KNOXVILLE, Iowa – After waiting two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 31st National Sprint Car Hall of Fame induction banquet was held June 5.
The group of inductees included Bill Cummings, Paul Leffler, L. Spencer Riggs, Tim Shaffer, Greg Hodnett, Jeff Swindell, Don Lamberti and Walt Dyer.
Pre 1945 driver Bill Cummings was represented by his great niece Jen Aiken and her brother, Andy, who accepted Cummings’ induction on his behalf. Leffler, the legendary owner, builder and mechanic had his son, Greg Leffler, on hand to accept his induction plaque and talk about his father.
Riggs, the Open Wheel Magazine writer and author of “Langhorne! No Man’s Land” was accompanied by his family as he accepted his induction. Drivers, Shaffer and Swindell were on hand with their families to accept their inductions and race at Knoxville Raceway that evening after the banquet had concluded.
Prominent car owner Dyer was on hand with his family and inductee Lance Dewease, as he accepted his induction plaque. Sherry Hodnett was accompanied by her family and a large PA Posse following to accept for her late husband Hodnett. Lamberti, the long-time car-owner, sponsor and sprint car supporter, received a standing ovation as he was inducted for his long-time support of sprint car racing.
Dave Argabright and Pat Sullivan, both National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductees in their own right, emceed the induction ceremonies, detailing the careers and accomplishments of each new inductee, and their contributions to sprint car racing.
Brenda Brown received the President’s Award from current Board Chairman Bob Myers, who thanked Brown for her many years of service to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum’s museum store.
It was announced that the 32nd National Sprint Car Hall of Fame induction banquet will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, in Knoxville, Iowa.
DVD copies of this year’s 31st National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Induction banquet will be available for sale in two weeks by contacting the museum store at 641-842-6176.