2/12/2022
Badger Midget Auto Racing Association
Kevin Olson, Five-Time Badger Champion, Gone at 70
Sun Prairie, WI, – February 12, 2022 – Kevin Olson, a larger than life individual who made his mark on the world of motorsports, and particularly midget car auto racing, was killed in an automobile accident in Janesville, WI on Friday, February 11 at the age of 70.
Olson, known for his silly antics, quick wit, and eccentric humor found his way into the hearts of motorsports fans around the world. His friendships were many, and his charm drew everyone his way. Few drivers accomplished as much as Olson and few received the cheers he did when their name came across the public address system. Even his autograph stood out by including a drawing of a cartoon character. Fans simply loved “KO” and his once-in-a-generation personality will live on in the hearts and minds of racing fans forever.
Olson’s list of driving accomplishments only begins to describe him. Those who knew him, know that he was more than his accomplishments. His love for midget racing was deep and he often let you know how much he missed the good ole days. He loved the days when racers wore open-face helmets and drove cars without cages. In fact, he famously convinced Emmett Hahn, promoter of the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, to allow him to race donning only a t-shirt and an open-face helmet. Of course, only KO could convince a promoter to allow such a thing in the modern era of motorsports. He would later go on to write a book titled "Cages are for Monkeys: Unleashed with Kevin Olson, Racing s Zaniest Hall of Famer" where he describes his racing life in detail.
The final victory of Olson’s illustrious 51-year career came with the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association on July 21, 2019, at the Angell Park Speedway at the age of 68. Prior to his final victory, Olson had already been inducted into both the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1997 and the United States Auto Club Hall of Fame in 2016. He was a five-time BMARA champion, a two-time USAC National Midget champion, and winner of the prestigious “Pepsi Nationals” at the Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, WI a total of five times. He also earned victories in the famous Turkey Night Grand Prix in 1983 and the Hut Hundred in 1996. His win in the Hut Hundred was broadcast live on ESPN and to this day included one of the most memorable victory lane interviews the sport has ever witnessed. In fact, almost every interview with Olson was memorable and that on top of his accomplishments gave him legendary status.
Article Credit: Droz Andrews