Introduction | Nominees | Induction Process | Vote | Inductees 

FAN VOTE

2026 FAN VOTE WILL close JULY 11, 2026

3 votes per fan. Results are unofficial. Duplicated votes will be excluded.

JEFF BARTA

DEDICATED NOMINEE

Jeff was first introduced to racing around the age of ten. Growing up in South Dakota, he watched his neighbor build and race his dirt track race cars in the early 1970s. This is what got grease in his blood and racing in his heart. Jeff has been involved with many different forms of racing to include drag racing, off-roading and dirt track throughout his life.

Jeff was assigned to the National Guard Unit in Minot in 1982 and that same year he attended his first race at the Nodak Speedway and quickly became hooked. Scott Redding was in the same National Guard unit and invited him down to the pits for the full experience. His time in the pits was short-lived, since he did not have the required “White Pants”. He was quickly sent back to the stands.

In 1993, Jeff and his family officially moved to Minot. During the house hunting process his realtor wanted to show them a house but warned them that the house was only two blocks from the race track. Later that week the sale was final.

Jeff and his daughter Heather, were avid fans making sure to be at the track every Sunday to find their favorite seats. In 1996, Jeff assisted in the building of Darrin Widener’s Wissota Street Stock. He enjoyed the new and exciting experience of being in the pits. Unfortunately, the car budget only lasted one year, so Jeff was back in the stands.

During the 1997 season, Jeff attended the races one night and he noticed the condition of the track. He took his opinion to the minot.com message board and commented about it. Tom Henderson replied back, “if you’re so smart, come down and help”. One week later, Jeff was trained by Rick Nelson and became Nodak’s newest “Water Weinie”. Jeff continued with the track crew, working with Tom Henderson, Rick “Dr. Dirt” Nelson, Scott Kelly, Dave Rivinius, Wes Baier and a few others for over 20 years. Barta was deployed to Iraq in 2007. His first Sunday back in 2008, Rick Nelson saw him at the track and said, “time to get back in the saddle buddy”. Jeff was back to driving “Big Wheels” around the track and smoking his big cigar. Jeff could be found any night of the week working on equipment or maintaining other little odds and ends throughout the playground of power. Being devoted to his role with the Nodak Speedway he often personally fixed things around the track without asking to be reimbursed.

Over the years Jeff has worked almost every position at the track. He spent time as the head and assistant flag man on the front and back stretch, wrecker crew, and the back pit gate. When Jeff worked the back gate, he came up with a sign system to assist the drivers with line ups. He also made sure he shook each driver’s hand before their races and wished them luck. Many drivers raved about the welcoming feeling Barta gave them as they pulled out for their heats and features.

Jeff has spearheaded the removal and replacement of the straightaway wall for the State Fair starting in 2021. Jeff took charge and lined up tools, personnel and equipment to make it a smooth process. He also worked with the State Fair personnel to make sure all equipment was moved and things were to their standards. Barta is depended on for winterizing equipment and make sure things are shut down for the winter.

In July of 2000, Jeff was presented The Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal from The North Dakota Army National Guard due to his volunteer work with the Nodak Speedway. Over the year’s he has hosted three Military Appreciation nights, where he lined up events, speakers and Military dignitaries to attend. Jeff’s military connections helped to get military singers and Honor Guard during events such as the Dakota Mod Tour. Appointed mid-term in 2014 to fill an open Board position on the Board of Directors. He has also been honored for the Outstanding Volunteer Award for Nodak Speedway in 2016. Jeff did not stop there, the elections for one-year terms in 2021 and 2022 landed Jeff as a member for the Board of Directors. 2022 was a big year for Jeff, as he played a large role in helping with the extension of the catwalk at the playground of power. Along with his other duties at the Nodak Speedway he was teaching and working with Jewles Walker to become the next head flagman.

Each Sunday you can still find Jeff setting up Victory Lane for the fans to enjoy during the races. As the cars come roaring by the flag stand, Jeff is still waving the flags with much enjoyment. Throughout the Winter Jeff’s mind is still in race mode as he is brainstorming and helping the current Board of Directors to better the Nodak Speedway for the next race season.

DENNIS & DEB CHAPMAN

DEDICATED NOMINEE

Dennis and Deb Chapman have been familiar faces around the Nodak Speedway since the late 1970s. Dennis’ long-time dedicated journey started in 1955, when he was three years old. You could always find Dennis sitting in his dad Virgil Chapman’s race car, pretending he was the next winner. He set his future sights on racing his own car one day. He took everything he learned from his dad, such as learning to weld at the young age of 5 years old. Oftentimes, he would stay home from school to get his dad’s car done so they could go racing.

Dennis met Deb in 1969 in Kansas City, MO, where they both grew up. Deb would tag along with Dennis to watch his dad race. She would have to sit in the stands, though, as women were not allowed to be in the pits. After two years of dating, Dennis and Deb married in 1971. Dennis started racing and joined the Air Force the same year. Dennis raced a 1957 Chevy Late Model that his dad, Virgil, built for him that year. In 1972, shortly after enlisting, he was sent overseas to Thailand and Vietnam, and they also welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer, into the world. Dennis returned to the United States in 1973. Being stationed in California. The Chapman’s didn’t race at any dirt tracks while in California, but you could find them street racing their Vega’s down the streets of Ward Ave. In 1974, they were stationed back in Kansas City and welcomed their second daughter, Jessica, into their busy lives.

It wasn’t long after being home that Dennis bought a sprint car. He raced it at multiple different tracks around Missouri, including Joplin, Jeff City, and Riverside Speedway. While attending those tracks, a fellow driver and airman was telling Dennis and Deb about a track in Minot, ND, called the Nodak Speedway. Ironically, in 1976, Dennis was given orders to be stationed in Minot, ND. Dennis’ friend had given him the rulebook program for the Nodak Speedway. That made the move to Minot easier on the Chapman’s, knowing they could continue their racing legacy at the Playground of Power.

Dennis quickly got involved with the Nodak Speedway. He became a member before starting to race there. Deb was not able to become a member quite yet. Females were not able to be members in the 1970s. Dennis was planning to build another car so he could start racing at the Nodak Speedway. At the time, Deb was driving a 1969 Chrysler with dual exhaust. Her mufflers had fallen off. Dennis took the car into the garage so he could “fix” it. After 3 weeks of her car still not being finished, Deb went to the garage to see the progress and quickly found out that her car now had no windows and a roll cage put in it. Dennis had turned Deb’s car into a racecar right under her nose. Unfortunately, shortly after converting Deb’s car, Dennis got orders back to Kansas City in 1979.

It didn’t take long before returning to Kansas City that he bought a 1965 Chevelle Street Stock Car for $170 that was race-ready. Dennis got a 1968 Camaro Semi Late Model; he took 45th in points out of 103 cars in 1982. After that race season, the Chapman’s were stationed back in Minot, ND, in 1983. That is when Deb really found her interest in racing, now that their daughters are a little older. Deb started racing Mini Stocks in 1985, where she picked up Rookie of the Year in Rugby and achieved 5th in points. Deb had the opportunity to bring her car down to Kansas City to race. She won her first race down there and got a grand prize of 19 dollars. She would often get a lot of grief from her fellow racers. Partly because she was a female and because her car was a little different from the others. As most of the Mini Stocks needed a push to start, Dennis had put a snowmobile motor in her car so they would pull start it with a string.

