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Racecar Builder Longtime Proprietor Of Gary’s Speed Shop Serving Racecar Clientele Nationwide

By
Frank Buchman
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When one’s life centers around racecars what more appropriate nickname than Racecar?

Gary Sevenans is likely best known to many around Council Grove by that moniker.

Yet his affiliations with racecars is recognized at major racetracks, by car owners, drivers, and racecar enthusiasts throughout the country.

While having several businesses and employments through the decades, Gary has owned Gary’s Speed Shop since 1969. Operated out of his racecar shop, the business unknown by many locally serves nationwide car racing clientele.

“Actually, a major part of the business is as a Hans Factory representative,” Gary said. “I recertify and sell the Hans device. We have the quickest turnaround time in the recertification industry.”

Involved in every aspect of car racing throughout his lifetime, Gary now serves as a member of a pit crew at Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) car races.

“I do work at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, yet most ARCA races are throughout the country,” Gary said. “I work about a dozen car races annually, but I drive with the racecar crew so that limits my schedule.”

Heartland Park Racetrack in Topeka has Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) sanctioned races. Gary no longer participates in that circuit but has during his diverse racecar career.

Born prematurely in North Hollywood, California, Gary was adopted and grew up a typical healthy boy. “I wasn’t around racecars until my friend, and I went to Saugus Speedway when I was 15 years old,” Gary said. “I was fascinated by the racecars, the sport of car racing, and it’s never left me.”

Of course, Gary had to have his own racecar and got a 1958 Ford. “I didn’t know much, but I learned and rebuilt the car with the help of others,” he said. “I wanted to drive it myself and raced at Ascott Park, Gardena, California, on December 16, 1966.”

No beginners luck, but just the opposite as Gary crashed his racecar. Undeterred, Gary had the car back in the shop and ready to race again before long.

“I still didn’t win the race, but I knew the racecar was built to be a winner,” Gary said. “I hired other drivers and the car won races.”

As deep as Gary’s heart is into racecars, it’s not as a driver. “I never won a race as a driver personally. I wanted to and tried. I just wasn’t meant to be a racecar driver.

“I’m a racecar builder and have developed and built a lot of winning racecars. It requires the right vehicle, but must also have the right driver,” Gary said. “Fortunately, I’ve been able to hire some of the best drivers in the world. I’ve built cars that have won major championships under other ownerships.”

Dick Trickle was one of the most renowned drivers of cars Gary built. In more than 2,200 races, Trickle logged one million laps and is believed to have won more than 1,200 feature races. He was billed as the winningest short track driver in history.

Gary moved his family to Council Grove in 1972 after visiting Baker and Helen Axe, bakery owners. “We knew the Axes in California, and really liked Council Grove when we stopped to see them,” Gary said.

With wife Patty and children Monique and Gary Junior, the family’s Gary’s Speed Shop headquartered at Council Grove.

“Many people didn’t even know about the business and still don’t,” Gary said. “I’ve had several jobs since living here including owning Council Grove Tire on East Main for six years.”

A major farming operation with cow-calf production was developed northeast of town where the family had their home.

“My son and I did custom hay baling for several years,” Gary said. “I liked the cattle business and had a good horse at one time. But drought with low cattle prices pushed us out and we sold the farm in 2013.”

While maturity has slowed Gary some, his racecar endeavors have continued while he’s had occasional various outside employment.

“I can do about anything if I set my mind to it and have done over the road trucking,” Gary said. “I’m now the fuel truck driver for Wildcat Construction working on K177, and it’s really a great job.”

Five racecars, three of which are super trucks have been built by Gary and are in his shop race ready. “I’m confident in my ability to build racecars and they’ll all be winners with the right drivers.”

Like all sports, racecars are an expensive profession and hobby. “Everything costs a lot these days,” Gary insisted. “Prize money is good if you win, but there can be only one winner. Building a car, traveling to races, paying entry fees, hiring a driver, the expenses are almost endless.”

Still no end in sight for the vibrant Racecar Gary. “My wife has slowed down with health issues, and our daughter died at just 44-years-old from cancer. Our son will retire soon after a Manhattan Fire Department career.

“I plan to keep building racecars and merchandizing racecar equipment with a strong emphasis on safety equipment. I will attend and work at as many car races as my schedule permits,” Racecar Gary said.

