Johnny Pawl
began racing in 1933 after being inspired by James Cagney in
the movie “The Crowd Roars.” He began building big cars prior
to World War II then preceded to build his first midget during
the conflict.
During those early years he was a riding mechanic in the two
man cars at Indy and earned a reputation as a quality
mechanic.
Indy car owner Murrell Belanger
financed John’s shop in Crown Point, Indiana and after the war
the Pawl midgets took home their share of the big money that
was available in the sport. With such drivers as Teddy Duncan,
Paul Russo and Duke Nalon the Pawl cars were extremely
successful on the mile tracks. His famous #17 midget was
featured in the Abbott and Costello movie “Buck Privates Come
Home.”
In 1955 Johnny Pawl purchased the Kurtis Kraft business
from Frank Kurtis and continued to supply cars and parts to
the sport for years. The eighty one year old at the time of
his induction is still building engines and restoring race
cars in his shop.
