Racing legends inducted into Northeast Nebraska Motorsports Hall of Fame

If you closed your eyes Saturday, during the inaugural Northeast Nebraska Motorsports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, you could almost hear motors revving as cars drifted into the bank of turn three before heading for the the finish line.

A group of northeast Nebraska legends received the ultimate checked flag in front of a crowd of nearly 300, gathered at the Norfolk VFW, to honor the 2022 and 2023 NENMHOF classes.

The organization formed in 2022 and set the pace by selecting the first two classes, which include the late Gerald Bruggeman, Janet and the late Robert Haase, the late Kim Lingenfelter, Don Weyhrich, the late Gene Brudigan, Ray Haase, Tom Niemeyer and the late Jerry Suhr. Many of the drivers raced at the Clearwater track during its heyday.

Weyhrich, known at area tracks as "Dandy" Don, started his career running the straight line, segued to his signature $1.98 modified and sprint car and ended his career driving a late model.

As a racer, you live day by day and race by race.

"I had great support along the way. If you surround yourself with good, strong people, they push you up," he said while accepting the award.

The organization also presented the Robert and Janet Haase Impact on Motorsports Award. The 2022 winners are the late Abe Lincoln and Sam Ganskow, both longtime owners/managers of U.S. 30 Speedway near Columbus, and for 2023, Dale Kesting (deceased), longtime car owner and mechanic of Norfolk.

Janet Haase made the presentations during Saturday's festivities.

NENMHOF officer Kyle Prauner said he contemplated what the organization would mean to the racing industry.

"I wondered if it was going to take a year or so to build some steam. When I saw the emotion the inductees and families had as they were receiving the recognition they deserved, that told me we are on the right track," Prauner said. "I think it's going to be important to the racing community for many years to come."

Nominations for the 2024 class will be accepted from the public. Forms are available at https://nenmhof.com/nominees.