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12-05-2017, 09:57 PM | #1 |
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Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame
Last year, a racer and fan from Arkansas named Bear Brantley helped start the Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame. To be nominated, information regarding the racer's history and accomplishments must be submitted for review by the selection committee. There are only 5 racers selected each year, so I'm sure the selection committee has had a difficult time narrowing the list to that number in each of the first two years. It is amazing how many great racers are from this state. I know that some of the names are more locally know than others, but I bet that many of you will recognize at least some of these guys.
The 2017 HOF class includes: - Dwight Southerland - Robert S. "Bob" Ayres - Dwight Cox - Ray Sullins - Mike Heim The 2016 HOF class includes: - Dennis Oliver - Jack Mullins - S. E. Buchanan - Bill "Maverick" Golden - Joe Ralph Thompson The HOF is kept at The Speed Shop in Little Rock, which is owned and operated by Steve Haynes and Leonard Lamia. If you are ever in the area (located right off of I-40 at the Crystal Hill exit), stop by and check it out. There's a lot of history there, including pictures, trophies, and even the SS/C Corvette that Dwight Southerland used to drive. Congratulations to all of these guys. There is a long list of accomplishments (and a whole lot of Wallys) among these racers! Dean |
12-05-2017, 10:45 PM | #2 |
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Re: Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame
Congrats to all. Some great racers there.
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12-06-2017, 11:45 AM | #3 |
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Re: Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame
Jack Mullins was one of my first Pontiac heroes, and the first one I saw race, in Jackson, MS, in '75 I think.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/8649...8337614520901/ http://www.hotrod.com/articles/0212hpp-pontiac-history/ Also, the name S.E. Buchanan sounded very familiar. So, I looked him up. This article says that he won his first race with a '69 CJ Mustang, at Haynesville, LA, in '75. We also ran our E/SA '68 Firebird at Haynesville that year. So, it's very possible that we were there the day he won that race. And that info is correct. Stock paid $75 to win. I think we still have a copy of a winners check to prove it. The Haynesville track was just a small rural airport runway. We had to stop racing occasionally, to let a small plane land or take off. The 2nd pic below is at Haynesville in '78, showing my bracket car(same car as the Stocker in my avatar pic), the portable timing trailer, and the front of another car, who's owner later became my trans guy. Brings back a lot of memories. https://www.facebook.com/groups/8649...4485710239424/ Last edited by oldskool; 12-07-2017 at 10:12 PM. |
12-06-2017, 11:50 AM | #4 |
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Re: Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame
Some really good racers, and really good guys listed there.
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Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA |
12-07-2017, 11:39 AM | #5 |
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Re: Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame
My wife and I were at the awards banquet last sat night and really had a good time. A lot of interesting and Funny stories were shared. Dwight Cox did admit that his cars were never legal... LOL (as a joke of course) These racers paved the way of racing in Arkansas. They were all dedicated and have interesting stories about their involvement.
Got to give credit to Bear(Ronnie), Dwight, Steve and Leonard for getting the ball rolling on The Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame.
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Adger Smith (Former SS) |
12-07-2017, 02:12 PM | #6 |
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Re: Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame
What a list of drivers! Congrats to this year's inductees!
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12-07-2017, 09:43 PM | #7 |
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Re: Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame
Does anybody know how Jack Mullins is? Still with us?
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Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA |
12-07-2017, 10:14 PM | #8 |
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Re: Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame
Didn't see Jim Hale on the list?
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Gary Hansen - SS/FA 4911, B/SA 4911 |
12-08-2017, 04:58 AM | #9 |
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Re: Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame
Ed Wright.
Jack was sitting at the table with Dwight Cox. Looked good and was talking and telling stories.
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Adger Smith (Former SS) |
12-08-2017, 10:08 AM | #10 | |
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Re: Arkansas Drag Racers Hall of Fame
Quote:
If Jim Hale is not on their list, something is very wrong.
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Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA |
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