Raymond Lee Fox, 98, of Daytona Beach, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 15, 2014. Raymond is survived by his son, Donald Richard Fox, daughters; Patsy Marticio (Ed), Joannie Salvo (John), Gerry Fox-Ajlani (Orfan), Sandra Lynn Fox-Schrier, grandchildren; Raymond Lee Fox, III, Rita Ann Fox, Mark Salvo, Linda Delandy, Dean Salvo, Nancy Marticio, Sharon Marticio, Michael Marticio, David Marticio, Edward Marticio, Jeffrey Fox, Melissa Fox, Dava Roe, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Ray is also survived by his very close friend, Paulette Mandala, caregiver, Lisa Keziah, and beloved cat, Pumpkin. Raymond is predeceased by his sons, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr., David Ray Fox and Daniel Lee Fox. Raymond was born on May 28, 1916 in Pelham, New Hampshire to the late Howard and Marian Fox. Growing up he had to help provide for his family. His hard working nature led him to Daytona Beach in 1946 where he became a master engine builder. By the 1950's Ray had won every major NASCAR "Grand National Series" race of the time. As well as being one of the premier engine builders of his time he was also a successful car owner. There were many victories won on the wheels of Fox's stock cars. But none more exciting than Junior Johnson's upset at Daytona in 1960 driving his No. 27 Chevrolet. Along with being a car owner, master engine builder and mechanic, Ray was a NASCAR Official and Inspector, President of Living Legends of Auto Racing, Founding Member of the Checkered Flag Committee. Ray is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame, and the Jacksonville (Fla) Raceway Stock Car Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003. Ray is notably the oldest member of NASCAR. He had a long career in NASCAR running his last race as an owner in 1974. Fox stayed active in NASCAR well into his 80's. His legendary skill as a master engine builder was passed on to his late son, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr. who passed his passion for stock car racing to his son, Raymond Lee Fox, III who is a Car Chief for Penske Racing, which marks three generations of the Fox family to be involved in NASCAR. To the world of stock car racing Raymond Lee Fox was a legend, to his family he will be remembered as their hero, a father who took care of them no matter what. A visitation is scheduled for 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona, located at 1423 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday June 19, 2014 at the Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Daytona Memorial Park, located at 1425 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Raymond's name to The Living Legends of Auto Racing, P.O. Box 290854, Port Orange, Florida. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona. Condolences may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal on Jun. 17, 2014.∼Ray Fox was an American engine builder, NASCAR car owner and NASCAR engine inspector. His cars won fourteen NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) events and sixteen pole positions.
He was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Fox built Fireball Roberts' engine for the 1955 race on the Daytona Beach Road Course. He started building the engine at 8:00 pm the night before the race and got done at 4:00 am. Roberts car qualified fourth and led every lap of the 160 lap event, winning by 1 minute and 14 seconds ahead of Tim Flock. Flock was the only other driver left on the lead lap on the 4-mile (6.4 km) circuit. NASCAR disqualified the car 24 hours after the event, for the sanctioning body found the pushrods to be 30⁄100 of an inch (8 mm) too short. Mechanic Red Vogt had ground the pushrods even, which was an illegal modification. Flock was awarded the victory. It was the last NASCAR race to be taken away from the winner. Subsequent rules violations have resulted in fines and point loses.
Carl Kiekhaefer hired Fox and Herb Thomas in 1956. Fox said "He hired us because we were the only ones who could outrun his cars." Kiekhaefer's cars won 22 of the first 26 races, with drivers Thomas, Buck Baker, Tim Flock, and Speedy Thompson. Fox was named the Mechanic of the Year. Fox opened his own engine shop after the season.
