LINCOLN, NE – Eight individuals were inducted into the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 16 in Lincoln.
New members of the Hall of Fame include Jim Dalrymple of Gothenburg, Jerry Jacobs of Phillips, the late Kim Lingenfelter of Norfolk, Gale Murkle formerly of Lincoln, the late Elmer Saathoff of Beatrice, Ron Sardeson of Greenwood, and Don Vonderfecht of Holbrook.
New members were honored by a capacity sold out crowd of friends and family who heard pertinent details from honorees and several stories throughout the banquet.
Drag racer, crew chief, and engine builder Jim Dalrymple talked of his time competing in some of the nationally acclaimed NHRA events during his career. He had his hand in many cars that found the finish line first at tracks all over the United States.
Well-known and admired photographer Jerry Jacobs has shared his vision through the viewfinder at race tracks all over Nebraska and throughout the Midwest. Jacobs’ legacy will continue far into the future as his images that were once in print media are now being shared in many different online formats.
The late Kim Lingenfelter’s brother Ron Lingenfelter and Kim’s wife Lynn Lingenfelter were present to receive the honor for the famed Norfolk, Nebraska racer. One of Kim’s hot rods was also on display outside of the event, which was enjoyed by all in attendance.
Gale Murkle was on hand to receive his award for being a crew member before becoming a legendary crew chief of sprint cars that won points championships at numerous tracks across the Midwest.
Stepping into the spotlight on behalf of his late father, Elmer Saathoff, Johnny Saathoff received the cherished Hall of Fame accolates while discussing the impacts that Elmer Saathoff had on auto racing. Saathoff mentioned the many hats his dad had worn in auto racing as a promoter, car builder, parts supplier and owner to name a few.
Ron Sardeson was on hand to be honored for all of his impacts on auto racing that included many of the early developments of IMCA Modified racing in Nebraska. Sardeson had manufactured chassis and chassis kits for Speedway Motors and many successful racers all across America. Sardeson and his family have continued to be parts suppliers for area race tracks and competitors as well.
Well-known driver, car owner and engine builder Don Vonderfecht elaborated on many of the experiences and memories that he had during his famed career in auto racing. Vonderfecht had developed a fascination with automobiles and all things mechanical at a young age and still finds great enjoyment in them.
Press release provided by Kelly Ninas.
The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is a special tribute for Nebraskans far and wide to be honored for their accomplishments in motorsports. If you feel that an individual deserves recognition, nominate them and provide a biography online at narhof.com. If you choose that you would like to financially assist in the honoring of the Hall of Fame, you can donate to the cause online as well. If you have questions, you can contact a Board of Directors member or email the board at [email protected].
