A relatively new sporting event in the world of racecars has become a major pastime here in the U.S.A.  In 1992, the Legends Car was designed by H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler and Elliott Forbes-Robinson and marketed as a safe, fun, family-oriented and affordable class of racing.  For awhile, Butch Wills of Covington, Ohio sponsored someone else’s car, but for the last four years, he has owned two Legends… a 1934 Chevy coupe that he runs on the asphalt tracks and a 1937 Chevy sedan that he runs on the dirt tracks. 

Legends Cars are sold only through 600 Racing, Inc. and its authorized dealers.  They are manufactured in Harrisburg, North Carolina to a strict set of specifications and competitors are not permitted to make any major changes to the original car.  The cars feature a new YamahaÒ FJ1200 motorcycle engine (approx. 125 hp), 13-inch, 60 series BFGoodrichÒ radial tires mounted on a 7-inch wide steel wheel.  The roll cage of tubular steel is mounted atop the frame rails.  A recycled ToyotaÒ rear-end, front disk and rear drum brakes, rack and pinion steering, CarreraÒ coil-over shock suspension, a four-gallon fuel cell, safety belts, and factory manufactured racing seat provide for a safe ride.  Doors are operational for easy entrance and exit of the cars.  The fiberglass-bodied cars are reduced-size replicas of 1934 – 1940 Fords and Chevys. 

“The cars are very safe,” explains Butch.  “Drivers are required to wear completely fireproof clothing including shoes and gloves, and a head sock under their helmets.  Cars come equipped with a fire system that may be activated from the outside in case a driver would become trapped.”

With the exception of November and December, Butch runs year-around in the eastern United States in the Masters division. 

“We run at Kentucky Speedway, Kil-Kare, Columbus, Charlotte, Nashville, Florida, and Ohio on asphalt tracks and in Lawrenceburg and Florence on dirt tracks,” Butch continues.  “There is a race nearly every week-end, Friday through Sunday.”

“It costs me about $10,000 each year for the racing season.  Fuel is a major expense right now.  Sponsorship from Sherwin-Williams and Huntington Bank help to foot the bills,” says Butch, who earns his living as a painter.   

“Hobart Institute’s Richard Layman does all the welding for me.  There’s not much he can’t handle,” Butch says.  “My son, Lincoln, who is a mechanic for the airlines, also helps me whenever he can.”

Richard Layman explains, “We use MIG and TIG welding of carbon steel to do the various repairs that are necessary.  Since the body is fiberglass, it doesn’t require welded repairs.”

Gas Metal Arc Welding Basic and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Basic courses are taught at Hobart Institute of Welding Technology and would prepare race teams to perform work necessary on their cars. 

Butch also owns a semi tractor that he uses to transport his vehicles and a trailer that is equipped with living quarters. 

Legends owners come from all walks of life and range from 15 to 73 years of age, hailing from forty states and ten foreign countries.  The Legends Racing Series is the fastest growing form of motorsports in the world.  Since the cars are virtually the same, it is the drivers racing experience that makes the competitive difference. 

Further information may be found at http://www.legendscars.com or http://www.600racing.com

To register for Hobart Institute courses, check the web site at http://www.welding.org or call 1-800-332-9448, ext. 5300 or 937-332-5300.