The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame will be inducting eight new members on October 18, 2013, at the Fireman’s Hall in Lincoln, Nebr. This is the 16th class for the Hall which was created in 1998 to honor Nebraskans, both native and adopted, for their contributions to the sport of auto racing.
The eight newest associates in the Hall of Fame follows:
Stan Cisar, Jr., has had a long career as the voice of Sunset Speedway, I-80 Speedway and Eagle Raceway. He has announced for the World of Outlaws, World Dirt Racing League and many ASCS national and regional events. In addition, Stan is crew chief on the SCCA car of his son, Buddy.
Mike Daly, Omaha, already a championship winning drag racer, he really made his mark as an engine builder. Among the racers using Daly’s equipment were: Lou Cavaleri, Jr. and Sr., Dave Chase; Terry Fritch; the Kosiski’s (Bob, Joe, Steve and Ed); and Billy Moyer.
Guy Deulin, Bridgport, started his career in 1922, at a small fairgrounds track in Iowa, and quickly became one of the top race pilots in western Nebraska. Deulin moved, first to Oregon then to Los Angeles, where he became a regular at Legion Ascot as both a driver and owner.
Lawrence Hughes, Beatrice, also started his career in 1922, and became a regular on the fair circuit throughout the Midwest. He raced, and won, in both the open wheel and stock car divisions at many events.
Joe Kosiski, Omaha, was one of the all-time great late model racers to ever come out of the state. With 21 track titles; five Busch All-Star Tour championship; four NASCAR Regional titles and countless major race wins.
Eddie Rezac, Wahoo, started his drag racing career at Omaha Dragway and the Lincoln Airport in 1967… He has won more than 15 class championships at the Winter Nationals. U.S. Nationals and Sport Nationals.
Carson Smith, Lincoln, designed and engineered the winning car for Pikes Peak, with Robbie Unser driving, and set an open wheel record for the event; Smith also won the American Indy Car Series title with Unser, dominating the circuit in 1989.
David Thomssen, Lincoln, an expert on the Ford Flathead engine, Thomssen set numerous records on the Bonneville Salt Flats and drag racing with Ford’s little V8. Thomssen built the engine for “Big Daddy” Don Garlits’ Swamp Rat 33 salt flats racer, running 220mph in the measured mile.
The mission of the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is to perpetuate the memories of individuals who have brought lasting fame and positive recognition to the state of Nebraska through their achievements in the sport of auto racing. Requirements for selection are: an individual must have been a Nebraska resident for at least two years; retired from the activity for which they are being honored for at least four years; or, if still active, have reached the age of 55 and have been involved in the sport for a minimum of 30 years. Further, an individual must have made significant accomplishments locally, regionally and going on to some national prominence.