Hall Of Fame

Born March 7, 1964, the driver of the 31 car, is Mark Cattone. He is from McKeesport, PA, and has raced for 43 years in Four Cylinders, Late Model, and Motorcycle divisions and is a current crew chief for all divisions. He has competed at Jennerstown, Motordrome, Clearfield, Toledo, Winchester, Nashville, Columbus, Oswego, PPMS, and many other speedways. Throughout his career, he has won over 100 features and 10 championships. His most memorable races have been racing in the Piney Lasky race and the Steel City 100’s. His family has been his biggest supporters, including his children Carissa and Taylor.

Michael “Mike” Nelson was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1954. His father was a part of the PRA pit crew in the circuit that ran 4 nights a week in the 50s with Heidelberg Raceway as the flagship track. Nelson attended these PRA circuit races in the 1950s as an infant hidden in an empty tool box in the pits. During the height of Heidelberg, Nelson was there for the dirt races into the asphalt years during his highschool and college years.

In 1982, he began video taping local races as a hobby, later becoming a business full time in 1985. He taped races from Feburary to November in 12 states, with over 100 events. He later announced at Clearfield Speedway after the paving of the track in 1986. In 1987, he was hired by the Lasky family to announce and also joined NASCAR. Nelson hosted the TV show “Chase to the Checker” for five years. 

1988 marked when Nelson was hired to work full time as a marketing director for Jennerstown. Along with being busy at Jennerstown, he announced at Motordrome during the early NASCAR sanctioning at both tracks.

Doug Black has been going to the Jennerstown Races for over 65 years—first as a spectator and later as a member of a pit crew. In the mid 50’s, a friend’s grandma and aunt would pick the two boys up and drive from Confluence to Jennerstown’s ¼ mile dirt track. Those two ladies loved those dirt balls that hit them in the face. Doug told them that he was going to live by that dirt track. For the past 47 years, he has lived less than one mile from the track.

Doug began working on pit crews in 1972. Today he continues to assist drivers with ignition, wiring, and electrical problems in all divisions. He has no favoritism–he wants great racing for the entire racing community. He has helped on pit crews at Jennerstown dirt and asphalt, Bedford, Hesston, Thundervalley, Motordrome dirt and asphalt, Roaring Knob, Latrobe, and a Pocono Invitational.

This guy is lucky to be married to a woman who loves boys in fast cars. Together they have created a successful business, Black’s Specialty Service, two daughters, and have been blessed with three grandchildren. 

Edward Lynn Houpt (Hippie) was born Janurary 10, 1942 and is from Somerset, PA. He raced for about 6 years and is being inducted into the 2023 Jennerstown Speedway Hall of Fame. Houpt competed in the Street Stock division at Jennerstown, Motordrome, Latrobe, Ebensburg, Meyersdale, and Cumberland.

His favorite memory from racing was when he was driving the number 11 Chevy that caught on fire with two laps to go. He finished the race and was met by firetrucks rather than a victory lap. His biggest accomplishment was winning the Piney Lasky Birthday race, years later his son, Dave Houpt won the same race. His legacy will be carried on by his three children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

“Clate” Husted raced for about 40 years in the Late Model and Modified divisions at Jennerstown, Clearfield, Hagerstown, Port Royal, Williamsgrove, Hesston, Pennboro, Bedford, Daytona, Charlotte, and Syracuse Speedways. His biggest accomplishment has been making and keeping friends and fans for over 40 years. He won 5 Yankee Doodle Races at Clearfield, won the Hillbilly 100, and the Laurel Highlands 101. His memory is carried on by Daniel, Alexander, and Cara.

August “Gus” Linder was born December 18, 1928 and raced for 35 years. Linder raced Super Modifieds and Stock Cars at Jennerstown, Selins Grove, Lennerville, Williams Grove, Motordrome, Pittsburgh Motor, Daytona International, TriCity, Sharon, Langehorne, Heidelberg, Blanket Hill, Mercer, and South Park Speedways. His biggest supporter is his wife, Joan Linder, and three children and three grandchildren. His favorite NASCAR driver is his brother, Dick Linder.

Throughout his career, he tallied 119 Sprint Car feature wins and was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. His most memorable race was when he has having engine trouble and someone thought on their feet to let him finish the race. They disconnected a cylinder and stuck a block of wood in the engine. Linder finished the race on seven cylinders and they called this accomplishment “the track-proven timing wedge.” The engine sounded more like an air compressor than a racecar.

