Death: November 12, 2014

As a teenager Wright worked for and was mentored by some of the top engine builders of his youth. Like many a young mechanic of his era, he sometimes worked on engines used by moonshine haulers.

When he returned home from military service in 1957, he got into stock car racing, soon expanding his shop and fielding two cars.

He was soon winning races as a car owner with drivers including “Wildman” Jerry Smith. In 1961 he won two features at Lakewood Speedway with Joe Lee Johnson as his driver. He also won with Friday Hassler aboard that year. In 1962 he teamed up with Bob Burcham and won 56 of the 60 races they entered. The next year the duo won 54 races and lost the national NASCAR Modified title to Bobby Allison by just four points.

In 1964, Wright teamed with Donnie Allison and the two continued winning Wright’s winning ways, including eight wins in a row at Montgomery, Ala.

Freddy Fryar also raced Wright’s cars, winning numerous races including a 100-lapper at Baton Rouge on dirt and a 300-lapper at Nashville, Tenn., on asphalt.

In 1966, Wright moved his shop to Tunnel Hill, Ga., and began working with his brother Dave Wright Sr.

Joe Lee Johnson drove Wright’s cars to victories on both dirt and asphalt tracks.

In 1968, Wright fielded cars for drivers including Jody Ridley, Harold Fryar, Bob Burcham and Algie Robinson.

Other drivers who raced and won in Wright’s cars included Hugh Hall, Joe Richie, Bobby Richie, Garner Snowden, Leon Brindle, Red Farmer and Buck Simmons.

Wright died on Nov. 12, 2014.

• First involved in racing in 1957 fielding two cars.
• Won two features in 1961 at Lakewood Speedway with Joe Lee Johnson driving.
• With Bob Burcham driving, placed second in 1967 national NASCAR Modified division.
• Won eight races in a row at Montgomery, Al. with Donnie Allison.
• Fielded cars for drivers such as Jody Ridley, Harold Freyer, Red Farmer and Buck Simmons.