Kansas City, MO- August 4, 2008- Greg Weld, the creative visionary who took racing and custom wheels to a new level dies at 64. Weld died from undisclosed complications.
Welds' revolutionary view and his unconditional desire allowed him to create the finest quality forged wheels in the industry. "Greg Weld was a visionary in the motorsports industry. He raced his way into the record books and into the hearts of many, but more than anything else, Greg Weld was a great friend and will be missed by everyone", said Bob Baker, President of the Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
Greg's racing career was phenomenal. He won over 100 sprint car races including the 1963 Knoxville Nationals, the premiere event in sprint car racing and won the USAC National Sprint Car Champions hip at the age of 23. Weld raced in the USAC Championship Car series in the 1965-1972 se asons, with 36 career starts, including the 1970 Indianapolis 500 and qualified as the fastest rookie qualifier. He finished in the top ten 11 times, with his best finish in 4th position in 1970 at Sacramento. He was also the 1967 USAC Sprint Car Series champion.
Greg Weld was also an entrepreneur with a driven desire to build his company and see his goals become reality. In 1970, Greg retired as a professional racer and founded Weld Wheel Industries. Greg started Weld Wheels with $2300 he'd saved from racing and the simple idea of making Sprint Car wheels that performed better. Greg manufactured forged alloy wheels for various vehicles, including racecars, and was an active sponsor of the United States Auto Club series, NHRA and IHRA. In January 2007, Greg started a new company, Greg Weld Competition Wheels. His continuous investments in technology, research and development and talented people positioned Weld to be a pioneer and undisputed leader in the aftermarket industry.
Greg Weld was honored during his life as was inducted into numerous Hall's of Fame including the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1998.
Survivors include his wife Deb, former wife Marilyn Brockman-Weld, daughter Christian Weld-Brown and sons Taylor and Brock. He also leaves behind sisters Delores Wesley, and Marilyn Burasco, and brother Ricky. Greg Weld is also survived by his grandchildren Marin Brown, Sophia Brown, Spencer Brown, Harley Weld, Quinton Weld, Aiden Weld, Lola Weld and numerous nieces and nephews.
Weld was predeceased by father Taylor "Pappy" Weld, mother Ella Weld and brothers Jerry and Kenny.
Services will be held on Friday August 8, 2008 at 10:00a.m. at the Kansas City Baptist Temple, 5460 Blue Ridge Cut Off Raytown, MO 64133 (816) 358-1515
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