Car owner John Masoni approached Fox in 1960 to build a car for the 1960 Daytona 500, which would be driven by Junior Johnson. Fox built the car in seven days. The car was about 22 mph (35 km/h) slower than the Pontiac racecars in the car in practice. While they were trying to figure out how to increase their speed, a Cotton Owens' faster Pontiac racecar passed him. Johnson noticed that when he was able to keep up with Owens' car if he followed closely behind in its slipstream. Johnson followed the Pontiac racecars in the race, pitting when they did. At the end, Bobby Johns had the only Pontiac which was competing for the win. Johnson followed Jack Smith's lapped Pontiac until Johns caught the duo and passed Johnson for the lead with 30 laps left in the race. Johns led the race until his rear window fell out with 10 laps remaining. Johns recovered to finish second, 23 seconds behind Johnson. The practice of "drafting" has become a common tactic among NASCAR drivers on high speed tracks. Rookie David Pearson won three races that season in a Ray Fox-prepared Pontiac.
Fox began owning his own car starting in 1962. Drivers to race in Fox's car include Buck Baker, Buddy Baker, Darel Dieringer, Junior Johnson, Fred Lorenzen, Fireball Roberts, Cale Yarborough, and LeeRoy Yarbrough.
In 1965, LeeRoy Yarbrough drove a Fox-prepared Dodge Coronet racecar to a new closed-course world speed record at 181.818 mph (292.608 km/h). He set the record on the second lap and he was increasing speed on the third lap when the car began smoking. NASCAR black flagged the car and Yarbrough slowed down. When he arrived in the pits, the pit crew found a bolt in the tire. The bolt easily could have caused a flat tire, which could have been deadly at high speed.
In the late 1960s, Fox bought Holman Moody's shop at the Charlotte airport.
Fox retired in 1972, selling the company to his son Ray Fox, Jr.
NASCAR hired Fox to inspect engines in 1990. Fox retired for the second time in 1996. After retirement, he became the president of the Living Legends of Auto Racing.
Fox was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003. He is a member of the Jacksonville (Florida) Raceway Hall of Fame, National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame.
____________________________________________________________
His obituary as ran in the News-Journal in Daytona Beach
Raymond Lee Fox, 98, of Daytona Beach, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 15, 2014.
Raymond is survived by his son, Donald Richard Fox, daughters; Patsy Marticio (Ed), Joannie Salvo (John), Gerry Fox-Ajlani (Orfan), Sandra Lynn Fox-Schrier, grandchildren; Raymond Lee Fox, III, Rita Ann Fox, Mark Salvo, Linda Delandy, Dean Salvo, Nancy Marticio, Sharon Marticio, Michael Marticio, David Marticio, Edward Marticio, Jeffrey Fox, Melissa Fox, Dava Roe, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Ray is also survived by his very close friend, Paulette Mandala, caregiver, Lisa Keziah, and beloved cat, Pumpkin.
Raymond is predeceased by his sons, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr., David Ray Fox and Daniel Lee Fox.
Raymond was born on May 28, 1916 in Pelham, New Hampshire to the late Howard and Marian Fox.
Growing up he had to help provide for his family. His hard working nature led him to Daytona Beach in 1946 where he became a master engine builder. By the 1950's Ray had won every major NASCAR "Grand National Series" race of the time. As well as being one of the premier engine builders of his time he was also a successful car owner. There were many victories won on the wheels of Fox's stock cars. But none more exciting than Junior Johnson's upset at Daytona in 1960 driving his No. 27 Chevrolet.
Along with being a car owner, master engine builder and mechanic, Ray was a NASCAR Official and Inspector, President of Living Legends of Auto Racing, Founding Member of the Checkered Flag Committee. Ray is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame, and the Jacksonville (Fla) Raceway Stock Car Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003.
Ray is notably the oldest member of NASCAR. He had a long career in NASCAR running his last race as an owner in 1974. Fox stayed active in NASCAR well into his 80's. His legendary skill as a master engine builder was passed on to his late son, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr. who passed his passion for stock car racing to his son, Raymond Lee Fox, III who is a Car Chief for Penske Racing, which marks three generations of the Fox family to be involved in NASCAR.
To the world of stock car racing Raymond Lee Fox was a legend, to his family he will be remembered as their hero, a father who took care of them no matter what.
A visitation is scheduled for 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona, located at 1423 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday June 19, 2014 at the Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Daytona Memorial Park, located at 1425 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Raymond's name to The Living Legends of Auto Racing, P.O. Box 290854, Port Orange, Florida. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona.
