Justice Brothers
Encyclopedia
Edward Ray Justice, Sr.
Lawrence Milton "Zeke" Justice (born March 12, 1920 in Paola
, Kansas)
James Russell "Gus" Justice (born July 16, 1916 in Paola
, Kansas)
The Justice Brothers
, Ed, Gus and Zeke were well-known influential figures in motorsports and the oil additive industry. They were the founders of Justice Brothers, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of Car Care Products.
, Kansas, they started driving before they were teenagers. The lure of the car crazy culture of Southern California
called and Ed Justice, Sr. responded by driving out on the famed Route 66
to his new home. The trip was paid for by his three passengers who paid $25 each and were allowed to bring anything that fit in a peck sack. Ed was able to convince his brother Zeke to leave his job at Western Auto
in Kansas City
by getting him a job with the legendary multi-millionaire Joel Thorne
as part of his race shop fabrication crew. Thorne and his crew won the 1946 Indy 500 with George Robson
as his driver. During his time their Zeke met a young Frank Kurtis
who had a rented space in the Thorne shop. Zeke would later become Frank's first employee when he formed Kurtis-Kraft. During his time at Thorne Engineering in Burbank
, California, Zeke worked on a variety projects including the occasional side projects. One interesting side project was the modification of a car for a young Bill Pollack
. Bill would later win the first grand prix at Pebble Beach in 1951. Bill also designed the road racecourse in Southern California known as Willow Springs.
Ed enlisted into the Army Air Corps
during the beginning of World War II
and served in the eighth airforce in Europe
. Zeke suffered from Polio and was unable to serve in the military. He continued to work for Joel Thorne, who's shop was now making aircraft parts for the war effort.
was over, Frank Kurtis
started Kurtis-Kraft and it was at this time that Zeke became his first employee. Following World War II
Ed joined Zeke at Kurtis-Kraft. Both were part of a small crew that constructed a reported 500 midget cars. Zeke was also part of the team that built the legendary Novi engine
powered Indy car. Because of Ed's background as a aircraft mechanic, he suggested to Zeke one day that they should add Dzus fastener
s to the Kurtis midget they were working on instead of the currently used 'nut plates'. Thus resulted in the first use of Dzus fastener
s on a racecar. During their time at Kurtis-Kraft, they started a racecar repair and fabrication
shop they operated during their free hours of nights and weekends. It was called Justice Brothers Racecar Repair & Fabrication. They built a midget car for themselves during this time and after racing it once at Gilmore Stadium
in Los Angeles
, they sold the car for a $2,500 profit. They subsequently invested this money into the oil business. In 1946, the Justice Brothers attended their first Indianapolis 500
. Zeke was a crewmember on the team of Bayliss Leverett. The brothers also sponsored this car. 4 years later, they won the race as sponsors of Frank Kurtis' factory Indianapolis 500 entry with driver Johnnie Parsons
. In 1952, they scored a second place finish with Jim Rathmann
driving for Andy Granatelli
and his brothers Joe and Vince.
During this time, the Justice Brothers had moved to Jacksonville
, Florida and had become involved in the formation of a new organization known as NASCAR
. They had met Bill France Sr. by selling him their oil products for use at his service station
. They became the first multi-car sponsor in NASCAR
with their companies’ logo
appearing on virtually every car. Their attendance and participation in the very beginning of NASCAR has appeared in many books including Smokey Yunick
's 3-volume autobiography. Smokey was a close personal friend of Zeke Justice. One of the many notable victories they achieved in NASCAR was at the inaugural Southern 500
held at the new Darlington racetrack in Darlington
, South Carolina. Darlington Raceway
was the first 'Super Speedway' built for NASCAR racing. Johnny Mantz
delivered the second major victory for the Justice Brothers in 1950 by driving car owner Hubert Westmoreland
's Plymouth
to victory in NASCAR's first 500 mile race. The Justice Brothers were the sole sponsor on Westmoreland and Mantz's car.
a nationally syndicated radio show broadcast through the Radio America Network, XM Satellite Radio
, Apple iTunes and also streamed live via the internet
. Ed Justice, Jr. has added over 85 items to the product line under his leadership.
