Listed incorrectly as Ornduff in a number of websites and books, he built midget cars in New Jersey and also invented a tyre groove apparatus. Vern was based in many locations during his racing career, including Virginia, Florida, New York and Detroit as well as New Jersey. However his hate of peanuts and peanut shells eventually led to a NASCAR rumour of a curse, similiar to the curse of green cars at Indianapolis, with a double fatality - albeit in open wheel racing - in 1937 where peanut shells were found in both cars fuelling fire to the superstition - especially as Vernon was involved in the multi-car crash that claimed the life of Howdy Cox. Orenduff, who was from North Carolina, passed on the hate of peanuts to fellow racers, most of whom would make up the list of early NASCAR drivers. He began racing as a youngster, barely only 17, in 1928.

Biography last updated 27 Feb 2018