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2026 HALL OF FAME CLASS ANNOUNCED

(October 22, 2025)

The 2026 class for the 38th annual Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame has been announced, with the ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex.

Inductees are selected in two categories: Legends (for driving accomplishments) and Pioneers (off-track contributions such as car owners, mechanics, sponsors or media members).

LEGENDS

Brian Brown. The Lebanon native raced for 30 years on asphalt and dirt, competing in seven states with eight track championships and more than 100 feature wins at various speedways in the region.

Terry Deatherage. From Wichita, Kansas, he completed in the USAC Stock Car Series, ASA, World out Outlaw Late Models and NCRA Late Models with three first-place points finishes He ran on paved and dirt ovals.

Eric Turner. Driving most every division over a 30-season career, Turner won more than 200 races in Open Late Models, Factory Stocks and Modifieds From Hermitage, Turner recently retired from racing.

Alan Vaughn. One of the all-time greats in the Midwest Late Model Racing Association (MLRA) the Belton resident won the 1985 MLRA championship and was a regular contender on the circuit throughout his career.

PIONEERS

Russell Baker. The founder of Baker Racing Engine in Miami, Okla., Baker was a self-taught machinist. He began building engines at 18 and built motors for Bill Frye, Billy Moyer, Wendell Wallace and Dale McDowel, among others.

Donnie Kratzberg. Based in Fort Smith, Ark., Kratzberg founded Southwest Speed in 1975, one of the Midwest’s largest suppliers of auto performance parts.

Gene Morton. The Springfield native raced go-karts while also working with the MLRA in various roles. Morton helped his son JC Morton in his successful racing career. Gene passed away in early 2025.

Melanie Wynn. The long- time racing photographer at several Ozarks tracks, Wynn has been taking pictures for over 15 years and lives in Hartville, Missouri.

In addition to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, racing memorabilia and race cars from different eras will be on display inside the E-Plex. Promoters from area speedways also will be invited to introduce their track champions and from the 2025 season in a “Salute to Champions” prior to the Hall of Fame program.

The 2025 class will bring the total number of Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Famers to 249.

Tickets are $15 in advance and will be available at area O’Reilly Auto Parts locations beginning in early January. Admission will be $20 at the door. Ages 12 and under are free. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. with an autograph session for the inductees from 3:30-4:15 p.m. The formal program begins at 5 p.m.

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