Richard Mitchell is from Bruceton Mills, West Virginia and raced Dwarf Cars, the ARCA Series, Busch North, and Busch South divisions throughout his career. He’s been to Jennerstown, Motordrome, Charlotte, Pocono, Atlanta, Chicago, Michigan, Dover, Nashville, Daytona, Richmond, and Talladega Speedways. He’s won back to back Northeast Region NASCAR Championships, tied for first for four years at Jennerstown, won four championships at Motordrome in eight years, and won all of the long distance races at Jennerstown in the same year. Mitchell’s stepdaughter Madison Goff and stepson Colton Goff always encourage him along with his spouse, Kelly Mitchell.

Larry Hemminger was born on June 18, 1946 and is from Stoystown, PA. One of the owners at the track, raced himself for 4 years at Jennerstown, Motordrome, Clearfield, Hickory, Big Diamond, Grandview, Linda, and Pathvalley Speedways. Hemminger raced in the Pure Stock, Street Stock, and Dwarf Car divisions at multiple tracks, totaling 3 track Dwarf Championships. In 1992, Hemminger took home the National Dwarf Championship.

Throughout his career, his biggest supporter has been his wife, Georgia Hemminger. He is honored by his children Rob and Mike and grandchildren Riley, Derrick, Alyssa, and Will Hemminger.

Pace truck driver Gary Boxler was born on March 20, 1953. He has been in the racing industry for 45 years and has only been involved at Jennerstown Speedway. His biggest supporters have been his family and his favorite NASCAR driver is Dale Earnhardt. He is proudly honored by his wife Ruth and children Brian and Brad.

Robert “Milt” Bittner is from Jenners, Pennsylvania. He is the go-to push truck and wrecker since 1982 at Jennerstown Speedway.

Driver of the number 5 Late Model is Snooky Williams. He was born on March 4, 1943, and raced for 48 years. He competed at El Doro, Pennsboro, Schumckers, Motordrome, Latrobe, Marion Center, Learnerville, and Jennerstown Speedways in the Late Model, Semi Late Model, Cadet, and Super Late Model divisions. His favorite driver is Clate Husted and his wife’s name is Pat. He is originally from Latrobe, PA and his most significant accomplishment was points champion at Schmuckers.

Forrest “Sonny” Horner was born on August 3, 1933, and kept his racing career alive for 14 years. He competed at Jennerstown, Ruffsdale, South Penn, Latrobe, Windber, Ebensburg, Greater Johnstown, Houtzdale, and Tipton Speedways in the Modifieds, Super Modifieds, Harotops, and Sportsman divisions.

Sonny consistently was able to find rides to race and finished in the top ten in points many times. His biggest supporters have been his family; late wife Sara Jane, children Billy and Lori, and grandchildren Kenny, Nicole, and Amy.

The driver of the 49 car is Denny Wingard. His career lasted 10 years, racing at Jennerstown, Motordrome, Ebensburg, Latrobe, Cumberland, and Clearfield Speedways. His most memorable race was winning the Ebensburg 100 Laps 2 years in a row. His favorite NASCAR driver is Bill Elliot and his career highlights include getting to meet so many different people!

Born November 22, 1945, is Gary Hillegass. His career lasted for 9 years in the Semi-Late Models. He competed at Motordrome, Windber, Bedford, and Jennerstown Speedways. His biggest supporters have always been his family and Mardis. His favorite NASCAR driver is Larry Wright and his career highlights include racing and putting on a show for fans. He is from Berlin, PA and is supported by his wife Louise.

Born December 3, 1958, Gary Sleppy has been supported by his mother, Barbara, and father, Ken, since he was little. Sleepy raced for eight years in the Street Stock and Limited Late Model Divisions. He competed at Jennerstown, Bedford, Cumberland, Motordrome, Windber, and Ebensburg Speedways.

Dr. Raymond Scanlan, aka Doc, was an owner of many cars for 35 to 40 years. His cars have competed at Jennerstown, Motordrome, Hagerstown, and Port Royal Speedways. He has received many track championships at both Jennerstown and Motordrome along with two Northeast Winston Cup Championships. Four hall of famers drove Scanlan’s cars alone.

Born March 22, 1931, was West A. Reed. He raced for 60-plus years and was from Blairsville, PA. West Reed never raced at any of the racetracks he attended, but he was well known for the service that he provided- Reed’s Towing Service. He spent many nights at local race tracks watching the races and socializing with the crew members and drivers. He was hoping that no one would need his service that night. When accidents would happen, if the cars couldn’t get back to the pits under their own power, the track officials would call him out onto the track to haul the wrecked cars off of the track. Many nights, he would take the wrecked car to the team’s shop. When asked “how much do we owe you?”, he always said, “you’ve got more to worry about than what you owe me – see you next week at the track.”

