-60 (the ex-Ross Goonan #4 re-numbered #57). He debuted on the USAC midget trail in 1960 and for the ensuing 11 years he never finished lower than eighth in the midget standings. Bob finished fourth in 1962, 66 and 67, third in 68 and second in 65. In 1969 he drove for Jack Stroud and took out 11 feature races, was second on nine occasions and finally won the USAC Midget Championship. Bob recorded 63 USAC midget feature wins and ranks fourth on USAC’s all-time midget feature winners. He was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the USAC Hall of Fame in 2016. Bob drove sprintcars and silver crown cars sporadically throughout his career but concentrated on midgets and favoured dirt over asphalt surfaces.

He made 12 consecutive visits to Australia (often stopping in NZ first) racing a variety of offenhauser-powered midgets. He is considered a legend in NZ and Australian speedway and was by far the most popular and well-known import to appear in Australasia. Bob had a flamboyant personality on and off the track. In both NZ and Australia he would do demonstration warm-up laps prior to racing. In Auckland it was on the concrete cycle track that surrounded Western Springs speedway and he’d have the tail of the offy sideways very close to the fence. In Australia it was high up in the dirt with the tail of the car almost touching the safety fence. Bob was an old-school charger – hard driving with a hard living, hard drinking, off-track lifestyle and he was happy to tell people that he was a great driver. Despite his all-out wheel twisting, his innate skill meant he rarely got into trouble during a race; he was a hard, but not rough, driver. Barry B pitted himself against Tatts whenever he could. The two were not close off-track but they certainly had some close encounters on-track! Bob would certainly have beaten Barry B many more times than Barry beat him.

Bob passed his drivers test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1966. In 1967 he went to Indy looking for a drive but instead ended up in hospital having surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from one of his kidneys. Cancer returned in 1970 and in October, 1971 Bob died from a brain tumour in his home town of Streator, Illinois. His last competitive drive was in early 1971 in Sydney where he drove the second Mackay offy. He was a very sick man – still competitive but nowhere near the brilliant driver of the past.

First night out at Rowley Park Bob had a steering failure in the ex-Goonan car and hit the fence hard. He spent a night in hospital before being discharged the next morning with only bruises and abrasions.
(From http://www.oldtimespeedway.com/1950’s Speedcars)

Ever spectacular, Bob in USA 57 goes for an outside pass at Rowley Park. Arn Sunstrom is ahead and Harry Neale behind.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/photos/)

Bob on the inside of Arn Sunstrom at Rowley Park.
(https://www.facebook.com/Rowley-Park-Speedway-183960991667694/)

Queensland Champion Steve Howman is pictured here in a publicity shot at Rowley Park looking at his motor with Bob Tattersall.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Bob Tattersall, Joe Braendler, Ron Wood and Kym Bonython at Rowley Park for the trophy presentation of the 1958 South Australian 15 lap Speedcar Championship.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Bob posing in the Saylors Offy. It was his regular drive in the USA and far superior to the equipment of his local opposition. As well as racing at Rowley Park he also raced the car in Sydney.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/508300632573385/?fref=n)f)

Bob Tattersall posing with his wife Dee and the Saylor’s Offy at Rowley Park. It was a down-under adventure for both of them.
(From https://www.facebook.com/Rowley-Park-Speedway-183960991667694/?fref=ts)

Bob takes the Saylors Offenhauser under local South Australian driver Ken Dart at Rowley Park. The car was sold in Australia and subsequently raced by Jack O’Dea and then as the Mackay Offy by Nick Collier, Len Brock, Lew Marshall and Ray Oram. It was later Raced in Brisbane by Garry Sacre and Johnny Stewart as the Marwood Offy.
(http://vintagespeedway.homestead.com/kendart.html)

Dean Hogarth being chased by a fast-closing Bob Tattersall at Rowley Park.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Bob giving the Saylors Offy heaps in a practice session in Sydney.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

In the first few years that Bob visited down under he cultivated a cowboy image – and became known as Bob “Two Gun” Tattersall
(http://vintagespeedway.homestead.com/kendart.html)

Another shot of Bob Tattersall posing in Offenhauser #14 at Rowley Park.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Offenhauser-mounted stars at the Royale in 1960-61. From L to R, Bob Tattersall (#14), Ray Revell, Jack O’Dea (in the ex-Saylors Offy) and Leroy Warriner.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob Tattersall (#14) lining up on the outside of Offenhauser-mounted Aussie icon Ray Revell (#1) for a match race during his 1960-61 tour.
(From http://www.oldtimespeedway.com/1950’s Speedcars)

Bob brought the Cascio Offenhauser (#5) to Australia for his 1961-62 tour. It is considered by many as the best car he brought down-under.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob poses for the camera in the Cascio Offenhauser. The Cascio Offy was subsequently raced by Blair Shepherd and then Gus McClure in Brisbane. Gus extensively rebuilt the car (it was raced successfully by Mel Kenyon) and then sold it to George Tatnell. It became the Midford Offy and George was very successful in it winning the 1972-73 and 73-74 Australian Speedcar Championship.
(From Australian Speedway Greats, Page Publications, Surry Hills, NSW)

Bob Tattersall at Rowley Park in the Cascio Offy running with a wheel missing. A caution late in the race caused him to lose momentum and forced him to withdraw.
(From http://vintagespeedway.homestead.com/Tatsatrowley.html)

Americans Bob Tattersall and Leroy Warriner at Rowley Park.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Bob posing for the camera in the pits at the Sydney Royale.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Brisbane ace Kev Jefferson (#60) out wide at the Ekka as Bob Tattersall (#5) takes the inside lane for a pass.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/EkkaSpeedwGloryDays/?fref=nf)

Bob raced the Mattoon Imperial Motors Offenhauser (#3) in Australia during the 1962-63 season in black livery.
(From http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=529)

Two of the best American drivers to race in Australia racing side by side. Bob Tattersall on the outside of Jimmy Davies.
(From https://www.facebook.com/classicmidgets/?fref=ts)

Bob Tattersall (#3) swoops around the outside of Ken Morton in Holden-powered #77 at the Sydney Royale.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob Tattersall circulating at Rowley Park while an official runs with him!
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Jeff Freeman in the Mackay Offy (#75) on the outside of Bob Tattersall (#3) at the Royale.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/?ref=br_rs)

Stafford Steer (#22), Peter Cuneen and Johnny Stewart (#44) being chased by Bob Tattersall in the Mattoon Offy #3 – again at the Royale.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/?ref=br_rs)

Bob Tattersall running the Mattoon Offy around the track prior to the race start.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Bob posing in the Mattoon Offy at the Sydney Royale.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

There is that smile again. Bob always looked happy seated in a midget!
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob’s first visit to New Zealand was in the 1963-64 season when he ran the now red and white Mattoon Imperial Motors Offenhauser (#3).
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Here is an extremely rare colour shot of Bob in the pits at Western Springs in 1963-64 in the Mattoon Offenhauser.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Here is Bob running the Mattoon Offy hard at Waiwhakaiho Speedway, New Plymouth. Bob was a crowd favourite wherever he raced.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Bob Tattersall at Waiwhakaiho Speedway standing with Club President Les Carter and chatting to the audience on the PA system.
(From the Don Rutherford collection)

