Wen Kelley

Competitor, Handicapper, Scorer, Official
CLASS OF 2012 | Pioneers
Veterans Committee Selection

Wen Kelley was a charter member of the Northeastern Midget Association when it was formed in 1953. In their second season, Kelley became club secretary. Soon after, he become the chief Handicapper and scorer. By 1969, he was the club Treasurer as well. He held all 4 positions within NEMA for then next 20 years.

He bought his own car in 1957 and 2 years later won the 1959 NEMA Non-Offy Owners Championship, finishing 3rd in the overall behind Ed Stone & Everett Rogers.

Wen was known as “Mr. NEMA” for his dedication to the series for it’s first 37 seasons of existence. He built a loyal competitor base for continually keeping the rules and purse structure friendly to the lesser-funded teams in the organization.

When he passed away suddenly in late 1989, he had attended all but 4 of the 659 NEMA events held up to that point. NEMA created Wen Kelley Award for service & dedication in his memory.

He was inducted into the NEAR Hall of Fame in a special Pioneers induction ceremony in 2012.