Name Harry Melling | ||
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Harry Melling (June 13, 1945 – May 29, 1999) was the team owner of Melling Racing, which won the 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship with Bill Elliott.
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Background
Melling graduated from Ferris State University. Melling succeeded his father Benjamin as President of The Melling Tool Company in 1975. Melling Tool is a maker of automotive products. Melling also owned Treetops Sylvan Resort in Gaylord, Michigan, turning a small local ski hill into a national skiing and golfing destination.
NASCAR team owner
Melling's first involvement in NASCAR began in 1979 as a primary sponsor for Benny Parsons. Melling Racing won the NASCAR Winston Cup points championship with Bill Elliott.
Death
Melling died of a heart attack in at his golf courseGaylord, Michigan. At the Michigan race, two weeks later which is usually the team's homecoming. The team raced a red and white Cartoon Network(the sponsor in the 1999 season) with the teams driver Jerry Nadeau. On the decklid, a decal said "To Harry! We miss you". Harry's favorite colors were red and white, and semi-served as a team throwback. His son, Mark ran his team for a few more years.