Bob Tattersall posing in the pits in the Mattoon Offenhauser.
(From http://www.oldtimespeedway.com/Album 2)

This is a hand coloured shot of Andy McGavin in the Berco Holden (#2) leading Bob Tattersall #3 at the Sydney Royale.Bob posing in the Mattoon Imperial Motors Offenhauser
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob poses in the pits in the Mattoon Offy#3.
(From the Barry Blacklaw collection, https://www.facebook.com/bblacklaw/photos)

More action in Sydney as Bob (#3) goes for an inside pass on Andy McGavin (#2) and fellow countryman Jimmy Davies (#23) follows him through.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

For the 1964-65 season Bob Tattersall arrived in NZ a week before his American car (the Hollywood Spring and Axle Offenhauser). Bob borrowed Merv Neil’s V8-60 #10 for the midget feature and won. Bob then sold Merv the spare Offy motor from the Hollywood Spring and Axle car and it became the Rothmans Offenhauser.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Bob Tattersall in the Hollywood Spring and Axle Offy (#54) about to be pushed off at Western Springs by the Marcel Car Court (Reece Facoory) push truck.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Bob Tattersall and the crew posing with the Hollywood Spring and Axle car at Western Springs at dusk.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Tatts in full flight at Western Springs. The dent in the bonnet was caused by Jeff Freeman driving over it (and Bobs shoulder) in the Midget Invitation in a one-off appearance at Western Springs driving Merv Neil’s Rothmans Offenhauser.
(From the Alan Batt collection https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

A colour photo of Bob Tattersall in the Hollywood Spring and Axle Offy at the Royale. The car was sold in Australia and later driven by such notables as Barry Valentina, Johnny Stewart, Lew Marshall, Merle Bettenhausen and Brian Cunneen.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob Tattersall (#54)chasing his friend Jeff Freeman in the Mackay Offenhauser (#75). Jeff (#75) beat two weeks running in the Mackay Offy winning the Sydney Speedcar Trophy and the Australian Grand Prix in the 1964-65 Sydney Royale season.
(From http://www.oldtimespeedway.com/ 1960s Speedcars – Album 2)

Another great shot of Merv Neil and Bob Tattersall. At the end of the season, Merv sold the offy and it became the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser #7 (driven by Barry Butterworth, Ian Holden and Trevor Morris).
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Placegetters in the 1965 World Speedcar Championship at the Royale. Bob Tattersall the winner, Jeff Freeman second and Johnny Peers (front) third. On the left is track curator, Reg Mulligan.
(Warren Bridge photo from Ghosts in the Bull Pens by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW)

Interational racing at Western Springs from 1965-66. Bill Goode (#5) leads from Merv Neil (#10) and Bob Tattersall (#76) with Barry Butterworth (#7) out wide.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

A great Bill Meyer shot of Bob at speed in #35 at The Sydney Royale.
(From Just One More. The Speedway Photography of Bill Meyer by Wayne Meyer and Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW)

Bob has the Stroud car fully crossed up demonstrating his normal spectacular driving style!
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/292735284238221/)

Bob ready to be pushed off in the Stroud Offy.
(From http://www.oldtimespeedway.com/1960’s Speedcars – Album 1)

Bob Tattersall (#35) on the outside of Blair Shepherd (#99) (Blair is in the ex- Cascio Offenhauser) at the Ekka.
(https://www.facebook.com/Vintage-Speedcar-Association-Qld-VSAQ-210442445729543/)

A beautiful colour photo of Bob in full flight at the Sydney Royale.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Col Henning, Bob Tattersall, Sherman Cleveland and Kym Bonython at the presentation after another feature race at Rowley Park. Cleveland won this one.
(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rowley-Park-Speedway/113515362063881)

Bob Tattersall and Sherman Cleveland posing for the camera in the pits at the Ekka.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/EkkaSpeedwGloryDays/)

Bob Tattersall presented Mayfree Freeman (Jeff’s mother) with his first place trophy after he won the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix at the Sydney Showground on February 26, 1966. Bob was a friend of Jeff Freeman (who was killed in a midget crash the year before) and as a sign of respect, gave the trophy to Jeff’s mother.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/

For his 1966-67 campaign, double USAC Midget Champion Mike McGreevy (R) was Bob’s travelling partner. McGreevy wasn’t at his best and Bob was clearly the faster driver.
(Bill Meyer photo from Just One More, The Speedway Photography of Bill Meyer by Wayne Meyer and Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

Bob sitting in the car on the Western Springs infield after his first practice session. The smile is a bit forced as the Offy motor wouldn’t run properly and Bob was a bit grumpy! The motor ran fine by the night of his first appearance.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Bob Tattersall doing his legendary “warm-up” on the Western Springs banking (in a T-shirt and without goggles) prior to racing beginning! It was so spectacular it was billed as event no 1.
(From the Wayne McCullough collection https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Bob Tattersall on the gas at Western Springs on Offy #2.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Bob shaking hands with “the Maestro” Ian Holden who was piloting the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) during the 1966-67 season.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Bob posing on the Sydney docks with his much shorter traveling partner, Mike McGreevy. The cars had just arrived from Auckland on the cruise ship, Oriana. .
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection

Bob Tattersall on the inside of Mike McGreevy at the Royale. Although Mike was the current USAC Midget Champion he was often overshadowed by his more spectacular traveling partner.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob (L) and Mike McGreevy (R) were travelling partners in 1966-67 in both New Zealand and Australia.
(https://www.facebook.com/Vintage-Speedcar-Association-Qld-VSAQ-210442445729543/?fref=photo)

Bob Tattersall in #2 at the Bull Pens corner of the Sydney Royale as rim riding Johnny Stewart (#98) goes for an outside pass
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob Tattersall and Mike McGreevy out practicing at the Ekka together at press day.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981ekka)

One of the rare occasions when Bob was in trouble! Bob Tattersall (#2) tangles with Sid Middlemass (#54) while Garry Rush (#65) drives on ahead.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob posing in Offy #2 on the track at the Royale (facing in the wrong direction!).
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob Tattersall in the Valvoline Offy (#2) giving Len Brock in the McGee Cams Tornado (#13) a bit of a hurry up at the Sydney Royale.
(Larry Taylor photo from Ghosts in the Bull Pens by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, MSW)

A happy Bob in “his office” in Sydney and about to pushed-off. All that partying down-under during the week didn’t affect his racing ability at the weekend at all!
(From the Barry Blacklaw collection, https://www.facebook.com/bblacklaw/photos)

Bob Tattersall winner of the 1967 “World Championship” at the Sydney Royale with his trophy and second placegetter Johnny Stewart.
(Bill Meyer photo from Just One More, The Speedway Photography of Bill Meyer by Wayne Meyer and Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

