OxfordPress.com

It was a sure sign that spring is in the air, and a new racing season is just around the corner when more than 50 race cars filled Lang's Chevrolet in Beavercreek for the annual Dayton Auto Racing Fan Club (DARF) Race Car Show.

"We've been doing this for a long time; I know it's more than 25 years," said Bobby Sparks, DARF president.

Longtime DARF member and local racing historian Jerry Wahl said, "I think it's closer to 30 years, but who's counting?"

Local racecar owners display their machines, usually sporting a fresh coat of paint for the new season. There were modifieds, late models, trucks, midgets, sprint cars, quarter midgets and go-karts.

In addition, there was a nice display of vintage racecars from yesteryear and displays about the history of Dayton Speedway and die-cast models.

All of the funds raised by the event are donated to Greene County Children's Services.

"We hope to raise between $2,000 and $2,500 for the kids. DARF doesn't keep any of the money; it all goes to provide for needy children. They don't buy gifts, they buy clothes, school supplies — whatever these kids need," Sparks said.

Visitors also had the opportunity to meet a legendary racer, 76-year-old Mel Kenyon, also known as "The King of the Midgets." Kenyon has raced the little open-wheel cars for 56 years, and still races occasionally during the season. He has won seven USAC National Championships and more than 380 midget car feature races.

"I've been very fortunate in my racing career, in spite of a setback early in my career. Now, I spend most of time maintaining midgets and coaching young drivers," Kenyon said.

Kenyon along with his brother Don, operate Kenyon Brothers Enterprises out of Lebanon, Ind., where they build midgets and maintain racecars for customers.

The setback Kenyon refers to would have made most men quit racing. Driving an Indy roadster at Langhorne, Penn., in 1965, Kenyon's engine blew, spewing oil all over him and the track. As he slid to a stop, Jim Hurtubise and Ralph Ligouri crashed in the oil and hit Kenyon's car, which exploded in a fireball. Kenyon was unconscious and seriously burned, losing all of the fingers on his left hand.

After many surgeries and treatment, Kenyon returned to racing in May of 1966, qualifying for the first of his eight Indianapolis 500's. He finished fifth in that race and to drive the car, he fashioned a glove for his left hand with a socket in the palm, which attaches to the steering wheel. He has used the same-style glove to race with ever since.

DARF, which has 600-plus members, will hold its annual Promoter's Night meeting March 24. For more information about DARF, go online to www.darfnews.com. To contribute to the Needy Kids Fund, mail a check with "Needy Kids Fund" noted on it to DARF at P.O. Box 641, Dayton OH 45401.

See photos of the show here.