New C.A.R.B. Hall of Fame class announced
KANSAS CITY,, Kansas — The Central Auto Racing Boosters Hall of Fame has announced it's class of inductees for 2023. Ten new members will be inducted at the annual induction ceremony
on Saturday March 2 at a new venue, the George Meyn Community Center in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
2023 Central Auto Racing Boosters Hall of Fame Inductees
Walter “Shorty” Acker
JD Cormack – Teresa “TO” Ossman
Jamie Hager
Chester “Chet” Hamby Jr
Donald “Don” Hutchinson
Mike Kempton
Charlie Shinkle
Lester “Dee” Zellmer
Pioneer – Al Bozarth
Walter “Shorty” Acker - Walter “Shorty” Acker was a standout stock car driver from Windsor, Missouri, who raced from age 20 in 1955 until age 78 in 2013. Acker was born during the Great Depression in 1934 on the family farm outside of Windsor. After serving in the US Army, Shorty worked at the local Chevy dealership as mechanic for several years before starting his own business, Acker Auto service. In between, Acker would start his career in racing in 1955 running jalopies, before moving up to the late model division. From 1970 until his retirement from racing Ackers would run with Acker- Lynde Motor Sports. A gifted mechanic, Shorty would work on cars all day, and then return at night to work on his race car. The Army veteran would run with clubs that included IMCA, NASCAR, MLRA, and CMRA. And according to his nomination history, Ackers won 714 features, and fourteen times was called a Missouri State Champion! Over his 58 years of competition, Ackers competed at 142 tracks in fifteen different states during his prolific career in motor sports.
Ken “JD” Cormack – Teressa “TO” Ossman -The alphabet twins, Ken Cormack “JD,” and Teresa Ossman “TO” have been known across the Heartland for many years as great ambassadors of auto racing for their work with hall of fames, philanthropic activities. and the willingness to always roll up their sleeves to get things done with the CARB Hall of Fame, including spearheading the Ambassador program. J.D. was born, and grew up in his native Texas, developing that southwestern drawl that is always a welcome invitation to speak with the friendly Lone Star stater who has called Kansas City his home for many decades. Over the years J.D. would become involved in racing in many capacities over the decades from the 1950’s on. While being a fixture at local tracks in the area, and long-time associations at tracks that include the Belleville High Banks, Knoxville Raceway and many others tracks from coast to coast. With the CARB Hall of Fame, Cormack has distinguished himself since 2008 wearing many hats that have included, Vice President, Selection and Review Committee Member, and Co Leader with T.O. of the Ambassador Program raising thousands of dollars for the Hall of Fame. But his stewardship hardly ends with the CARB HOF. “Mr. Hall of Fame” has also worked with and supported halls that include the National Sprint Car HOF, High Banks, Amarillo, BCRA, and Arizona Open Wheel. While also Founding the World Wide Race Fans (WWRF) in July of 1992. Whose mission was to collect and distribute funds on behalf of those killed or injured while performing or participating in dirt track racing. A great supporter and dedicated fund raiser for the auction at the Chili Bowl since its inception in 1988. Fundraising for Little Light House 1988-1991, and Parent Child Center Tulsa from 1991 to present. In his younger days while in military service being stationed in Long Beach, he volunteered picking up trash at Ascot Park, which allowed him to watch the races at this legendary facility.
T.O. Teresa Ossman is the perfect companion and partner for Cormack in his everyday life and his many racing endeavors. Ossman always tries to stay in the background at any event or gathering. Evading and dodging anyone who tries to take a picture of her. But her love for racing and people has made her an invaluable addition to the CARB Hall of Fame, as well as other halls of fames, and racing philanthropies. Among T.O.’s accomplishments with the CARB HOF since 2012 includes Board Member, Treasurer, and Co-Leader with JD of the highly successful Ambassador Program. While also being involved with High Banks, BCRA, Amarillo, as a supporter with the WWRF, the KC Automotive Museum, Racers at Rest, and Parent Child Center. While along with JD traveling across the Heartland to present the traveling display at racetracks for the CARB HOF. The alphabet twins believe in giving back to racing and to those who need assistance. They take on being ‘caretakers’ full or part-time to many of our very own ‘racing family members’ with C.A.R.B. Hall of Fame: Ralph ‘Pop’s’ Parkinson Sr., Jon Backlund, and Howard House as well as other racing family members who has no one to watch over them.
Jamie Hager - Growing up in a racing family that featured his father Jim Hager, Jamie Hager, nicknamed CJ (Charger Jr) was one of the top Late Model and later Modified drivers in the KC area in the 1980’s and 1990’s before an accident led him to an equally successful career as a crew member while helping future NASCAR stalwarts Clint Bowyer and another Jamie, Jamie McMurray. Back to Jamie’s career behind the wheel, however. Hager would win the most improved driver award on the dirt racing a Late Model at Lakeside in 1980, and Riverside in 1981. “Charger Junior” would then charge his way to the Riverside track championship in 1983. And then later switch to the pavement for more stellar results running at the new Lakeside, and I-70 Speedway in Modifieds. Among his accomplishments at those local speed plants, Hager would win both track titles in one season in 1991. And then another championship the next season at I-70 racing with his number 9 which came to be his signature number after adding his dads’ number 171 together one digit at a time due to the fact in NASCAR racing, they did not allow 3-digit numbers. During his incredible run on the pavement at Lakeside and I-70 Hager would win fifty features between the two venues, thirty-three at I-70, and 17 at Lakeside.