For the 1967-68 Australasian season Bob brought out the Kischell Offenhauser #12. Barry B ran against him in Sydney in the Mackay Offenhauser.
(Bill Meyer photo from Just One More, The Speedway Photography of Bill Meyer by Wayne Meyer and Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

The three visiting American drivers for the 1967-68 season at practice afternoon posing on the Western Springs infield. From L to R are: Bill Mehner in the Richardson Offy #63, Don Meacham in the Myron Caves Offy #2 and Bob Tattersall in the Kischell Offy #12.
(From the Ken Mullins collection)

Bob Tattersall at full opposite lock backing the Kischell Offy at Western Springs.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

A happy Bob Tattersall with the Kischell Offenhauser in Australia.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob at full throttle at the Sydney Royale.
(Mark Mansell collection from http://www.vintagespeedway.com/)

Bob raced the McGee Cams Tornado (Offenhauser) #13 at the Royale in the 1967-68 season after serious motor troubles with the Kischell Offy.
(Bill Meyer photo from Just One More, The Speedway Photography of Bill Meyer by Wayne Meyer and Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

Another great shot of Bob posing in the Kischell Offy.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/MartinBlayney2.html

Bob traveled through Australasia during the 1967-68 season with two other American drivers. From L to R are Bob Tattersall (#12), Don Meacham (#3) and Billy Mehner (#63).
(Larry Taylor photo from Speedway’s Sensational Sixties by Tony Loxley, Working Class Productions, NSW)

Ron Wanless keeps pace with Bob Tattersall in the now white Kischell Offy at the Ekka.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/EkkaSpeedwGloryDays)

The Mackay Offy being worked on in NZ. It was the ex Warriner Offy raced in Australia as #75 and #76 by Johnny Harvey, Jeff Freeman, Lew Marshall and others (and #7 for a time when Barry Butterworth raced it).
(From the John Stanley collection)

Bob, in the Mackay Offy, ready for a pushed off by the Steel Brothers tow truck during his 1968-69 visit to Templeton Speedway.
(From the Allan Batt collection from https://www.facebook.com/groups/376664865750040/?fref=nf)

Event number 1 on the Western Springs program – Tatts doing the warm up on the banking 1968-69 style in #14!
(From the John Stanley collection)

Bob (L) won the World 30 laps Championship at Western Springs again in 1968-69 with Barry Butterworth (C) second and Bob Morgan third (R).
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Bob Tattersall at hard at work in the MacKay Offy. Bob won the 1968-69 World 30 Lap Championship at Western Springs in the Mackay Offy with Barry Butterworth second in the Capitol Motors Chevy II.
(Bill Meyer photo from Ghosts in the Bull Pens by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

Bob Tattersall (#76) running around the outside of his traveling partner, Merle Bettenhausen (#99). The car Merle is driving is actually the ex-Hollywood Spring and Axle car brought to Australia by Bob in 1965.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155196918210774&set=gm.10155111)

Tatts from the back of the pack won the “World 40 laps Speedcar Championship” at the Royale in 1968-1969 piloting the Mackay Offy.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Bob poses in the Mackay Offenhauser on the infield at the Royale. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/photos/

Bob tried doing his legendary warm-up on the banking but only went slowly. The track had been contoured up onto the concrete banking leaving little room for Bob to work with. At speed he produced a lot of dust that went up into the crowd!
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Bob on the inside of his travelling partner Merle Bettanhausen. Merle actually followed Bob through the field in the World 30 Laps Championship and then passed Bob to win.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

In 1969-70 Bob brought the Harry Conklin-owned four bar Edmunds Offenhauser to New Zealand and Australia.
(Geoff Davis photo from http://justmidgets.homestead.com/American.html)

Bob racing hard in the Conklin Offenhauser at the Sydney Royale during his 1969-70 season. Again, Barry B raced against him in the Capitol Motors Chevy II in both Auckland and Sydney.
(Geoff Davis photo from http://justmidgets.homestead.com/American.html)

A spectacular shot of Bob at full speed in the Conklin Offenhauser at the Sydney Royale.
(From the Barry Blacklaw collection, https://www.facebook.com/bblacklaw/photos)

Bob Tattersall the way he is always remembered. Crash helmet on an a confident smile!
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Bob takes the inside line as he goes under Howard Revell in the big Berco Holden #2.
(From the Barry Blacklaw collection, https://www.facebook.com/bblacklaw/photos)

Bob (#1)has the outside line as he goes around Queenslander Blair Shepherd in Offenhauser #99 at the Royale.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

On Bob’s last visit to Liverpool in April 1971 he raced the Mackay Offy in the Jeff Freeman Memorial and NSW Speedcar Championship and the Ken Barlow Ford Falcon in the inaugural 100 lap Marlboro Sedan Grand National. These were his last ever races.
(From the Barry Blacklaw collection, https://www.facebook.com/bblacklaw/photos)

A great shot of Tatts in the second Mackay Offenhauser midget at Liverpool in his last appearance. The car is the ex-Valentina car which was previously being driven by Garry Rush.
(Bill Meyer photo from https://www.facebook.com/FullThrottlePublishing/?fref=photo)

Bob chats to Steve Raymond at Liverpool in 1971 prior to his last racing appearance. Only five months later Bob lost his battle with cancer.
(David Cumming photo, from Liverpool City Raceway. More of The Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW, 2012)

Stockcar action from Mazon, Illinois in 1953 as Bob Tattersall (#55) spins after contact with two other competitors.
(From Tattersall the Legend by Ed Watson and Dennis Newlyn, Witness Productions, Marshall, Indiana)

Ralph Stuber (#10) and Bob Tattersall (#38) battle wheel to wheel at Chicago’s 87th Street Speedway in 1954.
(From https://www.facebook.com/VintageMidgetSprintCarRacecarDriverPhotos/)A relaxed young Bob Tattersall looking happy after another good night at the speedway.

Bob Tattersall in the Pavese Edelbrock V8-60 at speed at Terre Haute in 1956. Bob was very fast in this car and often beat opponents in Offenhauser-powered midgets.
(From http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=529&page=4)

Bob Tattersall in the Pfrommer sprintcar (#23) at Reading Pennsylvania in 1957. The car was made famous by legendary sprintcar drivers of the time, Jud Larson and Tommy Hinnershitz.
(W.T. Chernokal photo from Tattersall, The Legend by Ed Watson and Dennis Newlyn, Witness Productions, Marshall, Illinois, 1991)

During 1958 Bob raced the Melcher Chevy sprintcar with some success around Illinois.
(Armin Krueger photo from Big Car Thunder. More sprint cars on America’s Fair Circuits Volume 2 by Bob Mays, Fastrack Publishing, Lincoln, Nebraska)

Tony “Saylor” Suligoy (left) at his garage with his car and driver (Bob Tattersall). The combination dominated midget racing around Illinois during the late 1950s.
(http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=66923331)

Bob Tattersall was a star in the UARA and NASCAR midget circuits in the late 50’s before he raced with USAC. He is seen here in the Tony Suiligy (“Saylor”)-owned Saylors V8-60 in 1958.
(From Australian Speedway-’72, Kenmore Press Pty, NS)

