Racing Hall of Famer Ray Nichels attended Franklin School, which now houses the Griffith Historical Society. In 1954, Ray and his wife Eleanor established Nichels Engineering, which became one of auto racing's elite race car building and engineering firms. With master craftsmen like Jerry Govert, Sr. and Francis "Minnie" Joyce, Nichels Engineering won 3 National Stock Car Championships, took Daytona wins, set world speed records, and ran in 12 Indianapolis 500s. In 1964, Ray Nichels constructed the state-of-the-art "Go-Fast Factory" on East Main Street in Griffith, and his son Terry Nichels joined the firm. Nichels Engineering was the contract race car builder for GM - Pontiac from 1956-1963 and Chrysler from 1963-1970. Nichels managed the Firestone Racing Tire Test Team from 1954 through 1960, setting a series of world records for both speed and endurance. Ray Nichels was also a co-founder of G&N Aircraft and the Griffith Airport.