National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame facts for kids
The National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame is a special museum that honors the best American drivers of a type of race car called a "late model." These cars race on dirt tracks instead of paved ones. The Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization, which means its goal is to celebrate the sport, not to make money.
You can find this museum at the Florence Speedway in Walton, Kentucky.
Contents
History of the Hall of Fame
The idea for the Hall of Fame started in 2001. A man named Bill Holder, who wrote about car racing for a long time, was talking with other people in the sport. He thought it was time to create a special place to honor the greatest dirt late model racers.
Later that year, the very first group of people was welcomed into the Hall of Fame. This special event, called an induction ceremony, happened at the Florence Speedway during a big race called the NORTH-SOUTH 100.
How People Are Chosen
To get into the Hall of Fame, a person must be chosen by a special voting board. This board is made up of people who know a lot about dirt late model racing, like journalists, former drivers, and team owners. There are three different ways someone can be honored.
Drivers
This is the main category. To be considered, drivers usually need to have been racing for at least 30 years, or they can be retired. At first, all drivers had to be retired, but that rule was changed because many amazing drivers race for their whole lives! Usually, about six drivers are chosen for this honor each year.
Contributors
This category is for the behind-the-scenes heroes of racing. These are people who have helped the sport in big ways but weren't always in the driver's seat. They can be:
- Promoters who organize races
- Car builders and engine builders
- Team owners and crew chiefs
- People in the media who report on races
Two contributors are usually chosen each year.
The Sportsman Award
This special award is given to one active driver each year. This driver is someone who is a great role model for the sport. They work well with track owners, help younger drivers learn, and, most importantly, are great with the fans. The voting board picks the person who wins this award.
List of Honored Members
2001–2005
Drivers:
Contributors to the sport:
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2006–2010
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2011–2015
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2016–present
- 2016
- Tom Hearst
- Tiny Lund
- Tony Izzo Sr.
- Leon Plank
- Fulmer Lance
- Steve Norris (Crew Chief)(Contributor)
- Ed Petroff (Sponsor)(Contributor)
- Lee Roy Rumley (Engine Builder)(Contributor)
- Eldon Butcher (Lifetime Achievement)
- Ron Jerger Sr. (Lifetime Achievement)
- Forrest Lucas (Earl Baltes Award)
- 2017
- Roger Dolan
- Rick Eckert
- Joe Merryfield
- Dale McDowell
- Kenny Simpson
- David & John Draime (Engine Builders)(Contributor)
- Joel Hedrick (Car Builder/Team Manager)(Contributor)
- Jim Wilson (Car Owner/Promoter)(Contributor)
- Gerald Dixon (Lifetime Achievement)
- Ray Traube (Lifetime Achievement)
- 2018
- Steve Barnett
- Don Hoffman
- Jimmy Mars
- Steve Shaver
- Wendell Wallace
- Dottie & Lee Byers (Car Owners) (Contributor)
- the Cook Family (Track Owners/Promoters)(Contributor)
- Tony Hammett (Photographer)(Contributor)
- Mike Farr (Lifetime Achievement)
- Bubby James (Lifetime Achievement)
- 2019
- Wayne Brooks
- Stan Massey
- Billy Thomas
- Lil’ John Provenzano
- Kevin Weave
- Cornett Racing Engines
- Mooney Starr
- Keith Knaack
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