1/27/2016
IRA Interstate Racing Association
Southeastern Wisconsin Hall of Fame
Recently the list of nominees for the 2016 election into the Southeastern Wisconsin Short Track Hall of Fame were released. While overdue, as many deserving folks are, the name of Gil Radtke finally appeared on that list. The Hall of Fame has drivers, mechanics, promoters, flagmen, officials, writers, etc in it....... but what is doesn't have is this area's safety pioneer. No one person has dedicated themselves to protecting those of our sport more than Gil Radtke. Whether it was decades at the Milwaukee Mile and Hales Corners Speedway, to another couple decades chasing us around on the IRA circuit, Gil Radtke did his absolute best to have everyone's well being at heart. And while he's the Brett Farve of racing, as he's retired and unretired possibly even more than Brett, it's only because he loves what he does, and us at the IRA are blessed to have him whenever he feels like going racing. AND IRA is so blessed with the current crew who he helped mentor that continues on the tradition he started. Gil's contribution to motorsports in this region is unique, and I absolutely feel he, and the team which he began, always adds professionalism to what the IRA brand represents. Not to mention he has the best stocked cooler in the pit area! 33 names appear on the 2016 nominee list, only 1/3 of those will actually make the cut. I certainly hope anyone that is part of the voting process cast one of their votes to this special individual who has certainly set the bar, not only here, but across the midwest in motorsports safety & rescue. Ballots will be in the March addition of the Vintage Modified Stock Car Newsletter, and ballots must be mailed in and received by April 1st. New subscribers can sign up at upcoming Hall of Fame get togethers on Feb 13 & March 12th. The HOF & Museum is a wonderful place located in Hartford, WI. Those interested, but unable to attend those Feb & March dates can do so by contacting John Surges at vintagemodman@msn.com I believe $20 gets you a membership as well as the monthly newsletter, certainly a worthwhile investment. I'll be there March 12th. Let's make this happen!
Submitted By: Kim Tennyson
