Drivers Memorial Page
If you would like to have a driver added to the memorial page just email me a photo link (like though photobucket or other source) and information and I'll be glad to post it.
Dan Turnham
Born on June 28, 1956 he got into modified and stock car racing in the late 70's and early 80's. He raced most of his races between Tulsa Speedway and Muskogee Speedway driving the #9 Pro-Air Special (raced in 1986 in Tulsa) and #30 stock car (ran at origional Tulsa Fairgrounds and Muskogee Fairground). He passed away on July 27, 2001.
Junior began his racing career in 1962. It endedin 1981 during a fatal flip on the back straightaway at Tulsa Speedway. Throughout his many years of racing Junior had always driven the #22. Junior owned twin cars in the 60's and 70's and acted as owner for Pete York and Derrill Brazeal. Junior was supported in racing by his wife, Sherry and daughter, Tamara. Junior will be remembered forever as a fine competitor and close friend of the many racers.
Gene Daniel began his racing career in Muskogee in 1968. That career ended September 5, 1981 in an accident in turn three of Tulsa Speedway. Gene was a family man who loved racing and was supported 100% by his wife, Kathy. Two more of his loyal fans were their sons, Chris and Gene Allen. Gene was a member of the OCRA and he worked very hard at making racing a safer sport.
Bud Purkey - 2008
Here's a great write up on Bud Purkey from http://inthepits.net
Bud Purkey Loses Long Fight With Cancer
Coffeyville, KS - January 26, 2008
By: Pattie Frost
Coffeyville Kansas native-son, Buddy Roy Purkey, passed away peacefully early Friday morning after a long bout with Cancer. Diagnosed in 2003 with Cancer, Bud along with his wife of 46 years Wanda Jean, set out to fight the battle as if they were preparing to race one of his legendary race cars.
Bud, a no nonsense kinda-guy, along with Wanda brought up their three children-Son's Mike and Allen along with Daughter Vicky. Instilled with the beliefs to be self sufficient, motivated, educated and prideful. Today the family, Wife and Mother Wanda Jean, along with Mike and wife Dena, Al and wife Sabrina, Daughter Vicky and husband Russell (Portwood) have provided Bud and Wanda with seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Bud began a career in the Auto and Salvage business right next to his Farm raising Cattle. Bud was a weekend hobby racer of the late 60's running the open-wheeled Super Modifieds at Nowata Oklahoma and later at Lakeside Speedway in Dewey. It wasn't until '74 or '75 that Bud switched to what would now be called a Late Model Stock Car, he continued to race when time would allow running under the Sanctioning of NDRA, NCRA, and MLRA. Bud continued to race when he felt he could, his last race was in 2006 at Coffeyville.
In 1991, Bud with Wanda by-his side, opened Stateline Speedway adjacent to their homestead property and began a new career of Track Owner and Operator. Bud was successful in having Sprints, Limited Late Models and Hobby Stocks competing at his track - the track closed in 2003 when Bud became too sick to run it.
