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Inductees

2010 INDUCTEES

The inaugural class in 2010 consisted of ten great drivers that have graced the speedway over its 50+ years. Scroll down and read about their great accomplishments and championships.

GORDON WOOLEY

Gordon Woolley began his racing career at the Suicide Bowl, once winning seventeen straight feature events. He competed in modified and stock cars throughout Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi from 1946 to 1959.

Gordon joined the IMCA Sprint Car Circuit in the early 1960s, traveling across the United States for twelve years while finishing in the top ten in points ten of those years. In 1963, he became the first Texan to win the IMCA Sprint Car National Championship, and the first to do so with a Chevrolet engine. The Greater New York Sportswriter Association named him the most outstanding sprint car driver of 1963.

Gordon claimed numerous track and series championships throughout his illustrious career, including the 1963 Imperial Valley Championship and the 1967 Tri-State Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The long, tall, quite-spoken Texan from Waco has been written about in various racing books and magazines and is a member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa, the Racing Hall of Fame in Chapman, Kansas, the Big Car Racing Association Hall of Fame in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Knoxville Speedway Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa, and the Bellville Highbank Hall of Fame for Midgets and Sprints in Bellville, Kansas.

Gordon Woolley passed away on February 1, 2017 at the age of 94. He never lost his love for racing and is an icon that every racer will continue to look up to. God Speed!

BILL WHITE

Bill White's career is highlighted by championship wins. From the 1955 mid-season championship at the Suicide Bowl to the 1975 state championship at Hillsboro Speedway, Bill garnered twenty championships and over four hundred feature wins in his forty year racing career.

Bill has competed in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Arizona, Iowa, Indiana, California, Ohio and Missouri in sprint cars, modifieds, and supermodifieds. He earnd the IMCA Rookie of the Year honor in 1966.

In addition to his wins and championships, Bill held track records at Pan American, Speed-O-Raman, Meyer Speedway, Corpus Christi, Heart O' Texas and Hillsboro Speedway.

Bill dominated the modified division at Heart O' Texsa Speedway in the early 1970s. He was track champion in 1970, 1971, and 1972, winning forty-three feature events during that three year span.

Bill's favorite racing memory is competing in the 1966 Little 500 in Indianapolis, Indiana, finishing second in Jim McElreth's car.

J.T. CARPENTER

J.T. Carpenter drove dirt track cars in and around Central Texas for many years. He started racing in 1951 at the Suicide Bowl race track that was located where Lake Waco is today. He raced his last race in Waco when he was 75 years old in the Old Timers Race at Heart O' Texas Speedway, where he won first place. He raced in Waco, Crandall, Fort Worth, Greenville, Killeen, Navasota, many times competing against his son in law, Robert Pryor. He was affectionately known as "Pappy" around many race tracks. J.T. owned Waco Speedway from 1967-1969, but decided he would rather be behind the wheel.

J.T.'s most memorable win was a one hundred lap open competition race at Heart O' Texas. Using a small V-8 Chevrolet engine built for drag racing, he lapped everyone on the track. In J.T's words, "It really made the little coupe fly."

J.T. is a great ambassador for the sport of auto racing and Heart O' Texas Speedway. He was always a fan favorite and would talk to anyone at anytime about dirt track racing.

J.T. enjoyed being at the track and racing. Win or lose, he always had fun.

Nothing made J.T. more proud than to have his family together. Every holiday meal was always preceded by the family getting in a circle, holding hands, and J.T. welcoming everyone, greeting newcomers into the family. His famous quote that he shared every time was "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is the day that the Lord has made." Family and friends were two very important parts of his life.

J.T. Carpenter passed away June 4, 2012.

BUD JAROSEK

Bud Jarosek accomplished in fifteen years of racing what some drivers can only dream of. Bud claimed six championships and hundreds of feature wins during his impressive driving career.

Bud won six consecutive modified championships at Heart O' Texas Speedway. He and car owner Jack Bagby were nearly unstoppable during their time together.

In 1964, Bud and Jack built a coupe with a 230 cubic inch, six cylinder engine, just to see how competitive they could be against the V-8 Chevrolets. They were very successful, winning many races.

Bud's most memorable racing moment was the 1962 Texas State Dirt Track Championship at Devil's Bowl Speedway. Bud won the event and lapped defending champion, Bill White, three times during the one-hundred lap race.

JOE STURDIVANT

Joe Sturdivant competed at the Heart O' Texas Speedway and tracks throughout Texas for thirty-eight years. He began his career in the early 1960s driving for Mickey Tadlock, James Goodnight and Tommy Armstrong.

Joe won over two hundred and sixty feature events and twenty-eight championships in his career while driving for likes of Sammy Reed, George Green and Jack Bagby.

Joe later drove his own cars and would become a successful car owner. The Sturdivant Transmissions #1 Wing Modified driven by Paul White was one of the most successful teams during the heyday of the Texas All-Star Modified Series.

Joe, along with his wife Joyce, enjoyed traveling to the many tracks they raced at and getting to meet and befriend fellow competitors and fans.

BO RAWDON

Bow Rawdon has transitioned from one of the best dirt track racers in Texas to a successful track promoter as well as great track prep man. Bo amassed thirty-five championships and over five hundred feature wins during his thirty year driving career.

Bo has won track championships at Heart O' Texas Speedway, Cowtown Speedway, Buffalo Park Speedway and Sportsdome Speedway. He has also won the Texas All-Star Modified and NTRA series championships. In 1987, he won over ninety-five percent of the race at Heart O' Texas and Cowtown Speedway.

Bo won the 1975 Figure 8 Championship and competed at the World Championship Figure 8 event in Islip, New York.

In 1990, Bo won the Nascar Sunbelt Region Championship competing at Heart O' Texas and Cowtown. In 1995, he began touring the country competing and winning with a V-6 engine at high profile modified races.

Bo retired from racing and became the promoter of Cowtown Speedway in 2004. He received the Lanny Edwards Promoter of the Year award from Texas Motor Speedway in 2006 and the 360 Sprint Car Promoter of the Year Award in 2009. He is also helpd his granddaughter Ashley begin her racing career.

Bo now spend his racing seasons helping multiple tracks prepare their racing surfaces each week to provide the best racing surface possible for the sport he loves so much.

DALE BREEDLOVE

Dale Breedlove competed at race tracks across the country for thirty years. He has over twenty feature wins at Heart O' Texas speedway and close to ninety feature wins at other tracks.

Dale has competed in modifieds, wing modifieds and super modifieds. He has driven for car owners Jack McCain, Tom Robinson, George Green, Sparky MacDonald, Cotter Stringer, Jack Baby and Jimmy McElreath.

Dale's most memorable racing moments were racing across the country in Jimmy McElreath's cars.

HENRY WITT JR.

Henry Witt Jr. began his racing carer when he received a 1973 Pontiac Lemans race car for collateral on a loan. After sharing driving duties with his brother Dennis that first season, Henry would later become one of the most dominate IMCA Modified racers in the United States.

In 1987, Henry began driving a late model for Glen Wilson at Heart O' Texas, the beginning of twenty years of winning for the team. Henry raced with the NCRA Late Model series in 1988 inning Rookie of the Year honors. Henry won many features and multiple track championships in late models and wing modifieds from 1988 to 1997.

1998 saw Henry and the 701 Racing Team enter IMCA Modified racing. Henry would amass the most feature wins, in the shortest time, of any driver in the twenty-seven year history of IMCA Modified racing. Henry recorded over two hundred and fifty feature wins, eight consecutive regional championships, six consecutive state championships and one national championship.

Henry retire from racing in 2007 while leading the IMCA modified national, regional and state point standings.

Henry did not quit racing, just driving. He is now racing horses.

ELDON DOTSON

Eldon Dotson's racing career began with the desire to drive a car. When he lost his driver's license, he bought his first race car so he could drive. His wife Brenda would drive the car to the track allowing Eldon to become one of the great dirt track racers from the State of Texas.

Eldon competed across the country inning hundreds of races and was a fan favorite wherever he raced. Eldon competed regularly at Heart O' Texas in the late 70's and after racing to the track from north of Dallas, was always one of the drivers to beat on the track.

Eldon has two career starts in what is now the Nascar Sprint Cup Series. Eldon competed at Darlington Raceway and Daytona International Speedway in 1985.

Eldon Dotson passed away on November 9, 1997.

ROY EWING

Rapid Roy Ewing built his first race car in the winter of 1973 with Keith Green and David Golden. That 1955 Chevrolet finished in the top five in points and won ten feature events with Keith and David sharing driving duties during the 1974 season. Roy began driving the following season, in 1975.

Roy claimed nine track championships, over two hundred feature wins and two Heart O' Texas Speedway Fall Classic championships in his driving career. He also was the recipient of the Most Popular Driver award at Heart O' Texas Speedway.

In 1993, Roy competed in both the late model and hot stock divisions, winning twenty-two features and both track championships.

Racing was always a family affair for Roy. His father Don and brother J.D. have long been fixtures at the speedway. His son Ty, daughter Shanna and son-in-law Brandon were all involved with Roy's Racing.

