Off Road Hall of Fame Inductees

The Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, headquartered at the National Automobile Museum (the Harrah collection) in Reno, honored five new inductees at ceremonies on August 26th.

Master of Ceremonies - Bob Bower

Held in the hall adjacent to the off-road display area at the museum, the gala event celebrated the lives and accomplishments of some of off-road’s best known, and a pair of gentlemen who do their work behind the scenes.

Corky McMillin was honored posthumously for his commitment and dedication to the sport, and for his passion for constant development and improvement that has helped the sport climb to ever higher levels of technology.

Clark Collins, an off-highway vehicle activist, was instrumental in the formation of the Blue Ribbon Coalition, an organization that has united more than 600 off-highway organizations, and formed them into a group with solid political clout.

Bob Ham, who has worked behind the scenes of off-road since the late 1960s, helped form CORVA, another organization for off-roaders. He also worked as a lobbyist in Sacramento, for California off-roaders, and continues to work for off-roaders’ rights though a handful of organizations that support the sport.

Ivan Stewart was honored not only for his accomplishments as a racer (multiple winner at the Baja 500, many championships), but also for his development of the Protruck series, a unique class, which races in venues all around the world, creating interest in the sport on an international level.

Sal Fish, CEO of SCORE, was honored for his many years of dedication and hard work in keeping the sport of off-road racing, and particularly, the Baja 1000 and Baja 500 growing and developing. Over the years he’s earned the respect of the off-road racing community and set a standard of leadership for future generations to follow.

The induction ceremony was attended by a group of friends of the Hall of Fame, which includes some old racers and pioneers of the sport. Included in the list of attendees were Walker Evans, Rod Hall, Vic Wilson (1967 winner of the Baja 1000), Brian Chuchua (promoter of the old Santa Ana riverbed events in the early ‘70s), Frank “Scoop” Vessels, (first BFGoodrich winner 30 years ago) and K. J. Howe (Mint 400 promoter in the ‘70s). It was a fine evening of reminiscing and celebration.

The National Automobile Museum is located at 10 Lake Street, South, in Reno. There’s convenient parking, and it’s well worth a visit for any off-roader who happens to be in Reno, or passing through. Not only is the growing off-road display worth a visit, but the balance of the museum, which consists of hundreds of classic and antique cars, is pure pleasure for any car lover. Wear comfortable shoes!

Photos compliment of BFG and Jim Ryan