In 1986, the Chapman’s decided to put their roots down in Minot. After being discharged from the Air Force, Dennis was elected to the board of directors of the Nodak Speedway for eight years, from 1987 to 1994. Living close to the track, Dennis was often called back to the track when the lights would be left on or someone forgot to lock up. Both Dennis and Deb continued to race on top of dedicating their time to the Nodak Race Club. Deb raced the Mini Stocks until the last season, when Nodak raced the class in 1994. She finished out her racing career by finishing second in points, losing by one point. Dennis raced a Dakota Modified from 1986 to 1990 and a Wissota Modified in 1991. He took a year off in 1992 due to a work accident, coming back in 1993 driving Mort Kent’s Wissota Modified. He switched over to Wissota Modified in 1994 and raced that class until the race club switched to IMCA Modified in 1998.

After Deb hung up the wheel, they rolled into their Enduro era. Dennis was the head tech for the enduros, and Deb started by helping run the enduros but soon took over. Together, they ran the race club’s Eduros from 1999 to 2013. Deb knew she wanted to help with more; after running for the board of directors multiple times, she was the first elected female board member in 2009. Deb helped rebuild the finances of Nodak Speedway. While Deb was helping with the board of directors behind the scenes, Dennis started racing his IMCA SportMod in 2012.

Throughout the years at the track, they have always stepped up and helped in any way they could. Dennis is always at the track with a smiling face, which earned him a sportsmanship award. To this day, Dennis is still racing at the Nodak Speedway, making him the oldest competing driver at the track. As for Deb, she is volunteering at the track, running the Facebook page, and lining up the National Anthem singers. Their legacy will live on, with their grandson Lane now racing and their great-granddaughter Kendra starting to race.

Career accomplishments:

Deb

Ran Enduros (14 years)

Board of Directors (First Female)

Facebook admin

Raced Mini Stocks 1983–1994

Organizes National anthem singers

Dennis

Board of Directors

Overnight Security for Car Show

Tech for Enduros (10 years)

Raced – Oldest competing driver at Nodak right now

            1986 – 1991 Dakota Modified

            1991 – Wissota Modified

            1993 – Wissota Modified

            1994 – 1997 Wissota Modified

            1998 – 2011 IMCA Modified

            2012 – Current IMCA SportMod

Helped with front straightaway wall

Infield work – Weed eating/painting tires

On-call for lights or gate

MORT KENT

DEDICATED NOMINEE

Good dirt tracks are built by people who love the sport and are willing to put in the work behind the scenes. For nearly twenty years, Mort Kent was one of the main people keeping the racing action running smoothly at Nodak Speedway. From 1992 to 2010, he did a little bit of everything—handling the paperwork and money in the front office, and managing the busy pit area on race night. He brought an invaluable asset to the track’s leadership: 40 years of professional business management experience. Mort never talked much about his contributions or looked for credit; he was the kind of guy who just saw what needed to be done and went out and did it.

Mort jumped right into track operations in 1992 as the Treasurer, looking after the club’s finances for three seasons (1992, 1993, and 1998) to ensure the books stayed balanced. He also served as Secretary in 1994 and was elected Vice President for two consecutive terms (1996–1997) to help guide track operations during a busy period of growth. Beyond his executive roles, Mort provided long-term stability by serving on the Board of Directors in 1995 and returning for a continuous 10-year term from 2001 to 2010. During his extensive time on the board, Mort was part of the core leadership team that transitioned Nodak Speedway to an IMCA sanctioned track, shaping the future of car racing at the speedway.

From 2004 to 2010, Mort also took on the demanding role of Pit Steward, spending seven seasons managing track safety and driver lineups. What made this era even more impressive is that Mort owned and ran a race car at the exact same time he was volunteering as an official. It was an incredibly busy chapter, balancing the demands of car ownership with his track duties. Whether he was balancing the checkbook, guiding the track into the IMCA era, or running the pits, Mort Kent gave up his own time because he truly loved Nodak Speedway. The track is a better, more stable place for car racing today because of the quiet dedication and 40 years of business management experience he brought to it.

Official Service Timeline:

• • 1992 – 1993: Club Treasurer (Managed track finances and budget)
  • 1994: Club Secretary (Handled track records and paperwork)
  • 1995: Board Member (Lent business management insights to track decisions)
  • 1996 – 1997: Vice President (Helped oversee track operations)
  • 1998: Club Treasurer (Returned to manage the books)
  • 2001 – 2010: Board Member (Served 10 years straight; active during the transition to IMCA sanctioning)
  • 2004 – 2010: Pit Steward & Race Car Owner (Ran the pit lineups on race night while managing a race car)

KEVIN LAWSON

DEDICATED NOMINEE

Kevin was born to be a racer. He has been around the sport his entire life. As a young boy, he began selling programs in the grandstands alongside his brother, Lindsay. As he grew older, he worked on his father Jerry’s race car, learning firsthand what it meant to be part of a team and part of a racing family. He became a member of the race club over 50 years ago and has remained a loyal member ever since. Even when Jerry stepped away from driving in the early 1970s, Kevin’s commitment to the club never wavered.

In 1980, Kevin finally had the opportunity to begin his own driving career with the help of Ray Mock in the hobby stock class. After several seasons, he advanced to the late model division before finding his greatest success in the Dakota Modified class. He finished 2nd in season points in 1996 and 3rd in 1997. When the Dakota Modified class was discontinued, he transitioned into the IMCA Modified division, where he competed until 2005.

In 2005, Kevin was given the opportunity of a lifetime — to race a sprint car. In 2008, he accomplished a career highlight by qualifying for the A-Main with the World of Outlaws at Dacotah Speedway and also making the A-Main when the series competed in Minot. In 2020, he transitioned from winged sprint cars into the newly formed Western Renegade Non-Wing Sprint Car Series, continuing to compete with the same passion he has always shown.

Beyond his accomplishments on the track, Kevin has served on the Nodak Race Club Board of Directors, volunteered countless hours at the track, and helped promote the club at numerous community events, including the annual Dakota Square Mall Show and various Kids Day events. To date, his participation in local parades is unprecedented; 25 years (and counting) in the Stanley 4th of July Parade and 35 years (and counting) in the NDSF Parade, proudly displaying racecars while promoting the Nodak Race Club.

While Kevin has worn many hats over the years — driver, board member, volunteer, mentor — he will likely tell you the most important one has been car owner for his son, Dusty. He has taken great pride in bringing the third generation of Lawson Racing into the sport he loves and has given so much to.

Throughout his 46-year driving career and over 50 years as a club member, Kevin has always been there to help fellow racers and teams. Whether lending a tool, offering a spare part, or sharing advice to help someone get pointed in the right direction, he has consistently put the good of auto racing and the Nodak Race Club first.

It is only fitting that Kevin Lawson joins his father Jerry and his brother Lindsay as members of the Nodak Race Club Hall of Fame. Inducting him would appropriately recognize the time, effort, sportsmanship, and respect he has devoted to the club and to the racing community for more than half a century.