Roy's most memorable moment was his last race, the 2005 Fall Classic. On the pace lap, the other competitors let Roy pace the field while the fans and fellow competitors saluted him with a standing ovation. Roy went on to win the race with Keith Green, who start his career with, finishing second.

2011 INDUCTEES

2011 saw 10 additional legends become enshrined on the Wall of Fame. Scroll down and read about their great accomplishments.

MORRIS SMILEY

Morris Smiley began his racing career in 1967 at Waco Speedway, capturing many feature wins and a track championship. He was the 1968 Heart O' Texas Speedway Modified champion, winning 19 out of 21 events. His 20-year career is highlighted by more than 100 feature event wins and eight track championships.

Morris drove fro the Johnson brothers, Bill Webb and his family owned modifieds with eginges built by the legendary Jack Bagby.

Morris was considered by many as one of the best of his time. Morris Smiley passed away on June 28, 2005, still loving auto racing.

DANNY RANDOLPH

Danny Randolph began racing go-karts at the age of 18 at the Westview Center parking lot and later at the airport kart track. He started driving stock cars in 1961 in a 1949 Ford he built with Joe Smith. In 1964, he started a ten year stint driving Elmer Sheppard's No. 41 Sawdust Special. He ended his driving career behind the wheel of sprint cars from 1970-1974.

Danny raced and won at the original Heart O' Texas Speedway in Lincoln City, the current speedway, Waco Speedway, Thunderbird Speedway, Cowtown Speedway, Temple Speedway, Belton Speedway, Big D Speedway and Mood and Clary Speedway.

Danny retired from racing in 1974 and devoted his time acquiring his pilot's license. He served the community of Leroy for over 20 years with the volunteer fire department, 12 of those years as fire chief. Danny is regarded as on of the best sportsmen in the history of the speedway.

ROBERT PRYOR

Robert Pryor was introduced to racing when he married 2010 inductee J.T. Carpenter's daughter Anita in 1955. His first race car was his wife's car. J.T. talked him into taking the windows out, race the car, then put the windows back in and nobody would know. However, Robert hit head-on with another car and wrecked his wife's car.

One of Robert's best memories was ending Bill White's Modified feature win streak of more than one year by passing Bill on the 25th lap of the 30-lap event.

Robert and J.T. would race on Friday at Heart O' Texas Speedway, work on the car during the day on Saturday then load up and race in Crandall, Mesquite, Fort Worth, Killeen, Hillsboro, or Navasota that night.

Robert has two track championships at Thunderbird Speedway to go along with his may feature wins at Heart O' Texas Speedway.

Racing has been a family affair for the Pryors. "It just get in your blood." says Robert.

STEVE STEWART

Kentucky native Steve Stewart found himself in Waco after being stationed at Fort Hood Army Base. He lived in the Waco area for 22 years and raced in Waco, Temple, Dallas and Fort Worth for 13 years.

Steve has over 100 feature event wins to his credit including nine in a row in 1967 at Heart O' Texas Speedway. During his career he drove for Buck Pickens, Bob Black and A.M. Blevins.

Steve is the father of seven children, including several that followed in his footsteps to become race car drivers.

Steve now calls Boise, Idaho home.

JOHNNIE T. BARRETT

Johnnie T. Barrett began his racing career in Rockdale, Texas in 1956 with a car he built. During his career he competed at tracks in Thorndale, Temple, Austin, Dallas, Benbrook, Crandall and Waco, with Heart O' Texas Speedway being his favorite track.

Johnnie won two track championships in his career and accumulated numerous trophy dash, feature event and demolition derby wins.

Johnnie drove for Wendell Powell, Doug Baxter, Bob Black, Lynn Douger and Gaston Brothers throughout his career.

Johnnie retired form racing in 1969 after purchasing the Dr. Pepper distributorship in Camerion.

Johnnie T. Barrett Passed away on March 16, 2010 at the age of 78. Never losing his love for racing, his family had a race car placed on the tombstone at his grave site.

CLARENCE JACKSON

Clarence Jackson started racing in the early 1960's. He was an accomplished motorcycle racer and held the top speed record at old Lake Waco drag strip of 128 mph on a Triumph.

George Green and Dale Breedlove influenced Clarence to give dirt track racing a try. He was considered an innovator in both motorcycle and car racing.

Clarence is a multi-time winner in the Modified Division.

PETE LAPOINT

Pete LaPoint was born in Ohio and came to Waco while stationed at James Connally Air Force Base. Pete was a fan while serving but never intended to race because he was planning on moving back to Ohio after his stay at Connally. He married a local woman and they decided to stay in Waco area, giving Pete the chance to start racing.

His first car was a 1933 six-cylinder Chevrolet sponsored by Kelly's Auto Parts. He won three consecutive stock car championships. Starting form the rear of the field, he won as many as 20 feature events each of those years.

Pete's most memorable race was a 50-lap open competition event at Heart O' Texas. Pete showed up with his six-cylinder Chevy sedan, started 18th and racing his way to 3rd against cars with big V-8's and multiple carburetors.

Pete's trademark was to light a cigarette before the start of the race, smoke it during the first two laps then toss it out the window on the back straight of the third lap. When the cigarette was tossed out, Pete was heading to the front of the pack.

Pete LaPoint passed away on February 16, 1979 in Ohio.

Jr. INGRAM

Jr. Ingram raced for 40 years in many classes, including Wing Modifieds, at Heart O' Texas Speedway. Jr. always drove cars he owned and built his own chassis and motors. He accomplished more with less than anyone who has raced at the speedway.

Jr. Ingram passed away at age 77 on August 13, 2013.

Ray RAWDON

Ray Rawdon is from Kennadale, Texas and has raced and won at tracks throughout the state, including Heart O' Texas Speedway. Ray was known as a tough, hard-nosed competitor that was always racing for the win. Ray is the father of 201 inductee Bo Rawdon.

HAL FREEMAN

Hal Freeman, driving the white Barbahl Special was one of the best in the history of the speedway. In addition to winning championships and many races at Heart O' Texas Speedway, Hal was well known at tracks in the Dallasy/Fort Worth area.

2012 INDUCTEES

2012 saw 10 new individuals become enshrined on the wall of fame. Scroll down to see their contributions and accomplishments.

HAROLD McCAIN

Harold McCain started his racing career at the old Suicide Bowl as a flagman. When the track closed due to the Lake Waco expansion, Harold made the decision to build and run his own race track. Harold first leased property near Lincoln City which is very close to the current location of the speedway. He operated at that location for six years under the name of Heart O' Texas Speedway. Some of the biggest names in Waco auto racing competed at that speedway.

Harold later purchased property in Elm Mott at the current location and built the second Heart O' Texas Speedway. He operated the speedway for many years until selling the track to Gene Adamcik and Richard Rogers in 1981.

The Heart O' Texas Speedway name has been around for more than fifty years and is recognized around the nation for its continued operation and producing many great drivers. We all owe many thanks to Harold for his vision and courage to build a racing facility that has earned a legacy which will live on forever.

JACK BAGBY

Jack Bagby began his career in racing as a driver at the old Suicide Bow. Jack quickly learned driving was not his expertise and made the decision to build and maintain cars for others to drive.

Jack once built a car driven by Gordon Woolley at the Suicide Bowl that won so many races, the track purchased the car and had it destroyed. Over time, Jack earned the reputation of being one of the most innovative and successful car builders and mechanics the sport has known.

Jack's cars and drivers won hundreds of features throughout his career, including winning nine consecutive championships with driver Bud Jarosek.

Jack was always willing to lend a hand at the race track, even to his closest competition.

Many of Jack's drivers are current and future members of the Heart O' Texas Speedway Wall of Fame including Bud Jarosek, Dale Breedlove, Mike Knowles, and Gordon Woolley.

George Green

George Green is the patriarch of one of Waco's most well-known facing families. George began his racing career as a driver and had great success as a car owner.

George's firs driver was Joe Sturdivant, the two enjoyed great success winning championships and many feature events. Once his son Keith began showing promise behind the wheel of a hobby car, George purchased a wining modified car from Jack Bagby. The father and son combination would become a dominant force in Modified racing throughout Texas for many years.

A great ambassador for the sport of auto racing, George has supported many drivers over the years including Roy Ewing, Clarence Jackson, Dale Breedlove and Wendell Cox.

Today, George proudly supports the racing careers of grandsons T.J. and Kevin.

LEON WILSON

Leon Wilson will always be remembered as one of the true gentlemen in the sport of auto racing. Leon began his career as part-owner and driver at the old Heart O; Texas Speedway.

Leon was a long-time car builder, engine builder and owner who could do more working on a limited-budget. Leon was always willing to lend a hand to competitors, even if it meant his car would not win the race.

Leon always too time to visit with race fans after events and showed a great deal of compassion for children. Leon knew that kids held the key to the future of the sport and always wanted them to have a memorable experience at the track.

Many of the great drivers in Heart O' Texas Speedway history have driver Leon to thank including David Hammon, Carroll Edmonds, Greg Pavlicek, Gordon Woolley, Lee Harris and Billy Suggs.