Condolences may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com -
See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-journalonline/obituary.aspx?pid=171380878#sthash.WSrz2AMg.dpuf
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal on Jun. 17, 2014.∼Ray Fox was an American engine builder, NASCAR car owner and NASCAR engine inspector. His cars won fourteen NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) events and sixteen pole positions.
He was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Fox built Fireball Roberts' engine for the 1955 race on the Daytona Beach Road Course. He started building the engine at 8:00 pm the night before the race and got done at 4:00 am. Roberts car qualified fourth and led every lap of the 160 lap event, winning by 1 minute and 14 seconds ahead of Tim Flock. Flock was the only other driver left on the lead lap on the 4-mile (6.4 km) circuit. NASCAR disqualified the car 24 hours after the event, for the sanctioning body found the pushrods to be 30⁄100 of an inch (8 mm) too short. Mechanic Red Vogt had ground the pushrods even, which was an illegal modification. Flock was awarded the victory. It was the last NASCAR race to be taken away from the winner. Subsequent rules violations have resulted in fines and point loses.
Carl Kiekhaefer hired Fox and Herb Thomas in 1956. Fox said "He hired us because we were the only ones who could outrun his cars." Kiekhaefer's cars won 22 of the first 26 races, with drivers Thomas, Buck Baker, Tim Flock, and Speedy Thompson. Fox was named the Mechanic of the Year. Fox opened his own engine shop after the season.
Car owner John Masoni approached Fox in 1960 to build a car for the 1960 Daytona 500, which would be driven by Junior Johnson. Fox built the car in seven days. The car was about 22 mph (35 km/h) slower than the Pontiac racecars in the car in practice. While they were trying to figure out how to increase their speed, a Cotton Owens' faster Pontiac racecar passed him. Johnson noticed that when he was able to keep up with Owens' car if he followed closely behind in its slipstream. Johnson followed the Pontiac racecars in the race, pitting when they did. At the end, Bobby Johns had the only Pontiac which was competing for the win. Johnson followed Jack Smith's lapped Pontiac until Johns caught the duo and passed Johnson for the lead with 30 laps left in the race. Johns led the race until his rear window fell out with 10 laps remaining. Johns recovered to finish second, 23 seconds behind Johnson. The practice of "drafting" has become a common tactic among NASCAR drivers on high speed tracks. Rookie David Pearson won three races that season in a Ray Fox-prepared Pontiac.
Fox began owning his own car starting in 1962. Drivers to race in Fox's car include Buck Baker, Buddy Baker, Darel Dieringer, Junior Johnson, Fred Lorenzen, Fireball Roberts, Cale Yarborough, and LeeRoy Yarbrough.
In 1965, LeeRoy Yarbrough drove a Fox-prepared Dodge Coronet racecar to a new closed-course world speed record at 181.818 mph (292.608 km/h). He set the record on the second lap and he was increasing speed on the third lap when the car began smoking. NASCAR black flagged the car and Yarbrough slowed down. When he arrived in the pits, the pit crew found a bolt in the tire. The bolt easily could have caused a flat tire, which could have been deadly at high speed.
In the late 1960s, Fox bought Holman Moody's shop at the Charlotte airport.
Fox retired in 1972, selling the company to his son Ray Fox, Jr.
NASCAR hired Fox to inspect engines in 1990. Fox retired for the second time in 1996. After retirement, he became the president of the Living Legends of Auto Racing.
Fox was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003. He is a member of the Jacksonville (Florida) Raceway Hall of Fame, National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame.
____________________________________________________________
His obituary as ran in the News-Journal in Daytona Beach
Raymond Lee Fox, 98, of Daytona Beach, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 15, 2014.
Raymond is survived by his son, Donald Richard Fox, daughters; Patsy Marticio (Ed), Joannie Salvo (John), Gerry Fox-Ajlani (Orfan), Sandra Lynn Fox-Schrier, grandchildren; Raymond Lee Fox, III, Rita Ann Fox, Mark Salvo, Linda Delandy, Dean Salvo, Nancy Marticio, Sharon Marticio, Michael Marticio, David Marticio, Edward Marticio, Jeffrey Fox, Melissa Fox, Dava Roe, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Ray is also survived by his very close friend, Paulette Mandala, caregiver, Lisa Keziah, and beloved cat, Pumpkin.