Bob getting out of the Saylors V8-60 after yet another win at Joliet Stadium, Illinois.
(From Tattersall, The Legend by Ed Watson and Dennis Newlyn, Witness Productions, Marshall, Illinois, 1991)

Bob Tattersall in the #57 Saylors Ford V8-60 at Joliet, Illinois posing with the trophies he won while he was down in Australia.
(https://www.facebook.com/VintageMidgetSprintCarRacecarDriverPhotos?fref=photo)

Bob Tattersall in the Tony Saylor Offenhauser on the inside of Jack Tarvin at the Auto City Speedway, Michigan in 1958.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Bob poses in the Saylor’s Offenhauser in the USA in 1959.
(From: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=337192&page=155)

n 1962 Bob raced the Ralph Wilke-owned Leader Card Offenhauser on the USAC circuit.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/?fref=nf)

During some of the 1964 USAC season, Bob raced the Howard Linne Offenhauser.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Bob Tattersall in an Offy-powered dirt car at the Golden Stare 100 held in Sacremento in 1965.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/288097101334680/)

Bob Tattersall driving the Marv Edwards Kurtis Kraft Offy #98 in the USA in 1965. The car was normally driven by Parnelli Jones. Marv had two Kurtis Kraft Offys and the other (#54) Bob took down to NZ/Australia in 1964/65 and sold it to Barry Valentina.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

During the 1965 and 1966 USAC seasons Bob drove an Offenhauser for well-known car owner Bob Nowicke. Here he is ready to be pushed off in the car.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=164401310411293
&set=o.102258789894833&type=3&theater)

Bob posing in the Norwicke Offenhauser in early 1965. Bob went on to finish second in the 1965 USAC midget Championship (to Mike McGrevy).
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Bob Tattersall in the Nowicke Offy (#4), with official and former driver Johnny Roberts, about to be pushed off by O’Hare Stadium on June 14, 1965.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Bob Tattersall posing in the Jack Stroud Offenhauser #35. Bob drove the car during the 1967 USAC season.
(From http://www.johnmahoneyphoto.com/)

Bob Tattersall on the USAC circuit during 1967 in the Jack Stroud Offenhauser. He finished fourth in the USAC MIdget Championships.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/179859502082489/)

Bob with the Lithgow Offy waving to the crowd during driver introductions at a USAC midget event during 1968.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/?fref=nf)

1968 – A rare colour shot of Tatts as a professional midget driver in the USA waiting to go out to qualify on a bitumen track – a track probably not to the liking of the “King of the Dirt”. The car was owned by well-known St Louis owner (and mortician) Gus “digger” Sohm and Bob drove it for much of that year.
(From http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?)

Bob Tattersall sitting in the Frank Griffo-owned midget at Manzanita in 1968.
(https://www.facebook.com/kokevinolson/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf)

Bob Tattersall looks happy with his 1968 form He drove for a number of car owners and finished third in the USAC Championship (to Mel Kenyon and Mike McGreevy.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/102258789894833/?fref=nf)

Bob Tattersall in the Lockard Chevy II (#69) is on the inside of Henry Pens (#99) during a USAC trophy dash at Joliet Memorial Stadium 1968.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Two USAC racing legends, car owner Bob Lockard and driver Bob Tattersall.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

A great shot of Bob during 1969 (but before roll cages came in). Consistency was a hallmark of his season with the result that he won the driver’s championship and Jack Stroud won the owner’s championship.
(http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=236178&page=386)

Bob racing in the Stroud Honker II at Terre Haute in August 1969 – still without a cage.
(From http://www.johnmahoneyphoto.com/)

The Streator Streak a speed at Terre Haute in Honker II. The roll cage is clearly visible.
(From http://www.johnmahoneyphoto.com/)

A rare colour shot of Bob Tattersall in the Jack Stroud Offenhauser “Honker II” during 1969 on his way to the USAC Midget Championship.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1171483556210284/)

Bob Tattersall and his wife Delores (Dee) standing next to the Jack Stroud Offenhauser.
(From the Mike Grieff collection)

Bob posing with the Jack Stroud Offenhauser during the 1969 USAC season in which he won the USAC Midget Championship.
(From http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107)

The four USAC Champions of 1969 pose together. From L to R, Roger McCluskey (stockcars), Bob Tattersall (midgets), Mario Andretti (Indy and dirt cars) and Garry Bettenhausen (sprintcars).
(USAC photo, from United States Auto Club, Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallens Racing Classics, Glendale, Arizona)

The Streator Streak carrying #1 at the 1970 Astrodome Grand Prix as current USAC Midget Champion. He is in the Jack Stroud midget in which he won the championship.
(From http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?)

Bob Tattersall in the Doug Caruthers midget #1 (still had the Offy before he switched over to Sesco) running around the outside of Chevy II-mounted Dan Brown (#171) at Santa Fe Speedway in Hinsdale, IL during 1970. Bob drove for Doug Caruthers in 1970 giving Caruthers’ up-and-coming son, Jimmy, an experienced ear to consult
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/?fref=nf)

Another great John Mahoney shot of Tatts in the Caruthers Sesco at Terre Haute.
(From http://www.johnmahoneyphoto.com/)

Bob standing next to the Howard Linne Sesco which he ran for part of the season in 1970 after Danny Caruthers (Doug Caruthers younger son) took controls of the second Caruthers Sesco.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/215514448811640/)

Bring a crash helmet and race! Wearing jeans and a T-shirt covered in dirt, Bob looks a happy man – a great way to remember an old-school, hard-charging, charismatic driver.
(From http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?
t=529&page=2)

Mel began his racing career in 1954 driving a 1937 Chevy Coupe. He raced modified stocks in 1955 and in 1958 he began his career in midgets. He won the NASCAR Florida midget series in 1962, finished second in the USAC championship in 1963 and won the championship in 1964. Kenyon began his Indy car career in the old front-engined roadster era in 1965 and at Langhorne Speedway, Pennsylvania (June 1965) his engine blew and the car hit the wall knocking him unconscious. Jim Hurtubise and Ralph Ligouri ran into Mel’s car and the fuel tank ruptured and ignited. Fellow driver, Joe Leonard, waded into the sheets of flames and with the help of Charlie Musselman (who climbed the safety fence), pulled Mel out of the car. Mel suffered burns to 40% of his body and the fingers on his left hand were very severely burnt. He spent many months in a hospital burns unit and underwent multiple operations including amputation of the fingers of his left hand. During this period, Mel became a born-again Christian and his faith has been a central part of his life ever since.

Mel, brother Don, and father Everett started 3-K Racing and designed a special leather glove, with a rubber socket sown into the palm, for Mel’s left hand. He hooked this onto a specially made pin screwed to the steering wheel of his cars. Mel went on to race successfully in the rear-engined era of Indy cars finishing fifth in 1966, fourth in 1969 and 1973 and third in 1968 at the brick yard in a car sponsored by his home town (the City of Lebanon Special). Over the 60s, 70s and 80s his record in midget cars is peerless. He was seven times USAC Champion (1964, 1967, 1968, 1974, 1977, 1981 and 1985), eight times runner-up and had 111 feature wins, 131 seconds and 107 thirds in National USAC midget races. Mel stopped racing on the National USAC trail after his wife, Marieanne, became comatose after suffering major head injuries in a bicycle accident. He did, however, win the Midwest-based NAMARS midget championship in 1995, 1996 and 1997 while in his sixties. Mel retired from racing at the age of 76; his last race was a Ft Wayne Coliseum. Mel was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1984.

