Seven new members entering Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2015

LINCOLN, Neb.–The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame will be inducting seven new members on Oct. 16, 2015 in Lincoln, Neb.

This is the 18th 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 seven newest associates in the Hall of Fame are:

Bill Barbour, Omaha
Barbour started out racing midgets throughout the Midwest until he broke his back and was paralyzed in a racing accident. He then started drag racing in partnership with Gene Stanley.

Phil Durst, Lincoln
As a car owner, Durst racked up some impressive wins and championships. Among his drivers were his son, Ryan Durst, Jack Hewitt, Kasey Kahne, Danny Lasoski, Randy Smith and Doug Wolfgang.

Pat di Natale, North Platte
Beginning in solo events, di Natale carved out an impressive racing career with the SCCA in regional and national competition. di Natale was twice awarded the SCCA’s Governors’ Cup and was one of three founders of Pro Solo–SCCA’s professional autocross program.

Scott Fernyhough, Lincoln
Fernyhough spent his early years working for Jerry Day, Duke McMillen and Kenny Woodruff with drivers Jimmy Sills and Jan Opperman. He then worked as a welder and crew member for Bob Trostle from 1977 through 1981, working with such names as Doug Wolfgang, Shane Carson and Tim Green.

Tom Lathen, Grand Island
Lathen’s first experience as an announcer came in 1976 at The Speed Bowl in Red Cloud. Soon thereafter he moved into radio and print media. In addition to Red Cloud, Doniphan and Lexington, his announcing credits include tracks in Alta, Denison, Spencer, Webster City and West Union in Iowa. He was the full-time voice of the NASCAR All-Star Series and WDRL, and also announced, from time to time, for a number of other series including the UDTRA, UMP, MLRA and others.

Clayton Petersen Jr., St. Paul
Petersen was one of the top late model racers in the country throughout the 1970s. He won points titles and set records across the Midwest. He also built some of the fastest cars in the country at that time.

Larry White, Lincoln
White started his flagging career in 1976 at Eagle Raceway. White has waved the bunting over most of the top dirt track organizations including the World of Outlaws, All Star Circuit of Champions, ASCS, MLRA, WDRL, IMCA and Busch All-Star Series.

The 18th Annual Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at the Lincoln Firefighter’s Reception Hall located at 241 Victory Lane in Lincoln, Neb., on Friday, Oct. 16.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased after July 1.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with the ceremony beginning at 6 p.m.

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