TOM DANIEL

Tom Daniel began his racing career in the early 1950's and is one of a few drivers that have competed at the Suicide Bowl and both the old and current Heart O' Texas Speedway.

Tom raced with many Heart O' Texas Speedway Wall of Fame members including Gordon Woolley, Bill White, Bud Jarosek and J.T. Carpenter. Tom also raced throughout Texas against Texas racing legends such as Johnny Rutherford and Jimmy McElreath.

After retiring from driving, Tom built cars for his sons Chuck and Steve and daughter Patty. He won four championships with Chuck, four Powder Puff championships with Patty and many races with Steve.

To honor Tom after his death, all the drivers that Tom had helped were asked to bring their cars on the track. Cars were lined up nose-to-tail all the way around the track, a true symbol of the impact Tom had on racing in Waco.

ELMER SHEPPARD

Elmer Sheppard is a pioneer of dirt track racing in Waco. He was one of the first to build and race winning cars.

Elmer built and owned many championship cars including the well-known #41 Sawdust Special. He is best known for his knowledge and ability to make Flathead Fords win races.

Elmers's drivers included Horace Richie, Bill Jack Casper, Bill White and Danny Randolph.

Elmer's love of dirt track racing inspired many to become a part of the sport including Danny Randolph, Joe Smith and many of his family members.

BOB TIDWELL

Bob Tidwell started his racing career in the early 1960's working with the Reed Brothers. He soon became a car owner, buying his first car without and engine from Ed Starr and teamed up with Donny Rowe and his engine. After two races, they had lost both the chassis and engine. They built a new car and changed the number to the familiar #15.

Bob teamed up with Jerry Rogers at the Hillsboro Speedway and went on to win many races together until Jerry's driving career ended due to an accident.

Bob then purchased a car driven by Eldon Dotson and hired wife Sheila as the driver. The two ere part of the North Texas Racers Association and competed at Buffalo Park Speedway, Thunderbird Speedway, Cowtown Speedway and Heart O' Texas Speedway for many years. A rule change not allowing big block engines was the determining factor for Bob and Sheila to retire from racing.

Bob has received many awards for his racing accomplishments, but the most memorable one is receiving the first Keith McCain Memorial Tropy from Harold and Peggy McCain.

Bob and Sheila continue to attend races as fans.

JERRY ROGERS

Jerry Rogers began his racing career sharing driving duties with friend Steve Snow. After several years, the two decided they each wanted to race weekly and Jerry built a Vega that has been called the best built and best-looking car in the history of the Heart O' Texas Speedway.

After campaigning the Vega for many successful years, Jerry teamed up with Bob Tidwell. Jerry and Bob would win many features for several years until Jerry was injured driving a super modified that ended his driving career.

Jerry returned to the track and was a fixture at the speedway for many years as flagman and tech official.

Jerry always has a smile on his face and is regarded as one of the genuinely nicest guys around the track.

DON EWING

Don Ewing joins his son Roy as an inductee in the Heart O' Texas Speedway Wall of Fame. Don and Roy raced together as a family form the 1970's until Roy retired from driving in 2005.

With Don's knowledge and Roy's driving ability, the duo, along with Don's son J.D., claimed nine championships and more than 200 feature event wins. The team doubled up one season, winning both the Late Model and Hot Stock track championships.

Mr. Ewing was as gentlemen racer who was respected by his fellow competitors and had equal respect for them.

LEON BROWN

Leon Brown began his racing career at the old Suicide Bowl in 1949. He started out as a car builder and driver, but decided he wanted to be a car owner and builder rather than a driver.

Leon's racing career was put on hold while he served in the Army. After serving his country, Leon returned to racing as a car builder and owner.

Leon has visited victory lane many times with drivers such as Jimmy Clar, JD Kirkpatrick, Bubba Webb, Jerry Simpson, David Andrews, Doug Andrews, and Gordon Woolley. Gordon and Leon teamed up for one track championship.

A familiar face around the speedway for over sixty years, Leon is still involved in the sport as a sponsor for Doug Andrews.

2013 INDUCTEES

2013 saw ten additional members become enshrined on the Wall of Fame. Scroll down to read about their history and accomplishments.

JOHNNY RUTHERFORD

Johnny Rutherford started his racing career in the late 1950's racing at Heart O' Texas Speedway, Devil's Bowl Speedway and other local tracks. Johnny mad his debut in the Nascar Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway in 1963 driving for Smokey Yunick. He won a qualifying race at his first Nascar race, making him one of the youngest drivers in Nascar history to win a full points paying race.

Johnny made his first start in the Indy 500 in 1963. At Michigan International Speedway, he set a one lap record in an Indy car at 215.189 miles per hour. Johnny won the pole position for the Indy 500 in 1973, 1976, and 1980. He went on to win the Indianapolis 500 three times, in 1974, 1976 and 1980. Johnny ran his last race at Indy in 1988.

Johnny won the 1965 USAC National Sprint Car Championship. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1933, the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1995 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1996.

After retiring from driving, Johnny worked as a television anaylst for NBC, ABC, CBS and ESPN.

Johnny currently works for the IndyCar Series as pace car driver and driver coach.

BILLY JACK CASPER

Billy Jack Casper was born in Youngport, Texas and lived in Dallas for 19 years where he owned and operated Casper's Automotive. Bill Jack raced for more than 21 years, winning hundreds of feature events for car owners Elmer Shepperd, Jack McCain and the Chapman Brothers.

In 1963, he drove a super modified, nicknamed the "Slinging Five" and won nearly every feature event at Heart O' Texas Speedway. Billy Jack raced at tracks throughout Texas and Oklahoma including Devil's Bowl and Pan American Speedway in San Antonio.

Bill Jack's biggest win of his career came at Devil's Bowl in 1966 at a national sprint car race. He and the other "weekend warriors" were required to start at the rear of the field behind the professional IMCA drivers. Billy went on to win the race, lapping the field in the process.

Bill Jack, or Casper the Ghost, as he was know was a member of the Dallas Racing Club and the International Motor Car Contest Association.

Bill Jack was seriously injured at Pan American Speedway in San Antonio and passed away a year later. He was 38 years old.

RAY KEMP SR.

Ray Kemp Sr. started his racing career at the age of 16 at the old Heart O' Texas Speedway in Lincoln City. The car was a 1956 Chevrolet built by himself and Martin Arnett. Later in his career, he drove cars built by himself, Grady Kemp and his dad, James.

His favorite car was the #45, a 1934 coupe powered by a six cylinder ford engine. Ray won over 50 features with that coupe at Heart O' Texas, Hillsboro, Cowtown, Crandall, Start and Stripes and Navasota.

In his career, he was runner up 12 times and top 10 in points 20 times. Ray has over 100 career feature wins.

The Kemp family is still very involved in racing with Ray Jr. driving.

Ray Kemp Sr. dedicates his induction into the Wall of Fame in memory of his father James Ray Kemp.

GLENN MOON

Glenn Moon began his racing career in a go-kart purchased for $50 by his dad and uncle. His stock car career started in a 1954 Ford at Heart O' Texas Speedway and Waco Speedway.

Glenn drove cars for Pete Harris, Jessie Moon, Joe Cary, Leon Brown and Tim Williams at dirt tracks in Waco, Ft. Worth, Crandall and Hillsboro. He was the 1977 Heart O' Texas Speedway Figure 8 Champion.

In the early 1980's, Glenn started racing an asphalt car at San Antonio Speedway and Texas World Speedway in Bryan. In 1985, he finished 4th in the Texas Grand Prix at Texas World Speedway and 2nd at the half-mile Clearfiled Pennsylvania Speedway.

In 1987, Glenn started racing the ARCA series, qualifying at 189.66 miles per hour at Talladega Superspeedway for the Permatex 500. Glenn also raced at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Daytona International Speedway.

Glenn had the opportunity to work with H.B. Bailey, Slick Johnson, Bobby Hillin, Bobby Allison, Marty Robbins and Leroy Yarbrough.

BILL OSBORN

Bill Osborn started his racing career in 1962 at Heart O' Texas Speedway. Bill is well known for driving the #75 Pauper's Car Club Ford Coupe powered by a flat-head Ford engine.

Bill won more than 50 features in Waco, Temple, Austin, Dallas and Ft. Worth.

His most memorable moments included winning the 1963 Mid-Season Championship and coming in second in a 300 lap tag team race with Roy Taylor and a 75 lap race with Bubba Webb.

Bill will always be remembered by his professionalism on and off the track and that beautiful #75 Ford Coupe.

GENE PAINTER

Gene Painter started racing in 1961 at the old Heart O' Texas Speedway in Lincoln City. He competed in claimer cars, hot stocks, I-stocks, wing and non-wing modifieds, IMCA SportMods and late models.

Gene accumulated more than 100 features and three track championships in his career. His most memorable moment was taking down the flag stand at Heart O' Texas Speedway when Harold McCain was promoting and Bill Webb was the flagman.

In 2012, on his 72nd birthday, his surprise present was the opportunity to drive a car at Texas Thunder Speedway in Killeen. A perfect end to a great racing career.

MARION "BUBBA" WEBB

Bubba Webb started his racing career in the early 1950's at the Suicide Bowl while home on leave from the service. His brother Billy let him race the care in a mechanic's race.

