Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame

Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame The purpose of the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is to perpetuate the memory of individuals who have brought lasting fame to the state of Nebraska.

Nominees to the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame must have been a resident of the state for at least two years and must be retired for at least four years from the discipline they are being honored for. Active participants in the sport will be considered if they are at least 55 years of age and have been with the sport for at least 30 years. All candidates must have made positive contributions to

the sport of auto racing on a local and regional level and go on to some national prominence. The purpose of the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is to perpetuate the memory of these individuals who have brought lasting fame to the state of Nebraska through their efforts in auto racing.

2025 - Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Induction Class Photo By: Joe Orth
01/10/2026

2025 - Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Induction Class
Photo By: Joe Orth

The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Board would like to extend our condolences to the family of Lou Downing. Downing a...
12/03/2025

The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Board would like to extend our condolences to the family of Lou Downing.
Downing a 2004 Hall of Fame Inductee recently passed.

Loren "Lou" Downing
DRAG RACER

Loren “Lou” Downing was born in Kearney and developed an interest in anything that had an engine at an early age. He began his drag racing career in 1959 driving at the airport drag strip near Grand Island.

In 1964, Downing and his cousins, Doug and Richard Beshore, purchased a 1964 “Hemi” powered Dodge which they raced in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) SS/A Class. The following year, they purchased a Plymouth and raced it to the NHRA Division 5 Street Eliminator championship.

In 1968, Downing was approached by Kearney American Motors Corporation automobile dealer Gene “Pete” Peterson about forming a club for high school boys who had an interest in cars. Together, with Bill Merryman, Peterson and Downing formed the group and they ordered a 1968 AMX for the youngsters to hone their skills and learn about drag racing. The car was painted red, white and blue and named “Pete’s Patriot” after Peterson.

With Downing at the controls, the club raced the car at all NHRA Division 5 races in 1968 and even ran as far away as Indianapolis for the NHRA U.S. Nationals.

In 1969, American Motors made an all-out commitment to drag racing and Peterson purchased one of 52 highly-modified AMX cars built by the company specifically for NHRA’s Super Stock class. Downing drove the car to the Division 5 Super Stock championship and set a track record at one of the three national meets they competed in.

The team’s success attracted the attention of AMC’s racing executives and “Pete’s Patriot” became a factory-supported car for the 1970 and 1971 seasons. In 1970, Downing drove the car to the Division 5 Super Stock championship, set one national record, and was runner-up in the Super Stock Eliminator class at the Nationals in Indianapolis. The car also raced into the semi-finals at the World Finals in Dallas, Texas. In 1971, the car made it to the semi-finals at both the Nationals and the World Finals.

At the end of the 1971 season, factory sponsorship ceased and Peterson ended up selling the car bringing Downing’s career as a driver to a close.

Downing eventually helped his son Rob get involved in drag racing. Rob Downing became Crew Chief for KB Racing based in North Carolina and helped the team win six NHRA national championships.

Downing was inducted into the NHRA Division 5 Hall of Fame in 2004

The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Board is saddened to hear of the passing of 2017 Hall of Fame Inductee and long ti...
11/14/2025

The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Board is saddened to hear of the passing of 2017 Hall of Fame Inductee and long time Hall Board Member Ray Valasek. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Valasek Family.

2025 - Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program Doug Reidy - Gordie Shuck Lifetime Achievement Award...
11/01/2025

2025 - Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program
Doug Reidy - Gordie Shuck Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Thank you to Paul Jochim. Jochim made each Inductee a custom Oil Can with their name.
10/19/2025

Thank you to Paul Jochim. Jochim made each Inductee a custom Oil Can with their name.

2025 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Inductee Tom Meyer. Was kind enough to bring his Hot Rod to put on display in fro...
10/18/2025

2025 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Inductee Tom Meyer. Was kind enough to bring his Hot Rod to put on display in front of the Banquet Hall.

2025 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Edition of the Silent Auction will BLOW you AWAY. There is so many Amazing donati...
10/18/2025

2025 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Edition of the Silent Auction will BLOW you AWAY. There is so many Amazing donations up for grabs.
Thank you ALL who donated and help support the NARoF.

Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame would like to THANK the Race Tracks and The Track Promoters who help support the Banqu...
10/18/2025

Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame would like to THANK the Race Tracks and The Track Promoters who help support the Banquet / Induction Ceremony

Prayers to the family and friends of 2015 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Inductee Don Weyhrich.Race in Peace Don
10/18/2025

Prayers to the family and friends of 2015 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Inductee Don Weyhrich.
Race in Peace Don

Just a taste of what will be on the Auction block this Saturday at the 2025 Nebraska Auto Race Hall of Fame Banquet & In...
10/16/2025

Just a taste of what will be on the Auction block this Saturday at the 2025 Nebraska Auto Race Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony

Still time to GET TICKETS for the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Banquet.Call or MessageJack Gropp: 402-219-1865Brad ...
10/11/2025

Still time to GET TICKETS for the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Banquet.
Call or Message
Jack Gropp: 402-219-1865
Brad Sybrandts: 308-850-7402
Joe Orth: 402-421-2266
Jeff Whiting: 308-529-2428

Address

5527 S 20th Street
Lincoln, NE
68512

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday 12pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 12pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 12pm - 4:30pm
Friday 12pm - 4:30pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+14024212266

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