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Russell Baker Hall of Fame Induction | Ozarks Area Racers Foundation | 40+ Years…
Russell Baker Hall of Fame Induction | Ozarks Area Racers Foundation | 40+ Years Engine Buildingnnemotional induction of Russell Baker into the Springfield Racing Hall of Fame as a pioneer. The legendary self-taught engine builder from Miami, Oklahoma, who founded Russell Baker Racing Engines, is honored by his daughters Angie Haye and Alicia Trice, and son Brian Baker for his 40+ year career building championship-winning late model racing engines.nIn this video:nnDaughters share their father’s inspiring life story and faith journeynBrian Baker accepts award on behalf of his father and familynHow Russell overcame losing his right eye at age 4nBuilt legendary engines for Bill Frye, Billy Moyer, Wendell Wallace, Dale McDowelln40+ years of precision engine building excellencenDeep faith, family values, and passion for deer huntingnTerry Kirk’s tragic passing the night before Russell’s funeralnnRussell Baker’s incredible journey:nnLost right eye at age 4 – shaped his determination and perseverancenEntirely self-taught engine builder (no formal training)nStarted in early 1980s as pioneer of late model racing enginesnFirst shop: Small parts room in back of BMB Auto Supply, Miami, OklahomanBuilt 7,200 sq ft dedicated engine shop east of MiaminLater moved to even larger facility on family farm west of MiaminOver 40 years building and tuning championship racing enginesnKnown for precision, innovation, reliability, and performancenMentored countless others in the engine building craftnnFaith and family foundation:nnMarried Shannon in 1964 (47-year devoted partnership)nRaised three children grounded in faith and hard worknAccepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as young fathernFaith became foundation of his life and businessnAlways stopped work on Sundays for the LordnMade sure children knew Christ was “first and foremost”nPassed away in 2012nnBeyond the shop:nnAvid bow hunter who spent entire days in tree standsn”Famously wished there were 12 months of November”nExcellent bow hunter who shared passion with grandchildrennTaught patience, respect for nature, quiet perseverancenCreated lasting memories deer hunting with Luke, Adam, Kyle, and ShelbynSon Brian now hunts for a living, inspired by his fathernnRacing legends Russell worked with:nnBill Frye (good friend)nBilly Moyer (championship driver)nWendell Wallace (deer hunting buddy from Batesville, Arkansas)nDale McDowell (champion)nTim Logan (dedicated customer)nSteve Francis (friend and racer)nTerry Kirk (Custom Cams – phone call buddy after every race)nnKey employees and friends:nnCharlie Novak (right-hand man, talented go-to guy for everything)nDan Leatherman (hardcore racer friend till the end)nDavid Turner (squirrelly but loved friend)nJim Buzzard (fellow engine builder, got Russell to his last race at Muscogee)nnEmotional final race story:nnRussell went from climbing deer stands to wheelchair in 3 monthsnJim Buzzard prepared his motorhomenUsed forklift to load wheelchair into motorhomenGot to watch his final race at Muscogee before passingnnRussell’s character:nnMan of few words, but when he spoke, people listenednMan of his word (what people remember most)nFamous side smile and eye squintnHumble – would have been honored but quiet about recognitionnBalanced faith, family, deer hunting, and racing perfectlyn”With his living, we all are who we are”nnTracks mentioned:nnMonett SpeedwaynWheatlandnJoplinnShow-Me 100nEldora SpeedwaynnA powerful tribute to a self-taught pioneer who overcame early hardship to build one of late model racing’s most respected engine shops while never compromising his faith, family values, or love of the outdoors.n#RussellBaker #BakerRacingEngines #MiamiOklahoma #HallOfFame #EngineBuilder #LateModelRacing #BillyMoyer #BillFrye #WendellWallace #DaleMcDowell #RacingPioneer #SelfTaught #ChampionshipEngines #CustomCams #TerryKirk #InMemoriam #FaithAndRacing #DeerHunter #40YearLegacy #OklahomaRacing”,”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
Russell Baker Hall of Fame Induction | Ozarks Area Racers Foundation | 40+ Years Engine Buildingnnemotional induction of Russell Baker into the Springfield Racing Hall of Fame as a pioneer. The legendary self-taught engine builder from Miami, Oklahoma, who founded Russell Baker Racing Engines, is honored by his daughters Angie Haye and Alicia Trice, and son Brian Baker for his 40+ year career building championship-winning late model racing engines.nIn this video:nnDaughters share their father’s inspiring life story and faith journeynBrian Baker accepts award on behalf of his father and familynHow Russell overcame losing his right eye at age 4nBuilt legendary engines for Bill Frye, Billy Moyer, Wendell Wallace, Dale McDowelln40+ years of precision engine building excellencenDeep faith, family values, and passion for deer huntingnTerry Kirk’s tragic passing the night before Russell’s funeralnnRussell Baker’s incredible journey:nnLost right eye at age 4 – shaped his determination and perseverancenEntirely self-taught engine builder (no formal training)nStarted in early 1980s as pioneer of late model racing enginesnFirst shop: Small parts room in back of BMB Auto Supply, Miami, OklahomanBuilt 7,200 sq ft dedicated engine shop east of MiaminLater moved to even larger facility on family farm west of MiaminOver 40 years building and tuning championship racing enginesnKnown for precision, innovation, reliability, and performancenMentored countless others in the engine building craftnnFaith and family foundation:nnMarried Shannon in 1964 (47-year devoted partnership)nRaised three children grounded in faith and hard worknAccepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as young fathernFaith became foundation of his life and businessnAlways stopped work on Sundays for the LordnMade sure children knew Christ was
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Ozarks Area Racers Foundation 2026 Scholarship Awards | Ben Chapman & Jaden Davi…
Ozarks Area Racers Foundation 2026 Scholarship Awards | Ben Chapman & Jaden Davis Jadyn
Watch two passionate young racers receive life-changing scholarships from the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation! This heartfelt ceremony honors high school graduates who exemplify excellence both on the track and in the classroom.
