Weld was known as both a driver and a racing entrepreneur. As a driver, he was a successful competitor in the USAC Series. In 1963, he won sprint-car racing’s big race, the Knoxville Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa. Weld was the 1967 USAC sprint-car champion. He also drove in the Indianapolis 500 in 1970, where he started 28th and finished 32nd. He was voted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville.

Founded in 1967, Weld Wheels offered products that were considered by many the best that automobile racers could buy. He also promoted local auto races, including the Jerry Weld Memorial, which attracted national-level drivers.