Nielsen, Rose, Trulson & Ringsdorfs are Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame Inductees

Jeff Nielsen (42) charges under Doug Doocy at Kossuth County Speedway in 2006. Nielsen joins five others as inductees into the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame in 2022. Photo Chad Meyer collection

The Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame, located in Algona, IA, will induct six individuals in its 2022 class of inductees.

Drivers Jeff Nielsen, Rob Rose and Russ Trulson will join promoters Joe, Robin and Marian Ringsdorf as inductees.

Jeff Nielsen, then racing out of Pocahontas, IA, amassed 17 wins at the Algona track. He earned the 2003 and 2004 IMCA Stock Car season point titles and scored the 1997 Fall Special plus the 2003 Schattschneider Memorial.

Rob Rose from Dallas Center, IA, collected 16 wins at Algona during his career. His best season was 1999, winning four features, including three in a row. He also won the 1994 and 1997 season championship features at the Algona speed plant.

Russ Trulson of Britt, IA was a hot shoe at the Kossuth County track during the 1970’s. He scored multiple wins in 1971, including the season championship feature in the Sportsman class. In 1972 he won the opener in the Super Stock Cars and was a 1974 winner in the Late Model division.

Joe & Marian Ringsdorf were promoters at the Kossuth County Speedway and multiple other racing venues from 1997 until Marian’s passing in 2008 from pancreatic cancer. Joe and his second wife Robin were partners in promotion of the speedway until their retirement from the sport in 2014.

The committee, with the help of the living members of the Kossuth Racing Hall of Fame, selected the inductees for 2022.

The induction ceremony will take place during the Kossuth County Fair races on Thursday, August 4th.

More details and a list of past inductees is available at www.KossuthMuseum.com.

Erpelding, Hanselman, Perkins, Schattschneider & Smith are Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame 2021 Inductees

The Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame, located in Algona, IA, will induct six individuals in its 2021 class of inductees.

Drivers Tim Erpelding, Kyle Schattschneider and Ricky Joe Smith join Dave Hanselman plus Rollie and Ann Perkins as 2021 inductees.

Tim Erpelding competed in three different classes at the track in Algona. He was the 1987 Street Stock point champion and fair race winner. In 1988 he claimed the Hobby Stock point title before moving up to a modified the following year. His biggest IMCA Modified win came in 1992, earning the IMCA Nationals Series event held here. Erpelding was also the 1995 IMCA Modified track champion in Algona. He is a 15-time winner at Algona.

Kyle Schattschneider before the races at Algona. Schattschneider collection.

Kyle Schattschneider’s career started fast at Algona, becoming the 1974 Roadrunner champion and winning the Midwest Championship at Algona while still in high school. He has at least 18 wins at Algona, with some additional wins believed to be undocumented. Schattschneider was also the 1991 and 1994 Kossuth County Fair race champion and was the proud winner of the Schattschneider Memorial, a race held in memory of his father. In 2021, he joins his late father Gene as inductees into the hall of fame.

Ricky Joe Smith in Algona’s victory lane. Chad Meyer collection.

Ricky Joe Smith was a 14-time feature winner at the Algona speed plant. He hoisted the 1987 Kossuth County Fair race trophy while competing in the Hobby Stocks. Also at Algona, he was the 1991 NCAR-sanctioned point champion at Kossuth County Speedway, besting Denny Hovinga, Dave Nutt, Mark Noble and Denny Anderson in the standings. He was known as a driver who got more out of his equipment than almost anyone. His son Alex is a regular competitor today at Algona.

Recognized as an owner-builder-crew chief, Dave Hanselman’s racing resume is extensive. Getting his start in 1967 with Marlie Struecker, then helping with Wayne Meyer’s and Gene Schattschneider’s cars before landing on the Utt Electric Sprint Car crew, Hanselman is most known for his efforts with his racing son Dan. As a family, they have collected Kossuth County Fair race trophies in 1994, 2000, 2008, 2010 in two different divisions. They earned the 1997 Hobby Stock point title at Algona and then captured the first-ever IMCA Supernationals crown for that division the same year. Other big event wins at Algona include the 1997 Schattschneider Memorial and Kossuth Fabricator’s Special. Together they also won the 2014 Bob Shryock Memorial here and the 2000 National Kidney Foundation Tour championship.