+++30+++

 

CUTLINES

Gary Sevenans of Council Grove is trackside at Daytona Speedway in Florida, one of many racetracks where he works on pit crews.

Left, Gary Sevenans of Council Grove is with his racing team for the Gary’s Speed Shop racecar “16” he built and raced last year at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina.

This is the first car Gary Sevenans built and raced in 1966.

In 1969, Gary Sevenans built and raced this car at Saugus Speedway in California.

Rural bachelor happiness

By
Milo Yield
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0
Thayne Cozart
Milo Yield
An elderly bachelor farmer/rancher, ol’ Abbott Dunn, wuz working with his attorney on the legal papers necessary for the distribution of all his property and personal effects when Abe departed this Earth.
After some long thought on the matter, Abe came up with a plan. He told his attorney that he wanted to split all his earthly wealth equally to three ladies to whom he had proposed marriage during his life. He said that all three had rejected his marriage proposal.
His attorney raised his eyebrows at the plan and asked, “Abe, why in the world do you owe those three women anything? They rejected you.”
To which Abe replied with finality, “It’s because of their refusals that I owe all my earthly happiness and my wealth.”
***
A rural couple were facing economic hardships. To paraphrase the lyrics of an old country music song, “There was too much month at the end of the money.”
During one such discussion about family finances, the hubby said, “You accuse me of spending too much on the farm. Can you name one thing that I’ve bought that we haven’t used on the farm?”
To which his quick-tongued wife replied, “Why, what about the expensive fire extinguisher you bought a year ago? We’re never used it once.”
***
A farm wife was actively, verbally supervising her teenage son as he worked  and toiled in the family garden.
A neighbor driving by stopped and complimented the wife profusely on the beautiful garden.
After his mom generously accepted the neighborly compliment, the son piped up to the neighbor, “You know the reason for this nice garden, don’t you? Mom’s been blessed with a green tongue, not a green thumb.”
***
Sadly, I’ve been too busy this spring to do any fishing. But that didn’t keep my from hearing a good fishing story.
I liked the one about the guy, ol’ Kasten Hooker, who caught a giant spawning black bass in one of the Flint Hills’ beautiful limestone ponds.
When he got home, he went into the kitchen and exulted to his wife, “Hon, I caught a beauty of a bass today. I’m sorry you were too busy to go with me today, Sweetie. Fishing without you along just ain’t as fun as when I can share the great outdoors with you, Tootsie.”
At that his wife turned to him and tartly responded, “Cut the schmoozing, Sweetheart, dear. I ain’t cleaning it.”
***
Last week was one for the record books. I mentioned in the previous column that Nevah had hip replacement surgery and then had rehab problems. Well, the medicos came up with a reason. Nevah had a run-in with a blood chemistry problem that goes by the medical acronym of SIADH. That stands for Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiruetic Hormone Secretion. That’s a mouthful.
The only reason for discussing Nevah’s health situation is to hopefully put folks on the alert to watch for it if they or loved ones are recovering from surgery or other undue physical stress.
Here’s a short definition of SIADH: “SIADH is a condition in which your body makes too much antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It caused disorientation. It plays a role in the balance of water and salt (sodium) in your blood, blood pressure, and kidney function. In short, a person’s blood sodium level crashes and causes your body to retain too much water. SIADH can affect anyone, but the likelihood of the condition increases with age. SIADH is more common in people who are recovering from surgery in a hospital due to the administration of fluids, certain medications and their body’s response to pain and stress.”
In Nevah’s case, two days after surgery her blood sodium level plummeted, causing her to fall. She spent a week in the hospital in Topeka where the medicos got her blood sodium back to normal. But, unfortunately, the fall caused a hairline fracture of her femur, several inches below her replaced hip.
That’s the bad news, the hopeful news is that her doc says the bone should heal on its own in a month to six weeks. Thankfully, she fully recovered from the temporary disorientation.
So, that’s where we’re at. We’re home at Damphewmore Acres. She’s rehabbing here and being careful. So far, so good.
***
Here’s a few words of wisdom for the week.
“Parents want their kids to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nuthin’ but the truth — unless there are visiting guests.”
“Beards still serve a useful modern purpose. They’re worn mostly by men.”
“The Golden Years are when your knees may buckle, but your belt won’t.”
***
That’s the scoop for this week. Have a good ‘un.