In 2007, the Justice Brothers celebrated their 62nd year of participation in the Indianapolis 500
with the sponsorship of PJ Jones, son of the 1963 winner Parnelli Jones
. In recent years Justice Brothers were sponsors of Greg Ray
, front row qualifier in 1998, Jeff Ward
, 2nd place finisher in 1999 and Eddie Cheever
5th place finisher in 2000. They are also sponsors of numerous teams throughout all forms of motor sport around the world. They claimed victory in the 2003 and 2004 24 Hours of LeMans as sponsors of the Petersen Motorsports Porsche
.
The Justice Brothers eventually found their way back to California
where the company in headquartered today. A collection of racing vehicles and classic cars is housed in a building next to the companies’ world headquarters in Duarte
, California. Justice Brothers, Inc. continues to manufacturer and distribute their line of Car Care Products, Fleet, Farm, and Industrial Lubricants and Cleaners. The products are sold around the world by independent distributors.
Lawrence Milton "Zeke" Justice (born March 12, 1920 in Paola
Paola, Kansas
Paola is a city in and the county seat of Miami County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 5,602.-History:...
, Kansas)
James Russell "Gus" Justice (born July 16, 1916 in Paola
Paola, Kansas
Paola is a city in and the county seat of Miami County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 5,602.-History:...
, Kansas)
The Justice Brothers
, Ed, Gus and Zeke were well-known influential figures in motorsports and the oil additive industry. They were the founders of Justice Brothers, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of Car Care Products.
Early years
The Justice Brothers were associated with cars and speed since the earliest years of their life. Growing up the 1920s in PaolaPaola, Kansas
Paola is a city in and the county seat of Miami County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 5,602.-History:...
, Kansas, they started driving before they were teenagers. The lure of the car crazy culture of Southern California
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
called and Ed Justice, Sr. responded by driving out on the famed Route 66
U.S. Route 66
U.S. Route 66 was a highway within the U.S. Highway System. One of the original U.S. highways, Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926 -- with road signs erected the following year...
to his new home. The trip was paid for by his three passengers who paid $25 each and were allowed to bring anything that fit in a peck sack. Ed was able to convince his brother Zeke to leave his job at Western Auto
Western Auto
Western Auto Supply Company was a specialty retail chain of stores that supplied automobile parts and accessories. It operated approximately 1200 stores across the United States. It was started in 1909 in Kansas City, Missouri, by George Pepperdine, who later founded Pepperdine University...
in Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
by getting him a job with the legendary multi-millionaire Joel Thorne
Joel Thorne
Joel Thorne was an American racecar driver, engineer, and playboy. He died when he crashed his private plane, after what witnesses described as "stunting", into an apartment building, killing eight residents including a two month old baby...
as part of his race shop fabrication crew. Thorne and his crew won the 1946 Indy 500 with George Robson
George Robson
George Robson was a Canadian racecar driver active in the 1940s. Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, Robson later moved to Ontario and finally to the U.S. in 1924. Robson died with George Barringer in an accident at Lakewood Speedway in Atlanta, Georgia. Robson's brother Hal also competed in the...
as his driver. During his time their Zeke met a young Frank Kurtis
Frank Kurtis
Frank Kurtis was an American racing car designer. He designed and built midget cars, quarter-midgets, sports cars, sprint cars, Indy cars, and Formula One cars. He was the founder of Kurtis-Kraft....
who had a rented space in the Thorne shop. Zeke would later become Frank's first employee when he formed Kurtis-Kraft. During his time at Thorne Engineering in Burbank
Burbank, California
Burbank is a city in Los Angeles County in Southern California, United States, north of downtown Los Angeles. The estimated population in 2010 was 103,340....
, California, Zeke worked on a variety projects including the occasional side projects. One interesting side project was the modification of a car for a young Bill Pollack
Bill Pollack
Bill Pollack is a retired race driver who ran in the early days of the post World War II California sports car scene. He started his career in 1950, and came to fame after winning the Pebble Beach road race with his Allard J2...
. Bill would later win the first grand prix at Pebble Beach in 1951. Bill also designed the road racecourse in Southern California known as Willow Springs.
