Ken Wright (auto racing mechanic) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ken Wright
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Wright in 1970 with Mr. Diplomat, the Miller Brothers 1955 Chevy station wagon drag racer
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Kenneth W. Wright
1940 (age 84–85) |
| Alma mater | Spring Garden College |
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Kenneth W. Wright, born in 1940, is a skilled former race car driver and mechanic. He worked with many teams, including Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR). BAR was the first African American auto racing team in the United States to get big national sponsors.
Contents
Early Life and Car Dreams
Growing Up with Cars
Kenny Wright's friendship with the Miller brothers, Dexter G. and Leonard W., started when he was just five years old. His passion for hot rods and race cars truly began at age 13. This was when Leonard would visit his neighborhood in a cool 1940 Ford hot rod convertible. Riding in that car and seeing its special engine changes made Wright want to become a full-time car technician.
Learning About Cars
After finishing high school at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Wright took every car class he could. In 1956, he helped start the Black Hawk Auto Club. He formed it with Horace “Buddy” Sparrow and other young African American people in Wayne, Pennsylvania. In 1957, a trip with the club to the York Dragway in York, Pennsylvania, made him want to become a drag racer.
Becoming a Mechanic
After high school, Wright started training at Sharpless Auto Body in Devon, Pennsylvania. There, he learned all about fixing cars after crashes. He then went to Spring Garden College in Philadelphia, graduating in 1962. After college, he worked at Horsiey's Automotive Service Center in Narberth, Pennsylvania. During the 1960s, his skills were very special for an African American. He was one of the few to work in car repair at a regular shop in a wealthy area. People in the community noticed his talent.
Teaching Career
Sharing His Knowledge
In 1966, Wright joined the School District of Philadelphia. He taught adults aged 18–35 how to repair cars after collisions. He taught at the John F. Kennedy Center for Vocational Education. While teaching, he also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Temple University in 1979. He retired from teaching in 2002.
Racing Career
Driving Drag Races
From 1969 to 1970, Wright drove a 1955 Chevrolet station wagon for Miller Brothers Racing. This car was part of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). He won many races at tracks like Atco Dragway in Atco, New Jersey, and Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pennsylvania.
Joining Black American Racers
When Leonard W. Miller helped create the Black American Racers Association (BARA) in 1972, Wright became one of its first members. This group had 5,000 African American car racers from all over the country. It included drag racing teams, mechanics, and car collectors. Through BARA, Wright met Ron Hines, another founding member, and the famous African American NASCAR driver Wendell Scott.
Working as a Road Racing Mechanic
Teaming Up with BAR
In 1973, Wright and Hines joined Leonard Miller's Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) team. This team was sponsored by Viceroy Cigarettes. They worked with second-generation African American driver Benny Scott. They raced Formula Super Vee (FSV) cars on famous tracks like Pocono Raceway and Watkins Glen International.
Key to Success
Ken Wright had many technical skills, like painting, welding, tuning engines, and rebuilding car parts. These skills were very useful for BAR. He helped prepare the Lola T-324 and T-620 race cars. He was a very loyal team member. His work was crucial to the team's amazing achievements throughout the 1970s. Many people call this time "the last golden era of American road racing."
Staying with the Team
Wright stayed with the BAR team even after Viceroy's sponsorship ended in late 1975. In 1976, he was a special guest when Benny Scott and Leonard W. Miller were honored. They were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame in New York City. Famous people like Wilma Rudolph, James Brown, and Bill Cosby were there.
Continuing the Dream
Leonard W. Miller started a new FSV racing effort in 1977. This happened after African American driver Tommy Thompson convinced him to keep the BAR idea going. Ken Wright was a vital part of this new team. He helped them win an SCCA Northeast Championship at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania.
The team, including Ken Wright, traveled to the Milwaukee Mile to race on the famous oval track. FSV racing then became the Mini-Indy series. Some of these races happened alongside Indy Car events on popular oval courses. Wright also traveled to Texas World Speedway and other FSV races across the country.
A Sad Event
On September 27, 1978, at a Mini-Indy event, Tommy Thompson was tragically killed. This happened in a crash at Trenton Speedway. Another car suddenly stopped in front of him due to a major mechanical problem.
Retirement and Legacy
After Racing
After Tommy Thompson's death, Ken Wright stopped working hands-on with race cars. Instead, he worked with recreational motor boats. He also spent time restoring his own 1961 Chevrolet Corvette.
The BAR team took a break from racing for two years. Then, they started fresh in local races under different names. Ken Wright continued to support the team. In 1980, Ron Hines came out of retirement. He helped BAR win several dirt track races at Flemington Speedway in New Jersey. He did this with his great engine knowledge and 19-year-old African American driver Bruce Driver.
In later years, Miller Racing Group, Inc. grew out of BAR. This group has recruited African American stock car drivers for NASCAR races. They also brought in a Jamaican driver for Formula BMW Americas. Leonard W. Miller's son, Leonard T. Miller, has been a big part of these efforts since the 1990s.
Today, Ken Wright, Ron Hines, and Leonard W. Miller still keep in touch. They attend and enter classic car shows and competitions all over the United States.