Mel was always highly respected by his fellow competitors, including Barry B. His clean driving style and friendly off track demeanour made him hard to dislike. The fact that he was extremely fast and won the USAC Championship seven times commanded respect in itself. Barry didn’t mind banging wheels with Mel (or anyone else!) even though Mel was not of a mind to return the favour! Indeed, Barry got on well with Mel and he, his wife and children, visited Mel and his wife at their home in Lebanon during Barry’s racing sojourns to the USA. Mel is simply the best midget driver there has ever been.

Mel at Liverpool Raceway in the Gus McClure car shaking hands with Sydney midget legend Johnny ‘super” Stewart before being pushed off.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/815429421877937/)

Mel Kenyon on the gas at Liverpool.
(David Cumming photo from Liverpool City Raceway. The Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, Glenbrook, NSW)

In Brisbane Mel ran Blair Shepherds new 4 bar Edmunds Offenhauser at Ipswich.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/815429421877937/)

Mel’s first appearance in New Zealand was in the Mackay Offy during the 1973-74 season. He was unbelievably fast especially in the feature races. Barry won the 30 Laps World Championship at Western Springs that season with Mel a very close second.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Stockcar and Speedway Sport, March 1974, Fourman Holdings, Petone, NZ)

The Mackay team in action at Western Springs in 1973-74. Ron Mackay in the Mackay Chevy II leads Mel Kenyon (on the inside) in the Mackay Offenhauser.
(From https://www.facebook.com/ronald.mackay.313)

Mel celebrates winning the World 30 Lap Midget championship at Western Springs in the 1974-75 season. Team-mate A J Foyt and his young son, Brice, join him for the celebrations.
(From Open Wheel February, 1993)

Mel at speed at Templeton Speedway in Christchurch. Mel was just as dominant in Christchurch as he was in Auckland.
(Russell Luke photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, 2003, Speedway Classics, Woolston, Christchurch)

Mel in the Thermo King VW (#61) chases Queenslander Brian Dillon (sesco #5) at Liverpool 1974-75.
(David Cumming photo, from Liverpool City Raceway. The Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW, 2011)

A J Foyt seated in the 3K racing VW at practice at Liverpool Raceway in Sydney. Mel (with his back to the camera) is still chatting to AJ.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/28848061383/)

Action at Liverpool raceway! Mel Kenyon (#61) rides up over Max Kiddle with Ted Bohlander (#69) facing the wrong way. Also involved out near the fence and airborne are Jack Porrit (L) , Alan Streader (M) and Ron Mackay (R).
(David Cumming photo from Liverpool City Raceway 1967-1989. The Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, Glenbrook, NSW)

At the Ekka Mel hit the fence and put his VW midget out of action for the night. He then borrowed the Ron Wanless Sesco. Here Ron (with hat) helps Mel do up this belts.
(https://www.facebook.com/Vintage-Speedcar-Association-Qld-VSAQ-210442445729543/)

Mel poses in the Thermo King VW (#1), with a young Brice Kenyon, on the infield at Western Springs in the 1975-76 season. At the end of Mel’s tour down-under the car was purchased by Danny Lendich and it became the Lendich Edmunds VW that Barry B drove in Auckland with such great success for the next four seasons.
(From http://s8.invisionfree.com/Scale_Racing_Lobby/ar/t5158.htm)

Mel being pushed up to the gate at Western Springs.
(http://z8.invisionfree.com/Scale_Racing_Lobby/ar/t5158.htm)

Mel Kenyon with the car on its side up on the Western Springs banking after rolling his car during the 1975-76 international series. He was unhurt and after repairs to the car he carried on racing for the rest of the night.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Practice day for the 1977-78 American midget team at Western Springs. Mel (#1) leads from Larry Rice (#2) and Sleepy Tripp (#3) out wide.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

The VW-powered USA midget team poses at Liverpool in the 1977-78 season. From right to left are Sleepy Tripp, Johnny Anderson and Mel Kenyon (Continental Airlines sponsored #1).
(David Cumming photo, from Liverpool City Raceway. More of The Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW, 2012)

Another shot from the Ekka of Mel this time going for an inside pass on Ron Wanless
(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintage-Speedcar-Association-Qld-VSAQ/210442445729543?fref=ts)

Mel on the infield of Western Springs with the Continental Airlines VW (#66) and his two sons (Vaughn and Brice) on his 1979-80 visit to New Zealand.
(Brice Kenyon collection from https://www.facebook.com/bricem.kenyon/photos)

Mel as the USA midget team captain at Western Springs talking to Tony Palmer for TV in 1979-80.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

American compatriots Mel Kenyon in the Continental Airlines VW (#66) leads Rich Vogler in VW #2 at the Sydney Showground during the 1979-80 season midget international meeting.
(Bill Forsyth photo from https://www.facebook.com/anthony.loxley)

Mel accepts the trophy for the City of Sydney Speedcar A-Main from Jack Brabham at the Sydney Showground during the 1979-80 season.
(From https://www.facebook.com/anthony.loxley)

Again at the Sydney Royale 1978-79 in the Continental Airlines VW #66 where he blitzed the opposition.
(From Speedway in Focus. Stars of 1979, Meyer Publishers, NSW)

In 1982-83 Mel drove Pat Johnson’s Westpac-sponsored VW-powered midget (#61) at Western Springs. Here he poses with the car.
(From New Zealand Speedway Magazine, Issue 6, 1985)

Mel (R) sitting on the back of a ute with Sleepy Tripp (L) about to be introduced to the Western Springs crowd in the 1982-83 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Mel in a Pat Johnson-owned car at Western Springs in the 1986-87 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Mel Kenyon taking out the guard rail putting the stockcar into the trees at Langhorne Speedway in Pennsylvania.
(http://www.motortrend.com/news/legend-puke-hollow-remembering-langhorne-speedway/)

Mel with his first wife Joan in 1957 standing next to stockcar #61 with Mel’s TQ midget #1 in the foreground.
(https://www.facebook.com/vaughnl.kenyon/media_set?set=a.253937301378607.46221.100002870166376&type=3)

Mel in his Ford tractor-powered midget (#61) races on the inside of Owen Snyder (#33) at Sun Prairie Speedway, Wisconsin, in 1958.
(From https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mel-Kenyon-Indy-Car-and-Midget-
Racer/217423481735621?sk=photos_stream)

Mel at another track with his famous, and very successful, tractor-powered midget.
(https://www.facebook.com/vaughnl.kenyon/media_set?set=a.253937301378607.46221.100002870166376&type=3)

