Commissioner Knudsen Passes Away

NASCAR National Commissioner passes away

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 7, 1998) Semon E. "Bunkie" Knudsen, national commissioner of NASCAR since 1978, died of heart failure yesterday in Michigan. He was 85.

In his position with NASCAR, he provided supreme authority for the administration of orderly procedures in automotive events and the enforcement of the provisions of the NASCAR rule book. He was the final authority for any appeals regarding violations of rules, specifications, entry blank terms or disciplinary procedures.

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Oct. 2, 1912, Knudsen was a 1936 graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was the only son of William S. Knudsen, president of General Motors Corporation from 1937 to 1940.

In 1939, he began his career with General Motors where he held various key posts including general manager of the Detroit Diesel Engine Division, general manager of the Pontiac Division, vice president of General Motors, general manager of the Chevrolet Division and executive vice president.

In 1968 he joined Ford Motor Company where he served as the president in 1968 and 1969. After his time at Ford, he served as the chairman and CEO of White Motor Company.

He served as the national commissioner of NASCAR for the last 20 years.

Source: NASCAR Online