Career Highlights:

• • Over 50 years of membership with the Nodak Race Club.
  • Began contributing as a child by selling race programs in the stands alongside his brother Lindsay.
  • Helped his father, Jerry, with his sprint car throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, gaining hands-on racing experience early in life.
  • Started his own racing career at Nodak Speedway in 1980.
  • Has brought a car through the gates every single year since — 46 consecutive years of competition.
  • Demonstrates exceptional longevity, consistency, sportsmanship, and commitment to local racing.
  • Helped launch the third generation into racing at Nodak.
  • Played a key role in continuing a family racing legacy within the club.
  • Served on the Nodak Race Club Board of Directors as Treasurer in 1995.
  • Volunteered regularly at the track and at various club functions.
  • Represented the club in the community by displaying his car at the annual Dakota Square Mall Show and by having his cars on display in the North Dakota State Fair Parade for decades.
  • Provided guidance, knowledge, and hands-on assistance to drivers and teams over the years.
  • Contributed to the growth and development of the racing community through mentorship and leadership.

BECKY MEDLER

DEDICATED NOMINEE

Becky Medler’s life has been deeply rooted in the world of racing, a passion that began in 1974 when she first started attending races with her father. Aside from only a handful of missed events over the years, racing has remained a constant presence in her life. Her father, Terry Faul, became a pitman for Mylon Ash and later began racing himself, creating the foundation of racing as a family tradition.

In the summer of 1984, Becky’s life took a pivotal turn when, thanks to her younger brother, she met stock car driver Alan Medler who became her future husband. The two were married on Saturday, June 7, 1986, in a ceremony made even more special by music from Dick and Marylyn Schulz. True to their racing lifestyle, the very next day, Alan was back on the track driving Car 25 for Raymond Mock, while Becky arrived at the racetrack with the car decorated for the occasion. Their honeymoon would have to wait until after the fair break.

Racing quickly became a full family affair. Becky spent many years as a dedicated pitman for both her husband and her brother Terry J Faul, playing an essential role behind the scenes. Her commitment to the sport never wavered, even as she raised her three sons. Nathan was born during the off-season, but Justin arrived on a Friday and by Sunday Becky was already back at the track. She fondly recalls being asked, “Didn’t you just have a baby?” to which she proudly replied, “Sure did.” When her youngest son Darren was on the way, Becky attempted to make it through the race night despite active labor. A plan was in place to signal her husband as he was flagging when she was ready to go to the hospital. To no surprise, she didn’t make it through the night and Darren was born just hours later.

As the years went on, Alan continued racing for the Mock family, and their sons grew up watching their father from the stands and pits. Inspired by their family legacy and with encouragement from uncles Terry and Karry Green, Justin began pitting for Wyatt Olson and Darren for Jeff Hooker leading to many lively dinner conversations. Eventually, all three of Becky’s sons followed in their father’s footsteps and became race car drivers at Nodak Speedway.

Becky’s involvement in racing extended beyond her immediate family. She also served as a pitman for her niece McKenzi (Faul) Glenn, continuing the tradition of supporting the next generation. In addition to her hands-on roles at the track, Becky has volunteered for many years by contributing her time to the yearbook and the Hall of Fame committee. Notably, when she volunteers in the staging lanes, she still wears her signature white pants, keeping a classic tradition alive from the old days of the track. She always feels entirely at home in the pits alongside the crews, where her welcoming presence has earned her the affectionate nickname “Mama Medler.”

In 2024, Becky achieved a personal milestone that reflected her lifelong love of the sport-completing her bucket list goal of attending every racetrack in North Dakota. It was a fitting accomplishment for someone whose life has been so deeply intertwined with racing across the state.

For Becky Medler, racing is more than a sport: it is a way of life, a family legacy, and a lifelong commitment that continues to shape her story.

BARB KITTLER-SCHULZ

DEDICATED NOMINEE

Barbara “Barb” Kittler‑Schulz has been a devoted race fan since the early 1960s, supporting her husband Harold “Harry” Kittler as he built a lifelong racing career that ultimately earned him a Hall of Fame induction. Barb quickly became involved in nearly every aspect of the sport—everything except driving—serving as a sponsor of cars, tracks, and special events throughout the region. When Harry’s driving career concluded in the 1970s due to an on-track accident that affected his vision. Loving the sport and not wanting to walk away, the couple transitioned into car ownership, fielding sprint cars, late models, and modifieds for drivers such as Hank Albers, Danny Schatz, Paul Schulz, Kevin Sondrol, Mike Tomlinson, and Troy Kittler. Their teams amassed more than 50 feature wins and a long list of accomplishments, including multiple championships, a 2017 Nodak points title, Harvest 100 and Harvest Shootout victories, Arizona Mechanical Shootout Weekend championships, Harvestfest titles at the Geographical Center Speedway, a Roughrider Modified Feature win and qualifier, and several Dakota Classic Mod Tour qualifying runs. Many who knew the Kittler team didn’t witness just good hearts, they learned how to have one because of their generosity, generosity that has rippled through decades. 

Beyond car ownership, Barb also made sure Harry was fed and any friends that were in the shop working with him. It wasn’t uncommon to have other drivers haul their cars to their gas station for mechanical help from Harry. She also made sure his uniform was laundered each week and the trailer was ready to go. Standing beside Harry and supporting him until his passing in 2001. Barb followed her son Troy as he raced the proceeding years, still sponsoring and supporting drivers along the way. 

In 2005, Barb married Richard “Grumpy Dick”/“Grandpa Dick” Schulz, whose own Hall of Fame career was already complete. Together they continued their deep involvement in racing across North Dakota, sponsoring numerous successful drivers and rarely missing a weekend at the track until Dick’s passing in 2015.

Today, Barb remains a cornerstone of the North Dakota racing community and the Nodak Speedway Hall of Fame. Her influence can be traced through decades of local racing success, and she continues to be a driving force behind her family’s ongoing involvement in the sport. Cheering on her grandson, Isaac Sondrol and many others each weekend and often supporting the Hall of Fame in honor of Harry and Dick. Her dedication, support, and presence have made her one of the most enduring and impactful figures in her family and the Nodak’s racing history.

Career Highlights:

• • Car Owner
  • Car Sponsors
  • Track Sponsors – Harry’s Auto
  • Hall of Fame Supporter

VAL HORNER & TERRY HOVDE

DEDICATED NOMINEE

Terry and Val started to attend Nodak Speedway races together as fans in 1981 to watch Stormin’ Joren Boyce, Smokin’ Hank and Mad Mike Hagen. Terry says they did what most fans do, judge the flagging and wrecking crews throughout the race nights.

Val Horner graduated from Lake Region Technical College in Devils Lake, receiving his certification as an auto mechanic in the late 70’s. He returned to Minot and started pitting for drivers Ralph Issac and Tom Evenrud in the Super Stocks prior to joining Terry in the grandstand as a weekly race fan. In 1986 Terry’s father, Gary Hovde (Hovde Farms) sponsored the number 13, Wayne Schumaier’s late model. So, Val had the bright idea that Terry should sponsor a race car too. Val introduced Terry to Wayne Johnson number 4J. At the time Wayne was building an open wheeled modified. Terry sponsored Wayne’s car with the United Building Center logo. Terry and Kathy, Terry’s wife, on occasion would also tow Wayne Schumaier’s car to Williston or Jamestown on weekly race nights.

