IKF President Wayne Brown
01.22.2008 - Wayne Carl Brown was born on June 17, 1947 in Dallas, Texas. He passed away on January 18, 2008 at home after suffering a heart attack. It is believed by his family that his passing was sudden and quick. He was known as a “real Texan” and was proud of his home state, and of his country. At the time of his death, he resided in Double Oak Texas with his wife, Rhonda Mims-Brown, their 14 year old son Casey and his constant companion, his dog, Brownie. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, brother-in-law and friend to many who was known for his loyalty, leadership and strength of conviction.

He is survived by wife Rhonda Mims-Brown, his children Christopher Brown, Ashlyn Brown, Casey Brown, stepmother Bess Brown, Sister Graciela “Gras” (Brown) Mainzer, grandchildren Angela, Hailey, Catherine, mother and father In-law Warren and Dorothy Mims, and numerous loving family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Willard Brown and Elena Aurelia (Rocchiccioli) Brown, former wife Patricia (Osborne) Brown and his son Jeffery Brown.

His diversified interests and past occupations included pursuits as a restaurateur of the famous Brownie’s Restaurant of Dallas, home builder of Brown & Roberts Custom Homes and owner, Brown Competition Racing (BCR). He also served on the Boards of Directors for multiple organizations including the Twin Lakes Owners Association. Wayne graduated from Jesuit High School in Dallas and earned a business degree from SMU – Southern Methodist University.

Wayne was very involved in the sport of kart racing and was active in the sport for 50 years. As one of the original founding members of the International Kart Federation (IKF), he not only earned the sports highest awards as a motor builder and driver, but also devoted his time to help the sport grow. He served on multiple Boards of Directors for both local kart racing clubs and for national organizations. This included serving as President of the SouthWest Road Racing Association and, at the time of his death, the President of the IKF.

Wayne was a champion driver in his own right, winning a national title in the IKF Road Race division in 1988 in the 100cc Stock class. His dedication to the sport was recognized with the Jim Clark Memorial Award, bestowed upon those who exhibit sportsmanship, devotion to the sport of karting and work through adversity.

As a result of the Jim Clark award, Wayne spearheaded the creation of the Lake Speed Excellence in Karting award for sprint racing.

He was one of the few people who got to do what he loved for a living. He was co-owner of O&H Kart Products and was known for his skill as an engine builder. Additionally, he was owner of BCR (Brown Competition Racing). He was proud of the successes in karting that came to him through his assistance to others. He was regarded as an excellent engine builder and tuner and was the “tuning force” behind 20-plus national titles for various drivers in multiple kart racing sanctioning bodies. He was most proud of helping his wife, Rhonda, achieve her goals.

Wayne and Rhonda married in November, 1991 in Lihue, Kauai. It was a storybook wedding for the two who met at the races and both shared a love for kart racing. It was Wayne who helped his wife achieve five IKF national titles in Road Race and several regional championship titles and wins in World Karting Association (WKA) competition, including a second place finish at his favorite racetrack, Daytona International Speedway in 2002.

He is remembered as a perfectionist both personally and professionally. Whether it was building an engine, building a home or taking care of things around the house, he took great pride in doing things his way and what he considered to be the right way. In addition to racing, he enjoyed travel and loved going in his motor home to remote and beautiful places like the Grand Canyon, Sedona and the California coastline. He also loved beautiful resorts and especially enjoyed going back to Hawaii to revisit memories of his wedding to Rhonda. He was a great poker and dominos player who hated to lose in any game. He also enjoyed bowling, keeping up with sports and was a huge lover of dogs – particularly his dog, Brownie with whom he shared a very special bond.

Wayne was a strong and fair man who would go the extra mile not only for family and friends, but also for those who needed his help. He was also a great friend to many and he will be missed and remembered with great fondness.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, January 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home, where he will also be buried. Funeral Services will commence at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 22.

Restland Funeral Home & Cemetery
13005 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75243
(972) 238-7111 or (800) 749-7379
www.restlandfuneralhome.com

Cards, letters or notes may be sent to the family at::

c/o O&H Kart Products
13515 Bee Street #300
Dallas TX 75234
or via private message to the user account of Rhonda Mims-Brown on Ekartingnews.com

Donations can also be made to the American Heart Association in the name of Wayne Brown.


Submitted by Deborah Davidson Harpur
310.625.9580
on behalf of Rhonda Mims Brown and Family.