 In 1936, Leonard won the New York State championship race, but found himself without a way to reach the national championships which were held in St. Louis, Missouri that year.His uncle Damiano Maffei (affectionately known as Uncle Mimi), procured a car by having his brothers and friends contribute towards the expenses in exchange for passage on the trip.Unfortunately, it took so many men to fund the trip that there was no room for Leonard in the small car.