Terry and Val’s volunteering journey at the Nodak Speedway started during the 1990 race season. After nine years of sitting in the stands complaining amongst each other about the bad calls the flagman made, or how slow the wrecking crew took to get to a wreck. Terry and Val decided it was time to jump in and make a difference. Val, Terry and Dave Hirshman began their journey volunteering as the flagging officials for Nodak Speedway.

A consistent weekly wrecker crew was becoming problematic for Nodak Speedway and to have personnel to operate it every weekend. In 1991, Ole Olson constructed a wrecker for Nodak Speedway to own. Terry, Val and Dave volunteered for the job that same season. Driver safety was always their biggest concern, and knowing how reaction times look from the stands. So, a quick reaction and cleanup of the accidents was a top priority. With the addition of a second wrecker from Ole Olson, the shows pace quickened even more. 

Val is described to be a wallflower, he didn’t want to have his picture taken, although you can find him in all the photos of the wrecks throughout the years. He was highly valued on the wrecking crew as the member riding on the back of the truck most often, not wanting to drive. With his knowledge about mechanics and cars, Horner knew where to hook up the wrecker to the racecar correctly. Also knowing when the cars needed to be pulled or could be pushed. Terry described Val as the brains behind getting the racecars untangled when it came to the larger wrecks. The only wreck that stumped Val was the Alan Fetzer wreck in 2004. When Allen rolled and landed in between the flag stand and concrete wall barrier on the front straight away. Nodak had to bring in Ole Olson and his wrecking equipment to get Fetzer’s car out of the flag stand area. Terry and Val were reliable wrecker crew members, never missing a race night, even if it was at the expense of missing a family event. Terry and Val were always willing to help, but didn’t want the recognition. Their thirty-plus years dedication to Nodak Speedway and their dedicated actions speak volumes. Finding people to volunteer their time is not easy, Terry and Val have pulled fans, like Kreg Brandvold out of the grandstands to help. Terry’s two sons Calvin and Russell, both volunteering with wrecker duties on weekly race nights as well. Val instructed their recruitments on proper placement and usage of chain/straps. In 2023 Calvin Hovde became the operator of the second wrecker at Nodak Speedway.  

The Nodak Speedway track has many features. Jersey barriers, pit-wall guard rail, scraper tires, front stretch catch fence, concrete concert stage, back straight drainage ditch, trees and buildings. Over the past three decades or 550 race programs, Terry & Val have recovered drivers and cars from all of them.

Val reluctantly retired from his wrecker crew duties in 2019 and sadly passed away shortly after in 2020. Terry is still a dedicated wrecker crew member to this day, and has continued his dedication to the Nodak Speedway. Carrying on with Val’s memories with the younger generations stepping in and learning the important role that the wrecker plays each race night.

JEFF KRAGH

DEDICATED NOMINEE

For five decades, Jeff Kragh has been a constant presence at Nodak Speedway—first as a young fan, then a car owner and most notable as a volunteer willing to fill any role needed. Kragh was one of the most relied upon volunteers during his time with Nodak Speedway. His connection to the track began at just nine years old, when he started attending races with his family. Now 57, he estimates he has missed fewer than 50 race nights in 50 years, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport and the community that surrounds it.

Jeff’s early exposure to racing came through his family’s connection to longtime Nodak figure Bruce Jorgensen, who was married to Jeff’s mother. Bruce’s involvement brought Jeff to the track—and he never left. Over the years, he has become one of the rare individuals who can say, truthfully, “there ain’t much here I haven’t done.”

His first official volunteer role came when flagman Bruce Rudland asked him to serve as a corner judge, a position that marked the beginning of his long tenure as a track official. Even before that, Jeff had already been helping the club by driving the Fisher Motors pace car for two seasons. From there, he stepped into nearly every job imaginable: race director, corner judge, assistant flagman, announcer, the back gate, ticket seller, and general “whatever‑needs‑doing” volunteer during the Brandon-era presidency. As he put it, he simply showed up and filled the gaps.

For roughly the past ten years, Kragh has served as the primary official in the Bird’s Nest, overseeing race calls, communication, and assisting with track flow from above the front stretch. Though the title has never been formally defined, his role has become essential to Nodak’s weekly operations.

Jeff’s involvement hasn’t been limited to officiating. In the 1990s, he and his brother Stu became deeply involved in the Mini Stock class. At one point, they owned, lettered, or sponsored nearly half the division, building many of the cars themselves despite joking that they “weren’t mechanical.” With help from friends like Air Force welder Ron Wells, they constructed cages, prepared cars, and pitted for drivers such as Scot Redding, Brett Wozniki, Ron Wells, and others. 

Kragh’s reliability, versatility, and willingness to step into any role has made him one of the club’s most valuable behind‑the‑scenes assets. From the days before RaceCeivers, when calls were relayed through Glenn on the radio, to today’s more structured officiating environment, Jeff has adapted, learned, and remained a steady presence through decades of change.

After nearly 50 years of attendance, 20 years of volunteering, and countless roles filled, Jeff Kragh stands as one of Nodak’s most dependable volunteers on any given race night. His story is rooted in dependability and genuine love for the sport that has shaped his life since childhood.

JIM BARNSTABLE

ENTERTAINER NOMINEE

BIO COMING SOON

TIM DIGNAN

ENTERTAINER NOMINEE

Tim Dignan’s racing journey began in the mid‑1980s, when he first started attending Nodak Speedway around 1986. At the time, he was in his early twenties, fresh out of school, and drawn to the sport through friends and local racers like Ralph Modine and Dwayne Thelen. He began by pitting for Ralph, working on stock cars and learning the ropes in the pits before ever climbing behind the wheel himself.

By 1987, the newly formed Dakota Modified class was going into its second year at Nodak, and Tim jumped in with both feet. He built his first race car from scratch, welding the frame, assembling the body, and creating a machine that was entirely his own. That season marked his official rookie year as a driver — a time he describes as full of learning, mud‑packed racetracks, and the excitement of finally racing something he built with his own hands.

Tim’s early racing years were shaped by the rugged, hands‑on nature of the Dakota Mods. He recalls nights when the track was so heavily packed that cars came off the track buried in three‑inch clumps of mud, requiring a “herd of people” to scrape them clean. 

After a few seasons, life took Tim to Colorado, where he spent seven years working, raising a family, and staying involved in racing. He pitted for a local driver at a paved oval in Pueblo, hauled cars with his own trailer, and even helped build natural‑gas hill climb cars for the famed Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. These cars — equipped with early onboard computers and engineered for massive elevation changes — gave Tim a unique technical experience far beyond the dirt tracks of North Dakota.