Ed enlisted into the Army Air Corps
United States Army Air Corps
The United States Army Air Corps was a forerunner of the United States Air Force. Renamed from the Air Service on 2 July 1926, it was part of the United States Army and the predecessor of the United States Army Air Forces , established in 1941...
during the beginning of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and served in the eighth airforce in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. Zeke suffered from Polio and was unable to serve in the military. He continued to work for Joel Thorne, who's shop was now making aircraft parts for the war effort.
Post World War II
After World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
was over, Frank Kurtis
Frank Kurtis
Frank Kurtis was an American racing car designer. He designed and built midget cars, quarter-midgets, sports cars, sprint cars, Indy cars, and Formula One cars. He was the founder of Kurtis-Kraft....
started Kurtis-Kraft and it was at this time that Zeke became his first employee. Following World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
Ed joined Zeke at Kurtis-Kraft. Both were part of a small crew that constructed a reported 500 midget cars. Zeke was also part of the team that built the legendary Novi engine
Novi engine
The Novi engine was a dual overhead cam supercharged V8 engine used in the Indianapolis 500. It was designed by Bud Winfield and Leo Goossen and built by Fred Offenhauser.-Early years:...
powered Indy car. Because of Ed's background as a aircraft mechanic, he suggested to Zeke one day that they should add Dzus fastener
Dzus fastener
Dzus is a proprietary name for a type of quarter-turn fastener often used to secure skin panels on aircraft.It was invented and patented by a native Ukrainian William Dzus in the early 1930s. Quarter-turn fasteners are used to secure panels in equipment, airplanes, motorcycles, and racing cars...
s to the Kurtis midget they were working on instead of the currently used 'nut plates'. Thus resulted in the first use of Dzus fastener
Dzus fastener
Dzus is a proprietary name for a type of quarter-turn fastener often used to secure skin panels on aircraft.It was invented and patented by a native Ukrainian William Dzus in the early 1930s. Quarter-turn fasteners are used to secure panels in equipment, airplanes, motorcycles, and racing cars...
s on a racecar. During their time at Kurtis-Kraft, they started a racecar repair and fabrication
Fabrication (metal)
Fabrication as an industrial term refers to building metal structures by cutting, bending, and assembling. The cutting part of fabrication is via sawing, shearing, or chiseling ; torching with handheld torches ; and via CNC cutters...
shop they operated during their free hours of nights and weekends. It was called Justice Brothers Racecar Repair & Fabrication. They built a midget car for themselves during this time and after racing it once at Gilmore Stadium
Gilmore Stadium
Gilmore Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium in Los Angeles, California. It was opened in May 1934 and demolished in 1952, when the land was used to build CBS Television City. The stadium held 18,000. It was located next to Gilmore Field...
in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, they sold the car for a $2,500 profit. They subsequently invested this money into the oil business. In 1946, the Justice Brothers attended their first Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
. Zeke was a crewmember on the team of Bayliss Leverett. The brothers also sponsored this car. 4 years later, they won the race as sponsors of Frank Kurtis' factory Indianapolis 500 entry with driver Johnnie Parsons
Johnnie Parsons
Johnnie Parsons was an American race car driver from Los Angeles, California who won the Indianapolis 500 in 1950....
. In 1952, they scored a second place finish with Jim Rathmann
Jim Rathmann
Jim Rathmann was an American race car driver who won the Indianapolis 500 in 1960....
driving for Andy Granatelli
Andy Granatelli
Anthony "Andy" Granatelli was the CEO of STP.Along with brothers Vince and Joe, Andy first worked as an auto mechanic and 'speed-shop' entrepreneur, modifying engines such as the 'flathead' Ford into racing-quality equipment...
and his brothers Joe and Vince.
During this time, the Justice Brothers had moved to Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida in terms of both population and land area, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968...
, Florida and had become involved in the formation of a new organization known as NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
. They had met Bill France Sr. by selling him their oil products for use at his service station
Filling station
A filling station, also known as a fueling station, garage, gasbar , gas station , petrol bunk , petrol pump , petrol garage, petrol kiosk , petrol station "'servo"' in Australia or service station, is a facility which sells fuel and lubricants...
