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HISTORY OF |
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THE NATIONAL DIRT LATE MODEL HALL OF FAME |
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The history of dirt Late Model racing can be traced back to
the origins of the automobile and competitive auto racing itself. However,
what is viewed in today’s terms of a “dirt Late Model” has grown, flourished
and evolved substantially over the decades. Today, the evolution of dirt
Late Model racing as it has become today began to form around 1965 when
technology in the sport had its birth. |
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By 1967 this particular form of
motorsports had begun to attract more and more competitors and race fans
which then resulted in higher paying, higher-profile racing events. By 1971
promoter Earl Baltes produced his first WORLD 100 dirt Late Model race that
paid the winner the then-unheard of sum of $4,000 to win. Today, the race
has become commonly known as the “granddaddy of all dirt Late Model races”
and annually attracts in excess of 200 race teams and over 30,000 race fans.
In 2002 the WORLD 100 paid winner Brian Birkhofer of Iowa $34,000. |
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Since 1971 several sanctioning
groups have formed and produce high-profile major racing events all across
the United States in front of full grandstands with race teams utilizing
state-of-the-art equipment. Today’s ultra-modern dirt Late Models are
“factory” produced and can cost a team nearly $100,000 to assemble a car,
motor and other necessary equipment. |
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Since the 1960’s, when dirt Late
Model racing usually paid $200-400 to win a main event, today it is not
unusual to attend sanctioned races that pay $15,000, $20,000, $30,000,
$50,000 and $100,000 to win. In 2001 there was even a MILLION DOLLAR TO WIN
dirt Late Model race at Eldora Speedway. |
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Today dirt Late Model racing, in
the world of short track racing, holds an esteemed position in terms of
teams that compete, racetrack facilities that host the events and the untold
thousands of race fans that attend weekly. It is now televised on television
and has a major presence in every major auto racing trade publication as
well as some mainstream outlets. |
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Dirt Late Model racing
has grown and expanded on such a broad base that even internationally known
NASCAR Winston Cup drivers compete occasionally in dirt Late Model events
across the country, so exciting, competitive and accepted has the sport
become. |
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Dirt Late Model
fans, drivers, promoters, car owners, sanction officials and sponsors have
asked for years: Why isn’t there a National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame?
Nearly every other form of motorsports has one, some have multiple ones. But
none for dirt Late Model racing. |
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Until now.
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During 2001
while conversing with a group of people involved in the sport, longtime
motorsports journalist Bill Holder poised the question once again. And soon
found himself with a new mission: the all-new National Dirt Late Model Hall
of Fame. It is now a reality and the first induction ceremony took place
later in August at Florence Speedway during their annual NORTH-SOUTH 100. |
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“It came about
by just a lot of people saying, ‘how come the Sprints and Midgets have a
Hall of Fame and the dirt Late Models, which obviously have ten times more
cars, doesn’t have one?’” explained Bill Holder. “I got to talking with CJ
(Rayburn) and them and everyone was standing there and looked at me and
said, ‘why don’t you do it?’ (laughs).” |
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“I’m retired now
and not doing anything except racing so I got together with a voting board
which consists of media, sanctioning body heads, promoters, engine builders
and car builders. We decided there would be five active drivers with at
least 15 years experience. Five retired drivers who have been retired at
least five years. And then five major contributors to the sport. The ballots
and voting was completed a couple weeks ago.” |
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“The induction ceremonies are emceed by Bret Emrick and Ozzie
Altman,” offered Holder. “Jerry King (Florence promoter) has been very
cooperative with us on this. We think it will be an ideal time and place
since everyone will be there. We’re looking forward to having a really good
deal.” |
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“We’re a 501C3,
non-profit organization,” said Holder. “There is no money involved in this.
It is strictly volunteer. We have 30 members on the voting board. The guys
that got the most votes who did not get elected will be written in next year
as the top candidates. Everything is suggestion, though.” |
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CONSTITUTION
OF |
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THE NATIONAL DIRT LATE MODEL HALL OF FAME |
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