Raymond is predeceased by his sons, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr., David Ray Fox and Daniel Lee Fox.
Raymond was born on May 28, 1916 in Pelham, New Hampshire to the late Howard and Marian Fox.
Growing up he had to help provide for his family. His hard working nature led him to Daytona Beach in 1946 where he became a master engine builder. By the 1950's Ray had won every major NASCAR "Grand National Series" race of the time. As well as being one of the premier engine builders of his time he was also a successful car owner. There were many victories won on the wheels of Fox's stock cars. But none more exciting than Junior Johnson's upset at Daytona in 1960 driving his No. 27 Chevrolet.
Along with being a car owner, master engine builder and mechanic, Ray was a NASCAR Official and Inspector, President of Living Legends of Auto Racing, Founding Member of the Checkered Flag Committee. Ray is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame, and the Jacksonville (Fla) Raceway Stock Car Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003.
Ray is notably the oldest member of NASCAR. He had a long career in NASCAR running his last race as an owner in 1974. Fox stayed active in NASCAR well into his 80's. His legendary skill as a master engine builder was passed on to his late son, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr. who passed his passion for stock car racing to his son, Raymond Lee Fox, III who is a Car Chief for Penske Racing, which marks three generations of the Fox family to be involved in NASCAR.
To the world of stock car racing Raymond Lee Fox was a legend, to his family he will be remembered as their hero, a father who took care of them no matter what.
A visitation is scheduled for 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona, located at 1423 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday June 19, 2014 at the Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Daytona Memorial Park, located at 1425 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Raymond's name to The Living Legends of Auto Racing, P.O. Box 290854, Port Orange, Florida. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona.
Condolences may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com -
See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-journalonline/obituary.aspx?pid=171380878#sthash.WSrz2AMg.dpuf
Raymond Lee Fox, 98, of Daytona Beach, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 15, 2014. Raymond is survived by his son, Donald Richard Fox, daughters; Patsy Marticio (Ed), Joannie Salvo (John), Gerry Fox-Ajlani (Orfan), Sandra Lynn Fox-Schrier, grandchildren; Raymond Lee Fox, III, Rita Ann Fox, Mark Salvo, Linda Delandy, Dean Salvo, Nancy Marticio, Sharon Marticio, Michael Marticio, David Marticio, Edward Marticio, Jeffrey Fox, Melissa Fox, Dava Roe, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Ray is also survived by his very close friend, Paulette Mandala, caregiver, Lisa Keziah, and beloved cat, Pumpkin. Raymond is predeceased by his sons, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr., David Ray Fox and Daniel Lee Fox. Raymond was born on May 28, 1916 in Pelham, New Hampshire to the late Howard and Marian Fox. Growing up he had to help provide for his family. His hard working nature led him to Daytona Beach in 1946 where he became a master engine builder. By the 1950's Ray had won every major NASCAR "Grand National Series" race of the time. As well as being one of the premier engine builders of his time he was also a successful car owner. There were many victories won on the wheels of Fox's stock cars. But none more exciting than Junior Johnson's upset at Daytona in 1960 driving his No. 27 Chevrolet. Along with being a car owner, master engine builder and mechanic, Ray was a NASCAR Official and Inspector, President of Living Legends of Auto Racing, Founding Member of the Checkered Flag Committee. Ray is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame, and the Jacksonville (Fla) Raceway Stock Car Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003. Ray is notably the oldest member of NASCAR. He had a long career in NASCAR running his last race as an owner in 1974. Fox stayed active in NASCAR well into his 80's. His legendary skill as a master engine builder was passed on to his late son, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr. who passed his passion for stock car racing to his son, Raymond Lee Fox, III who is a Car Chief for Penske Racing, which marks three generations of the Fox family to be involved in NASCAR. To the world of stock car racing Raymond Lee Fox was a legend, to his family he will be remembered as their hero, a father who took care of them no matter what. A visitation is scheduled for 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona, located at 1423 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday June 19, 2014 at the Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Daytona Memorial Park, located at 1425 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Raymond's name to The Living Legends of Auto Racing, P.O. Box 290854, Port Orange, Florida. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona. Condolences may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal on Jun. 17, 2014.∼Ray Fox was an American engine builder, NASCAR car owner and NASCAR engine inspector. His cars won fourteen NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) events and sixteen pole positions.