Kansas City Outlaws Sign Professional Bull Riders World Champion As Assistant Coach

By
Frank Buchman
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Frank J Buchman
Frank Buchman

The Kansas City Outlaws is one of eight founding teams in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Team Series, which begins in July.
World Champion Guilherme Marchi will join the team as assistant coach. working side-by-side with head coach J.W. Hart. They’ll be focusing on rider development, and specifically expanding the team’s recruiting efforts in Brazil.
Marchi has one of the most significant records in PBR. He is the all-time leader in qualified rides with 635.
“I’m very happy to announce that I’m part of the Kansas City Outlaws team,” said Marchi. “We will work hard to get good results. I hope to meet all the expectations of the team, assisting Coach Hart.”
“It’s no secret that there is great talent in Brazil. We felt that the Kansas City Outlaws needed to spearhead the Brazilian bridge,” said Hart. “We’ve kept Marchi a pretty good secret for six months. He lives in Brazil and can scout and develop guys that fit our system. The toughness and durability throughout his career are exactly what we want.”
“We are excited to welcome Marchi to our coaching staff,” said Jim Smith, Kansas City Outlaws general manager. “Anytime you can add to your team a world champion whose philosophy aligns with J.W.’s, it is a good day. He and J.W. will make a great coaching team, and we are very excited for the 2023 PBR Teams Season.”
Marchi’s path to the Outlaws began at the conclusion of the 2022 season as Kansas City began to plan for their 2023 championship push. That was a firm commitment to further develop their international footprint and recruit the next great talent from abroad.
With Hart and Marchi sharing a similar approach to rider development, and family values, the pairing was a natural fit.
Marchi will transition into his new role with his name firmly etched into the PBR record books.
No rider in PBR history has stayed on more bulls than Marchi; the all-time ride leader with 635 qualified elite series rides.
The determined rider retired from U.S. competition after the 2018 PBR World Finals, where he competed 15 consecutive times 2004-2018.
During his 15-year career, Marchi won 25 premier series events, including the PBR World Finals in 2005. He came heartbreakingly close to becoming a multi-time world champion, finishing runner-up in the world standings four times (2005-2007, 2012).
His accomplishments and approachability have helped PBR move into the mainstream. In 2016, Men’s Fitness named him “the fittest athlete in sports,” putting him on the magazine’s cover.
No stranger to the role of coach, Marchi led Team Brazil at the 2020 Global Cup USA.
The 2023 PBR Team Series season begins July 24-25 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Outlaws will welcome the seven other teams in the league to Kansas City for the second event of the season on August 3-5.
The bull riding action for the 2023 PBR Team Series’ Outlaw Days at T-Mobile Center begins at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, and Friday, August 4, and 6:45 p.m., on Saturday, August 5.
+++30+++

CUTLINE
J.W. Hart and Guilherme Marchi are coaches of the Kansas City Outlaws, one of eight founding teams in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Team Series, which begins in July.

“Mistakes Can Have Consequences”

By
Frank Buchman
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0
“The only way to not ever make a mistake is to never do anything.”
While there is limited accuracy to the comment, nobody can accomplish anything when doing nothing.
Certainly, lots of mistakes have been made in seven-plus decades. Most of them didn’t really matter in the long run. They weren’t even known by others and sometimes not even realized personally.
Still, making errors generally hurts pride when efforts are made to do what is right all the time.
That does bring up the question of what is “right?” It easily varies from one person to another as everyone’s opinion is different.
Sometimes “right” boils down to personal conscience, what feels appropriate now and will be good in the future. When there’s a doubt about doing something, taking more time to consider the consequences is usually best.
However, waiting can be a mistake too, especially reflecting on a major land purchase opportunity 40 years ago. Situated next to other owned ranchland, it was a forced property sale during the 1980s depression. The lending firm had a private realtor handling negotiations with a set price.
An offer just slightly less than that listed was made to the realtor. He put the check in his billfold as collateral if the advertised amount was not met. That seemed like a “done deal” for a naïve cowboy starting in the ranching business.
Quite to the contrary, a call was received the next morning that another person paid the asking amount. “This was not an auction,” the realtor emphasized. “He paid the amount due on the bank note and is the property owner. Your uncashed check will be returned.”
That was a serious personal mistake never to be forgotten because that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity likely will never come again.
The amount offered versus selling price was very few dollars, especially considering how real estate has inflated. Time and transportation cost would have soon made up the difference.
Many mistakes are being made daily, but they are not of that large ramification. A couple other serious mistakes could have been prevented but sadly will follow through for eternity.
As a journalist, numerous spelling and grammar errors are made, but of course the computer gets the blame.
Reminded of Proverbs 18:13: “A man who confesses and forsakes his mistakes, he gets another chance.”
+++ALLELULIA+++
XVII–21–5-21-2023

