Show-Me Dirt added photos to the album: Photos from the 2026 class for the 38th annual Ozarks Area Racers
Come be part of the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation event today.”,”delight_ranges”:[],”image_ranges”:[],”inline_style_ranges”:[],”aggregated_ranges”:[],”ranges”:[{“entity”:{“__typename”:”User”,”__isEntity”:”User”,”__isActor”:”User”,”id”:”100064504972213″,”url”:”https://www.facebook.com/OzarkAreaRacersFoundation”,”profile_url”:”https://www.facebook.com/OzarkAreaRacersFoundation”,”short_name”:”Ozarks Area Racers Foundation”,”work_info”:null,”__module_operation_CometTextWithEntitiesRelay_textWithEntities”:{“__dr”:”ProfileGeminiWeakReferenceLink_user$normalization.graphql
Come be part of the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation event today.
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Let Bring It & Sling It Race Wraps help make Moments you won’t forget.
🏁 2025 Battle For The Axe Championship Banquet 🏁
We were proud to officially close out the 2025 Battle For The Axe Season with our Championship Banquet at Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub. It was a night dedicated to celebrating racers and sharing the moment with the families who support them every step of the way, on and off the track.
A sincere thank you to the wonderful staff at Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub for taking great care of our drivers, families, and guests. The hospitality and service helped make the evening one to remember.
The Battle for the Axe Series is proudly presented by Insurance Group of the Ozarks – Jason Justice, Rush Race Gear along with Copperhead Island and All Trailer Service. These partners believed in the vision early, and we take delivering real value to both racers and sponsors!
Congratulations to our 2025 Battle for the Axe Top 3:
🥇 Derek Brown
Super Stock | Dirt Warrior Champion
💲1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣, Platinum Rush Race Gear Suit with matching Shoes and Gloves, a custom Championship Helmet Wrap, a FREE Race Wrap, Contingency Awards, our one of kind custom engraved double-sided Axe, and earning the title of “Dirt Warrior Champion”.
🥈 Kris Jackson Racing
B-Modified
💲5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣, Contingency Awards, Custom 2025 BFTS Rush Race Gear gloves, and a Custom Laser-Engraved Axe
🥉 Jake Carter
Midwest Modified
💲2️⃣5️⃣0️⃣, Contingency alAwards, and a Custom Laser-Engraved Axe
👌Three different classes. Three different drivers. One championship podium.
That balance across divisions is exactly what this series was built for.
📸A big thank you to Keepper Photography for being behind the lens and capturing these moments shared by drivers, teams, and families.
While this series is still in its early chapters, the foundation is set and the momentum is real. We are just getting started, and we have new things coming for 2026, stay tuned!
If you’re looking for a bigger reason to race, send us a message.
We’ll give you one.
Thank you from
Bring It & Sling It Race Wraps
“The Original Home of Wrap on Horsepower” 🏁🔥
🔥 WHO’S READY?! 🔥
April 4th can’t get here fast enough at Lebanon I‑44 Speedway!
Opening Night is going to be BIG —
🥚 Huge Easter Egg Hunt
🚲 Bikes to give away
🎁 Tons of awesome prizes
🏁 Lots of new drivers & fresh cars for the 2026 season
Bring the whole family, bring the noise, and get ready for an unforgettable night under the lights. We’re kicking the season off the right way and we cannot wait to see everyone back at the track.
👇👇👇
WHO IS READY?!
