Biography
written by Dick Monahan
If you were ever in the pits at a NEMA race...you met Wen. He was a charter member of NEMA when it was founded in 1953, and he attended 655 of the 659 events NEMA sanctioned before his untimely death in 1989. He missed four races: the one that was a late addition to the schedule on his wedding day, the one on the day his son was born, the one on the evening of the day he broke his ankle and the one he voluntarily gave up to attend a once in a lifetime family reunion in Iowa.
His official work for the club is well known. He became its Secretary the second year of the club's existence. Then, he added the tasks of Handicapper and Chief Scorer. Finally, in 1969, he also took on the position of Treasurer, when the then-current holder of that office failed to keep track of the money. He continued to perform all four jobs until 1989. In all those years, there was never a question that all the numbers, whether points earned or dollars in the treasury, were correct.
Wen was also a top-notch competitor. He first became involved in midget racing right after World War II by crewing for Bob Ochs, who ran with the Bay State Midget Racing Association, AAA, ARDC, UCOA and MARC. He bought his own car in 1957. His first race was in August of that year, at the old Cheshire Fairgrounds, near Keene, NH, with Hank Williams (Henry Surrette) at the wheel. Just two years later, he was the NEMA Non-Offy Champion owner for 1959, finishing third overall, behind the Offys of Ed Stone and Everett Rogers.
His drivers included two-time NEMA Champion Al Pillion, Johnny Dudevoir, Eddie Brown, Elmer Peckham, Billy Stofer, Don Keller, and Jeff Horn. He gave the first midget rides to many time champion Joe Csiki and Canadian stock car great Jean Paul Cabana.
All of these accomplishments would be enough to earn Wen the respect of every New England midget racing fan. But, he did much more for the club and the sport. During much of his tenure, the Kelley Brothers Garage that he ran with his brother, Ray, was the focus point for NEMA racing. It is no coincidence that a large number of the club's car owners were based within a few miles of that shop's location in Southeastern Massachusetts. Wen was always ready to help a new car owner get running, whether that meant just some advice, or help in finding parts for the less-than-new machinery that was often the new owner's first acquisition.
Wen fostered a camaraderie that is hard to find in today's racing. During his time, his influence kept the club's rules, regulations, and especially the payoffs, friendly to the “little guy” car owner. He knew that the well-heeled owners could compete no matter what the club did, but the working man owners needed whatever help the club could provide. During the lean times that were all too common in the New England economy of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, it was Wen's group of little guys who dug deep and found the cash to show up at the pit gate with competitive cars. Top drawer car owners came and went, but Wen's guys stuck with the club throughout everything.
If you were ever in the pits at a NEMA race...you met Wen. He was a charter member of NEMA when it was founded in 1953, and he attended 655 of the 659 events NEMA sanctioned before his untimely death in 1989. He missed four races: the one that was a late addition to the schedule on his wedding day, the one on the day his son was born, the one on the evening of the day he broke his ankle and the one he voluntarily gave up to attend a once in a lifetime family reunion in Iowa.
His official work for the club is well known. He became its Secretary the second year of the club's existence. Then, he added the tasks of Handicapper and Chief Scorer. Finally, in 1969, he also took on the position of Treasurer, when the then-current holder of that office failed to keep track of the money. He continued to perform all four jobs until 1989. In all those years, there was never a question that all the numbers, whether points earned or dollars in the treasury, were correct.
Wen was also a top-notch competitor. He first became involved in midget racing right after World War II by crewing for Bob Ochs, who ran with the Bay State Midget Racing Association, AAA, ARDC, UCOA and MARC. He bought his own car in 1957. His first race was in August of that year, at the old Cheshire Fairgrounds, near Keene, NH, with Hank Williams (Henry Surrette) at the wheel. Just two years later, he was the NEMA Non-Offy Champion owner for 1959, finishing third overall, behind the Offys of Ed Stone and Everett Rogers.