The late Rollie and Ann Perkins ran a salvage yard in Britt, IA. Even though the business was not in Kossuth County, feedback over the years from many drivers shows they were a very important part of racing in Algona. Nearly every year the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame committee has received write-in nominations from past inductees saying that Rollie and Ann should be inducted.

One past inductee wrote in saying “These people gave so many people in racing parts and support over the years. Most racers wouldn’t have been able to race [without their support].”

The committee, with the help of the living members of the Kossuth Racing Hall of Fame, selected the inductees for 2021.

The induction ceremony will take place during the Kossuth County Fair races on Thursday, August 5th.

Fundraising Auction is ONLINE Now….

Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Fundraising Auction going on now! Online only. Snap On Tools, Vintage and recent racing memorabilia, gift cards, and so much more. Register & bid at https://lhoffmanauctions.hibid.com/
 
Bidding ends Feb. 25 starting @ 6:00 pm.
 
Preview of items takes place on Sat. Feb 20, 2:00- 4:00 at the museum in Algona. 100% of proceeds stay with the museum to support it’s operation!
 
• Race car door & body panels from Bleess, Hejna, Schultze, Knecht, Meyer, Ruby, Looft
• 2020 racing t-shirt quilt
• Duel in the Desert mini-modified door signed by Scott Bloomquist
• Race for Hope 71 mini-modified door signed by Thornton, Black, Foley, Sullivan
• DeWalt and Snap On Tools
• Gifts from Hy-Vee, Fareway, local hotels and many more
• Dirt Knights & Salute to Vets Kossuth County Speedway signs
• Jordan Grabouski and Peyton Taylor signed photos
• Dale Sr. and Dale Earnhardt signs & memorabilia
• And much more!

Four Bud Racing Dale Jr hats. Two are leather, really cool! Also Bud do-rag. Courtesy of Tom Wiemers.

Hunting with Heroes – Salute to Veterans victory lane sign from 2020. Autographed by the IMCA Modified top 4, Brandon Beckendorf, Jeremy Mills, Austin Wolf and Todd Shute! Donated by MaxYield Cooperative and Chad Meyer.

Hunting with Heroes – Salute to Veterans victory lane sign from 2020. Autographed by the IMCA Modified top 4, Brandon Beckendorf, Jeremy Mills, Austin Wolf and Todd Shute! Donated by MaxYield Cooperative and Chad Meyer.

Courtesy of Klane Dushek

Mall of America Moose Mountain and Nickleodeon Universe tickets, courtesy of Klane Dushek.

Off road helmets courtesy of Gary Shumski. $230 value for each!

Off road helmets courtesy of Gary Shumski. $230 value for each!

Off road helmets courtesy of Gary Shumski. $230 value for each!

Off road helmets courtesy of Gary Shumski. $230 value for each!

Off road helmets courtesy of Gary Shumski. $230 value for each!

Large garage/pit mat and shop broom. Donated by Five Star Tool Supply, Terry Wiederin.

Donated by MaxYield Cooperative

Assorted Kelly Shryock Racing shirts and hat. Donated by Kelly Shryock.

Matt Looft Prizm Express door panel. Donated by Matt Looft Racing.

Matt Looft MB’s Auto Clinic door panel. Donated by Matt Looft Racing.

IH 986 Prestige Series 1/16th diecast tractor. Donated by Bancroft Red Power.

Black engine lift plate, orange engine lift plate and set of orange motor mounts. All from KEVKO Mfg and all with KEVKO shirts!

Josh Ruby #30 Algona feature win roof. Donated by Ruby Racing.

Ben Ruby #30 roof. Donated by Ruby Racing.

Jacob Blees #21 door off his first IMCA feature win car, which occurred in Algona. Donated by Ruby Racing.

ADC 1/24th scale diecast Red Series late model, Paducah KY Raceway special edition. One side features Ken Schrader, the other side Dale Earnhardt Jr. Very cool! Donated by Tom Wiemers.

