News
Local Hero Receives Great Honor
April 28, 2008
Living Legend, Dan Ryan, Sr. of Farmington, MN, has recently received the highest honor one can receive from the local auto racing community. On Saturday, May 17, 2007, Ryan was inducted into the Elko Speedway Hall of Fame. Ryan joins the list of prior inductees in the Elko Speedway Hall of Fame, which includes prior track promoters, drivers with multiple track championships, and other advocates of the sport of auto racing.
Ryan is now in his fourth decade of both attending and participating in events at Elko Speedway, and it is clear to everyone involved in the Minnesota auto racing community that Ryan has had a positive impact in evolving auto racing into the sport it is today. Though Ryan's accomplishments at Elko Speedway are extensive, he states that racing with his sons Jake and Patrick is the most gratifying accomplishment to date. Ryan's induction into Elko Speedway's Hall of Fame is particularly appropriate given that he credits Elko Speedway as his "Family’s Vacation Home," as they have spent nearly every Saturday at Elko Speedway for over 20 years.
The voices of those who spoke on behalf of Ryan at the induction ceremony illustrates the Ryan's degree to which Ryan has inspired the racing community over the past four decades. Those offering Ryan their congratulations and gratitude included Ryan's son Jake and long-time family friend, Dan Fredrickson, who both prepared a congratulatory message that was sent from Jefferson Speedway in Cambridge, WI where the teammates were racing. In addition, Ryan's daughter, Alison Gilbertson, and Ryan Rose of New Market offered praise for Ryan's numerous personal accomplishments at Elko Speedway and gratitude for his unique ability to unite and positively impact the racing community.
In addition, Ryan's brother-in-law, Todd Boyum, read a few words Ryan had prepared in acceptance of his induction into Elko Speedway's Hall of Fame. In his speech, Ryan reminisced about several of his memories at Elko Speedway, including racing snowmobiles, motocross, and cars. In addition, Ryan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of transforming auto racing into the family sport it is recognized as today. Ryan also expressed gratitude for the incredible support the racing community has shown him and his family since his diagnosis with ALS in 2006. In summary, Ryan stated that although the winter was a long one waiting for opening night of the 2008 racing season, he and The Good Lord will be having a nice long chat about the 2009 season and Dan’s plan for perfect attendance at the track.
Congratulations to Dan Ryan for your induction into Elko Speedway's Hall of Fame in recognition for your contributions to auto racing and your positive impact on the sport, its competitors and fans!
- View video of ceremony [Windows Media File]