Chester “Chet” Hamby Jr - Chet Hamby was born June 26, 1931. He started racing in 1952 at TaftStadium and right out of the gate he started winning features. Then on to Coffeyville, KS, and Olympic Stadium as his winning continued. In 1955 Chet set a new track record that was held by Jack Zink. June 23, 1961, at Olympic Stadium was Chet's last race before being killed in a racing accident at Topeka Fairgrounds on August 26, 1961, (first one since 1933 at the Fairgrounds). Chet won his first fifty lap race at Olympic Stadium on September 12, 1956, then another fifty lapper on September 19, 1956, which he collected a bonus for stopping Jud Larson's winning streak at Olympic Stadium. Later at Riverside Stadium, they held a 'Memorial' Race, honoring Bob Culp, Chet Hamby, Danny Kruger, Jud Larson, and Ken Williams. The M.A.A.R.C. trophy from 1971 is presently on display at the Central Auto Racing Boosters Hall of Fame area at the Kansas City Automotive
Museum.
Don Hutchinson - Don Hutchinson’s short spectacular and tragic ending all began in 1949 when Don moved to Kansas City two years after graduating from high school in Joplin. He started working as a welder at a motorcycle shop which led him into Motorcycle racing, first as a Novice, Amateur, then Expert. At Lakeside Stadium, Don went on to win lots of races and set many world records across the country with American Motorcycle Association. The United States Army took Don out of circulation until 1954. Don then got a “yen” to drive race cars. Bill Mansell put up the money to purchase a car once driven by Bob Slater, IMCA champion in 1953 and 1954 who was killed in a racing accident. During his racing career, Don broke two IMCA World Sprint car records at Lakeside Stadium. In 1956, Don would take Lee Sloan midget to two wins in KCMARA at Lakeside Stadium. Don died at the age of 27, on September 18, 1956, at the wheel of his race car, while battling with AJ Foyt for the lead at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, KS (IMCA). Although his career was short, he captured the hearts of many at Lakeside Stadium. In a life that lasted only 27 years, Don Hutchinson left a lasting impression for all those that crossed his path. A veteran of the Korean War, Husband, and Father, Hutchinson squeezed every ounce of life out of his brief time on this planet. On the racetracks of America, he was a true juggernaut on the National scene racing Motorcycles, Sprint Cars, and Midgets. While finishing as high as second place in the National AMA Standings in 1954, and sixth place in IMCA National Standings in 1955, earning Rookie of the Year Honors before his untimely passing in 1956. Ironically, Don was presented the Bob Slater Memorial Trophy in 1956 at Lakeside Stadium. After he won the Dash Award in Memory of the KC driver Bob Slater. This was presented by Al Sweeney (IMCA) and W.C. Conner, Manager of Lakeside Stadium.
Mike Kempton: Mike Kempton has been associated with racing for about 60 years, from the 1960’s to the current year. In this remarkable amount of time Mike has not only been just a driver but taking on a roll in every single aspect of racing from owner, crew chief, mechanic, car builder, engine builder, fabricator and to top it off, an official. Mike has been a part of all kinds of racing, from being a crew chief in the Daytona 500 to the Chili Bowl Nationals. Racing not only in America but also traveling to Canada, shows his dedication to racing is undeniable. Mike has been associated with organizations NASCAR, USAC, ARCA, ASA, POWERI, NPTRA, MASAR, SCCA and traveled all over the United States, beside local tracks: Lakeside Speedway, I-70 Speedway, Grain Valley, Riverside Stadium, Olympic Stadium, Sedalia, Topeka Fairgrounds, Heartland Park Topeka, Shawnee Speedway, Warrensburg only to name a few. Some of the drivers Mike has worked with are Terry Bivins, Joe Wallace, Joe Ruttman, Troy Backlund, Andy Clayborn, Chad, and Morgan Frewaldt. Mike is one of the few to be able to stand alongside some of the greats, Richard Petty, Bill Venturini and even share a shop with Richard Childress. Though Mike is no longer in the NASCAR scene, he can show up to any NASCAR race and be respected by many the same way he is highly known and respected all throughout the Kansas City Racing Scene. Mike Kempton is a racing legend in and around all the greater Kansas City area.