ADC 1/24th scale diecast Red Series late model, Paducah KY Raceway special edition. One side features Ken Schrader, the other side Dale Earnhardt Jr. Very cool! Donated by Tom Wiemers.

IMCA TV special edition “Duel in the Desert” theme logo’d crew t-shirt. Size 2XL, never worn. Donated by Chad Meyer

Buena Vista Raceway, Alta, IA officials shirt! Donated by Tom Wiemers.

Buena Vista Raceway, Alta, IA officials shirt! Donated by Tom Wiemers.

Dale Jr. BUD Winner’s Circle jacket. Size 2XL, NEVER WORN! Donated by Tom Wiemers.

Dale Jr. BUD Winner’s Circle jacket. Size 2XL, NEVER WORN! Donated by Tom Wiemers.

Two-Lane Roads and County Fairs racing history book. Autographed by author Bill Haglund. Donated by Klane Dushek

 

 

Rich Vogler framed print. Donated by Chad Meyer

Ben Schultze ICS 74T door. Donated by Schultze Racing.

Ben Schultze EEE 74T door. Donated by Schultze Racing.

Cody Knecht quarter panel. Donated by Knecht Racing.

Cody Knecht 49K door. Donated by Knecht Racing.

Goodyear Class of 2002 NASCAR drivers framed poster. Donated by Chad Meyer

Jordan Grabouski signed print, framed. Donated by Chad Meyer

Butch Householder, Denny Hovinga, Dick Simpson (promoter), Larry Cook (flag), Gene Schattschneider framed 8×10’s. Donated by museum.

Jim Edgington, Bob Weber, Kelly Shryock 8×10’s.

Kelly Shryock, Richard Simpson 8×10’s

IMCA stamped, American Racer tire. Autographed by Gary Shumski, Denny Anderson and Mark Noble. Donated by Klane Dushek.

Donated by Klane Dushek.

Rex Mays in the Seals Fast Big Car framed print. Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Vintage fiberglass racing seat. Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Many Flathead Ford books. Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Donated by Klane Dushek

Dinner and show for two at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, $230 value. Donated by Klane Dushek

Nick Meyer Salute to Veterans/supporting fallen Des Moines police officer tribute roof. Donated by Nick Meyer Racing.

Nick Meyer Salute to Veterans/Lakota Hunting with Heroes complete nose panels. Donated by Nick Meyer Racing.

Nick Meyer Salute to Veterans/Lakota Hunting with Heroes complete race car side. Donated by Nick Meyer Racing.

Nick Meyer Salute to Veterans/Lakota Hunting with Heroes complete race car side. Donated by Nick Meyer Racing.

Nick Meyer Salute to Veterans/Lakota Hunting with Heroes complete race car side. Donated by Nick Meyer Racing.

Terra Haute First National Bank Legends Car hood. Donated by Chad Meyer

Large Hancock County Speedway banner. Has character and some distress. Will hang inside nice.

IMCA TV banner. Has some character and distress, but will hang inside ok.

Bottle Opener collection

2 qty Aluma polo shirts, size 2XL

Holiday oil lamp. Donated by Dave Kunkel

Smokeless indoor grill. Donated by Dave Kunkel

Vintage Mark Martin, Valvoline, Roush Racing jacket, size 2XL. Donated by Joe Bunkofske

“The Maintainer” yard rake. These are awesome!! Donated by Jake Simpson

Duck decoys. Donated by Ron Lohman

Pioneer hooded coat, size XL. Donated by Capesius Bros. Algona.

NEW Snap On ratchets and standard plus deep well sockets. 1/2″ and 3/8″ drives. $4000 total value. Donated by Snap On.

NEW Snap On ratchets and standard plus deep well sockets. 1/2″ and 3/8″ drives. $4000 total value. Donated by Snap On.

Icebin tumbler towers. Donated by Carroll Imp.

Chrome Truck Stop Sinclair toy semi-truck. Donated by Chrome Truck Stop.