He was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Fox built Fireball Roberts' engine for the 1955 race on the Daytona Beach Road Course. He started building the engine at 8:00 pm the night before the race and got done at 4:00 am. Roberts car qualified fourth and led every lap of the 160 lap event, winning by 1 minute and 14 seconds ahead of Tim Flock. Flock was the only other driver left on the lead lap on the 4-mile (6.4 km) circuit. NASCAR disqualified the car 24 hours after the event, for the sanctioning body found the pushrods to be 30⁄100 of an inch (8 mm) too short. Mechanic Red Vogt had ground the pushrods even, which was an illegal modification. Flock was awarded the victory. It was the last NASCAR race to be taken away from the winner. Subsequent rules violations have resulted in fines and point loses.
Carl Kiekhaefer hired Fox and Herb Thomas in 1956. Fox said "He hired us because we were the only ones who could outrun his cars." Kiekhaefer's cars won 22 of the first 26 races, with drivers Thomas, Buck Baker, Tim Flock, and Speedy Thompson. Fox was named the Mechanic of the Year. Fox opened his own engine shop after the season.
Car owner John Masoni approached Fox in 1960 to build a car for the 1960 Daytona 500, which would be driven by Junior Johnson. Fox built the car in seven days. The car was about 22 mph (35 km/h) slower than the Pontiac racecars in the car in practice. While they were trying to figure out how to increase their speed, a Cotton Owens' faster Pontiac racecar passed him. Johnson noticed that when he was able to keep up with Owens' car if he followed closely behind in its slipstream. Johnson followed the Pontiac racecars in the race, pitting when they did. At the end, Bobby Johns had the only Pontiac which was competing for the win. Johnson followed Jack Smith's lapped Pontiac until Johns caught the duo and passed Johnson for the lead with 30 laps left in the race. Johns led the race until his rear window fell out with 10 laps remaining. Johns recovered to finish second, 23 seconds behind Johnson. The practice of "drafting" has become a common tactic among NASCAR drivers on high speed tracks. Rookie David Pearson won three races that season in a Ray Fox-prepared Pontiac.
Fox began owning his own car starting in 1962. Drivers to race in Fox's car include Buck Baker, Buddy Baker, Darel Dieringer, Junior Johnson, Fred Lorenzen, Fireball Roberts, Cale Yarborough, and LeeRoy Yarbrough.
In 1965, LeeRoy Yarbrough drove a Fox-prepared Dodge Coronet racecar to a new closed-course world speed record at 181.818 mph (292.608 km/h). He set the record on the second lap and he was increasing speed on the third lap when the car began smoking. NASCAR black flagged the car and Yarbrough slowed down. When he arrived in the pits, the pit crew found a bolt in the tire. The bolt easily could have caused a flat tire, which could have been deadly at high speed.
In the late 1960s, Fox bought Holman Moody's shop at the Charlotte airport.
Fox retired in 1972, selling the company to his son Ray Fox, Jr.
NASCAR hired Fox to inspect engines in 1990. Fox retired for the second time in 1996. After retirement, he became the president of the Living Legends of Auto Racing.
Fox was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003. He is a member of the Jacksonville (Florida) Raceway Hall of Fame, National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame.
____________________________________________________________
His obituary as ran in the News-Journal in Daytona Beach
Raymond Lee Fox, 98, of Daytona Beach, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 15, 2014.
