Four Inducted to Knoxville Hall of Fame Saturday!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Four Inducted to Knoxville Hall of Fame Saturday!
(Bill W/Bob Wilson) Four new members of the Knoxville Raceway Hall of Fame were inducted on Saturday night, June 26. John Beaver, who sadly passed away on Friday night, the Jordan Brothers (Rodney, Roger and Gary), George Lasoski and Don Sonner were all inducted into the 2010 class.
John Beaver of Knoxville, IA: A 33 year racing career began in 1974 when John came together with Dwayne Robuck, Mike Brooks and Jeff Kline to form the #12 sprint car team. As most teams do, this one evolved until in 1977, Harrold Annett of Des Moines came on board as the owner. John continued as crew chief and things began to jell in 1979 when the team placed second at Manzanita's Western World, which was considered at that time to be one of three key sprint car events in the nation. 1980 proved to be the magic year as Brooks won the seasons' point title and sat on the pole of the Nationals with a perfect 500 point score. The team, with Beaver as crew chief, continued throughout the '80's and '90's fielding 410s (winged and non-winged), 360s and a pavement Champ car for one year. When Brooks stepped away from racing, John quickly turned to the career of his son, Joe, and that team has raced into the new century with the familiar yellow #53. John claims 19 feature event wins here at Knoxville.
The Jordan Brothers, Rodney Roger and Gary of Pleasantville, IA: The family #1 car of the Jordan Brothers has circled this Knoxville track each year since 1978. An amazing list of drivers started that year with Jr. Gutknecht and continued with such drivers as Sonny Smyser, Cliff Woodward, Rick Weld, Billy Robison, Bobby Brutto, Tim Green, Shane Carson, Jon Sernett, Jaymie Moyle, Peter Murphy, Max Dumesny, Brent Antill, John VanDenBerg, and many more. Their current driver is Bronson Maeschen. This long-time team can claim 12 feature event wins at Knoxville.
George Lasoski of Dover, MO: After a racing career of his own, George turned to that of his son, Danny Lasoski. George's main job was what he calls a "go-fer", but he was more than that. He gave invaluable advice and was always there for his up and coming son. He worked with the team during the Forbrook years and when Danny left for the World of Outlaws, George turned his attention toward his grandson, Brian Brown. That first year saw Brian driving George's 360 car. When Brian went to the Tim and Gina Doogs' car, George went along in the same capacity, as a "go-fer". Now, with Brian Brown fielding his own car, Grandpa George is still a vital part of that team by giving his knowledge and skills which he has honed for many decades.
Don Sonner of Des Moines, IA: Don has been involved in racing since 1971. During the ensuing years, he has served as a crew member, crew chief, team manager, and for 17 years as part owner of the #47 car with his dad, Hall of Famer, Gil Sonner. With the feature win on opening night of this year, the team can claim feature event wins in each of the last five decades. The partnership produced a Knoxville Raceway point championship in 1994, six top five points finishes, ten top ten points finishes and 25 feature event wins on Knoxville soil. Additionally, they have had two top five finishes in the Knoxville Nationals. Don fielded his own #47 team in the late '90's at Knoxville when Gilly went on the Outlaws tour. This has been a team devoted to Knoxville racing.
(Pictured): Mike Brooks and members of the Beaver Family, the Jordan Brothers, George Lasoski and Don Sonner (Conrad Nelson Photo)
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