Tim returned to North Dakota in 1995, and by 1996, he was back at Nodak Speedway. He purchased a car from Dwayne Thelen, reentered the modified ranks, and began racing regularly at Nodak, Williston, and Estevan. Over the years, he competed in multiple sanctioning eras — Dakota Mods, and eventually IMCA Modifieds.

His greatest on‑track success came at McLean County Speedway, where he finished runner‑up in 1998 and won the IMCA Modified Track Championship in 1999. Though he never captured a feature win at Nodak, he earned the respect of competitors and officials alike, receiving the Nodak Sportsmanship Award in 2014. 

Tim’s racing career was never defined by trophies, but by perseverance, craftsmanship, and passion for speed. He built many of his own cars, fabricated his own trailers, and kept racing through lean budgets and long drives. He credits Freeman Oil & Body Shop, along with several Kenmare businesses, for helping him stay on the track. He also received steady support from racers like Robert and Gene Hellebust, who supplied him with used tires and wheels to keep his program going.

One of the most meaningful moments of his career came unexpectedly at a Nodak banquet. During a chassis raffle reserved for the top ten IMCA Modified drivers, Wayne Johnson won the drawing — then publicly offered the chassis to Tim “for the price of the ticket,” praising his dedication and ability to show up every weekend despite limited resources. That act of generosity brought Tim back into racing at a time when he had planned to retire, and with Wayne’s help, he acquired a partially assembled BMS roller and returned to the track. He paired it with a motor built by Dick Schultz, who assembled a reliable engine for just $3,000 — one that powered Tim for several more seasons.

As Tim’s sons grew older, racing became a family tradition. Cody and Riese grew up at the track, spending their childhoods at Nodak, Estevan, and Williston. Tim eventually shifted from driving to pitting for both boys, helping them maintain their cars and supporting their own racing journeys.

Tim’s final chapter as a driver came unexpectedly in 2024, when a devastating shop fire destroyed two turnkey race cars and several other vehicles. He was out of state at the time and received the call that ended his racing career in an instant. He describes it as an “unplanned exit” — not the retirement he envisioned, but the moment that closed the door on his time behind the wheel. Since then, he has focused on helping Reese keep his stock car running and staying connected to the sport through his family.

Across nearly four decades, Tim Dignan’s racing career was defined by hard work, respect, craftsmanship, and heart. He built cars from bare frames, raced across multiple tracks, earned a championship, and raised two racers. His story is the definition of grassroots racing — showing up, doing the work, and finding joy in every lap.

allen kent

ENTERTAINER NOMINEE

Allen Kent grew up around racing his whole life. First getting the taste of speed by watching his dad drag race in the 70’s and 80’s. Retiring and buying a Wissota Modified for Allen’s brother in 1986, racing at the Red River Valley Speedway. Kent said he was hooked from day one, he couldn’t wait for Fridays to roll around. Allen was that inquisitive kid that asked many questions wanting to know how everything worked. He explained that it was probably annoying, but he believes that is what helped him achieve the success that he has.

Kent and his family moved to Minot in 1990, and by 1992 he started his racing career in a Dakota Modified. The Dakota Mod was proudly built by his dad and brother from a kit. Reminiscing back to when Kent started racing, he said there were many drivers that he competed against that he liked to watch. They were much faster than he was, and he learned a lot from watching them. Competition and car counts were steep at that time. Sometimes finding himself watching the faster drivers after not transferring out of the B-Main. Allen learned to slow down and keep his car underneath him was a major factor to make him competitive. His first win at the Nodak Speedway came faster than other notable drivers, winning in 1994. Growing into his passion, he became an aggressive driver who liked to take chances, which gave him more opportunities to win. He believes winning in the 90’s and 00’s era had a lot more to do with the driver than it does in our present day. Kent raced against some of Nodak Speedway’s most memorable drivers; Hank Berry, Joren Boyce, Ed Turnbull, Marlyn Seidler, John Flory, Shawn Strand and Mike Hagen. A stacked bunch of drivers that put on great shows for the crowd week in and week out.

Off the track Allen always talked to any fan who would come up to him. He wanted to be like Doug Wolfgang, his favorite sprint car driver. Doug was always so nice and talk to his fans regardless of how he finished. When Kent was a kid, he asked Doug where he could buy a t-shirt. Doug put his arm around Allen and walked him to his shirt trailer. A moment as a small fan that Allen has not forgot to this day. Leaving that impact on him, Allen wanted to treat others just like Doug did.

Beyond his own learning experiences, Kent proclaims he would not be the success he is without his support system behind him. Many people helped him out through the years. Ultimately, it was his family that got it started and helped keep it going. Without his dad, brother and understanding wife Laurie, none of his successes would have been possible. Kent had many people who contributed to his racing with funds and knowledge, and is very grateful for all of them. Allens Brother Mike has built many of his cars over the past 30 years and still continues to build and repair cars. Allen and Mike enjoy building their own cars. It gives them a sense of pride when you can win in something you designed and built on your own.

 His nephew Brady Kent who builds awesome car bodies and one of Allen’s biggest fans. His son Dayton, who has been learning a lot and will start racing in 2024. His youngest son Benny who likes to keep the concessions in business. Robbie Rosselli for being a loyal pit guy, at 15 years old he could do almost anything that needed to be done, like changing engines or gears. Derrick and Nathan Burke for giving Allen an opportunity to race an IMCA Stock Car, which Kent  traveled to Iowa with and qualified for the Boone Supernations in 2004. The Burke’s and Kent would always talk about different setups to try, and he believed those talks helped him get faster. Still talking about racing setups almost every time they talk to this day. Ed Turnbull, for the opportunity to race his car for a couple years when Kent couldn’t afford it himself. Larry Skalet gave Allen the opportunity to race his car at the Jamestown speedway for several years. Brian Lenertz who was a sponsor of his that helped Allen win his third Championship in Minot. Then a special Thanks to the crew who helped over the years, Danny Schriock, Doug Pfau, Daniel Pfau, Garrett Johnson, Brandon Burke, Darin Bergrude, Tom Henderson, Steave Pierce, Brad Burud, Kent Weishaar, Roger Bellenger and Billy Ruziska.

Nodak Speedway classes and accomplishments:

1992 Dakota modified
1993-1996 Wissota modified
1997-to Present IMCA modified
2000-2002 IMCA Stock Car
2013- 2016 Wissota Late Model
3 Track Championships at Nodak Speedway
3 Runner-up Championships at Nodak Speedway
50+ Career wins and 5 all-time career Track Championships

DAVE LAKODUK

ENTERTAINER NOMINEE

Dave Lakoduk’s racing story began in the early 1970s, when he attended Nodak Speedway with his father to watch the sprint cars that dominated the era. His passion for racing grew from watching his heroes, Doug Groves and Dave Skari, whose sprint car talent and driving style left a lasting impression on him. Those Sunday nights planted the seed for a lifelong passion for Dave. As he grew older and entered high school, cars became a bigger part of his life, and by 1979, he was helping in the pits for his classmate Ronnie Huettl, who raced a Super Stock. That experience hands‑on, gritty, and eye‑opening became the foundation of his own racing career.