Massey Ferguson MR6480 silver die cast commemorative tractor. Donated by Carroll Imp

Buick shirt and hat. Donated by Kemna Auto

Russell Sonnenberg large framed prints. Your choice. Donated by the museum.

YUASA 2 amp auto battery charger & maintainer

Yeti Rambler tumblers. Donated by Arnold Motor Supply.

Bob Harris Ent. shirts and hat. Donated by BHE

Donated by Buliders First Source

Hoosier ARCA tire, signed by Frank Kimmel. Donated by Ron Reefer

Donated by museum.

Donated by Smithfield Foods. $75 value

Donated by Kossuth County Speedway. Grandstand pass $100 value, pit pass $300 value.

Water Connection gift certificates, $50 each. Donated by Water Connection

1 free pie. Donated by Bub’s Pie Shop.

Donated by Fareway Algona. $25

(2) $25 gift certificates, donated by Sportsmens Corner

Donated by HyVee Algona

One night stay donated by Brookstone Lodge and Suites Algona. $150 value

One night stay donated by AmericInn Algona, up to $125 value.

NEW office chair, very nice. Donated by Spencer Office Supplies

Large banner donated by New Vision Custom Shirts and XR+

Large banner donated by Shaw Race Cars and XR+

Assorted vintage yard sticks, many from Algona. Donated by museum.

Assorted vintage yard sticks, many from Algona. Donated by museum.

Used racing helmet. DISPLAY ONLY, not suitable for use today. Donated by Daryl Arend.

Kossuth County Speedway – Dirt Knights winners sign. Autographed by race winner Richie Gustin. Donated by MaxYield Cooperative/Chad Meyer

Kossuth County Speedway – Dirt Knights winners sign. Autographed by race winner Richie Gustin. Donated by MaxYield Cooperative/Chad Meyer

POSTPONED: Museum to Host Toy Swap Meet November 14, 2020

This event is POSTPONED until a later date!!!

Toy Swap Meet

Museum Flyer PDF

Held at the Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum, located on the fairgrounds in Algona, IA

Featuring:
RC Cars & Boats
Slot Cars
Hot Wheels
Remote controlled planes
Vintage racing programs and photos
Diecast farm toys and MORE!

Vendor information coming soon.

General admission: $5

Set up time: 7am – 9am
General admission: 9am-3pm

Contact 515-320-1441 for more information!

Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame to Induct Seven During Fair

2018 Kossuth Co. Racing Hall of Fame inductee, Greg Hilbert, stands next to his familiar red #14. Hilbert family photo.

The Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame will be honoring its 2018 class of inductees during the Kossuth County Fair.

The annual induction ceremony will take place during this year’s Kossuth County Fair races, held Saturday, August 4th at the Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum, located on the fairgrounds in Algona.

The 2018 inductees into the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame include four drivers. 1960’s era modified driver, the late Vic Dicks, will be inducted as will Algona’s Greg Hilbert. Among Hilbert’s accomplishments, he was a Kossuth County Fair Race champion multiple times and won the first Gene Schattschneider Memorial race at Algona. Hilbert joins his father Don “Shiney” Hilbert as an inductee.

Mark Noble won at least 23 times at Algona during his long career, including the Fall Nationals and earning the 1992 track championship. The late Bruce Sommerfeld, who was the 1973 track champion in Algona, completes the drivers inducted this year.

Long-time promoters Dan & Sandy Danielsen will be 2018 inductees, as are car owners of the German Valley Special, Wendal Schutjer, Gary Zwiefel and Erwin Smith. Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame and Museum volunteer and board member, the late Dennis Garbers will also be honored.

There will be an inductee reception at the museum at 4:00 p.m., with the ceremony taking place at 4:30 p.m.

Inductees will also be introduced in front of the grandstand during the races.

This event will also serve as a reunion for both past and current inductees. The inductees in the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame, their families, and friends are invited to attend the night’s racing activities at the Kossuth County Speedway.

More information about the ceremony can be found online at www.kossuthmuseum.com.

 

 

 

 

Denny Garbers Memorial Founder’s Day Cruise In

Event Flyer (PDF)

Algona’s annual Founder’s Day Car Show/Cruise In this year will be in memory of long-time volunteer and board member of the Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum. The details of the 2018 event are:

Date: Saturday, July 14, 2018

Time : 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: West side of Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum, located on the Kossuth County Fairgrounds in Algona, IA.

