The Badger Midget Auto Racing Association has a heavy heart today, with the passing of former car owner and board member, Donnie Kleven. From a kid who used to sneak into the pits, to becoming a car owner and a winning one at that, Kleven was living a dream.
An auctioneer by trade, if anyone was a people person, it was Donnie. Despite battling cancer for years, his attitude and love of the sport was inspiring. For Kleven, if being an owner wasn't enough, the icing on the cake was having one of his heroes, Kevin Olson, as his driver.
Fellow owner and board member, Harlan Kittleson, mentored Kleven during his time as an owner. Kleven once noted, "I didn't know anything about maintaining a midget when I bought it. I had my car at Harlan's shop and I just worked side by side with him as he worked on his car. What he did, I did."
Kittleson confirms that he helped Kleven out and adds, "Donnie was a quick learner. He did a great job, his maintenance and the car were meticulous. For five or six years we worked side by side, we were like brothers."
Kleven and "KO," made the trip to Tulsa, OK and the Chili Bowl Nationals. Here KO introduced Kleven to the likes of Tony Stewart and Bobby Unser. As a fan alone, that made it special for Kleven.
In July of 2019, short of a championship, Kleven's dream was likely complete as KO put his car in Victory Lane at Angell Park Speedway for Olson's final win.
As of press time, arrangements are still pending for Donnie Kleven. We will share them as they become available.
About the photos: Donnie Kleven proudly stands by the #9K at the Chili Bowl Nationals and the team rolls the car to the line, with KO behind the wheel and Bobby Unser wishing them good luck.
Article by: Bill Blumer Jr. Badger Media
Photos by: Bill Blumer Jr.
- William Blumer on Apr 27, 2024
- Article Date: 4/27/2024