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Topic: RAY SCHEETZ
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Page 1 of 1 of 6 replies
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October 07, 2013 at
09:59:45 AM
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11/14/2006
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3104
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WE HAVE LOST A LEGEND TODAY
Ray Scheetz passed away early this morning from complications with Emphysema. Ray’s auto racing career began at the end of World War II when his Dad started preparations for the post war competition aboard his Track Roadster. Ray took to the mechanic trade and by his mid teen had caught the attention of racing Mechanic, John Pouelsen who noticed Ray's attention to detail and his organized approach to servicing the race car for the next event. Pouelsen offered Scheetz an opportunity to join his crew at Indianapolis as they took the Agajanian Special and Parnelli Jones to the Brickyard and victory in 1963. Pouelsen moved to the Bowes Seal-Fast team in 1964 through 1966 and took Ray along while campaigning with A.J. Foyt on the USAC trail.
Ray returned to southern California racing action in 1968 as the Racecar Preparation Specialist for the Morales Brothers, Don Peabody, Bill Sykes, Chuck Tucker, Billy Wilkerson, Skip Schuck, and the Kazarian Family. Some of the drivers that raced in Scheetz prepared racecars were Howard Gardner, Nick Valenta, Ray Douglas, Bob Hogle, A.J. Foyt, Chuck Hulse, Rick Goudy, Colby Scroggin, Billy Wilkerson, Booby Olivero, Bubby Jones, Don Johns, Bob Coulter and Ron Shuman with Ray collecting ten season championships. Combined these drivers worked with Scheetz to amass a total of 155 sprint car victories during his career.
In 1995 and 1996, Ray was very active in the building of Perris Auto Speedway, fabricating many parts of the state of the art catch fence. Over the years, he devoted his efforts in track preparation in much the same way as his race cars. Ray has been an important member of the staff that keeps the PAS a top notch facility.
I have lost one of my oldest and best friend! Ray loved Sprint Car Racing! In his honor, we dedicate the 18th running of the Oval Nationals to Ray. All of us at the PAS will miss Ray and our thoughts are with Leanne and his Family.
Don Kazarian
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October 07, 2013 at
10:45:25 AM
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Joined:
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12/04/2004
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50
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Sorry to hear about the passing of Ray Scheetz. Ray was quite a good person and at the track would help out anyone. Several times in my son's early days of 360 racing he would come over to Brandon and ask him some questions about the car's entry or exit in the turns. Then he would get aside and go over with me what i could do to make it better. I always took his suggestion and learned alot of him. R.I.P Ray you were the best and a good person you will be missed.
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October 07, 2013 at
01:52:26 PM
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12/04/2004
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1680
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R.I.P. Ray
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October 07, 2013 at
02:01:57 PM
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Joined:
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01/02/2009
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63
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Reply to:
Posted By: ScottDaloisio on October 07 2013 at 09:59:45 AM
WE HAVE LOST A LEGEND TODAY
Ray Scheetz passed away early this morning from complications with Emphysema. Ray’s auto racing career began at the end of World War II when his Dad started preparations for the post war competition aboard his Track Roadster. Ray took to the mechanic trade and by his mid teen had caught the attention of racing Mechanic, John Pouelsen who noticed Ray's attention to detail and his organized approach to servicing the race car for the next event. Pouelsen offered Scheetz an opportunity to join his crew at Indianapolis as they took the Agajanian Special and Parnelli Jones to the Brickyard and victory in 1963. Pouelsen moved to the Bowes Seal-Fast team in 1964 through 1966 and took Ray along while campaigning with A.J. Foyt on the USAC trail.
Ray returned to southern California racing action in 1968 as the Racecar Preparation Specialist for the Morales Brothers, Don Peabody, Bill Sykes, Chuck Tucker, Billy Wilkerson, Skip Schuck, and the Kazarian Family. Some of the drivers that raced in Scheetz prepared racecars were Howard Gardner, Nick Valenta, Ray Douglas, Bob Hogle, A.J. Foyt, Chuck Hulse, Rick Goudy, Colby Scroggin, Billy Wilkerson, Booby Olivero, Bubby Jones, Don Johns, Bob Coulter and Ron Shuman with Ray collecting ten season championships. Combined these drivers worked with Scheetz to amass a total of 155 sprint car victories during his career.
In 1995 and 1996, Ray was very active in the building of Perris Auto Speedway, fabricating many parts of the state of the art catch fence. Over the years, he devoted his efforts in track preparation in much the same way as his race cars. Ray has been an important member of the staff that keeps the PAS a top notch facility.
I have lost one of my oldest and best friend! Ray loved Sprint Car Racing! In his honor, we dedicate the 18th running of the Oval Nationals to Ray. All of us at the PAS will miss Ray and our thoughts are with Leanne and his Family.
Don Kazarian
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Sorry to hear about Ray. Enjoyed shooting the shit with him at the track. One of the nicest people you could ever meet and he did one hell of a job on track prep.
R.I.P Ray. you will be missed by all.
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October 07, 2013 at
02:02:58 PM
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05/27/2007
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10
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R.I.P. Ray, he was an amazing person.
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October 07, 2013 at
03:21:56 PM
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12/05/2004
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1217
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What an incredible resume he possessed. Big loss for the racing community. Bigger loss for humankind. R.I.P.
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October 07, 2013 at
03:32:41 PM
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12/02/2004
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116
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Really going to miss you buddy. Lots and lots of chats that will not be forgotten. You lived in the best of racing times and you knew it and got to enjoy it to the fullest. Last couple of years were rough but I never heard a complaint. You will be missed.....The Cardey's
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