Walter Knepper (second from left in red) pictured after one of his many feature victories with driver Rich Vogler.

WALTER KNEPPER, 80

Walter Knepper, known among racing circles as "Junior," passed away at age 80 Tuesday after a recent fall at his home in the St. Louis area. A long-time USAC car owner, Knepper fielded 58 USAC Sprint and Midget feature-winning cars for drivers Bob Wente, Tom Bigelow, Mel Kenyon, George Snider, Dana Carter, Rich Vogler and his son Steve.

Both Steve and his son Nick have been frequent competitors in USAC events and Steve was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame last Friday in Tulsa. Among Walter's significant victories were the 1969 Night Beofre the 500, the 1973 and 1978 Pat O'Connor-Joe James Memorial, the 1976 Four Crown Nationals and the 1992 Hut Hundred.

USAC extends its sincerest condolences to the entire Knepper family and their many friends in the sport.

Viewing is scheduled on Thursday (Jan. 22) from 4-8 pm at Renners Funeral Home at 120 N. Illinois St. in Belleville, Ill. A service will take place at 11 am on Friday. Friends are welcomed at the race shop in the afternoon at 46 Iowa Ave. in Belleville, Ill.