Cal Fry was the owner of many cars at Jennerstown, Heidelberg, South Park, Latrobe, Everett, Bedford, Port Royal, Williams Grove, Lincoln, Langhorne, Windber, Finzel, and Ruffsdale Speedways. He owned Modified Coupes, Super Modifieds, and Sprint Cars sanctioned under NASCAR, one even qualified for the Daytona 500. He is survived by his wife Marcella Fry, children Barbara, Beverly, Robert, Thomas, and Gloria, and grandchildren Michelle, Jay, and Bryan.

James “Butch” Moyer completed a racing career of 50 years in the Latest Crate Late Model division at Jennerstown, Bedford, Cumberland, Motordrome, Latrobe, Clearfield, Marion Center, Clinton County, Hesston, Houtzdale, Ebensburg, and Dog Hollow Speedways. His biggest accomplishment was winning the “Cavalcade of Auto Racing” Award and track championships at multiple tracks. He is from Ashville, PA, and is honored by his spouse Lois, children Joe and Sheila, and granddaughter Courtney.

Albert Zuccolotto raced for 43 years in the Semi Late Model, Late Model, and Modified divisions at Jennerstown and many more speedways. He was born September 26, 1940, and won his biggest race, the Fall Semi Late Crown, at Windber Raceway in 1994.

From Franklin borough is Tom Serokman, who was born September 8, 1937, and raced from 1957-1975. Tracks he raced at in the Modified, Super Modified, Late Model, and Sprint Car divisions were Jennerstown, Windber, Motordrome, Latrobe, Williams Grove, Reading, Heidelberg, Marion Center, and Hagerstown Speedways. In 1967, he won a track championship at Jennerstown Speedway. His wife Barbara was his biggest supporter.

Dave Maggs is from Hollsopple, Pennsylvania and raced for 10 years at Bedford, Heston, Jennerstown, Motordrome, Latrobe, and Learnersville Speedways. Maggs competed in the Semi-Late Model division across the state. He collected two track championships within one year. His biggest accomplishment was racing at Motordrome and getting spun out. The laps restarted and he started in 17th place, but finished first. His go-to car is a Chevy or a Firebird and his biggest supporters have been family and his crew.

Rick Koontz built engines for racecars for 43 years of his career. His engines competed in all divisions at Jennerstown, Bedford, Motordrome, Clearfield, Latrobe, Dog Hollow, and Thunder Valley Speedways. Not only did he win Good Wrench Awards, but also multiple track championships.

Bobby Henry was born February 12, 1963, and is from Connellsville, PA. He is the current Race Director at Jennerstown Speedway. During his racing days, he was found competing in Four Cylinders, Late Models, and Limited Late Models for 36 years at Sharon, Motordrome, 179, Jennerstown, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, Marion Center, Learnerville, West Virginia Motor, and Roaring Knob Speedways. His racing hero is Bobby Allison and he prefers Ford makes. Henry has racked up 136 career feature wins and has multiple 100-lap feature wins under his belt. In 1995, Henry won the Laurel Highlands 100 at Jennerstown Speedway after starting in the last row. His mom and dad and wife Leighann have been his biggest supporters throughout his career.

Paul Fess was born in 1939 and raced for 16 years of his life. He competed in the Late Model, Hardtop, and Modified divisions at Jennerstown, Bedford, Motordrome, Daytona, Poconos, Trenton, Port Royal, Pennsboro, Marion Center, Everett, Jacksonville, and Michigan Speedways. He qualified for the Daytona 500 and has always been supported by Durstine Excavating and his wife Georgeann.

Gerry Price was born on June 9, 1944, and is from New Paris, PA. His racing career lasted for 18 years in the Late Model division at Jennerstown, Beford, Heston, Latrobe, Clearfield, and Windber Speedways. In 1983, he won the Laurel Highlands 101. His biggest supporters have been his wife Judy,  children Todd, Kelly, Troy, and Terry, grandchildren Steven, Craig, Tim, Mary, Cassie, Cindy, Connor, and Rew, and great-grandchildren Mason and CJ.

Brian Bruening is from Sipesville, PA, and was born in 1962. His career consisted of owning Semi Late Models, Street Stocks, Pro Stocks, and Late Models for 24 years. His cars competed at Jennerstown, Motordrome, Clearfield, Winchester, and Pocono Raceways. He won 14 division championships, regional championships, and 130 feature wins. His biggest accomplishments were having cars race with the 1997 Winston Racing Series and winning the Northeast Regional Championship.

Barry Bruening drove the 07 car for 26 years. He competed in Dirt Late Models, Dirt Semi-Lates, Street Stocks, Pro Stocks, Late Models, and the Hooters Pro Cup at Jennerstown, Motordrome, Bedford, Winchester, Hagerstown, and Pocono Speedways. His career highlights include winning 14 track championships, 130 feature victories, and being competitive in each division he raced. His biggest supporters have been his family, especially his wife Lisa. His most memorable race was the 1977 Race of Champions at Pocono. In 1997, he won the Winston Racing Series Championship.

