Texhoma Racers Reunion & Hall of Fame

02/08/2025

Dear Racing Community,
Do you know a driver who’s left fans on the edge of their seats? An owner whose dedication turned a local track into a legend? A mechanic whose expertise pushed a team to the podium? A media member who told our racing stories for the world to hear or shared pictures for the world to see? A track owner who gave us the stage for history in the making? A sponsor who helped fuel every thrilling lap?
The Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame is calling for nominations—and we want your story! Racing isn’t just about the checkered flag; it’s about the passion, perseverance, and people behind every roar of the engine. We’re seeking submissions from every corner of motorsport—drivers, owners, mechanics, media, track owners, and sponsors who shaped Texhoma’s racing legacy.
By submitting a bio (for someone you believe deserves recognition), you’re helping us preserve a legacy of champions and pioneers who made Texhoma racing unforgettable. Induction into the Hall of Fame means celebrating the very best that this sport has to offer—those who have transcended race results to embody the spirit of Texhoma motorsports.
Here’s what we need from you: See examples in the attached photos.
• A brief cover memo
• A brief one-page biography highlighting key milestones and achievements
Don’t let a worthy legacy remain untold. Shine a spotlight on a racing hero in your community. Submit your Hall of Fame bio today and help us honor the people who’ve shaped the track, the stands, and every corner in between.
Together, let’s celebrate the men and women who took the wheel—and all those who helped them reach the finish line.
Thank you for your support and look forward to receiving your recommendation!
Recommendations are due 1 March 2025.

Racing On,
Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame

12/30/2024

As we gather with family and friends over the holidays, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the individuals who’ve made a lasting impact on the racing world. 🏁✨
Take a moment to think about someone who deserves recognition in the Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame. Whether it’s a racer, mechanic, promoter, sponsor, or media member, now’s your chance to share their story with us!
How to Submit a Nomination for the Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame 🚨
📅 Submission Deadline: March 1
Want to honor someone in the Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame? Here's how:
1️⃣ Submit by USPS Mail or email, a Biography & Cover Memo:
Send a one-page typed biography and cover memo by March 1 to:
📬 Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame
P.O. Box 3520
Lawton, OK 73502
📧 Email: [email protected]
2️⃣ Biography Requirements:
✅ Typed, one page (8.5" x 11").
✅ Clearly state the person’s name at the top.
❌ No self-nominations, endorsements, or photos.
🗂 Biographies remain valid for 5 years.
3️⃣ Cover Memo Details:
Include your name, relationship to the nominee, and the date of submission.
4️⃣ Submission Rules:
📩 Biographies postmarked/emailed by March 1 will be reviewed for this year’s induction.
❗ Late submissions roll over to the following year.
5️⃣ Review Process:
✔ Only one biography per nominee will be accepted per year.
✔ A maximum of 12 inductees will be selected annually.
6️⃣ Important Notes:
⚠ Biographies are for informational purposes only and not endorsed by the Hall of Fame.
⚠ Incomplete, self-nominated, or inaccurate biographies may be rejected.
⚠ Biographies will be eligible for 5 years. Another bio must be submitted after that point.
💬 Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or here on Facebook!
🏁 Submit your nomination and help celebrate Texhoma’s racing legends! 🏁

11/23/2024

🚨 How to Submit a Nomination for the Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame 🚨

📅 Submission Deadline: March 1

Want to honor someone in the Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame? Here's how:

1️⃣ Submit by USPS Mail or email, a Biography & Cover Memo:
Send a one-page typed biography and cover memo by March 1 to:
📬 Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame
P.O. Box 3520
Lawton, OK 73502
📧 Email: [email protected]

2️⃣ Biography Requirements:
✅ Typed, one page (8.5" x 11").
✅ Clearly state the person’s name at the top.
❌ No self-nominations, endorsements, or photos.
🗂 Biographies remain valid for 5 years.

3️⃣ Cover Memo Details:
Include your name, relationship to the nominee, and the date of submission.

4️⃣ Submission Rules:
📩 Biographies postmarked/emailed by March 1 will be reviewed for this year’s induction.
❗ Late submissions roll over to the following year.

5️⃣ Review Process:
✔ Only one biography per nominee will be accepted per year.
✔ A maximum of 12 inductees will be selected annually.

6️⃣ Important Notes:
⚠ Biographies are for informational purposes only and not endorsed by the Hall of Fame.
⚠ Incomplete, self-nominated, or inaccurate biographies may be rejected.
⚠ Biographies will be eligible for 5 years. Another bio must be submitted after that point.

💬 Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or here on Facebook!