Let’s hear it, race fans!!! 🏁
Sound Check for the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation tomorrow night!! nnJoin us as we honor the 2026 class for the 38th annual Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame, with the ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Ozark Empire Fair and E-Plex.nn2026 Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame Inductees AnnouncednnThe Ozarks Area Racers Foundation is proud to celebrate its 38th annual Hall of Fame class on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex in Springfield, Missouri.nThis year’s inductees represent the best of Ozarks racing, honored in two categories: Legends (recognizing outstanding driving achievements) and Pioneers (celebrating off-track contributors including car owners, mechanics, sponsors, and media professionals).nn2026 LEGENDS INDUCTEESnBrian Brown – Lebanon, MissourinA 30-year racing veteran who competed on both asphalt and dirt tracks across seven states. Brown’s impressive career includes eight track championships and over 100 feature wins at regional speedways, including Lebanon I-44 Speedway and Historic Bolivar Speedway.nnTerry Deatherage – Wichita, KansasnA versatile competitor in multiple premier series including USAC Stock Car Series, ASA, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, and NCRA Racing Series Late Models. Deatherage earned three first-place points championships racing on both paved and dirt ovals.nnEric Turner – Hermitage, MissourinOver his 30-season career, Turner dominated multiple divisions with more than 200 victories in Open Late Models, Factory Stocks, and Modifieds. A regular competitor at Lucas Oil Speedway among other tracks, Turner recently retired from racing.nnAlan Vaughn – Belton, MissourinAn all-time great in MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) competition, Vaughn captured the 1985 MLRA championship and remained a consistent contender throughout his distinguished career on the circuit.nn2026 PIONEERS INDUCTEESnnRussell Baker – Miami, OklahomanFounder of Baker Racing Engines, this self-taught machinist began building engines at age 18. His motors powered champions including Bill Frye, Billy Moyer, Wendell Wallace, and Dale McDowell.nnDonnie Kratzberg – Fort Smith, ArkansasnFounded Southwest Speed in 1975, which grew into one of the Midwest’s premier suppliers of auto performance parts and racing equipment.nnGene Morton – Springfield, MissourinA go-kart racer who served the MLRA in various capacities while supporting his son JC Morton’s successful racing career. Gene passed away in early 2025 and is remembered for his dedication to Ozarks racing.nnMelanie Wynn – Hartville, MissourinA dedicated racing photographer for over 15 years, Wynn has documented the action at several Ozarks tracks, preserving countless memories for the racing community.nnEVENT DETAILSnWhen: Saturday, January 31, 2026nWhere: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex, Springfield, MissourinDoors Open: 2:30 PMnAutograph Session: 3:30-4:15 PMnCeremony Begins: 5:00 PMnSpecial Features:n- Racing memorabilia and race cars from different eras on displayn-
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Just a few of the photos we took this afternoon at The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center’s E*Plex from the loading in for the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation.
Join us as we honor the 2026 class for the 38th annual Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame, with the ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Ozark Empire Fair and E-Plex.
2026 Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
The Ozarks Area Racers Foundation is proud to celebrate its 38th annual Hall of Fame class on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex in Springfield, Missouri.
This year’s inductees represent the best of Ozarks racing, honored in two categories: Legends (recognizing outstanding driving achievements) and Pioneers (celebrating off-track contributors including car owners, mechanics, sponsors, and media professionals).
2026 LEGENDS INDUCTEES
Brian Brown – Lebanon, Missouri
A 30-year racing veteran who competed on both asphalt and dirt tracks across seven states. Brown’s impressive career includes eight track championships and over 100 feature wins at regional speedways, including Lebanon I-44 Speedway and Historic Bolivar Speedway.
Terry Deatherage – Wichita, Kansas
A versatile competitor in multiple premier series including USAC Stock Car Series, ASA, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, and NCRA Racing Series Late Models. Deatherage earned three first-place points championships racing on both paved and dirt ovals.
Eric Turner – Hermitage, Missouri
Over his 30-season career, Turner dominated multiple divisions with more than 200 victories in Open Late Models, Factory Stocks, and Modifieds. A regular competitor at Lucas Oil Speedway among other tracks, Turner recently retired from racing.
Alan Vaughn – Belton, Missouri
An all-time great in MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) competition, Vaughn captured the 1985 MLRA championship and remained a consistent contender throughout his distinguished career on the circuit.
2026 PIONEERS INDUCTEES
Russell Baker – Miami, Oklahoma
Founder of Baker Racing Engines, this self-taught machinist began building engines at age 18. His motors powered champions including Bill Frye, Billy Moyer, Wendell Wallace, and Dale McDowell.
Donnie Kratzberg – Fort Smith, Arkansas
Founded Southwest Speed in 1975, which grew into one of the Midwest’s premier suppliers of auto performance parts and racing equipment.
Gene Morton – Springfield, Missouri
A go-kart racer who served the MLRA in various capacities while supporting his son JC Morton’s successful racing career. Gene passed away in early 2025 and is remembered for his dedication to Ozarks racing.
Melanie Wynn – Hartville, Missouri
A dedicated racing photographer for over 15 years, Wynn has documented the action at several Ozarks tracks, preserving countless memories for the racing community.
EVENT DETAILS
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex, Springfield, Missouri
Doors Open: 2:30 PM
Autograph Session: 3:30-4:15 PM
Ceremony Begins: 5:00 PM
Special Features:
– Racing memorabilia and race cars from different eras on display
– “Salute to Champions” program featuring 2025 track champions from area speedways
– Meet and greet with inductees
Tickets:
– Advance: $15 (available at area O’Reilly Auto Parts locations beginning early January)
– At the Door: $20
– Ages 12 and Under: FREE
With this 2026 class, the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame will honor a total of 249 members who have shaped racing history in the Ozarks region.
—
For more information about the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame and this year’s inductees, follow us on Facebook or visit the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.