Charlie Shinkle - Like many Charlie Shinkle came from a humble family, who like many struggled day-to-day to make ends meet. It was not nothing to see Charlie doing odd jobs like painting, hauling trash, mowing lawns to help with the family expenses. Living in Charlie’s neighborhood was Junior Hower. Junior did not realize the impact he would be to a young man at the age of twelve, that had the desire to be a mechanic/race car driver which would be in his shadows for years. It all started out quite simple for Charlie, he would go down to Junior’s garage and watch him work on his race cars, and like any young man Charlie was full of questions on how things worked. Junior saw the drive this young man showed so to get him involved he would let Charlie clean parts to earn some extra spending money. Soon Charlie was Junior’s shadow, soaking up all the knowledge he could from Junior. Many visitors were always dropping by Junior’s garage, and one visitor in particular took a liking to Charlie, Jerry Weld. Junior would also take him to the races, but for Charlie to be in the pits at this young age, Charlie’s mom would have to sign a waiver granting her permission. This led him to becoming a part of Junior Hower’s team. With Jerry having sons of his own also saw something in Charlie, the willingness to help in the garage and helping at the racetrack land a job for Charlie. The Weld’s offered Charlie a summer job working in his garage for $40 a week plus lunch, which later turned into a full-time job. They kept him busy, racing in Topeka on Friday, then back to the shop Friday night to work on the cars all night long to get ready for Riverside on Saturday. Then do the same process on Saturday to get ready for Olympic Stadium on Sunday. Charlie developed into a well knowledge individual who had the passion to race. With the thirst to drive, Charlie eventually bought Jerry Weld’s white #91 and was given a spot in their garage to work on the car. His driving career began around the Midwest at Riverside, Olympic, Topeka Fairgrounds, Sedalia, and Knoxville. His pit crew was Junior and Buster Hower. Charlie drove his heart out winning fifteen heat races and at least six “B” features and was consistently in the top ten. His competition was stiff, he had to run up against many of the best drivers: the Weld brothers, ‘Tiger’ Bob Williams, Dick Sutcliff, and Ervin Schick but was never able to pull off a win in the ‘A’ Feature. Charlie earned the most improved driver award in 1966 at Olympic Stadium. He also had several different drivers drive for him including Eddie Leavitt, ‘Tiger” Bob Williams, Jerry Weld, Whitey Harmon, J.L. Cooper, and Dick Sutcliff. You may also know Charlie as ‘Mr. Versatile’ for his walking/talking knowledge of Kansas City history. Everything Charlie has done was done for fun and continues to enjoy it to this day. His advice to future drivers; “get laps, feel of the car before you charge out of the chute.”
Lester “Dee” Zellmer - Lester “Dee” Zellmer was born in 1935 and raced in the 1960’s, seventies, and 1980’s in modified, super modified, champ dirt car, and sprint car competition. Over the years the resident of Lee’s Summit, Missouri during his career was involved in racing as a driver, car owner, and mechanic. While building his own engines under a shade tree when he did not have a garage. And working with other racing personnel that included Bub Kearny, Larry Christy, Bill Huffman, and Luther Brewer, among others. Early influences for Dee in racing were Brewer who he crewed for, and learned from, as well as the great hall of fame sprint car driver, Eugene “Jud” Larson. Over the years Zellmer would become a staple racing at tracks that included Savannah, Sedalia, Bethany, Riverside, Lakeside (old), Chillicothe, Topeka, around the KC area. While alsoventuring out on the NCRA trail to tracks in Enid, OKC, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, along with Kansas venues, 81 Speedway in Wichita, and the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Many of Dee’s programs and articles were lost in a fire in 1985. But other info was gleaned for this bio including winning the mid-season modified title at 65 Speedway in Chillicothe in 1973. Winning the midseason championship feature at Lakeside in 1977, as well as finishing second place in the A class at Savannah in 1976 and winning the Sportsmanship award at Savannah that same season in his modified. Along with winning the Championship feature at the Northwest Missouri State Fairgrounds in Bethany on Labor Day.
Pioneer
Al Bozarth - When Al Bozarth passed in 1996 living in Kansas City a racing legacy in midget racing from the early 1950's until the 1990's was secured for the then 78-year-old. Racing with drivers including CARB HOF inductees Scotty Scovill, Eddie McVay, Jon Backlund, and Jimmy McVay, as well as drivers including KC's Joe Walter, Indy Champ New Mexico's Al Unser Sr, Kansas legend John Yonke, and Bob Spease, Bozarth won and competed in races from Missouri to Florida with many stops in between, including Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and Oklahoma among other venues. Jim McVay states that he was a shift leader at TWA for over 40 years and developed into an excellent welder and mechanic as well, working on and owning midgets powered by the Flat Head Ford, Corvair, Falcon, and the Chevy Il Power plants. McVay states further that he utilized these motors in his Midgets because of the expense involved in having the Offy, and later the Sesco motors. With Bozarth’s cars were always competitive, and won races at tracks including Riverside, Olympic, Hill City, and Butler documented in Bill Hills book One Trough Circuit. One of his biggest victories came with Jim McVay in the mid 70's at Riverside in the Mike Hill Memorial race. While also racing with future legend Al Unser Sr. in Colorado with RMMRA, and Jon Backlund at Daytona Stadium in Florida. Over the years Al Bozarth and His #29 midgets competed in KCMARA, IMCA, SLARA, USAC and SWIMS among other clubs.
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