Have You a Heron in Your Hedgerow?

By
Steve Gilliland
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0
I remember a turkey hunt along the river some years back and the discovery that it led us to.  We had hunted along the river west of Inman, and parked near an adjacent alfalfa field. As we crawled into the pickup to leave, my wife pointed toward the treetops along the river and asked “Is there a bird in that nest?” I looked where she pointed, and saw a haphazard collection of twigs or something in the very top of a tall dead Cottonwood. The ensuing conversation went something like this: “No dear that looks like a squirrels nest to me.” “I don’t thinks so,” she replied, “and I’m sure that’s a bird in it.” “Here then,” I said, handing her the binoculars. “See for yourself.” “Just like I thought,” she answered. “That is a bird. It looks like one of those big tall birds we see wading along the river.” “A Blue Heron,” I corrected, “and I don’t think so; not way up there!” I snatched the binoculars from her, and peered at the “squirrels nest” high in the tree. Sure enough! Sticking out like a sore thumb in the tallest tree around was a large willy-nilly collection of branches and sticks, and square in the middle of it stood the unmistakable silhouette of a Great Blue Heron, better known as a “crane” to most of us. Now, had “mom heron” not been standing in her nest, the squirrels nest theory would certainly have “flown,” and we’d have never given the spectacle a second glance. When we left, we took the gravel road along the other side of the river, and stopped for another look. We found the nest to be hidden by green trees, but discovered yet a second nest in which we also found an adult heron a few days later.
The following Saturday, with our grandson in tow, we drove that same back road on our way home. As we passed those nests, long ago forgotten by me, he pointed skyward at a large bird circling over the trees. There they were again, this time five nests, four of them sporting adult Blue Herons standing upright in the menagerie of sticks and branches they call home.
Great Blue Herons of some subspecies or coloration exist across the entire continental United States and Alaska. For Kansas herons, southern migration to Mexico or South America begins in October where they winter until March. They are very tall, gangly birds with immense wingspans of up to six feet, yet weigh less than ten pounds. Depending upon conditions, a few awkward “steps” may be required to launch them into flight, but once in the air, they move with slow, rhythmic, effortless strokes of those immense wings. Unlike most birds of their stature, they fly with their necks crooked and folded back against their bodies and their heads held upright. They have practically no tail at all, so they also fly with their long legs straight out behind them, acting as rudders to help steer them in flight.
I’m sure we’ve all seen “cranes” fishing in rivers and streams and along the banks of ponds. Although fish, frogs and small snakes make up the vast majority of their diet, they are not above eating insects and small rodents also. Their long pointed beaks are perfectly designed for stabbing prey, which is always killed and swallowed head first. The enzymes in their digestive system are so strong that most bone matter is completely dissolved.
Great Blue Herons demand isolation in their nesting sites, and are very sensitive to human disturbance. Nests are often found in colonies known as “heronries,” and can be anywhere from treetops like the ones we found, to rocky ledges and crevices on the ground. When satisfied with a nesting site, the birds usually return year after year to enlarge and reuse the same structures whenever possible. Three or four bluish-green eggs are laid and incubated for twenty-eight days by both parents. Research shows that heron chicks are extremely unpleasing to look at until fully feathered, and stay in the nest until they are nearly as large as the parents.
Great Blue Herons are far form rare, and I remember as a kid learning to know them as “cranes” as we watched them hunt around the edges of the farm pond where my dad took me to fish for bass and bullheads. Writing this piece showed me how little I really knew about these birds, especially about where they built their nests. Yet another reason to Explore Kansas Outdoors!
Steve can be contacted by email at [email protected].
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