#OzarksRacing #HallOfFame #DirtTrackRacing #MissouriRacing #OzarksAreaRacers #RacingHistory #SpringfieldMO
I lose controlnnJoin us as we honor the 2026 class for the 38th annual Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame, with the ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Ozark Empire Fair and E-Plex.nn2026 Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame Inductees AnnouncednnThe Ozarks Area Racers Foundation is proud to celebrate its 38th annual Hall of Fame class on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex in Springfield, Missouri.nThis year’s inductees represent the best of Ozarks racing, honored in two categories: Legends (recognizing outstanding driving achievements) and Pioneers (celebrating off-track contributors including car owners, mechanics, sponsors, and media professionals).nn2026 LEGENDS INDUCTEESnBrian Brown – Lebanon, MissourinA 30-year racing veteran who competed on both asphalt and dirt tracks across seven states. Brown’s impressive career includes eight track championships and over 100 feature wins at regional speedways, including Lebanon I-44 Speedway and Historic Bolivar Speedway.nnTerry Deatherage – Wichita, KansasnA versatile competitor in multiple premier series including USAC Stock Car Series, ASA, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, and NCRA Racing Series Late Models. Deatherage earned three first-place points championships racing on both paved and dirt ovals.nnEric Turner – Hermitage, MissourinOver his 30-season career, Turner dominated multiple divisions with more than 200 victories in Open Late Models, Factory Stocks, and Modifieds. A regular competitor at Lucas Oil Speedway among other tracks, Turner recently retired from racing.nnAlan Vaughn – Belton, MissourinAn all-time great in MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) competition, Vaughn captured the 1985 MLRA championship and remained a consistent contender throughout his distinguished career on the circuit.nn2026 PIONEERS INDUCTEESnnRussell Baker – Miami, OklahomanFounder of Baker Racing Engines, this self-taught machinist began building engines at age 18. His motors powered champions including Bill Frye, Billy Moyer, Wendell Wallace, and Dale McDowell.nnDonnie Kratzberg – Fort Smith, ArkansasnFounded Southwest Speed in 1975, which grew into one of the Midwest’s premier suppliers of auto performance parts and racing equipment.nnGene Morton – Springfield, MissourinA go-kart racer who served the MLRA in various capacities while supporting his son JC Morton’s successful racing career. Gene passed away in early 2025 and is remembered for his dedication to Ozarks racing.nnMelanie Wynn – Hartville, MissourinA dedicated racing photographer for over 15 years, Wynn has documented the action at several Ozarks tracks, preserving countless memories for the racing community.nnEVENT DETAILSnWhen: Saturday, January 31, 2026nWhere: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex, Springfield, MissourinDoors Open: 2:30 PMnAutograph Session: 3:30-4:15 PMnCeremony Begins: 5:00 PMnSpecial Features:n- Racing memorabilia and race cars from different eras on displayn-
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Join us as we honor the 2026 class for the 38th annual Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame, with the ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex.nn2026 Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame Inductees AnnouncednnThe Ozarks Area Racers Foundation is proud to celebrate its 38th annual Hall of Fame class on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex in Springfield, Missouri.nThis year’s inductees represent the best of Ozarks racing, honored in two categories: Legends (recognizing outstanding driving achievements) and Pioneers (celebrating off-track contributors including car owners, mechanics, sponsors, and media professionals).nn2026 LEGENDS INDUCTEESnBrian Brown – Lebanon, MissourinA 30-year racing veteran who competed on both asphalt and dirt tracks across seven states. Brown’s impressive career includes eight track championships and over 100 feature wins at regional speedways, including Lebanon I-44 Speedway and Historic Bolivar Speedway.nnTerry Deatherage – Wichita, KansasnA versatile competitor in multiple premier series including USAC Stock Car Series, ASA, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, and NCRA Racing Series Late Models. Deatherage earned three first-place points championships racing on both paved and dirt ovals.nnEric Turner – Hermitage, MissourinOver his 30-season career, Turner dominated multiple divisions with more than 200 victories in Open Late Models, Factory Stocks, and Modifieds. A regular competitor at Lucas Oil Speedway among other tracks, Turner recently retired from racing.nnAlan Vaughn – Belton, MissourinAn all-time great in MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) competition, Vaughn captured the 1985 MLRA championship and remained a consistent contender throughout his distinguished career on the circuit.nn2026 PIONEERS INDUCTEESnnRussell Baker – Miami, OklahomanFounder of Baker Racing Engines, this self-taught machinist began building engines at age 18. His motors powered champions including Bill Frye, Billy