Racing History Minute - June 29, 1952
Stock Car Racing History
In my smoking days, one of my favorite lighters was the one below given me by someone on the Winston Motorcycle Special Events program:
Bill, your post about flat track motorcycle racing reminded me of one of the nicest and sharpest men I ever met in the world of motorsports - the late Lin Kuchler . You may have known or met Lin - I was a very casual acquaintance, not meeting Lin until he was in semi-retirement running the historic stuff for AMA in the early 1980s when Wrangler started its indoor stadium SuperCross sponsorships. I had the pleasure of sharing a table with Lin at the AMA Awards Banquet in November 1983 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California on the Sunday evening of the November 1983 Riverside stock car race.
Many here will remember Lin from his NASCAR days, but might not be familiar with his motorcycle background. He was much in demand as an executive by both the motorcycle corps and stock car folks. I'm sure that had a lot to do with his treatment of competitors. He was well liked by most.
Linton A. Kuchler
October 18, 1916 - April 18, 2011
Obituary for Linton A. Kuchler
Linton A. Lin Kuchler, 94 of Mount Dora, FL died April 18, 2011. Born in Milwaukee, WI on October 18, 1916 to Louis and Martha Kuchler, Lin attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL. After returning to Milwaukee, he worked for Harley Davidson as a factory guide and in the parts department until the outbreak of WWII. He enlisted in the Army Air Force and trained as a bombardier on B-24s. In 1950, Lin established a Harley Davidson dealership in Ann Arbor, MI. In 1956, Lin was recruited to become the new Director of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). As a progressive Executive Director, he implemented the campaign Put Your Best Wheel Forward resulting in dramatically improving the image of Motorcycling on and off the race track. He campaigned across the United States to impress state legislators of the need to pass helmet laws, which lead to a significant improvement in safety. Lin oversaw a period of steady escalation of AMA membership, in part, due to his efforts at increasing the visibility of the association through innovative media and public relations campaigns. In 1966, Lin left the AMA to take an executive position with NASCAR. As the right hand man to Bill France Sr. during the 1960s and 70s, Lin helped spearhead the development of NASCAR into one of the countrys biggest and most popular racing organizations. Lin was elevated by France to Vice President/Competition Director in 1968 and was promoted to Executive Vice President by Bill France Jr. in 1972. In the late 1970s, the AMA was once again in need of strong leadership and called on Lin to lead them out of financial difficulties. In three years, the AMA was again a solid financial entity. Lins dedicated leadership of the AMA brought the association through challenging times again. Lin helped launch The American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation. In 1981, he received the Dud Perkins Award for Outstanding Contributions to the sport of motorcycling. In 1988, Lin and his wife, Lorry retired to Florida. Lin had friends and acquaintances across the country. In his years with the AMA and NASCAR, he worked continually to bring the drivers, owners, manufacturers and promoters together for the betterment of the sport. He believed in treating everyone fairly. He loved to hear stories and was a great story teller himself. He was an avid golfer and loved sports of all kinds. Lin had a wonderful infectious laugh, as all his friends and family will attest to. In 2003, Linton Kuchler was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame. His love, humor, caring and integrity will be missed by all who knew him. Lin is survived by his loving wife, Lorry Rystrom Kuchler, who for 71 years made all things possible; his 2 daughters, Lorelyn D. Homa of Alpharetta, GA, Judith A.Williams and her husband Peter of Tavares, FL; his son, Dr. Linton L. Kuchler and his wife Pamela of Murrayville, GA; his 5 grandchildren, Kimberly Homa of Batavia, IL, Candice Homa Skelton and her husband Jared of Suwanee, GA, Christine L. Williams of Charleston, SC, Rebecca A. Williams of Statesboro, GA, and Jason L. Kuchler of Murrayville, GA; and his 2 great-granddaughters, Karsyn Raye Skelton and Karaline Alexis Skelton. A memorial service will be held at the Garden of Life Chapel at Waterman Village, Mount Dora on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.