🏁 Submit your nomination and help celebrate Texhoma’s racing legends! 🏁

10/18/2024

The early history of dirt track racing in Wichita Falls

Part 1of2

Wanting to go fast in North Texas possibly began when a cowboy bet his horse was faster than the other cowboy’s horse. Since then, North Texans have gone fast on water, land, and air.
Focusing on land, Lake Wichita had possibly the first racetrack in Wichita Falls. Kemp and Kell developed the racetrack as one of the amusements to lure patrons to the lake. Lake Wichita later hosted sailing and powerboat racing.
In the 1920s, the Texas and Oklahoma Fair, located on the former Call Field location, presented horse racing and auto racing with vaudeville and circus acts. The races took place on a half-mile dirt track, well-oiled to hinder dust.
In 1939, a race track promoted by the TNT Motorcycle Club was located near Wichita Gardens. Called Westerleigh Hill, the track was also troubled by dust, and described as “heavily oiled.”
Speedrome of Wichita Falls opened in 1946. On the former location of American Refinery Co., the one-fifth-mile dirt track was developed by Abe Raben, Sid Goldwyn, Gerson Lapidius, and Morris Weil. The track featured a crash wall and the latest in safety devices. Located at approximately 1900 Sheppard Access Road (then called New Sheppard Field Highway), the track featured 2,500-capacity grandstands. After its opening in April 1946, buses left the corner of 9th and Indiana every 15 minutes on race day, carrying fans to the track. People such as Lloyd Ruby, Ralph Parkinson, and Roger Ward raced at the Speedrome.
On Saturday, October 19th at 3:00pm, a Texas Historical Commission maker honoring Lloyd Ruby will be dedicated on the 9th Street side of Harold Jones Park.

10/18/2024

The early history of dirt track racing in Wichita Falls

Part 2of2

As early as 1941, motorcycles raced on a track located on Jacksboro Highway. Races, sponsored by the Wichita Cycle Club, occurred on a “well-oiled” track to reduce the dust. A new race track located “one mile south of the Jacksboro City Y” advertised for forty stock cars and drivers to compete for big money prizes at the Wichita Speedway. Four thousand race fans attended events at the new track. The dirt track required “watering” to reduce the dust. Race fans often used their popcorn boxes to protect themselves from the clumps of mud thrown by the spinning tires of the stock cars.
One weekend of the month was given to women drivers for a powder puff derby. Popular driver, Yvonne Reck, wore a helmet that belonged to Lloyd Ruby. The races were 15 laps and lasted 10 to 15 minutes.
Ralph Parkinson dominated the track during the 60s. Other prominent racers included Joe Eastman, Eugene Hair, Hambone Herrell, and Buddy Lee Reasor. In 1967, the track was purchased by Lanny Edwards, who owned the Lawton stock car track. Races alternated between Wichita Falls on Friday night with Lawton races on Saturday.
Owners changed again in 1972 when Al Vergauwen, owner of Jace Auto Supply, purchased the track. Vergauwen promoted the track as family entertainment with events for children and teens.
This Saturday, a Texas Historical Marker honoring Lloyd Ruby will be dedicated at 3:00 pm at Harold Jones Park, 1400 9th Street.

09/30/2024

Congratulations to all the 2024 Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame inductees. Please continue to come out each year to support future inductees and enjoy the reunion with friends.

09/14/2024

Big shoutout to Brady Courtney for flying our logo this weekend. This is a tribute to some local racing legends that will be on the car at Elk City Motorsports Park tomorrow night.

09/07/2024

This is the good stuff!!! The Texhoma Racers Reunion & Hall of Fame would like to send out a huge thank you to Robert Ballou Motorsports for their donation to our silent auction benefiting Comanche County Memorial Hospital Children’s Starlight Fund

The video below shows a charitable organization in Indiana that Robert is a part of. They are a huge benefactor to Riley Kids.

09/02/2024

A limited number of New Decals will be available at the 2024 Texhoma Racers Reunion and Hall of Fame
4x8 - $5
2x4 - $3
All proceeds to benefit the Comanche County Memorial Hospital Charities Starlight Fund
September 28 10am-3:30pm
Comanche County Fairgrounds

09/02/2024

Mark your calendars for a day of fellowship and honoring the 2024 Texhoma Racers Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
$20 includes Lunch and the Ceremony.
Donations and proceeds to benefit the Comanche County Memorial Hospital Foundation Children's Starlight Fund.
See you at the Comanche County Fairgrounds
September 28
Don't You Dare Miss It!

08/19/2024

Please join us for this great day of car displays, socializing, catching up with old friends, and honoring some of the best from Texhoma. WE offer a wonderful meal at a great price. Contact Wayne Nichols for details.

08/04/2024

Anyone looking to donate as an individual or as a business please consider this great program. All proceeds go directly to the foundation. The Texhoma Racers Reunion & Hall of Fame continues to partner with the Comanche County Memorial Hospital Foundation Children’s Starlight Fund.
** All donors will have name or business listed on the event placemats for the Hall of Fame ceremony on 28 September at the Comanche County Fairgrounds in Lawton, OK.

Thanks ~ Jeff
https://www.ccmhgiving.com/about/

07/09/2024

07/07/2024

Car display and social interaction is from 10am - 1145am.

06/20/2024

Here’s a piece of history for the Ruby fans… Lloyd put it on them that day

On this date in 1967, Lloyd Ruby won the Langhorne 100 at Langhorne Speedway in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Driving Gene White's #25 American Red Ball Lotus-Ford, Ruby led 47 laps of the 100-lap USAC Championship Car Series race. Al Unser finished second in Al Retzloff's #5 Retzloff Chemical Lola-Ford, with Mario Andretti in Al Dean's #1 Dean Van Lines Brawner-Ford, Gordon Johncock in his #3 Gilmore Broadcasting Gerhardt-Ford, and AJ Foyt in the #14 Sheraton-Thompson Coyote-Ford rounding out the top five.

It was Ruby's second victory in 1967 and the fourth of his career.

Jerry Daniels, Frank Secrist, Jim Malloy, Ralph Ligouri, Al Smith, Jerry Grant, Al Loquasto, Don Thomas, and Gary Congdon would fail to qualify.

📸: Photographer Unknown