2026 Scholarship Recipients:
Ben Chapman – Republic High School
State Technical College of Missouri, Linn, MO
Studying: Heavy-Duty Diesel Technology
Racing Background: Started at age 5 in caged karts → Quarter Midgets → Modifieds → Pure Stocks
Monet Speedway feature winner
Birthday celebrated at ceremony!
Jaden Davis – Webb City High School
Crowder College, Webb City, MO
Studying: Business Management
Racing Background: 5-time champion at Twister Alley Raceway
Started kart racing at age 8
Daughter of Elusive Competition Engines owner
Four States area racing regular
About the OARF Scholarship Program:
💰 Two $500 scholarships awarded annually
📋 Established in 2024 by Scotty & Angie Allen and Dallas County Speedway
🎓 Open to graduating high school seniors (male or female)
⭐ Judged on: Racing interest, volunteer history, leadership, and academic excellence
🔍 Applications reviewed under blind cover for fairness
What You’ll See:
Emotional acceptance speeches from both recipients
Introduction by Chip (presenter and racing official)
Ben Chapman’s inspiring journey from karts to diesel tech
Jaden Davis’s heartfelt tribute to racing community values
How racing shaped their character, work ethic, and futures
Information on applying for future scholarships
Key Moments:
Ben discusses financial responsibility and giving back to racing
Jaden shares lessons learned: perseverance, sportsmanship, resilience
Both recipients thank the foundation and racing family
Recognition of Scotty & Angie Allen’s vision for the program
This scholarship program supports the next generation of racers pursuing higher education while staying connected to the sport they love. Perfect example of how grassroots racing takes care of its own!
📍 Presented at: 38th Annual OARF Hall of Fame Ceremony
🏁 Program Info: Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Facebook (applications available)
Applications accepted for May graduating seniors
💙 Supporting local racing families and youth education
For Graduating Seniors: Visit the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Facebook page for scholarship applications and requirements. Forms available for the 2027 class!
#OARFScholarship #RacingScholarship #BenChapman #JadenDavis #OzarksRacing #CollegeScholarship #DirtTrackRacing #KartRacing #MissouriRacing #TwisterAlley #MonetSpeedway #DallasCountySpeedway #RacingEducation #YouthRacing #GrassrootsRacing #RacingFamily #ScholarshipAward #HighSchoolGraduates #OARF2026
Ozarks Area Racers Foundation 2026 Scholarship Awards | Ben Chapman & Jaden Davis Jadyn
Watch two passionate young racers receive life-changing scholarships from the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation! This heartfelt ceremony honors high school graduates who exemplify excellence both on the track and in the classroom.
2026 Scholarship Recipients:
Ben Chapman – Republic High School
State Technical College of Missouri, Linn, MO
Studying: Heavy-Duty Diesel Technology
Racing Background: Started at age 5 in caged karts → Quarter Midgets → Modifieds → Pure Stocks
Monet Speedway feature winner
Birthday celebrated at ceremony!
Jaden Davis – Webb City High School
Crowder College, Webb City, MO
Studying: Business Management
Racing Background: 5-time champion at Twister Alley Raceway
Started kart racing at age 8
Daughter of Elusive Competition Engines owner
Four States area racing regular
About the OARF Scholarship Program:
💰 Two $500 scholarships awarded annually
📋 Established in 2024 by Scotty & Angie Allen and Dallas County Speedway
🎓 Open to graduating high school seniors (male or female)
⭐ Judged on: Racing interest, volunteer history, leadership, and academic excellence
🔍 Applications reviewed under blind cover for fairness
What You’ll See:
Emotional acceptance speeches from both recipients
Introduction by Chip (presenter and racing official)
Ben Chapman’s inspiring journey from karts to diesel tech
Jaden Davis’s heartfelt tribute to racing community values
How racing shaped their character, work ethic, and futures
Information on applying for future scholarships
Key Moments:
Ben discusses financial responsibility and giving back to racing
Jaden shares lessons learned: perseverance, sportsmanship, resilience
Both recipients thank the foundation and racing family
Recognition of Scotty & Angie Allen’s vision for the program
This scholarship program supports the next generation of racers pursuing higher education while staying connected to the sport they love. Perfect example of how grassroots racing takes care of its own!
📍 Presented at: 38th Annual OARF Hall of Fame Ceremony
🏁 Program Info: Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Facebook (applications available)
Applications accepted for May graduating seniors
💙 Supporting local racing families and youth education
For Graduating Seniors: Visit the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Facebook page for scholarship applications and requirements. Forms available for the 2027 class!
#OARFScholarship #RacingScholarship #BenChapman #JadenDavis #OzarksRacing #CollegeScholarship #DirtTrackRacing #KartRacing #MissouriRacing #TwisterAlley #MonetSpeedway #DallasCountySpeedway #RacingEducation #YouthRacing #GrassrootsRacing #RacingFamily #ScholarshipAward #HighSchoolGraduates #OARF2026
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Come be part of the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation event today.
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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Sound Check for the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation tomorrow night!! \n\nJoin us …
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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Join us as we honor the 2026 class for the 38th annual Ozarks Area Racers Founda…
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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2026 Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame Inductees Announced The 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.
#OzarksRacing #HallOfFame #DirtTrackRacing #MissouriRacing #OzarksAreaRacers #RacingHistory #SpringfieldMO
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