Another shot from Rockford in 1958. Mel Kenyon (#61) leads from Billy Wood. Mike Ladd (#21), Owen Snyder (#98), Dick Ritchie (#55) and Russ Sweedler.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403524509944283/photos/)

An early photo from the late 1950s of Mel racing a V8-60-powered midget.
(From https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mel-Kenyon-Indy-Car-and-Midget-
Racer/217423481735621?sk=photos_stream)

Mel with the chequered flag after yet another win for the Blue-Devil racing Team.
(From https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mel-Kenyon-Indy-Car-and-Midget-
Racer/217423481735621?sk=photos_stream)

Mel, in close action, runs up the back wheel of another competitor.
(https://www.facebook.com/vaughnl.kenyon/media_set?set=a.253937301378607.46221.100002870166376&type=3)

Mel seems to know the trophy girl – or if not, he’d certainly like to!
(https://www.facebook.com/vaughnl.kenyon/media_set?set=a.253937301378607.46221.100002870166376&type=3)

Mel and Don knew they need an Offenhauser motor to be truly competitive. In 1962 they leased an Offy motor from Howard Linne and later that year they had enough funds to buy one. Here is Mel in the Kurtis Kraft Offy in 1962.
(https://www.facebook.com/vaughnl.kenyon/media_set?set=a.253937301378607.46221.100002870166376&type=3)

Mel Kenyon with the trophy after his Turkey Night Grand Prix win in 1963. USAC midget supervisor Bob Stroud is to the left and promotor J C Agajanian to the right.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/?fref=nf)

Here is a shot taken in 1963 at Blue Grass Speedway of Mel in the Kurtis Kraft Offenhauser. That is Hal Shroeder, Mel’s long-time mentor, in the background.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/?fref=nf)

The front page of “Family- Sunday Times-Democrat, April 1963” showed Mel and Don Kenyon and their Kurtis Kraft Offy. The story was about them going to race in the Indy 500.
(From https://www.facebook.com/vaughnl.kenyon?fref=ts)

No one could get the AJ Watson car to work right so AJ contacted Mel and Don Kenyon. He told them that if they could get the car to work that they could run it all 1964. Mel and Don got the bugs worked out very rapidly and Mel won the 1964 USAC Midget Championship. The car was returned to AJ Watson and Les Scott drove it in 1965. Mel and Don used the design as the basis for a new car they built for 1965 (which came to named Herbie).
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

USAC Midgets racing at Lincoln Speedway in 1964. Parnelli Jones (#99) is on the inside with Mel Kenyon in the Willard Coil car (#14).
(https://www.facebook.com/Stephen-Bubbs-Pennsylvania-Motorsports-History-2130094543883040/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf)

Mel at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus Ohio. Mel’s nold car #61 car is in the background. Les Scott often drove the #61 for the Kenyon Brothers during 1964 and handed it over to Mel when he needed it.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

For the 1965 USAC season, Mel and Don fronted in their own Offenhauser-powered car (which became known as Herbie). The car was in red and white livery and carried STP sponsorship.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

In 1966 Mel was back in Herbie but with less fingers on his right hand! Here he poses with the STP Offy at South Bend Speedway.
(https://www.facebook.com/National-Midget-Auto-Racing-Hall-of-Fame-175885105763849/)

The crash that nearly cost Mel his life at Langhorne in 1965. Mel (in car #21) was knocked out after hitting the wall. Jim Hurtubise and Ralph Ligouri hit him and the car burst into flames. Joe Leonard and Charlie Musselman pulled him from the burning car.
(From http://www.onedirt.com/forum/hall-famer-mel-kenyon-run-his-final-race-
fort-wayne-1877.html)

Mel in Herbie after a big shunt at Columbus Speedway, Ohio during the 1966 USAC season.
(http://coastal181.com/weekday_photos-C.htm)

Mel pours it on in Herbie during the 1966 USAC season. Mel finished second to Mike McGreevy in the 1966 USAC Midget Championship.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Mel readying himself for the track. Mel was the dominant force in the midgets in 1967.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Mel running hard at IRP during 1967. Mel racked up a record 17 feature wins and an astounding 33 top five finishes in 49 events to win the USAC championship by a country mile.
(From the mike Grieff collection)

Mel at speed at Joliet Stadium Speedway during 1968 – on his way to his third USAC Midget Championship.
(From http://www.hoseheadforums.com/forum.cfm?pageNum_qGetThread=28
&ThreadId=705)

Mel during the 1968 USAC midget season. Mel won his third USAC Midget Championship with another dominant display scoring 11 feature wins and was only one point shy of his 1967 total.
(From the Mike Grieff collection)

Another shot of Mel in Herbie at Joliet Memorial Stadium.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Mel and Don at Columbus Speedway during 1968. They had established themselves as the dominant force in the USAC midget division.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Soon after the Astrodome race the Kenyons changed their livery to a yellow-orange colour. They ran the 1969 USAC season in this livery still with Thermo King sponsorship.
(From the Mike Grieff collection)

Mel running hard in the Thermo King Sesco. Mel finished second in the USAC Midget Championship to Bob Tattersall. Kenyon won 14 features and Tattersall only 11. However, Tattersall’s consistency won out – over the season he registered 38 top-five finishes.
(From the Mike Grieff collection)

Mel Kenyon at Ascot Park Speedway on Turkey Night 1969. Standing behind the car is Mel’s dad, Everett.
( https://www.facebook.com/indianaracingmemorialassociation/)

Here is Mel (#66) leading Jimmy Caruthers at Ascot Park Speedway. During the early 1970s Mel was concentrating on Indy car racing and wasn’t full-time in midgets.
(http://melkenyon.tripod.com/midgets1970s.html)

Mel posing with the Sprite Sesco at an Indoor meeting at Fort Wayne Indiana 1971.
(http://mel kenyon.tripod.com/midgets1960s.html)

Mel ran the Junior Knepper owned Elder Cadillac Edmunds Sesco at the Astro Grand prix of 1971.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/texasracing/?fref=nf)

Mel Kenyon on the gas at Salem Speedway in 1972.
(https://www.facebook.com/indianaracingmemorialassociation/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf)

Ralph Ray helping Mel Kenyon preparing his left hand for the special glove at the Phoenix Mile in 1974.
(https://www.facebook.com/rayracingent/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf)

Mel on the USAC circuit during 1974 – a very successful season for the 41-year old driver from Lebanon, Indiana.
(Dick Wallen Collection, from United States Auto Club, Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallens Racing Classics, Glendale, Arizona)

Mel Kenyon in the pits, indoors at Ft. Wayne 1977.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/102258789894833/?fref=nf)

Mel posing with his Thermo King VW on the track in 1975. He finished third in the USAC Midget Championship.
(Dick Wallen Collection, from United States Auto Club, Fifty Years of Speed and Glory by Dick Wallen, Dick Wallens Racing Classics, Glendale, Arizona)

Mel on the USAC circuit.accepting a trophy from June Cochran who was wife of USAC driver Billy Engelhart.
(https://www.facebook.com/Mel-Kenyon-Indy-Car-and-Midget-Racer-217423481735621/?fref=ts)

In 1975 Mel Kenyon subbed for George Snider (who was racing an Indy car at Pocono) in the Junior Knepper-owned Elder Cadillac sprintcar at Terre Haute.