While a regular at Heart O' Texas Speedway, Bubba also raced at Crandall, Kennadale, Devil's Bowl, Temple, Killeen, Navasota and Peoria. Bubba drove for Billy, Curtis Smith, Raymond Snodgrass, Gene Saulters, James Goodnight and Leon Brown. His favorite car was built and owned by himself, his brother and his dad.

Bubba's career highlights include setting the Heart O' Texas Speedway track record of 18 seconds and flipping seven times at Heart O' Texas.

He drove his last race in 1979 after winning many races throughout his career.

CHUCK DANIEL

Chuck Daniel joins his father, Tom, as a member of the Wall of Fame. Chuck grew up watching his father race at the Suicide Bowl, Devil's Bowl and Heart O' Texas Speedway.

Chuck was on the pit crew for his brother-in-law Don Moses when he had the opportunity to hot lap the car, and was hooked on becoming a driver. He purchased a 1956 Chevrolet and with the help of a couple of neighbor kids, started his racing career.

Tom was unable to help Chuck because he was driving a truck hauler to California every week. When Tom had time off, the two would build the engine, rear end and transmission. Chuck started the 1972 season six weeks late and totaled his car after a few short weeks. Tom took a week off from work and with the help of others, built a 1957 Chevrolet in one week. That was the beginning of Daniel Enterprises, home of Shade Tree Engineering.

Chuck raced throughout Texas, winning four championships and never finished outside the top 6 in points. After a couple of bad seasons, Chuck retired from racing and ended Shade Tree Engineering. He did return for two seasons, driving for the Johnson Brothers in the Texas All-Star Modified Series.

Chuck dedicates this honor in memory of his dad, Pappa Tom Daniel. Chuck would like to thank Steve Daniel, George Elwood, Mary Beth Hullum, Trent and Daniel Hullum ad Pelor and Krista Jensen for their years of support.

DONNIE ROWE

Donnie Rowe began racing in 1962 and raced for 13 years. He drove his own #54 cars and later drove the #15 cars for Bob and Sheila Tidwell.

Donnie won the 1962 Good Sportsmanship Award and the 1965 Most Popular Driver at Heart O' Texas Speedway. He held the track record of 17.37 at Hillsboro Speedway with a 292 cubic inch engine for three years.

Donnie's most memorable moment was replacing an engine all night on a Thursday night and going to the track Friday and winning both the heat race and the feature event.

Donnie is remembered as a tough competitor and a good sportsman always showing respect for the sport and his fellow competitors.

JAMES TAYLOR

James Taylor was an accomplished motorcycle racer prior to turning to stock cars. He started racing motorcycles in 1951, winning events across the country. In 1961, he moved to four wheels and began racing stock cars at Heart O' Texas Speedway.

James first car was a 1955 Oldsmobile that he shared driving duties with Howard Dennard. From 1962-1964, he competed with a 235 cubic inch Chevrolet in the Stock Car Class, winning many trophy dashes, heat races and features.

James moved into the Modified class in 1965.
From 1968-1979, James raced his modified in Temple, Crandall and Waco. He also competed on asphalt in Austin, San Antonio and Lancaster.

James career highlights are winning three 75-lap feature events from 1968-1970 and finishing runner up to Bill White in the Modified division in 1970.

James retired from racing in 1970 and enjoys watching his grandson James Guyton race for several years. He still enjoys the sport today as a spectator and supporter.

2014 INDUCTEES

2014 saw ten additional members become enshrined on the Wall of Fame. Scroll down to read about their history and accomplishments.

JERRY WAMPLER

Jerry Wampler started his racing career in the 1950's in drag racing. He raced many years at the Lake Waco Drag Strip and surrounding tracks. He made his move to dirt track racing in the early 1960's, racing at Heart O' Texas Speedway, Hillsboro Raceway and tracks in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Jerry raced on dirt tracks for approximately 14 years. In his career he won countless number of races in both drag racing and dirt track racing. He competed in both stock and modified divisions. For a number of years, he owned two cars, one driven by himself and the other by Gene Painter.

One of Jerry's favorite memories was teaming up with Joe Sturdivant in a 150 lap Texas Tag Team Championship Race, which they won. His trademark was, he always wore black, his tow vehicles were always black, his race cars were always Chrysler products, were always black and carried the #3. Many people referred to him as the main in black.

STEVE PFEIFFER

Steve Pfeiffer competed at the Heart O' Texas Speedway for 16 years. During his career, he won four championships in 1984, 1994, 1995, and 1998. He was in the top five in points in 1985,1986,1990,1996,1997.

Steve also drove a car owned by Mark Devorsky. He started driving this car on the 12th race night of the 1990 season, won seven of the remaining 16 races and finished 5th in points that season. Steve also owned a car driven by Mark Kelley, finishing 5th in points one year.

Steve's favorite racing memories are his first championship in 1984, finishing runner up in the 1984 Fall Classic and winning the Fall Classic in 1998.

Steve finished his racing career with more than 100 feature event wins.

JIMMY McELREATH

Jimmy McElreath started racing in 1945, at the age of 17, at Devil's Bowl Speedway in Dallas, Suicide Bowl and Heart O' Texas Speedway. He raced and worked as a brick layer for more than 15 years.

In the late 50's and 60's, Jimmy built and raced sprint cars. In 1960, he talked Johnny Rutherford into going to race in the Midwest. They competed in super modifieds and sprint cars in the IMCA Series. In 1961, Jimmy raced in the Hoosier Hundred for Lindsey Hopkins in the USAC National Championship, finishing 3rd.

Jimmy raced from 1961-1983, with 178 starts including 15 in the Indy 500. He finished with 5 wins and 48 top fives in Indy Cars. He was the 1962 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. He won the inaugural California 500 in Ontario, California in 1970.

Jimmy was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa in 2002.

JAMES PACK

For many years, James Pack was one of the most loyal and dedicated drivers at the Heart O' Texas Speedway. James and his wife were at the track weekly competing in the Wing Modified Class. James was always a fan favorite for his aggressive driving style and more important, always being a true professional.

In James 36 plus years of racing, he won countless races at Heart O' Texas Speedway and tracks throughout Texas. He won two track championships driving limited modifieds in Oklahoma City. He has two Devil's Bowl Speedway track championships and was the Wing Modified Series Champion in 1971 and 1972.

James was known to always carry a lot of spare parts, earning him the name "Packrat" from his competitors.

His favorite memories are of traveling with his wife all across the country to race, making new friends and memories.

BOBBY HARMS

Bobby Harms love of racing began when he started going to the races at the Suicide Bowl with his father when he was a teenager. His driving career started in 1969 and lasted 22 years.

Bobby's favorite track was Heart O' Texas Speedway, but he also competed at Cowtown Speedway, Big H Speedway, Beaumont, Navasota, Crandall, Buffalo Park Speedway and Devil's Bowl. He won the 1973 Hillsboro Speedway track championship, driving for Larry Roming.

Bobby drove for Butch Davis, Charlie Lynch, Danny Case, Ray Eskew and Mr. Smiley, as well as driving his own cars.

Racing was a family affair for the Harms family. Bobby also had the support of his parents Bob and Geraldine, daughters Tesa and Teresa, as well as other family members and friends.

Bobby lost a long, hard fought battle with lung cancer and passed away on December 19, 2012.

GREG PAVLICEK

Greg Pavlicek competed at the Heart O' Texas Speedway for 15 years. He was fascinated with cars from a very young age. After graduating from West High School, he purchased a 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner. His idea of fun and relaxation was spending time under a shade tree with his car and tools and racing around the streets of his hometown of Tours.

In 1965, he moved from the back streets of Tours to the dirt track. He started in Hobby Stocks, moved up to stock cars then hot stocks within four years, winning a championship in the stock car class in his second season.

After a disappointing 1977 season, he decided to quit racing. After a one year layoff, he purchased a hot stock and was back racing. After winning the 1979 hot stock championship, Greg moved into the modified division racing for Leon Wilson. Together, the two Wall of Fame inductees won the 1983 Modified Championship.

BILL POTEET

Bill Poteet is the patriarch of a family with deep roots in racing in Waco. Bill raced for many years, winning a championship in only his second season of racing.

For many years, Bill and Louis Walter kept the Chevrolet/Ford feud going strong, to the delight of the race fans. He enjoyed building and driving his own cars, but truly enjoyed helping others get into the sport.

Bill helped numerous drivers through the years, including David Granger, Chubby Harless, Gene Burkhart and his sons, Charles, Chesley, Karl and Curits. His favorite memories were when he and his sons were racing together.

Bill enjoyed competing in figure 8 races, winning six out of the eight races he entered. Bill is remembered for his support to help others get started into racing and being successful on the racetrack with limited funding.

JOE McNAMARA

Joe McNamara was an avid motorcycle racer before, during and after his car racing career. He started racing motorcycles in 1955 and raced until 1977. During his motorcycle career, he competed around the state winning many races and the 1968 and 1969 Southwest Championships.

Joe began is car racing career in 1959 at the original Heart O' Texas Speedway. During his career, he competed at tracks throughout central Texas.

