TRIBUTE

1943 – 2021

By Nate Van Wagnen

prolific engine builders on Sunday , January 10 , when Sonny Leonard died following a bout with pneumonia . He was 77 .

Leonard founded Sonny ’ s World Class Racing Engines in January 1969 , and over the course of just over four decades , developed a reputation for record-breaking , championship-caliber engines . His customers racked up numerous championships , including 13 IHRA Pro Stock titles and three PDRA Extreme Pro Stock championships . It was a 615ci Sonny ’ s engine kit ordered over the phone that powered Bill Kuhlman to the first 200 mph run for a doorslammer in 1987 .

The U . S . Army veteran was known as much for his character as he was for his engine building prowess . He developed lasting friendships with his customers and the customers of his competitors alike , especially in the Mountain Motor Pro Stock community .

John Montecalvo , one of Leonard ’ s most loyal

builder , he ’ s a true friend ,” Montecalvo told DI contributor Ian Tocher in 2019 . “ Sonny and his wife Francis , and their daughter Kelly and son Larry , they really are like family to me . I really can ’ t say how much I ’ ve enjoyed and appreciated our time together over all these years , both at and away from the racetrack .”

Leonard ’ s friendships extended to his competitors in the engine building business as well . One of those competitors is Jon Kaase , who Leonard competed with in the Mountain Motor Pro Stock ranks for decades .

than $ 220,000 for Victory Junction , a year-round camping facility in Randleman , North Carolina , for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses .

“ Sonny Leonard ’ s passing is a huge loss for the racing industry . He will be missed not only for his engine-building skills and knowledge but also for his good nature and charisma ,” said PRI President Dr . Jamie Meyer . “ Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and the entire motorsports community .”

And while they ’ re now without their fearless

customers , took to Facebook to share memories of Leonard and offer his condolences .

“ The world just lost one of the kindest , most charitable , big-hearted persons I have ever met ,” Montecalvo said . “ RIP Sonny . You have left a worldwide legacy and imprint on everyone you have touched . We had a good long run together . Lois Anne [ Montecalvo ’ s wife ] and I are devastated and heartbroken .”

Using Sonny ’ s horsepower , Montecalvo won world championships in IHRA Pro Stock , ADRL Extreme Pro Stock and PDRA Extreme Pro Stock , as well as numerous race wins and class records . He ’ s been a Sonny ’ s customer for 27 years .

“ It ’ s been a great rewarding relationship for me with Sonny . He ’ s much more than just my engine

“ I ’ m still sick to my stomach every minute of every day ,” Kaase said in a Facebook post . “ I just can ’ t believe he ’ s gone . Sonny was one of my best friends ever . For the last 40 years , I began almost every day trying to figure out ways to beat him ! Even though we were fierce competitors we never had a dispute or cross word between us . He would call me just to check in , nothing about racing , just to say hi .”

Charitable is a word many friends and family members used to describe Leonard . His passion for helping others was perhaps most obvious in his participation in the Sunnen Engine Charity Sweepstakes held during the PRI Show in Indianapolis every December . The engines Leonard donated in 2018 and 2019 helped raise more

leader , the team of employees at Sonny ’ s Racing Engines will continue building engines for customers in Mountain Motor Pro Stock , Pro Modified , Top Sportsman , Comp Eliminator , and even boat racing and truck pulling .

“ Sonny ’ s has the best employees that ever assembled an engine ,” said Leonard ’ s son-in-law , Jr . Ward , in a Facebook post . “ He left them with the knowledge to keep Sonny ’ s up front and center ! They were there Monday at 7 a . m . working with tears in their eyes and reminiscing of the father figure , the mentor and the best friend a man could have ! So don ’ t think for one minute that they ’ re not gonna take care of their customers . They love their job . And they take pride in everything they do .” DI

PHOTOS : MIKE CARPENTER , PRI , SONNY ’ S RACING ENGINES