Hickory Motor Speedway celebrated both its storied past and its competitive present Saturday night, inducting its inaugural Hall of Fame class before a full evening of racing highlighted by the annual Jack Ingram Memorial.
The first Hall of Fame class recognized many of the drivers, builders and contributors who helped establish Hickory Motor Speedway as the “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars.”
The inaugural class included Ralph Earnhardt, Ned Jarrett, Pete Stewart, Ned Setzer, Jack Ingram, Tommy Houston, Morgan Shepherd, Harry Gant, John Settlemyre, Max Prestwood, Scott Kilby, Shane Huffman, Andy Loden and Pete Silva.
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, Benny Yount received honorary recognition, while longtime competitor Marshall Sutton was presented the Benny Yount Award for his contributions to the sport.
Following the ceremony, attention turned to the track for one of Hickory Motor Speedway’s signature events, the Jack Ingram Memorial, where Taylorsville’s Michael Bumgarner outlasted a strong field to claim the victory in the 111-lap Late Model feature.
Michael Bumgarner
Kyle Campbell earned the victory in the 100-lap Pro Late Model feature, finishing ahead of Hudson Canipe and Jack Baldwin. Carson Ware and Cameron Clifford rounded out the top five.
Dexter Canipe III captured the Paramount Auto Group Limited Late Models, with Thomas Beane finishing second and Mason Walters third. Carter McMurray and Chris Chapman completed the top five.
Cody DeMarmels scored the victory in the Heritage Finance Street Stocks, holding off John Reynolds and Thomas Lee. Kase Almquist finished fourth, followed by Robert Strmiska.
Case James took top honors in the Legends division after leading the 30-lap feature. Sam Butler, Chase Burgeson, James Monolo and James Behnke rounded out the top five.
Jackson Jones added another victory in the Bandolero division, finishing ahead of Jacob Hassey and Silas McMurry.
Saturday’s event served as both a celebration of Hickory Motor Speedway’s rich history and a showcase of the next generation of competitors, honoring the legends who built the track while creating new memories in one of its marquee racing events.
Story: Jason Savage-WHKY