Our racing experience this weekend was a bit different. Along with my friend Fred, I was fortunate to be able to attend the annual Iowa Dirt Racing Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This event took place in Webster City, where fourteen very deserving persons received such a special honor. Being present as my good friend and Positively Racing colleague Jeff Broeg delivered his acceptance speech was a highlight of the evening. I have followed and admired Jeffs' media contributions since his teenage days with Hawkeye Racing News, being fortunate to spend the last nearly fifteen years playing a small part on this site, one of his many successful ventures.
Among the other inductees were a couple of gentlemen for whom I have plenty of admiration. Lynn Richard had a long career as a successful dirt track racer before taking the reins as a co promoter of the struggling dirt track on the Lee County Fairgrounds in Donnellson, Iowa in the 1990s. In short order under his watch, Lynn turned the track into a Saturday night racing destination. Along the way he was a patient and generous employer for many racing enthusiasts, including my son, Brent, who offered up his media skills after working as a writer for Broeg as a teenage racing fan.
Doug Haack is likely the most in demand flagman in the state of Iowa, working regular gigs four nights per week in addition to many special events. More than just waving the sticks, Doug is a no nonsense, take charge field general from his perch above the track, while maintaining respect and friendship from the racers he directs. Although I only met Doug a few years ago, I consider him a part of my racing family. And by the way, he has an awesome collection of photographs from the "old" days of mid west racing.
Growing up in Keokuk, once known as the "Racing Capital of the World," it is somewhat ironic that I never got to personally know one of my Hometown Heros. Ron Hutcherson was the younger brother of Dick, both being a few years older than yours truly. I spent more than a few nights watching Ron follow in his big brothers footsteps as a force on the Tri State area dirt before heading to the "big time" of ARCA and NASCAR. Ron was inducted posthumously in 2024, having past away just a couple of years ago.
Ten other individuals were admitted to the hall on this very special night before a packed house. It was my first time to attend the ceremony, and I look forward to hopefully doing so again. Thanks, Jeff, for the invitation, and congratulations to all the members, past and present.
Weather permitting, we have one more race on our schedule, the Turkey Bowl at Springfield, Mo. Raceway in two weeks. This is an event we look forward to each season, and if you are so inclined, bundle up and join us there!
