Johnny Kay

Competitor
CLASS OF 2006
Veterans Committee Selection

Born John Kapustinski on December 27, 1922, ‘Johnny Kay’ was one of New England’s best midget racers. By the end of the 1940’s, he was one of the best on the AAA circuit. In 1950, he won the Night Before The Speedway midget race held before the Indianapolis 500.

Throughout the 1950’s, he won on both NEMA and ARDC circuits while also racing some USAC events around the country.

Kay suffered serious injuries in a crash in San Antonio, TX in 1959 and after a long rehabiliation was able to return to victory lane multiple times in the 1960’s.

He teamed up with Gene Angelillo in the late 1960’s to go sprint car racing. They scored a win together at Stafford Speedway in the 1960’s. Kay stayed partnered with Angelillo through the 1970’s until the duo transitioned back to midget racing in 1980.

After retiring as a competitor, he stayed close to the sport as an avid racing photographer. Johnny Kay passed away on August 10, 2008 at the of 85.