Mel Kenyon (#61), Duke Cook (#60) and Johnny Parsons (#9) battle it out during 1976 Turkey Night Grand Prix.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/288355437972741/)

Mel Kenyon pictured in 1977. It would be another vintage year for Mel.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202891243068331&set=gm.478821348905240&type=3&theater)

Mel Kenyon (#43) and James McElreath (#55) racing on the banking at Salem in 1977
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/photos/)

Mel shakes hands with Wayne Kepner at Eldora Speedway in1979. Much of that year he ran his VW midget #61 in red, white and blue livery.
(From https://www.facebook.com/vaughnl.kenyon?fref=ts_)

Mel Kenyon beside his car on the Du Quoin mile speedway.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/?fref=nf)

Mel Kenyon (#61) at Santa Fe Speedway during 1980 on the inside chases Bill Jorgensen (#7) while Tom Bigelow (#50) is running on the outside.
(From https://www.facebook.com/bill.jorgensen.7311?fref=photo)

Mel adjusting tyre pressures at Eldora in 1981.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Mel running Blackie Fortune’s Silver Crown car (#39) at the Hoosier 100 in 1981. Mel made very few appearances in Silver Crown cars.
(From https://www.facebook.com/vikingblue442)

Mel posing with a fan at the 1981 Hut Hundred.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Mel Kenyon tried to take Rollie Hemling’s car out of the park at the Speedrome! It was the result of riding the wheel of a fellow competitor.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Here is Mel running at Santa Fe Speedway in 1983 in VW-powered midget #54.
(From http://racestarpublications.com/kenyon%20visit.htm)

Mel Kenyon at IRP during 1984.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Mel (#66) on his way to the USAC Championship on the inside of John Andretti (#4) at Eldora.
(From http://autoracingmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1848)

Mel at speed during 1985.Mel was extremely competitive in this car and recorded in 17 top-five finishes in 27 starts.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Mel working on the car in the pits during 1985.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/288355437972741/?ref=br_rs)

Mel Kenyon in the pits at Flemington Speedway during the1986 USAC season.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Mel Kenyon posing with the Stan Lee VW at Sun Prairie Speedway.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403524509944283/)

Mel Kenyon at Hales Corners in 1986. Mel finished second in the1986 USAC Championship to Rich Vogler.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

The V8 Suzuki-powered midget (named Suzie) being readied for the track. The car was built by Don and Mel and run between 1983 and 1987. Initially it was very fast on the longer tracks but after it was converted from a 4 valve to a 2 valve configuration it was very quick on all tracks.
(From https://www.facebook.com/crystal.snape)

Mel Kenyon (#61) during 1987 leading the pack at the Illinois Fairgrounds in the Suzuki-powered car.
(John Mahoney photo from Open Wheel February, 1993)

Mel Kenyon in the pits and ready to be pushed off in the Suzuki V8 at a daylight meeting.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Mel Kenyon with his family after yet another win. Vaughn, Marieanne, Brice and Suzie Suzuki!
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Inside the garage and Mel Kenyon is busy working on his midget.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

Mel Kenyon working on the VW midget in 1988 at Baer Field Speedway.
(From http://photobucket.com/images/61%20mel%20kenyon?page=1)

By 1989 the VW era of midget racing had effectively ended. Here is Mel at the year-end Quaker State Classic at the Imperial Raceway in a new Gaerte-powered car with a completely new livery.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/310836562296272/)

Action from 1990 at Imperial Fairgrounds Raceway as Keith Rauch leads Mel Kenyon (on the outside) and Mike Boat at the rear.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/310836562296272/)

Mel at the Indianapolis Raceway Park in 1991 at the inaugural Mel Kenyon Classic. It was an emotional time for Mel since one day earlier his wife Mareanne had suffered almost fatal head injuries in a bicycle accident.
(John Mahoney photo from Open Wheel February, 1993)

Mel Kenyon at speed on the banking at Salem Speedway, Indiana during 1993.
(From https://www.facebook.com/ken.hess.10?fref=photo)

Mel suited up and ready for action at Plymouth Speedway during 1995.
(From http://photobucket.com/images/61%20mel%20kenyon?page=1)

A happy Mel Kenyon ready for action on the night of the 1997 IRP Mel Kenyon Classic.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/usamidgetracing/)

The King of the Midgets posing with his car at the Thunder in the Dome meeting in 2001.
(Steve Harden photo fromwww.stevehardin.com/picpg51d.htm1)

Mel racing in 2003 in the Printing Image midget. His appearances became rarer as the 2000sproceeded.
(From http://melkenyon.tripod.com/midgets2000s.html)

Mel running in his last race at the Fort Wayne Coliseum in 2009. He was 76 years young at the time! His career had spanned six decades of competition.
(From http://www.circletrack.com/ultimateracing/ctrp_1006_mel_kenyon/)

Having recovered from his burns, Mel qualified for the 1966 Indy 500 driving therear-engined#94 Gerhardt Offy. Mel went on to finish in 5th place as a rookie. He was wearing the special glove on his left hand in order to drive the car.
(From http://204.12.108.8/indy500/galleries/show/5699-1966-indianapolis-500/page/3/)

Mel finished third in the 1968 Indy 500 running the “City of Lebanon Special” (#15). Having lost their Thermo King/Gerhardt sponsorship for the 1968 Indy 500, Mel and Don raised enough funds in the Lebanon area to race the car.
(From http://photobucket.com/images/61%20mel%20kenyon?page=6)

Mel posing in the Lindsey Hopkins-owned turbocharged Offenhauser-powered Coyote he raced in the 1970 Indy 500. Mel retired from the race.
(http://rolexpassionreport.com/15239/hopkins-double-swiss-underline-
6239-rolex-first-daytona-ever/)

Mel Kenyon exiting the Sprite car after being hit by Johncock.Mel ducked back down into his car the first time he tried to exit just as Gordon Johncock sailed over the top of him!
(From http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1R5JBeVz3Y)

Mel ran an updated Coyote at the 1976 Indy 500 but did not qualify. He crashed in qualifying and the repaired car was just not quick enough.
(From s28.photobucket.com/user/moparmanpettyfan/library/Mel Kenyon?
sort=3&)

Mel Kenyon was special guest at the 2006 International Vintage Speedcar Spectacular held at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds in September 2006. He drove the Bob Ottaway-owned restored Suzuki V8-powered midget originally built by Mel and Don in the 3-K racing workshops in Lebanon, Indiana.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=
stockcarmia&action=display&thread=4165

