Springfield, Ill., has an impressive racing heritage, and as is true in many similarly situated communities racing bloodlines run deep.
Exhibit A is the Kunz family. To attempt to follow the connections in this family tree can stress the ability of an expert genealogist. However, what such a study would provide is a tale of dedication to auto racing and a consistent record of success.
This story goes back 100 years when Abner “Rube” Weyant purchased his first race car. Two of Rube’s boys went on to race with Chuck Weyant, making it all the way to the Indianapolis 500. Then, there was daughter Lillian. On July 1, 1948, she married World War II veteran Russell “Gene” Kunz, and the marriage produced four children, Russell (Rusty), Charles (Chuck), Karen and Keith.
Gene Kunz worked at a local Pillsbury plant and was mechanically inclined. Later Lillian served as a scorer for the popular MARA midget series.
As the oldest child, Rusty Kunz was the first to dedicate at least a part of his life to the sport. He fielded a midget for his cousin Duke DeRosa and in 1972 the pair captured the National Alliance of Midget Auto Racing championship. He later formed a relationship with owner Howard Lehmann and captured the 1979 and ’80 MARA titles.
A first of many signature wins came in the 1979 Hut Hundred at the Terre Haute Action Track. To crack the field, you had to be among the fastest 33 qualifiers. On this day there were 60 cars on the grounds.
The team had just switched from a Volkswagen engine to the latest hot ticket, the Chevy II. It was not going especially well. Johnny Parsons was set to race for Illinois car owner Math Schneider, but a blown engine seemed to end his day. It was here that DeRosa stepped up for the benefit of the team.
“Duke told me that Parsons was changing his clothes and maybe I should talk to him,” Rusty Kunz remembered. “I went to talk to Johnny, and he told me he would come down and take a look at the car.”
Satisfied with what he found he decided to accept the ride. Without the benefit of any practice, Parsons qualified 22nd.
At the end of 100 laps, Parsons was in victory lane.
THIS ARTICLE IS ACCESSIBLE TO INSIDERS ONLY…
SPEED SPORT Insider is the ad-free premium extension of SPEEDSPORT.com. Insider is dedicated to the best and brightest in motorsports journalism – created by the best writers, photographers and reporters in the business. From veteran Hall of Fame writers like Bones Bourcier, Dave Argabright, Pat Sullivan, Keith Waltz, Ralph Sheheen and Editor in Chief Mike Kerchner, to behind the scenes SPEED SPORT reporters like Grace Woelbing, David Hoffman and more.
By subscribing to Insider, you not only get exclusive access to this premium content, but you support the journalists that are vital to telling the stories that matter most. Subscriptions are just $5/mo or $44.95 for an entire year. View plans and details.
SPECIAL OFFER! Subscribe now with this link and save $5.00!
