New Texas Short Track Hall of Fame to make public debut on June 8

[PhilWhipple]

Hall to enshrine drivers, car owners and promoters who made an impact

AUSTIN, Texas (May 24, 2024) — A new chapter in Texas auto racing history will be written on Saturday, June 8, when the Texas Short Track Racing Hall of Fame makes its public debut at Rocket Raceway Park in Paris, Texas.

A special ceremony and unveiling of the new entity's logo will take place on the start-finish line during intermission, and will be shown Live on the popular video streaming service RaceOn.com.

Several members of the Hall’s founding group – which includes current media members, competitors, promoters and industry stakeholders – met on May 15, setting in motion plans to incorporate as a non-profit organization and elect officials. 

RaceOn.com staff writer and industry veteran Phil Whipple was elected President, with longtime racer Steve Sims, of Austin, selected as Secretary. Immediate goals for the new group are to establish bylaws and rules, then nominate and vote on the Texas Short Track Racing Hall of Fame's Class of 2024.

A date and location for the inaugural Induction Ceremony will be announced in the coming months.

Those to be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame include drivers, car owners and promoters from the early days of asphalt oval racing in Texas; along with drivers, car owners, series and track promoters from the now wildly-popular world of dirt track racing.

Plans are also in place to bring the annual RaceOn.com Promoter-of-the-Year and Driver-of-the-Year (Weekly and Touring Series) Awards, presented by the Revved Up Sports Show, under the Hall of Fame umbrella to be included in our annual induction ceremony.

“This organization is long overdue,” Whipple said. “The Lone Star State has a rich history of racing on the ovals. It's been gratifying to see the enthusiasm expressed for our new endeavor, now it's time to begin honoring the state's pioneers and legends. We're working to get this new project up to speed.”

Fans will have the opportunity to become a "Founding Supporter" of the Texas Short Track Racing Hall of Fame with a donation of $25. Supporters will receive a Limited Edition TSTRHoF decal and access to email newsletters. Details on how fans can do that online will be passed along shortly.

A Facebook page has been created to communicate with fans who share a passion for racing history in Texas. Keep an eye on it throughout the year as details are released regarding this new Hall of Fame.