Mel Kenyon and Gary Bettenhausen.

Both of them overcame injuries that would have ended most people careers. Both are always great to talk to (the few times I have talked with Gary and the numerous times I have talked with Mel).

Even thoguh he died years before I was even born (or thought of) Bill Vukovich. I ahev read his biography, news paper articles, and seen lots of footage of him racing. He is a true Americaan success story and sadly I often feel he doesn't get the recognition he rightfully deserves. If you have never read his biography, I would tell you it's a must read for anyone who is a race fan.

[cecil98]

Parnelli was just incredible but, he quit so soon. Only four years in the sprints with three championships and a 2nd in points. Only three years full time in the champ cars. After 1964, he only ran two or three champ car races a year and an occasional midget race around thanksgiving at Ascot. Gave up openwheel completely after 1967. The Turbine was his last ride. I was broken hearted when he quit but, now I'm glad he did. He's still with us, in great shape, and a great guy.

Jim Hurtubise, Mel Kenyon and so many others.

Larry Dwenger, who won five of six car owner championships in TQs before he died at a very young age. Despite his hemophelia, he lived his dream and achieved more in about 30 years than many do in three times that long. Drivers included Terry Goff, Ronnie and Lynn Ambrose, Ronnie Combs and others too numerous to mention. Oh Yeah. There was some kid named Tony Stewart that drove his cars to victory.

Anybody brave enough to strap themselves into a race car.

Jim Morrison

[jjones776]

Originally Posted by Midget82 I was a big fan of Jonathan Vennard for a long time but realized he was just a stroke :loser: :rolling

glad you finally saw the light drewby! :O::rolling

[Gregg]

My mom and dad and anyone who helped keep this country free.

On the racing front; A J Foyt, Johnny Rutherford, Tony Solimino, Mel Kenyon, Gary Bettenhausen, Ted Horn, Charlie Peck, Ted Hartley, Jim Hurtubise, Jess Chandler, Larry Dickson, Jimmy Davies, Chuck Rodee...and practically every racer I've seen race.

[onthegas7j]

Tony Stewart, DD, Jack Hewitt, Robbie Stanley (I was 5 when he died and I cried), anyone who is willin to strap their ass in a race car and risk everything for the sport we love...
And any Marine past or present... You find a greater appreciation for those that serve when your serving your self

[babcock14d]

A.J. Foyt and Chuck Amati

I completely forgot this person:

RICK KING:respect:

[njtraveler]

Billy Pauch, Keith Kauffman and Smoke

[JEFFSTOY]

Jack hewitt, dick gaines, jon stanbrough, dave darland, hunter,Calvin Gilstrap