Great story, I had the privilege of knowing Lee, and in 1979 hung around with him and his team, as one of the owners lived in Champaign, IL. Saw him almost win the race in Atlanta, went to Phoenix and of course to Indy, and the party afterwards. He didn't have many laps in at the 1979 Indy when something happened to his car, he was so disappointed. Tell him I said hello, he might or might not remember me but one of his best friends also lived in Champaign, Clem Clemons. My name is Donna Hutchcraft Fackler, what a wonderful person.
Thanks Robin for doing a spot on Lee. My gosh, Lee was such a great race car driver. I saw him kick everybody's butts one sunday afternoon at Eldora. He was one of the most happy winners I ever saw in post race celebration. He always got everything out of race car. You mentioned it already "about his 7th place finish in 77 500. That car he had was an old eagle that only Lee could make go. Just a phenomenol job of driving.
I was privileged to meet and visit with Lee Kunzman once, and he is the real deal !! He was a tough driver and before the accident I believe he was destined to win Indy at least once !! He is one of the great drivers !
I was at Odessa MO when he broke his neck andgot burned. We'd just his car get rolled up in fencing before he went out of the track, then saw smoke. A veryscary moment! A couple of days later we visited him in the hospital. Like Robin said, tough as nails, and a nice guy.
Thumbs up again Robin ! Lee is one of the tough guys ! I am in Ohio Robin, not far from Toledo, Ohio, I would love to have the opportunity to meet Lee in person if it were ever possible. Thanks again !
dominick virgilio: Burned at Odessa, MO *HOLY SHIT!!! LOOK AT THIS PLACE* ua-cam.com/video/7DOo6oZI7JY/v-deo.html Kept a life flight helicopter in the infield at all times. This Shit was dreaded, *IT WAS EXPECTED!!!*
I just found this. Known Lee since he was just out of high school racing stock cars at dirt tracks in Iowa. My mother-in-law taught him in school. He is Barb and my hero. We've stayed in touch irregularly over the years before and after Odessa. He wore me out on a tennis court in the mid 70's and stays in my thoughts even today. Always been at the top of my list.
Great story, I had the privilege of knowing Lee, and in 1979 hung around with him and his team, as one of the owners lived in Champaign, IL. Saw him almost win the race in Atlanta, went to Phoenix and of course to Indy, and the party afterwards. He didn't have many laps in at the 1979 Indy when something happened to his car, he was so disappointed. Tell him I said hello, he might or might not remember me but one of his best friends also lived in Champaign, Clem Clemons. My name is Donna Hutchcraft Fackler, what a wonderful person.
Thanks Robin for doing a spot on Lee. My gosh, Lee was such a great race car driver. I saw him kick everybody's butts one sunday afternoon at Eldora. He was one of the most happy winners I ever saw in post race celebration. He always got everything out of race car. You mentioned it already "about his 7th place finish in 77 500. That car he had was an old eagle that only Lee could make go. Just a phenomenol job of driving.
I was privileged to meet and visit with Lee Kunzman once, and he is the real deal !! He was a tough driver and before the accident I believe he was destined to win Indy at least once !! He is one of the great drivers !
I was at Odessa MO when he broke his neck andgot burned. We'd just his car get rolled up in fencing before he went out of the track, then saw smoke. A veryscary moment! A couple of days later we visited him in the hospital. Like Robin said, tough as nails, and a nice guy.
Robin. You are the greatest story teller. Your video’s are tremendous. Thanks to you and your great cast of racers!!
Thumbs up again Robin !
Lee is one of the tough guys !
I am in Ohio Robin, not far from Toledo, Ohio,
I would love to have the opportunity to meet Lee in person if it were ever possible.
Thanks again !
I've met Lee Kunzman and I know this sounds like a cliche but he IS one class act! Plus he always liked my cowboy boots.
one tough racer lee kunzman!
dominick virgilio: Burned at Odessa, MO *HOLY SHIT!!! LOOK AT THIS PLACE* ua-cam.com/video/7DOo6oZI7JY/v-deo.html
Kept a life flight helicopter in the infield at all times. This Shit was dreaded, *IT WAS EXPECTED!!!*
I just found this. Known Lee since he was just out of high school racing stock cars at dirt tracks in Iowa. My mother-in-law taught him in school. He is Barb and my hero. We've stayed in touch irregularly over the years before and after Odessa. He wore me out on a tennis court in the mid 70's and stays in my thoughts even today. Always been at the top of my list.
To me he was just a footnote from Jim McKay missing Salt’s crash in ‘73. Interesting. -U10
The Workingman’s Friend off N Belmont Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana is likely the lunch spot. 😎
I live 50 minutes away from Lee, and shame on me, I have never met the man !
Think maybes I need to do something about that !
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Good stories, but slow down and stop slurring I-N-D-I-A-N A -P-O-L-I-S