Brothers Mel and Don Kenyon made an extraordinary impact on American open wheel racing. Mel began his career in 1954 driving stock cars, and after Don left the Air Force in 1958, the brothers bought a midget with his mustering-out pay. With Mel driving and Don serving as mechanic, they launched two remarkable careers and went on to win more than 390 midget races worldwide, including the Turkey Night Grand Prix twice, 111 USAC events, and 7 USAC Midget Championships. In a 1965 accident, Mel was severely burned and lost part of his left hand, but with their father's help the brothers created a device that allowed him to keep driving. Mel then went on to his greatest triumphs and competed in 8 Indianapolis 500s. Originally from Dekalb, Illinois, the Kenyons have proudly made Lebanon their home since the 1960s.