. They became the first multi-car sponsor in NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
with their companies’ logo
Logo
A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition...
appearing on virtually every car. Their attendance and participation in the very beginning of NASCAR has appeared in many books including Smokey Yunick
Smokey Yunick
Henry "Smokey" Yunick was an American mechanic and car designer associated with motorsports. Yunick was deeply involved in the early years of NASCAR, and he is probably most associated with that racing genre...
's 3-volume autobiography. Smokey was a close personal friend of Zeke Justice. One of the many notable victories they achieved in NASCAR was at the inaugural Southern 500
Southern 500
The Showtime Southern 500 is the annual spring NASCAR Sprint Cup race held at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, USA, and is the second such event at Darlington to bear the name. It began in 1957 as a race in the Convertible Division, known as the Rebel 300. In 1966, the race was...
held at the new Darlington racetrack in Darlington
Darlington, South Carolina
Darlington is a city in and the county seat of Darlington County, in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of South Carolina. It is a center for tobacco farming. The population was 6,720 at the 2000 census and is part of the Florence Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, South Carolina. Darlington Raceway
Darlington Raceway
Darlington Raceway is a race track built for NASCAR racing located near Darlington, South Carolina. It is nicknamed the "Lady in Black" and "The Track Too Tough to Tame" by many NASCAR fans and drivers and advertised as "A NASCAR Tradition"...
was the first 'Super Speedway' built for NASCAR racing. Johnny Mantz
Johnny Mantz
Johnny Mantz was an American racecar driver.-Champ car:He made 17 starts in the AAA Championship Car series from 1948 to 1952, capturing a victory in his rookie season at the Milwaukee Mile as well as winning the Indianapolis Sweepstakes at Williams Grove Speedway.-Stock car:He was the first USAC...
delivered the second major victory for the Justice Brothers in 1950 by driving car owner Hubert Westmoreland
Hubert Westmoreland
Hubert Westmoreland was mechanic that became a car owner in the beginning of NASCAR. His role as a car owner ran from 1949 to 1964. In that time his cars were driven to 4 first place finishes. His most notable victory was by Johnny Mantz, who drove his Plymouth to victory in the inaugural Southern...
's Plymouth
Plymouth
Plymouth is a city and unitary authority area on the coast of Devon, England, about south-west of London. It is built between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound...
to victory in NASCAR's first 500 mile race. The Justice Brothers were the sole sponsor on Westmoreland and Mantz's car.
Current
The company has been led for the past 25 years by Ed Justice, Jr. who also is the host of ROAD & TRACK SPEED radioROAD & TRACK SPEED radio
ROAD & TRACK SPEED radio is a weekly syndicated radio talk show, which deals with the automotive and motorsports world. It is hosted by Ed Justice, Jr...
a nationally syndicated radio show broadcast through the Radio America Network, XM Satellite Radio
Satellite radio
Satellite radio is an analogue or digital radio signal that is relayed through one or more satellites and thus can be received in a much wider geographical area than terrestrial FM radio stations...
, Apple iTunes and also streamed live via the internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
. Ed Justice, Jr. has added over 85 items to the product line under his leadership.
In 2007, the Justice Brothers celebrated their 62nd year of participation in the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
with the sponsorship of PJ Jones, son of the 1963 winner Parnelli Jones
Parnelli Jones
Rufus Parnell "Parnelli" Jones , is a retired American racing driver and racecar owner. He is most remembered for his 1963 Indianapolis 500 win, and almost winning the 1967 Indy 500 in a turbine car...
. In recent years Justice Brothers were sponsors of Greg Ray
Greg Ray
Greg Ray is a former IRL IndyCar Series driver.After winning the SCCA national Formula Atlantic championship in 1993, he moved up to the CART-sanctioned Toyota Atlantic series in 1994....
, front row qualifier in 1998, Jeff Ward
Jeff Ward (motocross)
Jeff Ward is the first motocross rider in history to win every major AMA motocross national championship...