In 1980, Lakoduk purchased Ron’s Super Stock and entered his rookie season. He earned Rookie of the Year, a strong start that confirmed he belonged behind the wheel. Though he didn’t recall a feature win that first season, he remembered the thrill of winning trophy dashes, which were a big deal at the time. He also began traveling occasionally to Bismarck and Williston, racing when time and finances allowed. Lakoduk returned for his second season in the Super Stock class in 1981, earning multiple feature wins and finishing the season as runner‑up in season points.

Encouraged by fellow racers, Lakoduk moved into the Late Model class for the 1982 season, beginning a long stretch of competition in one of Nodak’s premier divisions. Through the early to mid‑1980s, he raced under several different rule packages as the class evolved. Nodak was part of the Tri‑Can organization in 1982–83, then shifted to its own Late Model rules from 1984–87, a period during which Lakoduk served on the Nodak board and helped shape the direction of the class. During Lakoduk’s Late Model era, he earned some of his most meaningful accomplishments, including; 1985 season runner-up in points, 1986 season champion and 1988 Harvest 100 Shootout Late Model champion. He also raced at Bismarck, Williston, Underwood, Jamestown, and Fargo, experiencing everything from tight bullrings to Fargo’s half‑mile, which he described as a place where you could feel the speed. Looking back, Lakoduk wished he could have raced more, but the realities of a full‑time job, supporting a family, and managing the racing funds shaped how often he could compete. He humbly made the most of every opportunity to be on the track, showing what he did accomplish came from dedication.

As Late Models began to fade in the late 80’s, Lakoduk transitioned into the Modifieds, racing the Dakota Modified class. Which turned out to be what he described as the most enjoyable stretch of his racing career. The class offered a tight-knit environment with close racing and drivers who shared a mutual respect and willingness to to help each other. The sense of camaraderie suited Lakoduk well. The Dakota Modified class spanned a decade and eventually transitioned in 1998 to the IMCA Modified class we watch today. Dave managed to grab one last notable accomplishment for his trophy shelf in 1997 as the Dakota Modified season points runner-up. With the transition to a different sanctioning body in 1998, among other factors such as family, job and time commitment, that made Lakoduk’s decision to step away from full‑time racing a little easier, officially hanging it up after 17 years behind the wheel.

Dave Lakoduk’s racing career spans nearly two decades, three divisions, multiple championships, and countless memories across North Dakota’s dirt tracks. His journey mirrors that of many racers of his era: starting as a fan, learning as a pitman, growing through challenges, and ultimately finding success through hard work and community support. Across all the classes he competed in; Super Stock, Late Model and Dakota Modified—Lakoduk estimates he earned around two dozen feature wins and competed at almost every major North Dakota track.

Lakoduk spoke openly about the realities of racing—the highs, the challenges, and the lessons. He emphasizes that every racer experiences far more difficult nights than victorious ones, but the occasional win “overshadows the rest.” He credits those challenges with making him a better driver, mechanic, and competitor. Dave’s career was made possible by a strong network of supporters, mentors, and sponsors. He spent nearly two decades working as a machinist at Motor Service in Minot, where he built his own engines and many of his own cars. He credits the Rylander family, who owned the business, for giving him the opportunity and resources to race at all. He also acknowledges; his brother, Robert for years of help in the shop and pits, Jessen Roofing, Joe’s Transfer Service, TAC Radiator, whose cooling systems kept his cars reliable and numerous friends who turned wrenches and showed up when needed. As he put it, “There’s no way you’re doing it on your own unless you’ve got an unlimited bank account.” Dave’s story reflects the grassroots spirit of the sport—built on teamwork, sacrifice, and shared passion. His nomination to the 2026 Nodak Speedway Hall of Fame honors not only his accomplishments on the track but also the dedication, humility, and perseverance that defined his racing life.

Career Highlights:

• • Board member 1982-1983
  • Vice-President 1984
  • 1980 Street Stock Rookie of the Year
  • 1981 Street Stock runner-up
  • 1985 Late Model runner-up
  • 1986 Late Model Champion
  • 1988 Harvest 100 Late Model Champion
  • 1997 Dakota Mod runner-up

JOHN LOCHTHOWE

ENTERTAINER NOMINEE

Jon Lochthowe’s lifelong connection to the Nodak Racing Club began in 1968 as a seventh‑grader. He and his brother Joe started attending Sunday races together. Those early years in the grandstands sparked a passion that would eventually define decades of involvement at Nodak Speedway—first as a fan in the stands, then driver behind the wheel, and later as a mentor and proud racing father.

Before ever entering a race car, Lochthowe contributed to the sport by donating wreckers from North Hill Conoco and Country Auto throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s. For roughly a decade, Jon and his brother Joe drove the wreckers, ensuring the track had the support it needed on race nights.

Lochthowe’s driving career began in 1980, when Kurt Stebleton encouraged him to purchase a Super Stock. His debut season was cut short after a major crash in front of the flagstand that destroyed his car and left him with a shattered kneecap and significant injuries to his left leg. Undeterred, he returned to racing, competing in Super Stocks in 1981–82 before moving into Late Models in 1983.

Success soon followed. In 1984, Lochthowe captured the Jamestown Stampede in a Late Model, one of the region’s top racing specials of the season. The next year, 1985, he earned the Williston Track Championship, solidifying his place among the top competitors of his era. Although many of his strongest finishes came at other regional tracks, Lochthowe, like many other top drivers throughout Nodak Speedway’s history, found that winning at Nodak was one of the toughest accomplishments in the sport. It was often a case of bad luck for Jon knocking him off the podium at the end of the night. Throughout the mid‑1980s, Jon was able to collect a handful of feature wins at Nodak Speedway. One of the biggest goals for a driver then and now. 

Lochthowe later transitioned into WISSOTA Modifieds, joining the class early in its adoption at Nodak. He continued racing through the late 1980s and into the 1990s, ultimately retiring as a Modified driver. One of his most memorable victories came on a dark race night when, after a collision tore apart the front of his car, his pit crew—using wire and improvised repairs—managed to get him back on the track. Against all odds, he went on to win the feature, a testament to grit, teamwork, and determination.

His career was not without hardship. In 1984, Lochthowe endured one of his toughest seasons, losing five motors due to what was later discovered to be a faulty intake manifold. Despite the financial and emotional strain, he persevered, continuing to compete at a high level.

Beyond his driving accomplishments, Lochthowe contributed to the sport filling in as a board member under Dick Wilson in 1982 and under Larry Schimmelpfennig’s leadership as a full-time Nodak Speedway board member in 1989. A mentor to numerous younger drivers, often sharing foundational knowledge—setup basics, cooling systems, timing, and general car care—with newcomers who were just learning the ropes.

After retiring from competition, Lochthowe remained deeply connected to the racing community. His greatest joy now comes from watching his sons, Lance and Neal, pursue their own racing careers. Lance began racing in 2022, and Neal followed two years later in 2024. Lochthowe takes pride in supporting them, offering guidance and mechanical help while allowing them to build their own equipment. Seeing their growth, friendships, and passion has become one of the most rewarding chapters of his racing life.

Throughout his career, Lochthowe was known as an aggressive and entertaining driver—someone who raced hard and put on a show. Off the track, he was equally respected for his willingness to help others and his steady presence in the pits.