Joe was most successful driving a car built by Billy Webb, that he purchased from Ed Star.

After his driving career, Joe owned cars for many drivers including Ronnie and Bill White. Joe's son Steve was a second generation driver, competing at Heart O' Texas and area tracks.

DANNY WALPOLE

Danny Walpole raced for 12 years at Heart O' Texas Speedway, Bellmead Speedway, Hillsboro Speedway, Cowtown Speedway, Buffalo Park Speedway and Superbowl Speedway.

In 1976, he finished second in points in the stock class and moved into the modified division in 1977 with a big feature win over track champion Eldon Dotson. In 1983, he finished 3rd in points in the modified class.

Danny retired from racing in 1984.

ROCKY BLACK

Rocky Black started his career in 1974 and raced until the year 2000. He built his first car with a hammer and chisel and painted it by hand with a brush using his father's left over gray porch paint. The next year, he changed the color and the number to 57.

Rocky raced his own cars for many years with much success. He then made the decision to step out of the driver's seat and become a car owner for David Brunson, Jerry Simpson, Jerry Smith, Royce Cogburn, Robert Black, and Lil' Robert Black.

For his career as driver and car owner, Rocky has seven championships, more than 100 feature wins and had the best appearing car two years in a row. In 2000, he won the Texas vs. Louisiana Wing Modified Championship race and set a new track record in Louisiana.

Rocky's cars competed at Heart O' Texas Speedway, Hillsboro Speedway, Bellmead Speedway, Boothill Speedway and Alexandra Speedway.

Rocky passed away in January of 2001, leaving behind his wife Billie, children Brandy and Robert and seven grandchildren.

2015 INDUCTEES

2015 saw five additional members enshrined into the wall of fame. Scroll down to read their contributions and accomplishments.

HARVEY COX (Keith Green)

Harvey Cox is known by most as a dirt track racer but he has actually had a dual career for 22 years as an owner/driver in drag racing and 32 years as an owner in dirt track racing. The racing bug hit him in 1961 when a friend built a drag car and invited him to the track. It didn't take long for him to start formulating a plan to build himself a race car and start competing in the fast growing sport of drag racing. He learned quickly paying for good parts saved money over time and led to more runs and more fun. This led him to open a speed shop in Waco named Competition Sales and then a second store in Killeen. the first car he built for drag racing was a 1934 Coupe C/Gas and the last was a C/Economy Dragster. As a drag racer, his greatest accomplishment was winning the U.S. Nationals in 1978 picking up his first Walley. The turning point in his career from drag racing to dirt track racing was when his son Wendell purchased a 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle and started racing at the Heart O' Texas Speedway. He offered to build Wendell an engine and help him with the track racing. In 1984, he purchased a Wing Modified that was driven by Joey Dulock as his first driver. Keith Green joined his race team in late 1984 as his driver. The two have been together ever since. During their time together, they have won hundreds of feature races and more championships than they can remember. In 1997, they won the Nascar Winston Racing Series Sunbelt Regional Championship. This was the highlight of their career together. In 2015, his driver of over 30 years stepped out of the car and handed the driving to his son. He would like to say he could not have accomplished all these things without his wife of 58 years, Karen's support. He would like to thank all of his faithful sponsors and all the people that pulled the wrenches throughout all these years.

Harvey Cox had so much pride and respect in the partnership that he and Keith Green had over the many years of racing at the speedway, that he asked to have Keiths name enshrined with his on the wall.

JOE SMITH

Joe Smith started his racing career in the early 1950's in Waco, Texas racing down Waco Drive in an event called the Soap Box Derby. In 1959, he was employed by Harold McCain to help him at the newly formed Heart O' Texas Speedway. Shortly afterwards, his interest switched from a worker at the track to a race car driver. In 1961, he built a Ford Coupe powered by a flat head Ford engine running the number 53. He won championships in 1968 and 1969. In 1970 he stepped out of the driver's seat and teamed up with Bill White. Together, they dominated the modified class at Heart O' Texas Speedway winning championships in 1970, 1971, and 1972. Over the years, he built cars for such great drivers as Bill White, Danny Randolph, Ted Jones, Mike Knowles and his grandson Shane. In 1994, he teamed up with Doug Andrews. Together they won eight championships at the Heart O' Texas Speedway, one championship at the Bellmead Speedway and four Fall Classic wins and are still winning races. Racing was a family affair for him and his family. He always had support from his father and mother, his wife Mary and their three children. He would like to thank all his family and friends for their support over the years in sharing these memorable times.

CARROLL EDMONDS

Carl Edmonds started getting the urge for speed in the late 1960's when he purchased a 1957 Chevrolet powered by a big block Chevrolet engine. However, he soon decided to take his need for speed to the race track. In 1970, he teamed up with a close friend named Johnny Black. Together, they built a 1957 Chevrolet and ran it in a class called Hobby Class. They shared driving duties and won the car championship with Eddie Thompson winning the driver championship honor. In 1971, he helped put a team together with himself, Tommy Armstrong, and Mike Walters as the driver. This team was together for three years winning over fifty features and two championships. In 1975, he started driving again for a car owner named Carroll Edwards, finishing second in points. The following year, they built a new car and won the stock car class championship. In 1977, he started driving Leon Wilson's #7 Wing Modified. He drove that car for a year or so and then decided to step out of racing for a while. After a year or two passed he came back to help D. L. Wilson. together they won the Stock Car Championship at the Bellmead Speedway and the Sport Mod Championship at Stephenville Speedway. In 2010, he started driving and building cars with Jerry Johnson. together they have won a lot of races and one championship with Bobby Mercer Jr. as their driver. Carroll Edmonds is a man who is always searching for a little more speed.

MYORN McDANIEL

Myron McDaniel was involved with Heart O' Texas Speedway racing for 41 years both as a car owner and car builder. Over these years, he accomplished many things with such great drivers as David Granger, Mark McDaniel, James Padgett and Joe Sturdivant. In 1971, he started out with his first car, a stock car running the number Zero driven by David Granger. Together, they won 16 features and in 1987 was second in the Stock Car Nascar points. In 2003, driving duties were taken over by his son Mark. Together they won 96 features in Pro-Stock, Late Models and Southern Sport Mods. In this same year they tied for Sims Modified Championship Points. in 2011, they came in third in the Southern Sport Mod Championship Points. Myron will always be remembered as a tough competitor who loved the sport and always brought top of the line race cars to the track.

DARRELL WILHITE

Darrell Wilhite started his racing career in 1973 driving a stock car for Charlie Walker and Charles Lynch. He won the stock car championshop in 1974 and finished second in the State Championship race at Navasota Speedway. He drove stock cars, modifieds, sprints, and late models for the next twenty years winning over 50 feature wins. In 1991 through 1994, he teamed up with Jim Hammock driving a wing modified. He thought he was going to retire from racing at the end of 1994 but he was asked by his good friend Glen Wilson to help him out a couple of weeks on the 701 race team driven by Henry Witt Jr. That two weeks lasted ten years. During these years, this team own over 250 feature wins, eight central regional titles, six state championships, several track championsips and the 2000 IMCA Modified National Championship. This inductee estimates during his career between himself and other teams he has been associated with, has accumulated over 400 feature wins. This drivers he has helped along the way are Henry Witt Jr., Dillon Smith, Benji Kirkpartrick, Mark McDaniel, David Khoury, Jason Guanntt, Ray Kemp Jr. and many others. He states his fondest memories are not the races won or lost but the great friendships and the great times he had along the way. He wants to dedicate his induction on the Wall of Fame to his family and friends that supported him throughout the years during the good times and the bad.

Known to many around the race track as Big "D", Darrell's knowledge and skills with racing engines has made him one that racers have gone to for knowledge and advice.

2016 INDUCTEES

2016 saw five additional members enshrined into the wall of fame. Scroll down to read their contributions and accomplishments.

SAMMY REED

Sammy Reed owned and operated a garage in Bruceville Eddy, Texas. He started his racing career in the 1950's, building and racing drag cars. He raced them on tracks in Waco, Little River, and Prairie Hill. He switched over to dirt track racing in the 1960's. He raced them at the Heart O' Texas Speedway, Navasota, Hillsboro and some out of state tracks. He won the Texas State Dirt Track championship with Joe Sturdivant as his driver. Other drivers that drove his cars were Marvin Lands, Howard Dennard, Bobby Harms and Gene Painter. Racing was the love of his life. He always enjoyed talking racing with is close friends. He always had a garage full of helping hands and a pit crew that he really loved. His dad, Burt Reed, and brother Buddy were always by his side. Others that played a part over the years in his success were Bob Tidwell and Dicky Ross.

Sammy Reed passed away from cancer in September of 1996. His racing career lasted 18 years.

JAMES GOODNIGHT

James Goodnight became interested in race cars at a very early age. A man named Sam Peters had a garage very close to his home. He would hand around the garage as much as possible because Sam was helping a number of racers with their race cars. He always enjoyed talking with him about racing. After completing High School, he started his first full-time job. He worked with a man named Billy Barfield that owned a Chevrolet Coupe that he raced at the Heart O' Texas Speedway. Hearing race talk both at work and riding to and from work with Billy and stopping at Gene Champman's store on the way home from work and hearing more race talk, it created interest in getting involved in racing.