His drivers included two-time NEMA Champion Al Pillion, Johnny Dudevoir, Eddie Brown, Elmer Peckham, Billy Stofer, Don Keller, and Jeff Horn. He gave the first midget rides to many time champion Joe Csiki and Canadian stock car great Jean Paul Cabana.
All of these accomplishments would be enough to earn Wen the respect of every New England midget racing fan. But, he did much more for the club and the sport. During much of his tenure, the Kelley Brothers Garage that he ran with his brother, Ray, was the focus point for NEMA racing. It is no coincidence that a large number of the club's car owners were based within a few miles of that shop's location in Southeastern Massachusetts. Wen was always ready to help a new car owner get running, whether that meant just some advice, or help in finding parts for the less-than-new machinery that was often the new owner's first acquisition.
Wen fostered a camaraderie that is hard to find in today's racing. During his time, his influence kept the club's rules, regulations, and especially the payoffs, friendly to the “little guy” car owner. He knew that the well-heeled owners could compete no matter what the club did, but the working man owners needed whatever help the club could provide. During the lean times that were all too common in the New England economy of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, it was Wen's group of little guys who dug deep and found the cash to show up at the pit gate with competitive cars. Top drawer car owners came and went, but Wen's guys stuck with the club throughout everything.
NEMA and other New England groups have long recognized the unique person Wen was. He and Ray were the first recipients of the Bay State Old Timers Award for Dedication to the Preservation of New England Auto Racing. Wen was also one of the initial inductees into the Dick Gallagher Memorial Hall of Fame. A group of life-long fans honored him with one of NEMA's most coveted awards, their Johnny Thomson Memorial Trophy. NEMA established the Wen Kelley Memorial Award after his untimely passing, given annually since 1989. Beginning in 1990, NEMA also honored him with the annual "Wen Kelley Memorial Race", which for many years was a 50 lap feature and the biggest race of the season. Scroll down for more race info...
Recent Accolades
On November 12th, 2012, Wen was inducted into the New England Antique Racers Pioneers Hall of Fame. Read NEAR Article Here...
This past January, Wen was inducted into the National Midget Racing Hall of Fame, a well deserved honor for a man who did so much for midget auto racing.
Read PRI Article Here...
Read PRI Article Here...
Remembering Wen
"...he was one of the best all around persons to grace the club's membership." by Dick Monahan and Ed Duncan
"Wen was a great guy all around." by Carole Stoehr-Ware
"He did more than anyone while he was alive...great man!" by Nokie Fornoro
"He was definitely Mr NEMA while I was there" by Butch Yuris
"When we first went dirt racing in 1968, I went down there (Kelley's Garage) to borrow a tire groover and I can tell you that was some kind of operation...but it was completely wrapped in smiles." by Lew Boyd
"Wen was a great guy all around." by Carole Stoehr-Ware
"He did more than anyone while he was alive...great man!" by Nokie Fornoro
"He was definitely Mr NEMA while I was there" by Butch Yuris
"When we first went dirt racing in 1968, I went down there (Kelley's Garage) to borrow a tire groover and I can tell you that was some kind of operation...but it was completely wrapped in smiles." by Lew Boyd
Photo Gallery
Wen Kelley Memorial Races
Immediately following his untimely passing, the club began hosting an annual memorial race in his honor. For many years, this event was the most prestigious midget race in the Northeast, with over 30 entrants on many occasions, which often included some of our friends from ARDC. Wen's brother and fellow Hall of Famer, Ray Kelley, presented a beautiful trophy in victory lane engraving the winner's name in NEMA history.
Immediately following his untimely passing, the club began hosting an annual memorial race in his honor. For many years, this event was the most prestigious midget race in the Northeast, with over 30 entrants on many occasions, which often included some of our friends from ARDC. Wen's brother and fellow Hall of Famer, Ray Kelley, presented a beautiful trophy in victory lane engraving the winner's name in NEMA history.