Cost: Car show is free to the public and free to enter!

Classic cars, tractors, motorcycles, classic trucks and race cars welcome!!

For more information, contact Ron Lohman at 515-341-1312.

Bjorge, Hansen, Peterson Headline Racing Legends Event in Fairmont, MN

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled due to Mother Nature’s unfortunate forecast for this weekend. We appreciate everyone’s support!!

 

The Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum and www.fairmontracewayarchives.org will host a “Dirt Track Legends” event, featuring Dave Bjorge, Terry Hansen and Ken Peterson. The special event will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the Eagles Club in Fairmont, MN, located at 1228 W. Lake Ave. in Fairmont.

Doors open at 10:00 a.m. with the forum featuring these former stand-out late model drivers starting at 2:00 p.m. The event is free, family friendly and open to the public. The event will be moderated by Chad Meyer.

All three drivers on the panel discussion raced for several years at Fairmont Raceway and across the Midwest, each achieving success behind the wheel. Peterson was a multi-time feature race winner at the Kossuth County Speedway, located in Algona, IA, and is a 1973 fair race champion at the Algona track. Each former driver will discuss their racing careers and highlights from their many years of competition.

This event builds on the successful Sprint Car 101 and Dirt Track Legends series held at the museum. “We are excited to hold our first ever event in Fairmont. Over the years, there has been a lot of crossover of racers and fans from Algona to Fairmont and back. We look forward to learning much more about the stellar careers of Dave Bjorge, Terry Hansen and Ken Peterson,” said Chad Meyer, museum volunteer.

The Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum is located on the fairgrounds, on Hwy 169 South, in Algona, IA.

Individuals interested in learning more about this event, or the museum are urged to visit www.kossuthmuseum.com or by contacting Denny Garbers at 507-399-9069 or Don Masters at 507-402-5332.

November Museum Hay Ride

The public is invited to our first-ever hay ride, sponsored by the Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum in Algona. The museum is located on the Kossuth County Fairgrounds.

When: Saturday, November 11, 2017

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: 800 East Fair Street, Algona, IA (check in at the Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum)

Cost: $5.00 admission fee includes admission to museum and hay ride, plus free coffee, lemonade, hot dog and cookie

See you there!!!

 

Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame to Induct Seven during Fair

The Swea City Oil #88 sits in the background with (left to right) Terry Smith, Gene Schattschneider, Del Lieurance and Gene Fagerlund shown in front. Lieurance and Fagerlund will be inducted into the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame August 5th. (Photo: Terry Smith collection)

The Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame will be honoring its 2017 class of inductees during the Kossuth County Fair.

The annual induction ceremony will take place during this year’s Kossuth County Fair races, held Saturday, August 5th at the Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum, located on the fairgrounds in Algona.

The 2017 inductees into the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame include drivers Bryan Mortensen, Larry Nerdig and Dave Nutt. Car owners and builders Gene Fagerlund and Del Lieurance of Swea City Oil will be honored as will KLGA/KLGZ radio.

There will be an inductee reception at the museum at 4:00 p.m. with the ceremony taking place at 4:30 p.m.

Inductees will also be introduced at that night pit meeting and in front of the grandstand during the races.

This event will also serve as a reunion for both past and current inductees. The inductees in the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame, their families, and friends are invited to attend the night’s racing activities at the Kossuth County Speedway.

More information about the ceremony can be found online at www.kossuthmuseum.com.

 

 

 

 

Hovinga, Weber, Mills; “Stocksville Reunion” video posted

In September 2016, legendary Late Model and Modified drivers Dennis Hovinga, and Bob Weber, were joined by car owner and builder Kevin Mills in this trip down memory lane during the annual “Stocksville Reuion” held at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville, IA.

During this session, we covered the early days of late models, through present day modifieds and several stories of racing in Iowa, Minnesota and the Midwest.

Hovinga and Weber are both inductees into the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame, located in Algona, IA.