Raymond is survived by his son, Donald Richard Fox, daughters; Patsy Marticio (Ed), Joannie Salvo (John), Gerry Fox-Ajlani (Orfan), Sandra Lynn Fox-Schrier, grandchildren; Raymond Lee Fox, III, Rita Ann Fox, Mark Salvo, Linda Delandy, Dean Salvo, Nancy Marticio, Sharon Marticio, Michael Marticio, David Marticio, Edward Marticio, Jeffrey Fox, Melissa Fox, Dava Roe, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Ray is also survived by his very close friend, Paulette Mandala, caregiver, Lisa Keziah, and beloved cat, Pumpkin.
Raymond is predeceased by his sons, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr., David Ray Fox and Daniel Lee Fox.
Raymond was born on May 28, 1916 in Pelham, New Hampshire to the late Howard and Marian Fox.
Growing up he had to help provide for his family. His hard working nature led him to Daytona Beach in 1946 where he became a master engine builder. By the 1950's Ray had won every major NASCAR "Grand National Series" race of the time. As well as being one of the premier engine builders of his time he was also a successful car owner. There were many victories won on the wheels of Fox's stock cars. But none more exciting than Junior Johnson's upset at Daytona in 1960 driving his No. 27 Chevrolet.
Along with being a car owner, master engine builder and mechanic, Ray was a NASCAR Official and Inspector, President of Living Legends of Auto Racing, Founding Member of the Checkered Flag Committee. Ray is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame, and the Jacksonville (Fla) Raceway Stock Car Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003.
Ray is notably the oldest member of NASCAR. He had a long career in NASCAR running his last race as an owner in 1974. Fox stayed active in NASCAR well into his 80's. His legendary skill as a master engine builder was passed on to his late son, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr. who passed his passion for stock car racing to his son, Raymond Lee Fox, III who is a Car Chief for Penske Racing, which marks three generations of the Fox family to be involved in NASCAR.
To the world of stock car racing Raymond Lee Fox was a legend, to his family he will be remembered as their hero, a father who took care of them no matter what.
A visitation is scheduled for 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona, located at 1423 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday June 19, 2014 at the Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Daytona Memorial Park, located at 1425 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Raymond's name to The Living Legends of Auto Racing, P.O. Box 290854, Port Orange, Florida. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona.
Condolences may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com -
See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-journalonline/obituary.aspx?pid=171380878#sthash.WSrz2AMg.dpuf
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal on Jun. 17, 2014.∼Ray Fox was an American engine builder, NASCAR car owner and NASCAR engine inspector. His cars won fourteen NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) events and sixteen pole positions.
He was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Fox built Fireball Roberts' engine for the 1955 race on the Daytona Beach Road Course. He started building the engine at 8:00 pm the night before the race and got done at 4:00 am. Roberts car qualified fourth and led every lap of the 160 lap event, winning by 1 minute and 14 seconds ahead of Tim Flock. Flock was the only other driver left on the lead lap on the 4-mile (6.4 km) circuit. NASCAR disqualified the car 24 hours after the event, for the sanctioning body found the pushrods to be 30⁄100 of an inch (8 mm) too short. Mechanic Red Vogt had ground the pushrods even, which was an illegal modification. Flock was awarded the victory. It was the last NASCAR race to be taken away from the winner. Subsequent rules violations have resulted in fines and point loses.
Carl Kiekhaefer hired Fox and Herb Thomas in 1956. Fox said "He hired us because we were the only ones who could outrun his cars." Kiekhaefer's cars won 22 of the first 26 races, with drivers Thomas, Buck Baker, Tim Flock, and Speedy Thompson. Fox was named the Mechanic of the Year. Fox opened his own engine shop after the season.
Car owner John Masoni approached Fox in 1960 to build a car for the 1960 Daytona 500, which would be driven by Junior Johnson. Fox built the car in seven days. The car was about 22 mph (35 km/h) slower than the Pontiac racecars in the car in practice. While they were trying to figure out how to increase their speed, a Cotton Owens' faster Pontiac racecar passed him. Johnson noticed that when he was able to keep up with Owens' car if he followed closely behind in its slipstream. Johnson followed the Pontiac racecars in the race, pitting when they did. At the end, Bobby Johns had the only Pontiac which was competing for the win. Johnson followed Jack Smith's lapped Pontiac until Johns caught the duo and passed Johnson for the lead with 30 laps left in the race. Johns led the race until his rear window fell out with 10 laps remaining. Johns recovered to finish second, 23 seconds behind Johnson. The practice of "drafting" has become a common tactic among NASCAR drivers on high speed tracks. Rookie David Pearson won three races that season in a Ray Fox-prepared Pontiac.
