I got this obituary via Ron Main. I didn't know Cliff Wheeler well - barely at all, but nonetheless - may he rest in peace. Another long time salt racer has gone.
Clifton W. Wheeler
In Loving Memory
January 5, 1936 - February 8, 2014
78 years young
Clifton W. Wheeler a native born to Los Angeles Ca.
He Lived in the San Fernando Valley majority of his life.
Clifton is survived by his daughter Nickie Wheeler (Spouse Dean)
2 Sons Matthew Wheeler (Spouse Maureen) Anthony Wheeler (Spouse TeriAnne)
and 5 beautiful grand children Andrew, Meaghen, Sean , Carely and Melisa
Also his brother Nathan and sisters Bea and Bobbi.
Clifton always was a gear head he raced in the orange fields in the
San FernandoValley his teenager years.
He first step on the Bonneville salt flats Aug 1954 that when
he got the land speed fever.
Clifton became real active member in the 1980's as a Glendale Sidewinder
and SCTA.
He built his first land speed car 1966 Lincoln "868 Heavy Metal"
Worlds fastest Lincoln over 200 MPH Bonneville 1993.
868 Heavy Metal always attracted a lot of attention.
Clifton greatest contribution to SCTA and BNI land speed racing
was his design and construction of the Bonneville land speed trophy.
His vision for the trophy is well received around the world
a great presentation to land speed racing.
Clifton was inducted into the "Wheels of Fame" Jan 25, 2014
for his service and dedication to SCTA.
Clifton fellowship to land speed racing community will be
a huge loss and he will be dearly missed.
His celebration for life will be held
Mar 8, 2014
12:00 P.M. to4:00 P.M.
Canoga Park Elks Club
20929 Osborne St. Canoga Park, CA.
Here's a photo, too:
