Our History
The beginning
Over 20 years ago, C.J. Rayburn's daughter, Eva, suggested an idea that spawned a vision in the mind of well-known racing writer and journalist, Bill Holder. The idea was to create a Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, and in 1999 it finally happened. Bill and his wife, Ruthann, got to work, early on enlisting the help of Mike Kartzer. Even the greatest ideas require a very supportive cast to bring to fruition, and the Hall was no different. As the Hall of Fame progressed, several key dirt personalities willingly offered help and suggestions.
Holder first found that help from Jim Klette, Todd Lefever, and Bob Markos. But undoubtedly, the biggest help came from the King family of Jerry and Mona, and their son Josh. The King's own and operate the Florence Speedway in northern Kentucky. In 2001, the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame became a 501-c3 non-profit organization. In 2003, a 2,500 sf building was open to the public on race days.
In 2015, Gerald Newton, who served and supported the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in many ways, was asked to serve as President of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame. Gerald Newton, who serves as Exec Vice Pres of Operations at ARIZONA SPORT SHIRTS, INC is excited about leading, expanding, and growing the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame.
