Summary: The Racers Reunion Banquet is viewed as a traveling museum exhibit based on Oral History where stories come to life!
History: The Oval Track Racers Reunion was originally held in San Antonio, Texas, from 1990-1998. With support and guidance from the founders, Johnny Rutherford, and Bill Jones, the Racers Reunion Banquet was revived in Irving, TX in 2010. With the move came an increase in attendees from across the United States. The 2019 Racers Reunion saw the largest group in the 10 year history of the event.
Mission: To celebrate the history of American auto racing by honoring the people, places, and cars that made it great. This is accomplished by historians giving in-depth, detailed presentations, drivers participating in question & answer sessions, and fellow drivers and owners highlighting engaging stories.
Past Topics: Men Who Changed Racing – Mike Curb, Sam Nunis and Harry Miller; Bobby Unser; JC Agajanian; Carroll Shelby; George Follmer – Road Racing Ace; Ted Johnson and the World of Outlaws; Lloyd Ruby; Frank Kurtis and Kurtis-Kraft; The Evolution of the Sprint Car; Blue Max Racing; Denny Moore – The Zink Mechanic; Johnny Rutherford; 100-year Celebration of the Indy 500; AMA Grand National Flat Track ; Emmett Hahn; IMCA; The Journeyman – Buddy Cagle, Jim McElreath, Bill White and Gordon Woolley; Bobby Langley; Greatest Midget Car Drivers and the History of Quarter Midgets.
Past Participants: Mike Curb, Bobby Unser, Donald Davidson, Johnny Rutherford, Aaron Shelby, Jim McElreath, Al Unser, Jim Hall, Cary Agajanian, Bill Werner, Bryan Herta, Dave Darland, George Follmer, Brady Bacon, Buddy Cagle, Bill Jones, Emmett Hahn, Sleepy Tripp, Josh Shaw, Mel Kenyon, Kevin Olson, Gordon Woolley, Paul Page, Bob Baker, Shane Carson, Arlen Kurtis, Smiley Sitton, Raymond Beadle, Ed Justice Jr., Doris Schindler, Jerry Wilson & Bob Mays.
Location: Las Colinas area of Irving, Texas. Indoor 9,000 sq. ft. sound stage with professional lighting and a stage for the speakers. 6-10 historic race cars on display. Seating for 180-200 banquet style.
Funding: Not-for-profit event that is self-supported through ticket sales, a silent auction and ads in the souvenir program. Key individuals donate funds to help with the preserving of the history of American Racing.