Lochthowe credits many people for shaping his racing journey, including Jim Werre, Kurt Stebleton, and Paul Schulz, who taught him the fundamentals of setups and car preparation. He also expresses deep appreciation for Dennis Klein and the many pit crew members who supported him over the years, as well as his longtime sponsors Northern Bottling and Country Auto.

Looking back, Jon Lochthowe remains humble about his accomplishments and grateful simply to be considered for recognition. His career reflects the heart of grassroots racing: dedication, resilience, community, and a love for the sport that spans generations.

jay tooley

DRIVER

ENTERTAINER NOMINEE

Jay Tooley’s racing journey started when he was busy building a derby car. His father often met friends for coffee to talk about racing. One day during coffee shop talk, Jay’s dad and John Olheiser decided putting Jay in John’s 1971 Camero Super Stock to race for him sounded like a good idea. His first debut on track was in 1980, making Tooley a third-generation driver for his family. Jay raced for two years before buying a factory-built car, a 1980 Camero body Super Stock. Being a third-generation driver, racing was definitely in his blood. Tooley proved that fast by winning his first feature at the Southwest Speedway his sixth time out on the track.

The Dickinson native driver found success at his local track in a short time. Tooley and his team started looking to add more tracks to their racing schedule, adding the Williston Basin Speedway to the weekly racing schedule in his second year of racing. Tooley first debuted at the Nodak Speedway in 1982 racing his Super Stock with the Late Models, just to get a feel for the track and the Late Model class. In 1983, he retired his Camero body Super Stock and bought a Howe Chassis by BHE Late Model. Jay brought home his first track Championship at the Southwest Speedway this year as well. He ran the BHE chassis for six years in total. During that time, Jay, his dad, and his three brothers started traveling around the state to race every weekend. Which included the Nodak Speedway on a more consistent basis. Tooley is called the Weekend Warrior, accredited to all the dedicated travel that he and his team did over his prime years of racing.

Jay kept his momentum rolling into the Late Model class, grabbing a feature win at the Nodak Speedway in his BHE Late Model in 1983, grabbing the track Championship at the Southwest Speedway, and Rookie of the Year. Continuing his success, Tooley’s greatest year of racing came in 1984. He managed to achieve a goal that not many drivers can say they have achieved: he became a 3-time track champion for the Nodak Speedway, the Southwest Speedway, and the Williston Basin Speedway. He also ranked 5^th in National points, was the Rookie of the Year at the National level, and won 36 features alone in that one year. Jay has many memorable wins; one that ranks at the top of his list is beating Bob Moody at the Williston Basin Speedway. Moody had won three races in a row and had a bounty out on him. Tooley made the trip to Williston in his Late Model for the first time and managed to win the feature and winning the bounty put on Moody.

Looking back on the early 80’s, he explained that, just like today, technology started to take over. Changing many aspects of the cars that they raced within that decade. Rear suspension, engine builds, and rebuilding your car in general. Tire-sipping wasn’t even a thought. Tooley said they would race a whole season on the same set of tires. Compared to today’s racing, only getting one good night out of a tire. Jay closed out the 80’s by purchasing a Pro Chassis Wissota Modified from Bob Sagen and Jay McDonald. His first year in the Wissota Modified was also a notable season for him, qualifying for the Pabst Blue Ribbon Race of Champions at the Cedar Lake Speedway. He qualified by winning his first feature of the season at the Southwest Speedway as a Rookie, and topping off his 1989 season as the National Rookie of the Year in the Wissota Modified class. Jay continued to be a top competitor, winning the 1991, 1992, and 1993 Southwest Speedway Track Championship in the Wissota Modified. The Weekend Warrior has many tracks that he traveled to throughout his time racing. Hitting tracks in Dickinson, ND, Minot, ND, Fargo, ND, Jamestown, ND, Williston, ND, Rapid City, SD, Cedar Lake, WI, Gillette, WY, Billings, MT, and Lambert, MT. It wasn’t uncommon to be gone 3-4 days out of the week traveling to these tracks. He raced his Wissota Modified until 1993, stepping away as his pit crew got older, married, and had kids. Working on the car became harder to maintain.

Beyond his many successes, Tooley attributes his achievements to his dedicated crew, his dad, and three brothers who traveled with him during his racing career. He said his team had the mindset of racing to win. They didn’t worry about Championships. Any driver will tell you that racing to win and racing for championships are two different mindsets. He’s remembered as an aggressive, smooth, and clean driver. Coming from a long line of racers, he was taught to respect other drivers’ equipment. Cars and parts were expensive to come by and repair, so Tooley was smart when passing his competitors. Tooley recalls racing with many notable drivers at Nodak. One of his favorite competitors to race against was Hank Berry. Tooley explained they could trust Berry to race side by side for an entire race, never making contact.

Jay had quite the trophy display built up over the years. He decided to donate over 120 trophies to his local Special Olympics for kids. They were able to re-use his trophies for their events.

Although Nodak Speedway wasn’t his home track, Tooley made that dedicated 3-hour trip most Sundays from his home town of Dickinson, ND. Getting home some nights around 2 a.m. and getting up to go to work Monday morning by 5 a.m. That takes commitment and dedication for a driver and crew to make that haul every Sunday.

Career Accomplishments:
1983 Southwest Speedway Late Model Champion
1984 Nodak Speedway Late Model Champion
1984 Williston Basin Speedway Late Model Champion
1984 Harvest 100 Champion?
1985 Williston Basin Speedway Late Model Runner-up
1989 Wissota Modified Rookie of the year
1991 Wissota Modified Southwest Speedway Champion
1992 Wissota Modified Southwest Speedway Champion
1993 Wissota Modified Southwest Speedway Champion

Approx. 200 wins all-time
Numerous Fall Round up wins
Numerous Governors Cup wins
8 Mid-Season Runner ups
12 All-time Season Championships

induction process

INDUCTION PROCESS – DOWNLOAD

Induction Process 

Amended 4/14/2026

Mission Statement:

The Nodak Speedway Hall of Fame celebrates excellence and strives to preserve the history of the Nodak Speedway and those who have been influential in areas including; competition, advancements, entertainment or dedicated volunteering.The ultimate goal of the Hall of Fame is to keep the history alive for generations to come. 

NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominating

Nominees must meet all eligibility criteria outlined for their respective achievement categories. Formal nominations must be submitted using the official Nomination Form, which may be requested from the Hall of Fame Director or any Hall of Fame Committee member. Each nomination must include a complete biographical summary and a supporting photograph of the nominee.

