Ray Nichels was a famous race-car builder, crew chief, and team owner who worked out of Highland, Indiana, and began his racing career at just 15 years old. He became well known for building powerful cars for the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR, and USAC, including the famous “Basement Bessie” with driver Paul Russo. Nichels Engineering won numerous races and championships, and Nichels is remembered as one of the most influential figures in American auto racing.