Ozarks

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.

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