1990 October 7th
Star Speedway
Winner: Lee Smith
Recap: The 50 lap feature got off to a rough start, but it went 47 green laps to the end as Lee Smith ran away from Jeff Horn and Bobby Seymour to post his second win of the year, engraving his name in history for this inaugural event.
1991
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Nokie Fornoro, Jr.
Recap: Nokie made his NEMA debut aboard the MATCO entry a memorable one, as he and Jeff Horn traded the lead during the 50 lap feature. Nokie bested Horn to the flag with Joey Coy third.
1992 August
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Jeff Horn
Recap: This Wen Kelley/Brian Caruso Memorial was the biggest race of the year with 38 midgets on hand. Jeff was the fastest that night beating Drew Fornoro and Bobby Seymour across the line.
1993 May 29th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Jeff Horn
Recap: Jeff passed Russ Stoehr on lap 4 and led the rest of the way. Bobby Seymour passed Drew Fornoro with only a few laps remaining for the second spot. Fred Meeker was on hand to receive a commemorative plaque, honoring NEMA’s very first race exactly 40 years to the day.
1994 May 28th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Mike Seymour
Recap: This race was the first of four co-sanctioned events with ARDC and ended in a Seymour sweep, with Mike winning over brother, Bobby, and taking a championship lead that he would never relinquish. Babe Shaw finished third.
1995 May 28th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Nokie Fornoro, Jr.
Recap: This Night Before the 500 was one for the ages as Jeff Horn chased Nokie through traffic lap after lap, only to get caught up in the way of a broken lapped car, leaving Nokie unchallenged at the stripe. Bobby Seymour finished second once again and Drew Fonroro finished third.
1996 May 25th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Russ Stoehr
Recap: This race drew one of the best crowds and car counts of the season, as Russ and Drew Fornoro raced each other to the flag, with Russ earning the memorable win. Bobby Seymour earned his fifth consecutive Wen Kelley Memorial podium finish with a third.
1997 May 24th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Mark Buonomo
Recap: This Wen Kelley Memorial produced a surprise winner, as a “sophomore sensation” named Mark Buonomo, held off a hard charging Babe Shaw and Russ Stoehr, who ended up third, to earn his first NEMA feature victory in dramatic fashion.
1998 May 23rd
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Keith Botelho
Recap: After ten years of trying, Keith captured his first NEMA feature for one of the most popular victories in the club’s history. He held of a late race challenge by both Seymour brothers. Bobby finished second while Mike crossed the line in 3rd.
1999 May 29th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Russ Stoehr
Recap: Russ once again ruled this Night Before the 500 to win this Wen Kelley/ Brian Caruso Memorial event, with strong finishes from Mike Seymour and Howard Bumpus, who finished second and third respectively.
2000 May 7th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Russ Stoehr
Recap: It didn’t take long for the new pairing of Stoehr-Angellilo to click as Russ won this Wen Kelley/ Brian Caruso Memorial in only their third outing, as Mike Seymour picked up second and hometown favorite, Keith Botelho, finished third.
2001 May 19th
Star Speedway
Winner: Bobby Seymour
Recap: Rudy Boetticher and Barry Kittredge battled early for the lead, but Bobby took them to school on the restarts and never looked back. Rudy fought hard to finish second as Mark Buonomo rounded out the third spot.
2002 June 8th
Star Speedway
Winner: Russ Stoehr
Recap: After a confrontation 2 laps into this 25 lap feature, Russ restarted in the rear and then charged to the front passing cars on the outside, including Drew Fornoro for the top spot just after halfway. Drew fought hard but had to settle for second, as Pete Pernesiglio finished third.
2003 May 12th
Star Speedway
Winner: Drew Fornoro
Recap: Drew captured his 24th career Star victory after a heated battle in the closing laps from a young Bobby Santos, who settled for second by inches. Randy Cabral edged Adam Cantor in a spirited battle for third place.
Star Speedway
Winner: Lee Smith
Recap: The 50 lap feature got off to a rough start, but it went 47 green laps to the end as Lee Smith ran away from Jeff Horn and Bobby Seymour to post his second win of the year, engraving his name in history for this inaugural event.
