Nascar driver joe ruttman biography

Joe started his racing career at the age of 13. He began racing karts at Flat Rock Speedway with the Thunderbird Club. In the early 1960’s, he ran frequently at the East Lansing Kart Track. As his family had motorcycle/kart sales in Dearborn and sold Rupp products, Joe soon became a factory rider for Rupp Manufacturing in karts and snowmobiles. This gave him an opportunity to race in places such as Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and the Bahamas. As a karter, Joe won the Michigan State Championship that was held at Watervliet, Michigan. In 1963 at Riverside, California Joe had his first ride in a stock car and finished 10th. In 1964 he drove a ‘57 Chevy built by Bill Hill, winning numerous races for this team. He later drove for builders such as Stan Yee, Dearborn Steel Tubing, John Scant, and the team of Joy Fair/Bob Gillian.