Commentary: Kil-Kare Speedway offers entertainment option for weekend

With unlimited entertainment options and with high school football season openers this Friday, there are more than enough events to keep the Miami Valley busy.

I’d like to suggest another.

This Friday, Kil-Kare Speedway celebrates its inaugural Hall of Fame Class at the Greene County track just outside Xenia.

The list is lengthy and deservedly so, as it covers drivers, car owners and track employees who have a history with the track that first opened in 1952.

Looking at the list of Hall of Famers, I recognize many of the names and have been fortunate enough to talk to some of them. With that in mind, there undoubtedly will be some great stories being told around the asphalt track — some likely with a little embellishment — as many of the old-timers reunite.

As short-track racing faces tough times, with smaller crowds and car counts, the event offers a perfect reason to come out and support the sport.

• Kil-Kare Speedway’s inaugural Hall of Fame class:

Drivers: Arnold Poole, Bill Chambers, Bobby Jacks, Carl Poole, Carl Smith, Carl Stapleton, Dave Brandenburg, Don Gregory, Don Wilbur, Ed "Hillbilly" Duncan, George Glick, Jay "Red" Harvey, Jerry Mitchell, Jim Brandenburg, Lee Raymond, Lennie Waldo, Marvin Smith, Ted Johnson, Terry Humphrey, Vern Schrock, Dick Dunlevy Sr., Dick Freeman, Jack Bowsher, Neal Sceva and Robbie Dean.

Owners: Bob Korn, Paul Storer and Roger White.

Track employees: Gene Moore and Paul Wilson.

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