, 2nd place finisher in 1999 and Eddie Cheever
Eddie Cheever
Edward "Eddie" McKay Cheever, Jr. is an American racing driver who raced for almost thirty years in Formula One, Sports cars, CART and the Indy Racing League. Cheever participated in 143 World Championship Formula One races and started 132, more than any other American, driving for nine different...
5th place finisher in 2000. They are also sponsors of numerous teams throughout all forms of motor sport around the world. They claimed victory in the 2003 and 2004 24 Hours of LeMans as sponsors of the Petersen Motorsports Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
.
The Justice Brothers eventually found their way back to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
where the company in headquartered today. A collection of racing vehicles and classic cars is housed in a building next to the companies’ world headquarters in Duarte
Duarte, California
Duarte is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 21,321, down from 21,486 at the 2000 census....
, California. Justice Brothers, Inc. continues to manufacturer and distribute their line of Car Care Products, Fleet, Farm, and Industrial Lubricants and Cleaners. The products are sold around the world by independent distributors.
Famous employees and business associates
- Johnnie Parsons - 1950 Indy 500 winner
- Roger Ward - 2 time Indy 500 winner
- Duane Carter, Sr. - Indy and Champ Car driver
- Benny Parsons - Daytona 500 winner & NASCAR Cup Champion
- Steve Bovan - Early Funny Car competitor
- Nelson Carter - Funny Car driver and owner
- Cotton Farmer - Midget, Sprint and Indy 500 driver
Notable sponsorships
- Johnnie Parsons/Frank Kurtis - 1950 Indianapolis 500 - Winner
- Jim Rathmann/Grantelli Brothers - 1952 Indianapolis 500 - 2nd Place
- Johnny Mantz - 1950 Southern 500 - Winner
- Don Garlits - Legendary Drag Racer - First Sponsor
- A.J. Foyt - 4 Time Indianapolis 500 Winner
- Gary Beck/Larry Minor - 1983 NHRA Champion
- Lee Petty - Early NASCAR competitor
- Buck Baker - Early NASCAR competitor
- Connie Kalitta - Drag Racing Legend
- Don Prudhomme - Drag Racing Legend
In media
- Rock and Roll star Sammy HagarSammy HagarSam Roy "Sammy" Hagar , also known as The Red Rocker, is an American rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Also sings Country Music....
founded an early band called the Justice Brothers after seeing a Justice Brothers delivery van in the California beach area. He also worked at an auto parts store and had sold the product. - Justice Brothers products appeared in the movie GREASE
- Actor Christian BaleChristian BaleChristian Charles Philip Bale is an English actor. Best known for his roles in American films, Bale has starred in both big budget Hollywood films and the smaller projects from independent producers and art houses....
wore a Justice Brothers t-shirt in the movie The MachinistThe MachinistThe Machinist is a 2004 English-language Spanish psychological thriller film directed by Brad Anderson and written by Scott Kosar....
. Many think it had an underlying message to the film. - Actor Matthew McConaugheyMatthew McConaugheyMatthew David McConaughey is an American actor.After a series of minor roles in the early 1990s, McConaughey gained notice for his breakout role in Dazed and Confused . He then appeared in films such as A Time to Kill, Contact, U-571, Tiptoes, Sahara, and We Are Marshall...
wore a Justice Brothers drivers uniform in the movie EDtvEdTVEDtv is a 1999 American comedy film directed by Ron Howard. An adaptation of the Quebec film Louis 19, le roi des ondes , it stars Matthew McConaughey, Jenna Elfman, Woody Harrelson, Ellen DeGeneres, Martin Landau, Rob Reiner, Sally Kirkland, Elizabeth Hurley, Clint Howard, and Dennis Hopper.The...
.
Death
James “Gus” Justice died of stomach cancer in 1983. Lawrence “Zeke” Justice died of prostate cancer on August 9, 2001. Ed Justice, Sr. died of heart failure on August 30, 2008.Awards and recognition
- Ed Justice - Inducted into the NASCAR West Coast Hall of Fame
- Ed Justice - Recipient of the Walt & Dottie James Award for support of Open Wheel Racing
- Ed Justice, Zeke Justice & Ed Justice, Jr. - Admitted into the Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers Club
- The Justice Brothers - 1999 Western Racing Association Honorees