|
To the sprint car family in Knoxville, Iowa and surrounding areas of the country. I just want to pass along some sad news about a good friend to many in the sprint car community, Fred Kain of Des Moines, Iowa. My father and I received the phone call that we needed to stop by and see him and I just want to say its been a sad day for us. In the many years of Knowing Freddie is a tough man but he is in some severe pain and is very weak at this point in his life he is facing some very serious health issues that are stacking the deck against him. Im hoping for the best but for him and his family I just wanted to let his friends and fellow racers know Fred is in for the fight of his life as we speak. I wont go into detail about his issues out of respect for Fred and his privacy but I know as we spoke with him he might enjoy some cards and well wishes to let the man know hes got his friends and he isnt forgotten for what he has given to the sport over the years. He is in my opinion in the big 3 of builders in no specific order as Bob Trostle, Lenard McCarl, and Fred Kain its because of guys like these that designed the modern day sprint car that are mass produced as well as some ideas for parts. He is a great friend and while he was involved with our shop he not only did work for alot of racers but built alot of wrecks with my father and he even dabbled in the custom cars later in life. One Special project he did for me will be a tribute when finished to the fabricating of Fred. He Built my 29' model A frame which is a 1 off sprint car frame that is two seats wide in the passenger compartment and sports a 4 bar front and rear suspension as well as a winters quick change live axle rear end. and a KSE steering box. It is a neat piece and a one of a kind and Im sad he might not see it finished. He suffered a small stroke just after completing the fabricating but within weeks bounced back and was out in his garage working on cars again. My plan was to have Lenard and Bob do a few things to it as well and could have the car that the big 3 helped on. As well we wanted to get those guys together for a appreciation night at the hall of fame for there contribution in the sport. Who knows im hoping we havent ran out of time but im just sad now we couldnt do it sooner.
If you would like to send your wishes or thoughts please contact Betty or Fred Kain @ 515-288-3904 ( please be respectful on time)
or write at 519 SE Livingston, Des Moines, IA, 50315
|