Mike McGreevy was born in 1929 and stands just 5 feet 1 inch tall. This diminutive man began his racing career on the Bay Area ovals in the late 1940’s on tracks such as Oakland Stadium and Belmont Speedway. He won the Bay Cities Racing Association (BCRA) Midget title in 1958, 1960 and 1962 and the BCRA indoor midget crown in 1965. In the early 60’s he headed east to race on the USAC midget circuit while still racing in the Bay area during the winter. He won this first USAC feature in 1963 and finished fourth in the Midget Championship in 1964. In 1965 he began the USAC season driving for Jack London but in June Mel Kenyon had his near-fatal crash in an Indy roadster at Langhorne. Mike drove the remainder of the season in the Kenyon brothers midget and won the 1965 USAC Championship. In 1966, Mel was back racing and Mike drove for Dick and Owen Kincaid in the Kincaid Barber Shop Offenhauser and won the Championship again. He also finished second in the USAC Championship in 1967 and 1988 and fourth in 1969. Mike drove for the Kincaid brothers again in 1967 and for Howard Linne in 1968. During 1969 he drove for Ed Lark, an Indiana businessman with a successful equipment company. During that year, Lark suffered a fatal heart attack and Mike continued to drive for Ed’s widow before retiring from competition. Mike helped Ed’s widow with the car and the business and eventually she became Mrs McGreevy. They later retired to Florida to raise horses. During the 60’s Mike yearned to race Championship cars and did qualify for two races. However, his attempts to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 were unsuccessful. Mike was a great ambassador for the sport who always had time for the fans and often made himself accessible to the kids. He was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1987 and the BCRA Hall of Fame in 1991.

Mike McGreevy raced in Australia and New Zealand during the 1966-67 season as the current USAC Midget Champion. Mike was undoubtedly one of the best drivers to race in Australasia and he impressed with his smooth driving style. However, starting from the back of the field (in handicap racing), he struggled to stay with his travelling partner, Bob Tattersall and local stars such as Barry Butterworth or Johnny Stewart as they cut their way through the pack. As Bob Tattersall later observed, we never really saw the best of Mike McGreevy down-under. Mike enjoyed his down-under sojourn with his ever-partying friend Bob Tattersall and looked back on those days with fondness. Mike died in Colorado in his early 90s in January 2018.

Action from Western Springs Speedway during the 1966-67 international series as Mike McGreevy (#1) runs on the inside of Queensland’s Blair “the Blur” Shepherd (#99).
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Action from Western Springs 1966-67. Trevor Carnell in the Solar Holden (#2) leads John Stanley (#30) as double USAC Champion Mike McGreevy (#1) looks for an inside pass on John.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

A spectacular shot of Lanky Lew Marshall in the Mackay Offy leading Mike McGreevy (#1) at the Sydney Showgrounds.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Mike running hard in the STP Offy. Although fast, he was often struggled to stay with Tatts.
(From http://www.oldtimespeedway.com/ 1960’s Speedcars, Album 1)

Mike sits in the Offy at the Royale between races and chats to Sydney midget drivers Geoff Spence and Peter Nunn.
(From Ghosts in the Bull Pens by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

Mike (#1) chases his travelling partner Bob Tattersall (#2) at the Sydney Royale.
(From the Barry Blacklaw collection, https://www.facebook.com/bblacklaw/photos)

Mike poses with the Weaver STP Special midget in Sydney.
(From Australian Speedway: An Illustrated History by Tony Loxley, Working Class Productions, Lane Cove, NSW, 2004)

Another great shot of Mike McGreevy in his very early years in a midget at Lodi Stadium in the late 1940s. (https://revslib.stanford.edu/?utf8=%E2%9C%93&utf8=%E2%9C%93&f
[people_ssim][]=McGreevy

Mike McGreevy in the 1950s in Offenhauser #85 at Calistoga Speedway.
(https://www.facebook.com/Calistoga-Speedway-376432029044962/)

In 1963 Mike drove around the Bay Cities area for Porter Goff in the “Easter Egg” Offenhauser #7 (so called because of its colourful paint scheme). (T) Mike buckles up ready to go out on the track, (M) ready to be pushed off next to Chuck Booth in the Stryker (ex-Jack London) Offy and (B) diminutive Mike with the spoils of victory at Capital Raceway, Sacremento.
(From http://jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7169618)
(From http://jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7169618)
(From http://www.openwheelracers3.com/Vintage_2.html)

Two of the greatest BCRA drivers of all time. Three-time BCRA Midget Champion, Mike McGreevy in Porter Goff’s midget #7 up high and 5-time BCRA Champion driver, Johnny B Baldwin down low in the Lloyd Ridge Offy #2 at Hughes Stadium, Sacramento, California.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/144729158152/)

Mike McGreevy posing in the Porter Goff Offenhauser #1.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/144729158152/)

A great portrait of “Iron” Mike McGreevy taken in the early 1960s.
(https://www.facebook.com/imsmuseum/)

At the beginning of 1965 Mike began his USAC campaign in the Jack London Offenhaser #4 (above). However, after Mel Kenyon’s bad crash in a Champ Car at Langhorne, Mike took over controls of the Kenyon Brothers Offy
(From http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6873647)

Mike racing during 1965 in the Kenyon midget #1. He won the 1965 USAC Midget Championship in this car.
(From Dennis Newlyn’s Speedway Classics Number 3, Torch Publishing Company, Glebe)

Mike McGreevy carrying #1 on the Myron Caves offenhauser during 1966. Mike drove the car for the first part of the USAC season before switching to the Kincaid Offenhuaser.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Mike receives the trophy after another win indoors at Oaklands in the #10Offenhauser.
(From http://www.strykerscustom.com/1966.html)

For the 1966 USAC season Mel Kenyon was back at the controls of the Kenyon Brothers “Herbie” (#61) and for most of the season Mike was in the Kincaid Offy (#1). The previous year Mike had driven #61 to victory in the USAC Championship while Mel was recuperating.
(Ken Coles photo from http://melkenyon.tripod.com/midgets1960s.html)

A happy looking Mike McGreevy in the Kincaid Offenhauser on the USAC trail during 1966. Mike went on to take out the USAC midget title for the second time.
(From the Mike Grieff collection)

California’s Mike McGreevy (#1) and Illinois’ Ray Elliott (#3) doing battle during USAC midget action at Chicagoland’s Santa Fe Speedway in 1966.
(https://www.facebook.com/VintageMidgetSprintCarRacecarDriverPhotos/)(

Another shot of Dick Kincaid and Mike McGreevy this time at Terre Haute, Indiana in 1966.
(From the Mike Grieff collection)

In 1968, Mike drove for Howard Linne. Here he poses with Howard after winning another race.
(From http://www.openwheelracers3.com/Vintage_2.html)

Action from Joliet memorial Stadium in 1968. Mike McGreevy (#2) on the inside of Tom Bigelow (#21) with Bob Tattersall (#69) and Henry Pens (#99) in behind.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

“Iron” Mike Mike McGreevy posing with the Howard Linne Offenhauser (#2) at Joliet Memorial Stadium in 1968.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Mike McGreevy in the Howard Linne Offy (#2) hugs the pole while Chuck Arnold (#73) and Bob Tattersall (#93) are up on the cushion.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/288355437972741/)

For 1969, Mike drove for successful Indiana businessman, Ed Lark who unfortunately died during the season of a heart attack. In 1970 Mike retired from driving.
(From http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?
t=236178&page=534)