The first car he built was a 55 Chevrolet that was given to him by Mickey Tadlock. Mickey explained to him the car had been wrecked bending the frame on the left side and probably would have to be straightened. He tried other methods but none proved to work so he gave up on this car. Then Pete LaPoint approached him and said he would be willing to help him build a new car. With help from Pete LaPoint, Harold Huffman and others, they built a carbon copy of Jack Bagby's car with instructions from Jack. When completed, the car was painted light blue and had the number 43 which was one of Jack Bagby's old car numbers. Bubba Webb drove the car the first night out and won both the heat race and feature. The following night they raced at Temple and were all on the way to winning another feature when the fuel tank slid over, pinching the fuel line. Gary Oliver made an offer on the car that he could not refuse and he sold the car to him.

At that point, a man named Wadell Mooring was going to move from his six cylinder Sedan to a V-8 so he asked him if he would help him with his project. They purchased a chassis from James Wade and built a new engine and they raced this car for approximately three years with good success.

The next project, he worked all winter long building a narrow body for a car for Wadell. Unfortunately opening night he ran into the back of Robert Carpenter who had stalled on the race track and it totaled his car. Then he purchased another frame and moved everything he could over to the new frame. They took the car to Kennedale to race and Gene Chapman was going to drive it. In the first race, something broke on the car hitting and injuring Gene and he had to be transported to the hospital. Later Marvin Riddle drove this car, winning a number of races. Also Junior Ingram drove it some and won races.

Next, Gene Chapman purchased the car that Jack Bagby had built and they raced this car together for two years. He then helped Leon Wilson build a new car for Leon to drive. Then he built a car for Bill Pittman. Next, he helped Leon Wilson build another car in which they put a Vega body on a 55 Chevrolet chassis with an aluminum head 454 big block Chevrolet engine. This car was driven by Mike Knowles winning a lot of races.

Next, Gene Chapman purchased an unfinished sprint car that was being built by Danny Randolph. It was driven by Gordon Woolley and Gene Chapman, both winning races. Next, he built a new car which was a 55 Chevrolet chassis with a 427 big block engine and a BMW body. They won a lot of races at Heart O' Texas Speedway, Hillsboro and many other tracks with Gordon Woolley driving. They won the 1976 Modified Championship at Heart O' Texas Speedway. After that car, he still helped Leon Wilson a little but eventually had to drop out when his wife started having medical problems. He said he had a lot of fun, a lot of friends and enjoyed it all.

J.D. KIRKPATRICK

J.D. Kirkpatrick started his racing career in the early 1960's, a career that lasted 25 years. He started out with a 55 Ford he built with help from Charles and Gary Eddleman. Due to the fact that he soon learned the car would not be competitive, he only raced the car for one season. The second car he built was a Chevrolet frame with a 48 Chevrolet body and an in-line 261 Chevrolet six cylinder engine. That engine got destroyed before they ever made it to the race track and he abandoned that project. Then he teamed up with Leon Brown driving his 32 Chevrolet coupe for several seasons at the Heart O' Texas Speedway. After that, they built a 33 Chevrolet Sedan which they raced at the Heart O' Texas Speedway, Temple, Killeen, and other local tracks. They ran this car for several years winning a lot of races then he teamed up with Ed Freeman. They built a V-8 Chevrolet and won a lot of races with the car and a championship at Heart O' Texas Speedway. The next person he teamed up with was Vernon Holder. They had only run a few races when the car got totaled. Don Chadwick built them a new car in one week and they were ready to race the following Friday night. They won a lot of races with this car at the Heart O' Texas Speedway and a lot of other tracks plus a championship at Cowtown Speedway. After retiring from driving on a regular basis, he built an Enduro car and raced it when there were Enduro races. He was then injured in a racing incident, breaking seven ribs and other injuries so he decided to end his driving career. He later built a mini-stock for his wife Marsha to drive. They raced this car for several years and did very well.

His most memorable event in his racing career was winning 5 out of 6 trophy dashes at the Cowtown Speedway. He will go down in racing history not only as a great driver but a great representative of the sport.

GENE CHAPMAN

Gene Chapman's family had been involved in car racing since the Suicide Bowl opened in 1946, either as sponsors or participants. One thing that could have had a direct impact on this inductee's decision to get involved in car racing was that his brother owned and operated a garage directly across the street from his and his wife's produce business on Elm Street. his brother owned a Coupe powered by a Red Ram Dodge engine which he was racing at the Suicide Bowl drive sometime by Horace Richey and other times by Ted Jones. Also, Gordon Woolley had a shop down the street where a lot of hot rodders would hang out and often visited the store for refreshments and were always talking about car racing. The story has been told that his brother wouldn't even let him sit in his car out of concern that he might want to start driving a race car. However, this strategy did not work.

He purchased a 6-cylinder Coupe from Grover Culverhouse and blew the engine the first night out. However, he got Pete LaPoint to build him a new engine and he was back on the track the next week. He ran this car several years with good success. Next, he purchased a 6-cylinder Coupe that Jack Bagby and Bud Jarosek had won a lot of races and championships with. Again, he had great success with this car. Later, he sold this car and purchased the V-8 Chevrolet that Jack Bagby and Bud Jarosek had won numerous championships with. He was also very successful with this car, winning a lot of races. The next car he purchased was a Sprint Car that Danny Randolph had been building but never completed. With help from James Goodnight and Tommy Burger he finished the car and named it the "Watermelon Special". Gordon Woolley drove this car at San Antonio and Navasota. Gene drove it some at local tracks.

Next, with the help of James Goodnight, he built a 55 Chevrolet with a 427 big block engine anda BMW body. This car was driven by Gordon Woolley winning races at Waco, Hillsoboro, many out of town tracks and the Modified Championship in 1976 at the Heart O' Texas Speedway.

Gene was a true racer at heart. He helped many struggling racers along the way so they could have the opportunity to race. Gene's name has been around car racing in Waco since the 1940's.

MARK McDANIEL

Mark McDaniel has been around racing his entire life. His dad owned a garage on North 19th Street in Waco for many years. He was always beside his dad helping out with a lot of racer's cars they would bring into his dad's shop for help. He started out at 5 years of age racing go-karts. He won 12 local track titles, 22 state championships and 6 national titles. When he became of age he started driving cars that he and and his father had built. They finished 2nd in points 15 times at 4 different tracks. He finished in the top 5 every year that they raced at the Heart O' Texas Speedway. He finished 2nd in Nascar points in the late 80's driving late models.

In 2003 in the SIMS class they won the track championship at the Heart O' Texas Speedway and tied for first in national points. In the Sport Mod Class, they finished 3rd, 5th, 6th, 6th, and 8th five years in a row. Driving for his dad, they won a total of 96 features in Pro- Stock, Sport Mods, and late models.

After retiring from driving in 2012, he continued to help others. He helped Dean Abbey in winning two National Southern Sport Mod Championships. He also helped Steve Wade and Wade White and many others that needed his help. He wants to thank his dad for everything he did to help him with his racing career.

2017 Inductees

2017 saw five additional members enshrined into the wall of fame. Scroll down to read their contributions and accomplishments.

Mike Knowles

This inductee is the grandson and son of the historic Knowles family that owned and operated the first Harley Davidson Motorcycle Dealership in Waco, Texas. They were well know for their commitment for racing what they sold. This Inductee got his start racing motorcycles for the family business at the age of 12. In 1965 he mad a change from motorcycles to cars. He drove a car owned and built by Wall of Fame car owner/builder Tom Daniel. He later drove cars for H&H Auto Supply of Lacey Lakeview. He drove cars owned by Wall of Fame builder Joe Smith and also drove for Ray Eskey, Charlie Lynch, Billy Pago, Glen Wilson, Wall of Fame Car owner/builder Leon Wilson and the legendary Wall of Fame car owner/builder Jack Bagby plus many of his own cars.

He was always competitive and won many races driving these cars. He drove modifieds, wing modifieds, super modifieds, late models and sprint cars. All total, this inductee has raced motorcycles and cars for sixty years.

Eddie Thompson

This inductee start his racing career in 1970 racing a 1965 Chevrolet powered by a 6 cylinder Chevrolet engine. The first night out he quickly found out a 6 cylinder was no match for the V-8's. He start on the front row of a 24 car filed and came in last. He ran this car 3 additional times with no results. In 1971, he came back with a V-8 Chevrolet powered car and came in 2nd in points for that season. In 1972 he came back with the same car and won the points championship. From 1973 to 78 he moved from the Stock Car Class to the Modified Class. He won a lot of heat races and some feature races but never could achieve a championship. In 1978 he made a decision to step back from the Modified Class to the Stock Car class and stayed in the Stock Car Class throughout the rest of his career. One of his fondest memories was winning the Texas Gold Shootout, out dueling a 24 car field. Another one was winning a $1,000 main event race which started with a 38 car field with the top 24 cars starting the event. He lapped the entire field driving his Plymouth Roadrunner. Another fond memory was winning an IMCA Stock Car Feature on the July 4th Race at Heart O' Texas Speedway. The fondest memory of all was winning an IMCA Southern Sport Mod Feature at HEart O' Texas Speedway, beating his son-in-law Sam Sovey.

