The biggest off-track gathering of the off-season for area racing fans is set for this Saturday, Jan. 29, with the 34th annual Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Reunion and Hall of Fame ceremony at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex in Springfield.

Lucas Oil Speedway and the Lucas Oil MLRA will have booths at the event, with information and schedules about the 2022 racing season available.

"This is always a great time for racing fans from all over the region to gather and talk racing, while honoring some of the greats from this area who contributed so much to the sport," Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Danny Lorton said of the annual reunion. "We want to invite everyone to stop by and see us at our booths and say hello and just talk racing."

Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. with lots of race cars (both modern day and vintage) plus memorabilia on display. An autograph session for the new Hall of Fame inductees is set for 3:30 p.m. with the induction ceremony starting at 5 p.m. Area track champions from 2021 are invited and will be recognized during the program.

Tickets are $15 in advance at participating area O'Reilly Auto Parts locations and $20 at the door. Kids 12-and-under are free and there will be games and activities for the youngsters.

New Hall of Fame inductees were announced in the fall of 2020, but the 2021 ceremony was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inductees in the "Legends" division for accomplishments as a driver are Bob Maggard, David Bates, Clint Henry and Ben Newell. The "Pioneer" division for those making contributions off the track is comprised of Bart Bates, Dean Hoover, Ronnie Arbuckle and Bruce and Debbie Handley.

There are 217 OARF Hall of Famers with their names carved into a 7,600-pound, three-piece granite monument that is on display outside the front entrance of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield. It's free for viewing, 365 days a year.

Lucas Oil Speedway has an open Test and Tune set for April 9 and another for April 16, followed by the "Easter Bowl 150" Enduro race on April 16 after that test and tune. The 9th annual Pitts Homes MLRA Spring Nationals are set for April 22-23. The Weekly Racing Series Spring Opener opener is set for April 30.

Season passes available: Admissions Director Nichole McMillan reminds all fans that Lucas Oil Speedway also is offering season passes for all events at the speedway in 2022. Those prices are:

Dirt track: Adults (ages 16-61) $500; Seniors (62 and over) $400.

All-Events: Adults (ages 16-61) $600; Seniors (62 and over) $500.

Each season pass holder is entitled to one reserved stadium-style seat, complete with high backs and armrests located in the top six rows of the main grandstand of the dirt track.

Fans who purchased Show-Me 100 three-day passes in 2021 are reminded that they have until Jan. 31 to renew and keep those seats for this year's event.

For ticket information for any future event at Lucas Oil Speedway, contact McMillan at (417) 295-6043 or via email at Nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com.

CONTACT:
Danny Lorton
Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager
Office: (417) 282-5984
DLorton@lucasoilspeedway.com

More From AM 1050 KSIS