1991
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Nokie Fornoro, Jr.
Recap: Nokie made his NEMA debut aboard the MATCO entry a memorable one, as he and Jeff Horn traded the lead during the 50 lap feature. Nokie bested Horn to the flag with Joey Coy third.
1992 August
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Jeff Horn
Recap: This Wen Kelley/Brian Caruso Memorial was the biggest race of the year with 38 midgets on hand. Jeff was the fastest that night beating Drew Fornoro and Bobby Seymour across the line.
1993 May 29th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Jeff Horn
Recap: Jeff passed Russ Stoehr on lap 4 and led the rest of the way. Bobby Seymour passed Drew Fornoro with only a few laps remaining for the second spot. Fred Meeker was on hand to receive a commemorative plaque, honoring NEMA’s very first race exactly 40 years to the day.
1994 May 28th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Mike Seymour
Recap: This race was the first of four co-sanctioned events with ARDC and ended in a Seymour sweep, with Mike winning over brother, Bobby, and taking a championship lead that he would never relinquish. Babe Shaw finished third.
1995 May 28th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Nokie Fornoro, Jr.
Recap: This Night Before the 500 was one for the ages as Jeff Horn chased Nokie through traffic lap after lap, only to get caught up in the way of a broken lapped car, leaving Nokie unchallenged at the stripe. Bobby Seymour finished second once again and Drew Fonroro finished third.
1996 May 25th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Russ Stoehr
Recap: This race drew one of the best crowds and car counts of the season, as Russ and Drew Fornoro raced each other to the flag, with Russ earning the memorable win. Bobby Seymour earned his fifth consecutive Wen Kelley Memorial podium finish with a third.
1997 May 24th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Mark Buonomo
Recap: This Wen Kelley Memorial produced a surprise winner, as a “sophomore sensation” named Mark Buonomo, held off a hard charging Babe Shaw and Russ Stoehr, who ended up third, to earn his first NEMA feature victory in dramatic fashion.
1998 May 23rd
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Keith Botelho
Recap: After ten years of trying, Keith captured his first NEMA feature for one of the most popular victories in the club’s history. He held of a late race challenge by both Seymour brothers. Bobby finished second while Mike crossed the line in 3rd.
1999 May 29th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Russ Stoehr
Recap: Russ once again ruled this Night Before the 500 to win this Wen Kelley/ Brian Caruso Memorial event, with strong finishes from Mike Seymour and Howard Bumpus, who finished second and third respectively.
2000 May 7th
Seekonk Speedway
Winner: Russ Stoehr
Recap: It didn’t take long for the new pairing of Stoehr-Angellilo to click as Russ won this Wen Kelley/ Brian Caruso Memorial in only their third outing, as Mike Seymour picked up second and hometown favorite, Keith Botelho, finished third.
2001 May 19th
Star Speedway
Winner: Bobby Seymour
Recap: Rudy Boetticher and Barry Kittredge battled early for the lead, but Bobby took them to school on the restarts and never looked back. Rudy fought hard to finish second as Mark Buonomo rounded out the third spot.
2002 June 8th
Star Speedway
Winner: Russ Stoehr
Recap: After a confrontation 2 laps into this 25 lap feature, Russ restarted in the rear and then charged to the front passing cars on the outside, including Drew Fornoro for the top spot just after halfway. Drew fought hard but had to settle for second, as Pete Pernesiglio finished third.
2003 May 12th
Star Speedway
Winner: Drew Fornoro
Recap: Drew captured his 24th career Star victory after a heated battle in the closing laps from a young Bobby Santos, who settled for second by inches. Randy Cabral edged Adam Cantor in a spirited battle for third place.
Drew Fornoro stands in victory lane with Wen's son, Sam (left), his brother Ray (far right), and Marvin Rifchin in 2003.
Have pictures and/or a favorite memory of Wen? Please share it with us to help spread his legacy...