Fox began owning his own car starting in 1962. Drivers to race in Fox's car include Buck Baker, Buddy Baker, Darel Dieringer, Junior Johnson, Fred Lorenzen, Fireball Roberts, Cale Yarborough, and LeeRoy Yarbrough.
In 1965, LeeRoy Yarbrough drove a Fox-prepared Dodge Coronet racecar to a new closed-course world speed record at 181.818 mph (292.608 km/h). He set the record on the second lap and he was increasing speed on the third lap when the car began smoking. NASCAR black flagged the car and Yarbrough slowed down. When he arrived in the pits, the pit crew found a bolt in the tire. The bolt easily could have caused a flat tire, which could have been deadly at high speed.
In the late 1960s, Fox bought Holman Moody's shop at the Charlotte airport.
Fox retired in 1972, selling the company to his son Ray Fox, Jr.
NASCAR hired Fox to inspect engines in 1990. Fox retired for the second time in 1996. After retirement, he became the president of the Living Legends of Auto Racing.
Fox was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003. He is a member of the Jacksonville (Florida) Raceway Hall of Fame, National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame.
____________________________________________________________
His obituary as ran in the News-Journal in Daytona Beach
Raymond Lee Fox, 98, of Daytona Beach, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 15, 2014.
Raymond is survived by his son, Donald Richard Fox, daughters; Patsy Marticio (Ed), Joannie Salvo (John), Gerry Fox-Ajlani (Orfan), Sandra Lynn Fox-Schrier, grandchildren; Raymond Lee Fox, III, Rita Ann Fox, Mark Salvo, Linda Delandy, Dean Salvo, Nancy Marticio, Sharon Marticio, Michael Marticio, David Marticio, Edward Marticio, Jeffrey Fox, Melissa Fox, Dava Roe, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Ray is also survived by his very close friend, Paulette Mandala, caregiver, Lisa Keziah, and beloved cat, Pumpkin.
Raymond is predeceased by his sons, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr., David Ray Fox and Daniel Lee Fox.
Raymond was born on May 28, 1916 in Pelham, New Hampshire to the late Howard and Marian Fox.
Growing up he had to help provide for his family. His hard working nature led him to Daytona Beach in 1946 where he became a master engine builder. By the 1950's Ray had won every major NASCAR "Grand National Series" race of the time. As well as being one of the premier engine builders of his time he was also a successful car owner. There were many victories won on the wheels of Fox's stock cars. But none more exciting than Junior Johnson's upset at Daytona in 1960 driving his No. 27 Chevrolet.
Along with being a car owner, master engine builder and mechanic, Ray was a NASCAR Official and Inspector, President of Living Legends of Auto Racing, Founding Member of the Checkered Flag Committee. Ray is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame, and the Jacksonville (Fla) Raceway Stock Car Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003.
Ray is notably the oldest member of NASCAR. He had a long career in NASCAR running his last race as an owner in 1974. Fox stayed active in NASCAR well into his 80's. His legendary skill as a master engine builder was passed on to his late son, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr. who passed his passion for stock car racing to his son, Raymond Lee Fox, III who is a Car Chief for Penske Racing, which marks three generations of the Fox family to be involved in NASCAR.
To the world of stock car racing Raymond Lee Fox was a legend, to his family he will be remembered as their hero, a father who took care of them no matter what.
A visitation is scheduled for 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona, located at 1423 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday June 19, 2014 at the Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Daytona Memorial Park, located at 1425 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Raymond's name to The Living Legends of Auto Racing, P.O. Box 290854, Port Orange, Florida. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona.
Condolences may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com -
See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-journalonline/obituary.aspx?pid=171380878#sthash.WSrz2AMg.dpuf
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