Moyer, Wendell Wallace, and Dale McDowell.nnDonnie Kratzberg – Fort Smith, ArkansasnFounded Southwest Speed in 1975, which grew into one of the Midwest’s premier suppliers of auto performance parts and racing equipment.nnGene Morton – Springfield, MissourinA go-kart racer who served the MLRA in various capacities while supporting his son JC Morton’s successful racing career. Gene passed away in early 2025 and is remembered for his dedication to Ozarks racing.nnMelanie Wynn – Hartville, MissourinA dedicated racing photographer for over 15 years, Wynn has documented the action at several Ozarks tracks, preserving countless memories for the racing community.nnEVENT DETAILSnWhen: Saturday, January 31, 2026nWhere: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex, Springfield, MissourinDoors Open: 2:30 PMnAutograph Session: 3:30-4:15 PMnCeremony Begins: 5:00 PMnSpecial Features:n- Racing memorabilia and race cars from different eras on displayn- “Salute to Champions” program featuring 2025 track champions from area speedwaysn- Meet and greet with inducteesnTickets:n- Advance: $15 (available at area O’Reilly Auto Parts locations beginning early January)n- At the Door: $20n- Ages 12 and Under: FREEnWith this 2026 class, the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame will honor a total of 249 members who have shaped racing history in the Ozarks region.n—nFor more information about the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame and this year’s inductees, follow us on Facebook or visit the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.n#OzarksRacing #HallOfFame #DirtTrackRacing #MissouriRacing #OzarksAreaRacers #RacingHistory #SpringfieldMO”,”delight_ranges”:[],”image_ranges”:[],”inline_style_ranges”:[],”aggregated_ranges”:[],”ranges”:[{“entity”:{“__typename”:”User”,”__isEntity”:”User”,”__isActor”:”User”,”id”:”100064504972213″,”url”:”https://www.facebook.com/OzarkAreaRacersFoundation”,”profile_url”:”https://www.facebook.com/OzarkAreaRacersFoundation”,”short_name”:”Ozarks Area Racers Foundation”,”work_info”:null,”__module_operation_CometTextWithEntitiesRelay_textWithEntities”:{“__dr”:”ProfileGeminiWeakReferenceLink_user$normalization.graphql
Join us as we honor the 2026 class for the 38th annual Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame, with the ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex.nn2026 Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame Inductees AnnouncednnThe Ozarks Area Racers Foundation is proud to celebrate its 38th annual Hall of Fame class on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex in Springfield, Missouri.nThis year’s inductees represent the best of Ozarks racing, honored in two categories: Legends (recognizing outstanding driving achievements) and Pioneers (celebrating off-track contributors including car owners, mechanics, sponsors, and media professionals).nn2026 LEGENDS INDUCTEESnBrian Brown – Lebanon, MissourinA 30-year racing veteran who competed on both asphalt and dirt tracks across seven states. Brown’s impressive career includes eight track championships and over 100 feature wins at regional speedways, including Lebanon I-44 Speedway and Historic Bolivar Speedway.nnTerry Deatherage – Wichita, KansasnA versatile competitor in multiple premier series including USAC Stock Car Series, ASA, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, and NCRA Racing Series Late Models. Deatherage earned three first-place points championships racing on both paved and dirt ovals.nnEric Turner – Hermitage, MissourinOver his 30-season career, Turner dominated multiple divisions with more than 200 victories in Open Late Models, Factory Stocks, and Modifieds. A regular competitor at Lucas Oil Speedway among other tracks, Turner recently retired from racing.nnAlan Vaughn – Belton, MissourinAn all-time great in MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) competition, Vaughn captured the 1985 MLRA championship and remained a consistent contender throughout his distinguished career on the circuit.nn2026 PIONEERS INDUCTEESnnRussell Baker – Miami, OklahomanFounder of Baker Racing Engines, this self-taught machinist began building engines at age 18. His motors powered champions including Bill Frye, Billy Moyer, Wendell Wallace, and Dale McDowell.nnDonnie Kratzberg – Fort Smith, ArkansasnFounded Southwest Speed in 1975, which grew into one of the Midwest’s premier suppliers of auto performance parts and racing equipment.nnGene Morton – Springfield, MissourinA go-kart racer who served the MLRA in various capacities while supporting his son JC Morton’s successful racing career. Gene passed away in early 2025 and is remembered for his dedication to Ozarks racing.nnMelanie Wynn – Hartville, MissourinA dedicated racing photographer for over 15 years, Wynn has documented the action at several Ozarks tracks, preserving countless memories for the racing community.nnEVENT DETAILSnWhen: Saturday, January 31, 2026nWhere: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex, Springfield, MissourinDoors Open: 2:30 PMnAutograph Session: 3:30-4:15 PMnCeremony Begins: 5:00 PMnSpecial Features:n- Racing memorabilia and race cars from different eras on displayn-
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