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Kevin Olson's Family Racing Collection Featured On American Pickers

Kevin Olson's Family Racing Collection Featured On American Pickers

The late Kevin Olson's family invited Mike Wolfe and the cast of American Pickers to view their father's racing collection.

Mar 14, 2024 by Tyler Burnett
Kevin Olson's Family Racing Collection Featured On American Pickers

A year has passed since Kevin Olson's untimely death in a passenger vehicle. Now, the man simply known as “KO” is once again receiving the national attention he deserves. 

The History Channel's American Pickers paid a visit to KO's Collection in Wisconsin, filled with all of his historic racing equipment and apparel. His children showed host Mike Wolfe around the race shop, all while trying to work a deal, just as KO would've wanted.

Arguably dirt racing's greatest comedian ever, Olson didn’t just spend his career winning races and national championship, which he did twice with USAC. He spent the majority of his life making people smile. Whether it was showing up on ESPN's Thunder Series with stuffed animals or his lightbulb sales, or his tremendous stories filled with whit, KO was a fan favorite of those who loved the funny in life. 

Kevin Olson Selling Life-Changing T-Shirts

Kevin Olson sells his famous Asbesto Lined T-shirts At 2022 Chili Bowl

Olson was overlooked, as most people who are that don't take themselves too seriously. But don't get it twisted, Kevin Olson was a tremendous race car driver. He won 23 times with the United States Auto Club, and won his two titles in 1982 and 1987. Olson was inducted into the USAC Hall of Fame in 2016, a very proud moment for him and his family. 

But his crowning achievement might be the time he befriended Muhammad Ali. And the subsequent trip on Ali's lawn he took with his street car, on accident of course.

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USAC Video Remembering The Late Great Kevin Olson

Olson was as generous to the media as he could be and was a great friend to many. He supported midget racing his entire life, even racing and winning into the last years on earth, all with that Hall of Fame smile. 

It's great to see his children carrying his legacy on, selling t-shirts at the Chili Bowl Nationals, just like their dad did most years at the event with his signature two price option: full price without his autograph and a discount if he signed. 

They're donating the shirt sales to the USAC Benevolent fund, paying back to the sport, which we all know is exactly what KO would want.