Bobby Marhefka is from Windber, PA, and raced for 22 years. He raced Sportsman, Winged Super Modifieds, and Late Models at Jennerstown, Latrobe, Windber, Motordrome, Bedford, Pittsburgh, Motor, Hagerstown, Eldorn, Williams Grove, Port Royal, Langhorne, and Trenton Speedways. In 1973, Marhefka won the Motordrome 200. His biggest supporters have been his wife Patti and three children; Rob, Robin, and Renee.

Gene Springer has been a part of racing for 15 years as a Pit Steward at Bedford, Latrobe, Schumuckers, Motordrome, Clinton, Learnerville, and many more Speedways.

Born on September 17, 1942, and from Mill Run, PA is Bob Arsenberger. He raced for 31 years in the Late Model and Street Stock divisions at Jennerstown, Motordrome, Morgantown, Elkins, and Fairmont Speedways. Arsenberger won two 200-lap features two years in a row. His wife Nancy and children Robin and Christopher have been some of his biggest supporters along with Kenworth of PA.

Born on September 21, 1945, Ron Trevis. He was in the racing industry for 50 years as a sprint car builder. He is from Youngstown, Ohio, and has been greatly supported by the Blaney family.

Cliff Dunmyer was born on September 10, 1938, and raced for 25 years. He competed in Modified, Steet Stocks, Sprint Cars, Semi Late Model, and Late Model divisions at Cumberland, Langhorn, Port Royal, Latrobe, Meyersdale, Jennerstown, Motordrome, and Bedford Speedways. Dunmyer won the first 1/2 mile dirt race at Jennerstown Speedway. His biggest accomplishment has been beating Jeff Dunmyer.

Jeff Dunmyer was born on January 4, 1963, and competed for 28 years. He competed in the Street Stock, Semi Late Model, Late Model, and Procup divisions at Meyersdale, Bedford, Jennerstown, Hagerstown, Motordrome, Windber, Lernerville, Latrobe, and Winchester Speedways. His most memorable race was when his father beat him in a Semi Late Model race.

Fast Freddie Foster was born on October 19, 1953, and was a race official. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015 and has been in the racing industry since 1975. He’s been at Jennerstown, Motordrome, Bedford, and Latrobe Speedways. His most memorable race was the Laurel Highlands 101 and his favorite NASCAR driver is Mark Martin. He is supported by his family; wife Brenda, children Fred, Daniel, Nathan, and Keegan, and grandchildren Reya, Nemi, Julie, Daniel Jr, Lilian, Marti, and Gus.

Warren Penrod was an official at Jennerstown, Motordrome, and Bedford Speedways throughout his 30-plus years of work. His biggest supporter was his grandson, Aaron Van Fleet, who he got to watch race and win. He is survived by his wife Louise, children Sharon and Heidi, grandchildren Aaron, Allison, Mallory, and Hannah, and great-grandchildren Jocelyn, Adalyn, Kaelyn, and Baby Wee. His favorite NASCAR drivers were Dale Earnhardt, Tony Stewart, Lou Blaney, and Tom Peck.

Born on September 1, 1949, and raced for 25 years is Charlie Crogan. He raced Late Models and the Craftsman Truck Series at Jennerstown, Motordrome, Clearfield, Bedford, Hagerstown, Homestead, Pheonix, Richmond, and Milwake Speedways. His most memorable race was the 1979 NDRA race at Motordrome and his biggest accomplishment has been racing in the Craftsman Truck Series.

James Nave was born on July 25, 1943, and raced in the Late Model division for 20 years at Bedford, Jennerstown, Port Royal, Heston, and Cumberland Speedways. He won four championships in Port Royal and Bedford Speedways. His most memorable race was a 79 lapper at Port Royal. He is honored by his wife Judy, children Theresa and Kline, and grandchildren Jessie, Walker, and Cage.

Jim Burns is from Geistown, PA, and raced for 21 years in the Modified and Late Model divisions at Jennerstown, Ebensburg, Windber, Greater Johnstown, Schmuckers, Hagerstown, Langhorne, Monduke, Latrobe, Everett, Heston, and Port Royal Speedways. His biggest accomplishments while racing have been winning three championships and being entered into the Hall of Fame.

Larry Wright is from Claysburg, PA, and raced for 46 years in the Late Model division and Big Block Modifieds. Wright raced at Jennerstown, Everett, Motordrome, Pittsburgh, Learnerville, Heston, Clearfield, Port Royal, and many more speedways. He collected four track championships at both Jennerstown and Heston Speedways. His career highlights were winning a 100-lap race at Bedford and a 75-lap race at Jennerstown.

Joshua Broucher