* After an initial involvement as a crew member, Russ turned his attentions to driving Super Stock cars in 1971 and earned the Rookie of the Year Award.

* In 1975, 76. and 77 acted as crew chief for the Vantreight #7 Super Modified car which was driven to many victories by Roy Smith.

* 1978 saw Russ and Roy move over to race Late Model Stock Cars. This combination set a track record at Victoria's Western Speedway and won the Canada 200 race.

* In 1980 and 81, this team, with driver Roy and crew chief Russ, captured consecutive NASCAR Winston West Championship titles.

* Quotes from Roy Smith on Russ: "He's the best fabricator I know -- also one of the best crew chiefs I have worked with." "Because of the many innovative changes he
made and the thought he put into things, I won many more races." "By his preparation and attention to detail, he made me look good!"

* In the early 1990's, Russ joined forces with Neil Montgomery and built an I.M.C.A. Modified car for Neil's son Trevor to race.

* In 1992, the team of Russ and Neil ventured into dirt track sprint car racing by constructing a car for Trevor to drive at Cassidy Speedway near Nanaimo.

* In 1995, a second sprint car was built and both Neil's sons, Trevor and Jeff raced at Cassidy.

* The team has since switched to racing sprint cars on pavement and have had good success throughout the Pacific Northwest.

* A highlight for Russ and the team occurred in 1997 when they captured the prestigious Daffodil Cup Race in Victoria. With this victory, the team clinched the N.S.S.R.A. Points Championship in the Northwest.

* Over the years, Russ' company, Lejeune Engineering, has been involved in the construction of many race cars and their components. He has supplied the many parts and pieces to racers on the Island. A well-respected fabricator and
innovator, Russ is a welcome addition to the Hall of Fame Racing Fraternity.

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