Nominee Criteria

The Entertainers
Drivers

• Participated in competition for minimum of twenty-five (25) years
• Must be retired for three (3) years
• If driver has raced for forty-plus  (40+) years, they do not need to be retired 
• Must have significant achievements with Championships or wins at the Nodak Speedway

The Dedicated

Driver

• Has had a car in competition for minimum of twenty-five (25) years
• Must have had a significant impact in on the racing community by mentoring, supporting, promoting and/or serving as an ambassador of the sport
• Have a reputation of good sportsmanship; upholding integrity, respect and positive influence

Car Owners

• Has had a car in competition for minimum of twenty-five (25) years
• Car owner cannot be the driver of car in competition
• Have had a Nodak Speedway Hall of Fame driver drive for you for a minimum of one (1) season

Pitmen

• Has to have wrenched for a minimum of twenty-five (25) years
• Must have had significant impact in helping their driver attain success
• Must have wrenched for a Nodak Speedway Hall of Fame driver

Board Member

• Must have served the maximum terms set forth according to the current Nodak Speedway Bylaws
• Has held a minimum of two (2) different Board positions
• Has advocated for advancements and made a significant mark on Nodak Speedway’s history

Volunteer

• Must have volunteered their time for the club for a minimum of twenty-five (25) years
• Must be retired for three (3) years
• Volunteer must have made a significant mark on Nodak Speedway’s history
• If a volunteer has committed their time for thirty-five-plus (35+) years, they do not need to be retired

Sponsors/Donors

• Must have sponsored or donated  to the Nodak Speedway for a minimum of fifteen (15) years

Employees

• Must have been employed for a minimum of twenty-five (25) years
• Must be retired for three (3) years
• Employee must have made an impactful mark on Nodak Speedway’s history
• If an employee has been employed for thirty-five-plus (35+) years, they do not need to be retired

Fan

• Must have attended the Nodak Speedway races for a minimum of thirty (30) years 
• Must be a Super-fan of the Nodak Speedway that has made a significant mark and contributed to the Nodak Speedway’s history

All Nominees

• Must have held a Nodak Speedway membership
• Must be minimum of forty eight (48) years old
• Must have made a historical and significant impact and/or achievement on the Nodak Speedway within their respectable category. Their impact and/or achievement must be the main highlight in their bio.
• Individuals may be considered for multiple categories if criteria has been met in both categories.  
• Individuals may also be considered who made significant achievements and/or impact at the Nodak Speedway, but left the Nodak Speedway and/or sport early due to a variety of circumstances

Nomination Panel Duties
The Nominating Panel will meet between the months of January to March to select the list of up to, but no more than 6 nominees for the Entertainer category, and up to, but no more than 6 Driver, Car owners, Pitman, Board member, Volunteer, Employee, Sponsor/Donor, and Fan for the Dedicated category.

Nomination Panel Members

The Nomination Committee panel will consist of the Hall of Fame Director, President of the Nodak Speedway, one appointed Board Member of the Nodak Speedway, and the respective Hall of Fame members. 

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VOTING PROCESS

Induction Panel Duties

The Induction Committee will come together between the months of May to June to discuss all Nominees and bios and vote. There will be a minimum fourteen (14) person Induction Panel with a Fan Vote. 

Induction Panel Members

The Induction panel will consist of the President of the Nodak Speedway, the appointed Board Member of the Nodak Speedway, two (2) Past Nodak Speedway Presidents, the respective Hall of Fame members and one (1) collective Fan vote.

Induction Guidelines

The Nominee list will be split into two (2) separate categories. The first category will be the Entertainer Category, consisting of Drivers and the second category will be the Dedicated Category, consisting of Drivers, Car owners, Pitman, Board members, Volunteers, Employees, Sponsor/Donors, and Fans.

The Nodak Speedway HOF Director will be responsible for organizing the Induction meeting, Panel members must be present to vote. They will direct the panel members to discuss each Nominee. When the panel is ready, voting will be opened. The HOF Director will outsource a vote counter. The vote counter will be carefully picked to have little to no ties to the racing community. The number of votes each Nominee received will not be announced or disclosed to the panel members. The appointed vote counter will provide only the Nominees that received 75% of the vote. The panel members will call for the ballots to be destroyed by the vote counter. 

If any member of the Nominating Panel or Induction Panel appears on the current year’s ballot, these individuals will be recused from participating in the nominating and induction process for as long as he or she appears on the ballot. If the individual is inducted, he or she will be automatically reinstated to participate on the panel the following year.

Nominees can appear on the ballot for up to three (3) consecutive years. If the Nominee does not receive enough votes to be inducted on the third consecutive year, they will be ineligible to be Nominated for one (1) years after.

Any Panel member that is related to a Nominee, they will be recused from all discussion and voting for as long as that Nominee remains on the ballot. For the purposes of this policy, related includes:

• Immediate family members: spouse, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, or stepsibling 
• Extended family members: grandparent, grandchild, in‑laws (mother‑in‑law, father‑in‑law, son‑in‑law, daughter‑in‑law, brother‑in‑law, sister‑in‑law)
• Household members: any individual residing in the same household as the Panel member
• Significant personal relationships: any relationship that could reasonably be perceived as creating bias or a conflict of interest

The intent of this policy is to ensure fairness, impartiality, and integrity in the Hall of Fame selection process.

The Nomination Committee reserves the authority to advance a nominee directly to induction without requiring placement on the annual ballot or participation in the standard voting process. This discretionary action may only be taken when the Committee determines, by unanimous agreement, that the nominee’s contributions, historical significance, or impact on the Nodak Race Club are so substantial that delaying induction would be contrary to the purpose and integrity of the Hall of Fame. This authority is intended for exceptional circumstances and shall not be used as a routine alternative to the established nomination and voting process.

If the committee panel does not agree on a 75% vote, then the panel may move to Induct the Nominee with the most votes in that category if the Nominee had at least 65% of the vote. If there are two Nominees tied for the most votes, the committee panel will do a second vote of just those two Nominees. The nominee with the most votes will be the Inductee for that year. 

Fan vote

Fan voting will run between the months of May and June. Poll results at the end of June are not official. Results will be reviewed and duplicate votes will be thrown out. The top three (3) Nominees from the Entertainer Category will be taken as the Fan vote, and top three (3) Nominees from the Dedicated Category will be taken as the Fan vote.

The Entertainer Category
Drivers

Each committee member will vote for three (3) Nominees of their choice. Nominees with 75% of the vote will be Inducted into the Nodak Speedway Hall of Fame.

Example: Fifteen (15) person panel, with 75% of the vote, a Nominee would require 11 votes to be Inducted. 

The Dedicated Category
Drivers, Car owners, Pitman, Board members, Volunteers, Employees, Sponsor/Donors, and Fans

Each committee member will vote for three (3) Nominees of their choice. Nominees with 75% of the vote will be Inducted into the Nodak Speedway Hall of Fame.

Examples: Fifteen (15) person panel, with 75% of the vote, a Nominee would require 11  votes to be Inducted. 

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PANEL MEMBER SELECTION

Hall of Fame members

The Hall of Fame Director will notify the Hall of Fame member requesting their presence at the Nomination and Induction meetings.

Current Nodak President and current Board member

The Hall of Fame Director will request the Nodak Speedway Board to appoint a Board member to represent the Nodak Speedway on the Nominating and Induction Committees.

Past Nodak Speedway Presidents

The Hall of Fame Director will contact Past Presidents requesting their interest in serving on the committee. Past Presidents also may express interest in participating at any time. 

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If you are a Hall of Fame member or Past President and not receiving committee information, please email nodakspeedwayhof@gmail.com or message the Nodak Speedway Hall of Fame Facebook page.