13 replies to this topic

[Ron Hershman]

Former slot racer Wendell Smith from the Buena Park, CA, area has passed away.

Wendell was a Wing car racer and attended several USRA Wing Car Nats. IIRC he may have won a class at one of the past Nats.

Wendell was the current owner of Rampage Wheels, a maker of custom billet wheels for motorcycles.

He was a heck of a "speed skater" in his younger days.

A great guy that will be missed by many... RIP, Wendell.

[Rick]

Sorry to hear about Wendell. Met and raced with him a couple of times at BP.

RIP...

[Horsepower]

Ron,

Do you know how old he was?

Condolences to his family and friends.

[Ron Hershman]

I do not know his age exactly... if I had to guess... late 50s/very early 60s.

He passed from a heart attack.

[86ed once again]

Very sad day indeed. RIP, Wendell!!

[Cheater]

Here's another tribute for Wendell, copied from the Cyril Huze custom motorcycle BLOG

I am sad to report that Wendell Smith passed away last Saturday February 4, 2012, from a heart attack.

Smith was the owner of Rampage Wheels in Fullerton, CA, and before that co-founder of Renegade Wheels. He had 35 years of experience in the Automotive and Motorcycle Wheel Manufacturing Industry and was very proud to continue to offer wheels still made in the USA out of the finest materials, offering a two-year chrome and a lifetime structural warranty on all his products.

My condolences to all his family and friends of the automotive industry.

[Cody Smith]

I am going to miss my uncle. He was a good man, hard worker, and I could always turn to him for advice on life and my bike.

[Randy Thompson]

If you knew Wendell you loved him. He had an enthusiasm that I just loved and a great sense of humor, well, just an all-around great person.

We lost one of our best.

[TSR]

Very sad day when a good guy passes away way too early...

[HarV Wallbanger III]

RIP, Wendell...

[Gil Gundersen]

Very sad to hear this.

Wendell was a GREAT guy. I will miss him a lot.

Gil

[flem1959]

He sounds like he was a cool guy.
My thoughts go out to his friends and family.
RIP.

[Cheater]

Copied from Benny Justice's post at OWH at his request:

Services for Wendell Smith

As of today the services for Wendell will be Friday, Feb. 10 at 11 AM. The service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA. There is a reception tentatively scheduled at The Ritz Carlton, 880 Newport Center Drive, Newport, CA. Any changes to this I will let you know. Since I have been here yesterday they have changed quite a few times.

Also for those that wish to ride in the procession it will start at Cook's Corner. Everyone is suggested to meet starting around 8:30 AM. Kickstands up at 10: 00 AM. The Rampage Wheels tractor trailer with Wendell's picture on the side will lead off. Any cars will follow the truck and the bikes will follow. Scheduled now I will be leading the pack on Wendell's pride and joy, his yellow Screaming Eagle.

Jim Swofford and I would like to thank everyone for the support we have been receiving during this very difficult time.

Thanks again,

Benny

[Cheater]

Wendell's obituary, published in Orange County Register on February 9, 2012:

Smith, Wendell, 59, of Fullerton, California, died February 4, 2012, in Parker, Arizona.

He was born December 30, 1952, in Alta Dena, California, the son of the late Gladys and Delwin J. Smith.

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Earl Vest; his brother and sister-in-law, James Smith and Gina Smith; and his fiancée, Patricia Jeske Vetrhus.

Wendell was the owner and founder of Rampage Wheels. He worked for many years with Ultra Wheel Company. He loved motorcycling, the Colorado River, boating, slot car racing, Off-Road and NASCAR racing, and Western dancing.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 10, 2012, at St. James Anglican Church, 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach, California.