LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Dewayne Ragland

Dewayne Ragland dedicated his life to the sport of dirt racing, serving it in various capacities including crew chief, engine builder, shock and spring manufacturer representative. He’s most recently known for his work as an account representative for Motor State Distributing and Allstar Performance. Ragland also founded and owned the American Modified Series. But aside from his work as an account representative, he is remembered as a friend to everyone in the pit area. Ragland would spend his days providing customer service from his offices and then after hours he was an ever-present resource for racers at the racetrack. Often times Ragland would stay on the phone into the wee hours of the morning contacting customers both to learn of their results and to ensure they were awake enough to make it to the next stop on the road. Ragland was beloved by all that knew him and his death has created a huge hole for many a racer which can never be filled.

By Kelley Carlton

Robert Markos

Robert “Bob” Markos is widely recognized as the leading purveyor of the history of the sport of dirt late model racing. His great knowledge of the sport coupled with his voluminous collection of dirt racing news publications has made him the go-to source for all things history in the sport. Bob brought his love of the sport to the establishment of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame where he has tirelessly volunteered to ensure historical accuracy and deserved recognition of those who are inducted into the Hall. Bob’s efforts have been invaluable in making the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame a credible and prestigious institution for the sport. He has consulted to multiple publications and introduced our sport’s history to multiple generations of fans as a result of his dedication.

Earl Baltes Award Cj Rayburn

Elected as a first ballot inductee to the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame as a chassis builder CJ Rayburn proved to be far more to the sport than just a winning chassis builder and drive. He was a mentor to an untold number of young racers over his lifetime of involvement in dirt racing. Through his unique euphemisms and firm words of advice and encouragement he became a true leader in the sport. For many years he presented Christmas parties which allowed racers the opportunity to network with many in the industry in a more relaxed and less formal environment. He promoted the sport at every opportunity. He encouraged the leaders of the sport to be better. He never met a stranger and he was an ambassador for dirt racing in every sense of the word.