Move in has started for the 2026 Ozarks Area Racers Foundation reunion.
We hope to see you there as the event we were attending has been canceled.
We have been watching the weather and even though there won’t be any snow the temperatures will be extremely cold with overnight temps Friday into Saturday being below 0* and wind chills even lower.
We have decided to cancel this weekend race and move it to Sunday February 22. This will be the day after the Winter Classic.
If you have pre-registered for already it should transfer to the new date.
Stay safe and warm..
I have tried not to make posts on Facebook anymore, but I’m gonna make this one. I have been fortunate enough to be honored as an upcoming Ozark Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame inductees for 2026 in the legends category. After looking at all the names etched in that granite it is so neat to be included with those names, This is a true honor and very gratifying to me personally, and I hope that everyone can make it to the event this Saturday night at the Fairgrounds E-plex. I’d love to see you all there and catch up! I’d also like to say a “THANK YOU” to each and everyone of you that have reached out the past few weeks, my friends, family an the racing community, it has been really surreal.
It’s just about go time for the Topeka Quarter Midget Association morning make-up race at Jake’s Rc Raceway. Racers, pay attention to the start times as they have changed a little to try to fit both these races in on the same day and on time. We will be pushing; no waiting on transponders and racers not being ready for this event; we have to move swiftly. Everyone racing needs to be on time to hot lap with their class. Jessica Christie has put together a lot of cool things for these youth racers for this event, so don’t miss out. We appreciate her helping reconnect our tracks. Also, James Grist, thank you for donating $200 for the 50+ late models: $100 for 1st, $75 for 2nd, and $25 for 3rd. See you all trackside!
2026 Schedule Lebanon Midway Speedway!
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.
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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
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Quads/Motorcycle Points Race #8
Mini Bikes Points race #4 this week, Emma Indoor Raceway this Saturday, Jan 31st..
We will be live for the Heat Races here on Facebook for FREE
Feature Races will be available on Showmedirt.tv.
See You There 👊
🔥 CHECK IT OUT 🔥
Fresh off the table, this custom helmet wrap for Corey Nelson is straight fire. Bold colors, clean lines, and detail that pops under the lights and on the track.
Your helmet isn’t just safety gear, it’s part of your brand. Corey trusted us to bring the horsepower, and we delivered a lid to stand out and look just as fast sitting still as it does on track.
To everyone in the design phase, we appreciate your patience. 2026 is loading…. and the wraps coming are H🤯T.
📩 Shoot us a message and let’s get you wrapped in HORSEPOWER for the 2026 season 🔥
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@topfans
