This year, a remarkable project is taking shape as my brother-in-law, Jim Thomas, along with our close friend Paul Smith, dive into renovating a race car for the upcoming Mace Thomas Classic at Butler Motor Speedway on June 1st in Quincy, Michigan. This isn't just any race car; it's a tribute to my father-in-law, Mace Thomas, a pioneering figure in racing history.
In 1963, Mace and his driver, Gordon Johncock, ventured from Michigan to Pennsylvania with Mace’s super modified car and clinched victory at the inaugural Williams Grove National Open. Their arrival at Williams Grove marked a pivotal moment in racing history, as they were the first team to introduce a winged car in such competitions, forever altering the sport's dynamics. Gordon was so dominant that day he nearly lapped the second-place driver by the race’s end.
Our family still holds dear the memories of those glory days, as evident from the iconic photos where you can spot the number "8" boldly displayed on the side of the car. A curious piece of trivia from that day includes the number "5" being taped over, as another competitor had already registered the number "85."
Mace's winning streak didn’t stop at Williams Grove. He and Gordon set a world record at Winchester and won 25 straight features in Toledo, powered by a 434 in³ engine—a hallmark of Mace's preference for his super modified cars. The engine for our current project is being built with the same spirit, with Jack Conley's son, carrying on his father's legacy as our engine builder.
The project, spearheaded by Paul and meticulously crafted by Jim and our team, is nearing completion. Jim is currently working on the iconic wing, and the frame is set to be powder-coated shortly. This restoration isn’t just about racing; it’s about honoring a legacy.
Paul is also constructing a trophy for the race—anticipated to stand six feet tall, symbolizing the monumental achievement and effort symbolized by this race and its history.
Later this summer, we plan to bring the newly restored Honker #85 to compete once again at Williams Grove in Pennsylvania, returning to the track where it all began. It's a fitting tribute to Mace Thomas, a man whose innovations revolutionized the sport and whose spirit continues to inspire us today.