In his career, he won 5 Heart O' Texas Speedway championships, 1 Bellmead Speedway championship, and 1 stock car championship on asphalt at Houston Raceway Park. He estimates he has won over 200 feature wins. The most important thing to him in his career is that heas had over 30 different drivers that have driven one of his cars.

Charles "Chubby" Harless

Charles "Chubby" Harless became interested in Stock Car Racing at an early age. His family lived close tot he Suicide Bowl which was located near Lake Waco. Charles would ride his horse to the track along the back fence where he could get a free glimpse of the racing action because he did not have the money to get in. When the track was relocated to the original Heart O' Texas Speedway on Lincoln City Road completely on the opposite side of the city, he would hitch a ride with his uncle who worked at the track for the track owner and promoter Harold McCain. His uncle helped him get a job with Harold parking cars. As soon as his parking duties were completed, he would head directly to the pit area to learn all he could about racing from such names as George Green, Harvey Cox, Bill White, Jack Bagby, J.T. Carpenter and others.

He later met up with Bill Poteet, owner and driver of the yellow #23. Bill took Charles under his wing and they had a lasting friendship and respect for each other. Charles became a pit crew member on Bill's car. In 1970, they partnered to build Charles his first hobby car, the yellow #23. The following year, Charles built his own car, the blue #70 and went in partners on the bule modified #27 driven by Bobby Harms. As owner of the blue #70, he was very competitive always going for the win. He won a lot of races driving that car. He won the Texas Championship race in Navasota, and a championship at Heart O' Texas Speedway.

Charles worked a full time job at the Brazos Electric Co=op but in order to support his racing, he worked late nights, weekends, and holidays doing mechanic work. In 1982, he left Brazos Electric Co-op and started his own automotive repair shop. This allowed him the time to work on a lot of the racer's race cars. During the years he had man racing experiences at other tracks but Heart O' Texas Speedway was always home.

Thanks go out to many, including Charles and Michael Smith, Harold and Peggy McCain, Charles Derrick, Gene Adamcik and all of the fans and sponsors who supported racing for our family. Also Keith and Terri, Shannon and Brandon and I thank everyone fro honoring him in this manner.

Warren Harcrow

This inductee has been a fixture around the Heart O' Texas Speedway for many years. He has been a driver, driving many cars he owned and built. He has also driven cars built and owned by others. He was very competitive as a driver winning many heat and feature events. He has driven Hobby Cars, Stock Cars, Wing Modifieds and other classes of cars. He has helped many young drivers get their start in racing. He has built cars for his sons, his wife and other family members. He still supports racing, helping others when he can. He still attends most racing events at the speedway.

Lee Harris

This inductee got his start in car racing helping Henry Witt Jr. with his race team. He helped on Henry's crew when Henry won the NCRA Late Model Series Rookie of the Year award in 1988. He also helped Paul White when Paul won the NASCAR Winston Racing Championship. He was the crew chief on his Wall of Fame father-in-law Leon Wilson's team with such great drivers as Wall of Fame driver Bobby Harms, and Greg Paplicek and other great drivers Paul White and Billy Suggs. In 1994 he stepped away from being the crew chief to being a driver and start driving his father-in-law's #17 Wing Modified. He was a reckoning force right out of the box always running up front and even winning races without any previous experience in any class of cars. He and Leon won numerous races together including one All American Championship Race. He drove his last race in a Southern Sport Mod in 2003 with car owner Tracy Witt Jr. They only ran a total of 11 races in which he won two features. He later helped Tracy Witt Jr. put a Southern Sport Mod team together with Keith White as driver winning a number of championships and a national championship. He later started helping Cox and Green Racing, helping Keith Green, son Kevin and T.J. While as a crew chief he won the Nascar Gold Wrench Award in 1990., 1991, and 1992. His driving career was cut short when he lost his father-in-law Leon Wilson to cancer. He will always be remembered as a young driver who achieved a lot in racing in a short period of time without any previous driving experience and was well on his way to being one of the all time greats.

2018 Inductees

2018 saw five additional members enshrined into the Wall of Fame. Scroll down to read their contributions and accomplishments.

David Dulock

This inductee started his racing career in the late 1970's in the street stock class with his cousin Gaylon Dulock. He later teamed up with Gene Jupe in the Jupe Trucking racing family. Gene furnished him working space and his knowledge. Tom Daniels played an important role in the engine department. He also received valuable help from Greg Pavilicek and Jr. Ingram. In 1987, his #88 race car won the Winston Racing Series Championship at the speedway.

That same year he became the only driver representing Heart O' Texas Speedway that placed in the top ten in points in the Sunbelt Regional Series, finishing 6th. He placed second in points in 1988 and 1989 at Heart O' Texas Speedway. He also had many wins racing for the Armadillo Racing Team in Gatesville, Texas. In his career, he drove street stock cars, pro-stock, hot stock, sport mods, late models, and wing modifieds.

One of his most memorable moments was finishing ahead of the the "big money" with a car he had built from the ground up.

He would like to thank all of his family, friends and fans that supported him throughout his career.

Buddy Gunter

This inductee started his racing career in 1960 at the Heart O' Texas Speedway. He had the honor of getting to compete with the biggest names in the history of Heart O' Texas Speedway: Gordon Woolley, Bill White, Joe Sturdivant, J.T. Carpenter, Bud Jarosek and many others. He won numerous features and many 2nd and 3rd 's and trophy dashes competing against the greatest drivers of all time. He raced in both stock and modified classes. He raced all over the central Texas area and Louisiana, Temple, Belton, Killeen, Cowtown, Kennedale, Devil's Bowl, Crandal, Benbrook, Peoria, Bryan and Navasota. He would nearly always run in the top five.

He is proud of the fact that he designed and built the first power steering to run on a modified car. He is also proud that he never cheated to win or intentionally put someone out to win. He won a 250 lap Enduro Race at the age of 64, leading 225 laps. He ran his last and final race at 74 years of age at the Bellmead Speedway, finishing 3rd. He states his racing years were the happiest times of his life. He cherishes the privilege of getting to compete with the best of the best. He wants to thank everyone for giving him the honor to be selected as one of the inductees on the Heart O' Texas Speedway Wall of Fame.

Charles Rhodes

This inductee became interested in racing at an early age, attending races at the old Suicide Bowl Track which was located near Lake Waco. He really became involved when the original Heart O' Texas Speedway was opened near Lincoln City helping numerous drivers build and maintain their cars. He became much more active when the current Heart O' Texas Speedway was opened and helped build and maintain cars driven by Lee Rhodes who raced in the modified class for a number of years. He was also involved with the Roddy Scott team that raced in the hot stock division. He also helped Chris Cogburn in the sport mods and Robert Black in the sport mods. Helping Robert Black, they won the 2008 and 2009 sport mod championships. In 2010 they switched to the modified division where Robert Black was up for Rookie of the Year Award and won the track championship at 85 Speedway. Shortly after, he teamed up with Justin Radcliff and they finished second in points their first year together at the Heart O' Texas Speedway. They have always finished in the top five in points. This team is always a top contender each and every Friday night at the Heart O' Texas Speedway.

Along the way, this man has helped many young drivers with his knowledge and financial support that no one has even known about. He is a prime example of what the sport should be all about.

Harry Bishnow

This inductee began his racing career in 1960 at the Heart O' Texas Speedway Lincoln City Track. He raced cars he owned and built in both Hobby Stock and Stock Classes. He was always competitive winning many features and heat races.

He later stepped out of the driver's seat and became the head machinist and race engine builder for bounds automotive. He built engines for several winning teams. He later became the head mechanic for the Ewing Racing Team. Together they won many races and several championships.

When his sons Brandon and Bryan became of age, he built each of them competitive race cars winning many races and some championships. He actively maintained their cars with much success until his untimely death in 2001. His grandson Chayson carried on his legacy driving a race car for a while.

He will always be remembered as a man that loved the sport, willing to help others and who stood by his sons through thick and thin.

Woody Sturdivant

This inductee got his start in racing as a drag racer. He and his brother Joe raced a '51 Studebaker at the old Lake Waco Drag Strip located near Lake Waco. They also raced it at the Little River Drag Strip near Temple and the Caddo MIlls Drag Strip located near Dallas and other surrounding tracks. He switched to dirt track racing when his brother Joe started driving cars at the Heart O' Texas Speedway. He helped build and work on nearly every team that his brother Joe was involved with and he became known as one of the best crew chiefs in dirt track racing. He tried his hand as a driver, building a 1956 Ford but quickly decided he would rather be a crew chief than a driver. He was heavily involved in building and maintaining several cars owned by his brother Joe and himself. They even built one asphalt car that they raced at Texas World Speedway in Bryan, Texas. He was a huge part of his brother Joe becoming one of the best drivers of all time and an inductee on the Heart O' Texas Speedway Wall of Fame.

2019 Inductees

2019 saw five additional members enshrined into the Wall of Fame. Scroll down to read their contributions and accomplishments.

Keith Green

This inductee started his racing career as a motorcycle racer. He raced a number of years across the State of Texas and beyond. After a number of years, he made the decision to make the transition to racing cars. His first car was a Hobby Stock. He teamed up with Charles Golden and Row Ewing, each sharing the driving duties. After a short time, his father George purchased a winning modified car from the legendary car builder Jack Bagby. This decision resulted in a huge controversy among many. It didtn't take long however to quieten the doubters. He became competitive right out of the box. It wasn't long before he became one of the ones to beat. Later, he teamed up with Harvey Cox and formed Cox and Green Racing. This team became a dominant force in every class they ran. He competed in stock cars, late models, IMCA Sport Mod, Wing Modifieds and IMCA Modifieds. He won championship and races in most all of the classes he competed in. There many who believe he has probably won more championships and races than any driver in the history of the Heart O' Texas Speedway. He is truly a legend that will never be forgotten.

Paul White

This inductee started his racing career at a young age, following in the footsteps of his legendary father Bill. He started out driving cars built by himself and his father. He came into dominance racing at the Heart O' Texas Speedway when he teamed up and started driving a car owned by Wall of Fame driver Joe Sturdivant. Driving Joe's car at the Heart O' Texas Speedway, he won championships in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996. He also won the Sunbelt Regional Championship in 1989 and 1995. He also won the Texas All-Star Modified Championship in 1991 and 1994. Driving his own car, he won the 2001 Silver Crown Championship. He also, for a brief time, drove a truck in the Nascar Craftsman Truck Series. In his career, he has won championships driving Stock Cars, Wing Modifieds, Sprint Cars, Midgets, and Silver Crown Cars. he still enjoys driving his own Wingless Sprint Car and competing in the Chili Bowl Midget races each year. He will always be remembered as being one of the best that has ever competed at the Heart O' Texas Speedway.

Keith White

This inductee started his racing career at a young age following in the footsteps of his father Bill and big brother Paul. He drove cars in Hobby Stock, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, and IMCA Modifieds. Sometimes he drove in as many as three IMCA Classes in the same night. He won national championships in both IMCA Sport Mods and IMCA Modifieds in a row which resulted in IMCA implementing a rule in which drivers could not compete in those two IMCA Classes in the same night. He won championships and many races at the Heart O' Texas Speedway and other tracks. He is the only driver in IMCA History that has won National Championship in IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars and IMCA Modifieds. He has cut back on his racing the last few years to enable him to spend more time with his talented children in their sporting events. He is considered on of the best that has ever driven at the Heart O' Texas Speedway.

Sid "The Kid" Kiphen

This inductee started his racing career in the early 80's, A career that has lasted 30 plus years. In his career, his wins include 10 track championships, and over 180 feature wins and several Fall Classic Wins. His wins were in Street Stock, Hot Stock, Mini Stock, SIMS Limited Modified and IMCA Sport Mods. His favorite memories include making friends and rivalries at the race track, spending time in his shop and at the race track with family and friends, friendly competition involving winning and loosing and receiving unsolicited driving instructions as a rookie from veteran drivers. Also, getting to race with is brother before he passed and racing veteran drivers that he admired, coming from a lap down and winning a street stock race at Heart O' Texas Speedway, watching old race videos with his good friend Roy Ewing, cheering each other on because they forgot who won.

Doug Andrews

This inductee started his racing career in the late 80's. A career that has lasted over 30 years. He has competed in the Hot Stock, Street Stock, Pure Stock and Factory Stock classes. At first, he built and maintained his own cars. After a while he started picking up some help along the way. His career really accelerated when he teamed up with Leon Brown and Joe Smith. Together, they won may championships and over 150 feature wins. His favorite car was one named Cash Register. With this car, he won championships from 1995 to 2003. He won 4 Fall Classic events.

His favorite memory was on April 9, 1998 when he won both Hot Stock and Street Stock events on the same night. He will always be remembered as a hard charger who did it the right way.

2020 Inductees

2020 saw five additional members enshrined into the Wall of Fame. Scroll down to read their contributions and accomplishments.

Shela Tidwell

This inductee got her start in racing in the late 60's by working with her husband Bob who was involved with Sammy Reed and the Reed Racing Team. She also worked as a judge at the Heart O' Texas Speedway and Hillsboro Speedway and later purchased a stock car from Johnny Garrett to enable her to be eligible to race in the Powder Puff Races. She helped Johnny with his car while continuing to drive. She raced in most all Powder Puff Events, finishing second in points in 1972 and then started driving the blue number 15 with the boys in the Stock Class full time. She later purchased a championship winning Coupe from Eldon Dodson and moved to the Modified class. She raced at the Heart O' Texas Speedway on a regular basis until the Heart O' Texas Speedway no longer allowed big block engines and then started racing at Dallas/Fort Worth, finishing fourth in points at the Thunderbird Speedway, 8th in points at the North Texas Racing Association. She then traded for an original Smiley Car built for Eldon Dodson and continued to race in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and the North Texas Racing Association at Devils Bowl Speedway. She also raced at Boothill Speedway in Shreveport, Wichita Falls and others, returning to race at the Heart O' Texas Speedway whenever possible until retirement in 1986.

Her best memories include being able to be a part of her husband Bob's hobby. All the encouragement from so many friends and being able to race with the boys and treated not as a woman driving a racecar but just another person with a passion to race.

Her favorite moment in racing is when her husband Bob was inducted in 2008 into the Heart O' Texas Speedway Wall of Fame.

Steve Daniel

This inductee started his racing career in 1976 driving for the well known Daniel Shadetree Engineering Racing Team. This team has been involved in Waco, Texas racing since 1954. He has driven in the Hobby Stock, Hot Stock, Late Model and Wing Modified divisions. He has won countless numbers of heat races, trophy dashes and features. He always managed to be in at least the top five in points almost every year.

In 1982 he finished in the top ten in a State Modified Championship Race at Devil's Bowl Speedway. He finished in the top five in the Nascar Winston Cup Championship Series. He drove for fifteen years for his legendary father Tom Daniel. He also drove for Archie McDugal and Warren Coon.

He has competed at the Heart O' Texas Speedway, Bellmead Speedway, Hillsboro Speedway, Cowtown Speedway, Buffalo Park Speedway, Superbowl Speedway, Killeen Speedway, Big H Speedway, Sports Dome Speedway, Crandall Speedway, I-20 Speedway and Devil's Bowl Speedway.

He is most proud of being the third member of the Daniel family racing team to be inducted on the Wall of Fame with his dad Tom and is brother Chuck. He is equally proud of his sister Patty for winning many Powder Puff Championships. He is als proud of his nephew Cody that continues the family tradition at the Heart O' Texas Speedway.

David Granger

This inductee started his racing career in the early 70's at the Heart O' Texas Speedway. He raced in Hobby Stock, Stock and Modified Classes. He also won a stock car championship around 1973. He accomplished a lot in a short period of time.

Once when he bent his frame on his race car, he himself with help from Rick Byrd and Rick Byrd's brother built a new car in a relatively short amount of time in David's backyard. When David started racing in the modified class, he received help from Byron McDaniel with building his engines.

David's sponsors were Pierce Crook Company and McDaniels Garage. David was the original driver and car owner who ran the number "0" and named the car the Rolling Donut. David accomplished a lot in a short period of time with raw talent and very little funding. Unfortunately, his career and life was taken when a vehicle he was working on fell and took his life.

Gone but not forgotten.

David Andrews

This inductee started his racing career in 1984; a career that lasted 28 years. He retired from racing at the end of the 2012 due to medical reasons. He still remains a loyal fan, attending races whenever possible in support of his son Greg.

In his career he won many features and hundreds of heat races, (including two King of the Hill Championships). He also raced at Bellmead Speedway, Cowtown Speedway, 85 Speedway, Ennes Speedway, Thunderbird Speedway and Crandall Speedway. He also drove cars owned by Leon Brown, Archie McDugal, Scott Stroble and Shannon Bueler. Some individuals that helped him in different ways were Steve Manchen, Joe Smith, Matt Hood, Nick Brazil, and his son Gred.

This inductee and his family were one of the most loyal and dedicated racing families that we have ever had at the Heart O' Texas Speedway. They made huge sacrifices in order to pursue the hobby that they loved.

Robert Black

This inductee is a member of the well-known Rocky Black and family racing team. He raced for over twenty years, won over forty features, at least seventy-five or more heat races and several championships.

He raced at Heart O' Texas Speedway and at Forrest Hill Speedway in Louisiana where he set a track record. He raced in Street Stock, Pro Stock, HOT Stock, Modified and Sprint Cars.

On many occasions he raced in as many as three classes on the same night. He said he had a lot of fun but it sure was a lot of work. He is especially proud of his uncle Rocky for already being inducted on the Heart O' Texas Speedway Wall of Fame.

He wants to give a big thanks to Uncle Rocky and Aunt Billie for all the time and funding they provided to help him in his racing career and his life. Without them, none of this would have been possible he said. He is a proud member of the Rock Black Family Racing Team.

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